Abstract
The invention relates to a paper profile (1), in particular for a packaging element or packaging equipment of food packaging. The paper profile (1) has an elongated shape. The paper profile (1) is formed by at least one round or almost round, flexurally rigid paper rod (3) or a plurality of round or almost round, flexurally rigid solid paper rods (3). The flexural rigidity of the paper profile (1) corresponds in at least one bending direction to the flexural rigidity of one of the rigid paper rods (3).
Claims
1. A paper profile, in particular for a packaging element or packaging equipment of food packaging, wherein the paper profile has an elongated shape, characterised in that the paper profile is formed from at least one round or almost round flexurally rigid, in particular solid, paper rod or from a plurality of round or almost round flexurally rigid paper rods, in particular solid paper rods, wherein the flexural rigidity of the paper profile in at least one bending direction corresponds at least to the flexural rigidity of one of the flexurally rigid paper rods, and wherein, preferably, a restoring force counteracting the bending direction can be generated at least in sections by bending the paper profile.
2. The paper profile according to claim 1, characterised in that the flexural rigidity of the paper profile exceeds the flexural rigidity of one of the paper rods in at least one bending direction.
3. The paper profile according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the paper rods is machined through flattening, so that the paper profile is flat.
4. The paper profile according to one of the claims 1, characterised in that the profile is formed from at least one layer of paper rods in which at least two paper rods are arranged next to and parallel to one another, preferably at least one paper rod comprising, at least in sections, a curvature and/or slope arranged on at least one long side or on at least one narrow side, in particular so that the paper profile has a contour, and/or the paper profile is preferably formed in several layers from paper rods, wherein at least one second layer of paper rods is arranged on a first layer of paper rods.
5. The paper profile according to one of claims 1, characterised in that the paper rods have identical or almost identical diameters, or in that the paper rods of the paper profile are formed from paper rods with a first diameter and at least from paper rods with a second diameter, whereat the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter and the paper rods with the second diameter have preferably been machined through flattening.
6. The paper profile according to one of the claims 1, characterised in that at least one paper rod differs in a property from at least one other paper rod, wherein the property may include shape, curvature, colour, surface finish, material and/or flexural rigidity.
7. The paper profile according to one of tho claims 1, characterised in that at least some of the paper rods of the paper profile, preferably all the paper rods of the paper profile, are connected to one another and/or to one another at least in sections, in particular through adhesion or bonding.
8. The paper profile according to one of the claims 1, characterised in that the paper rods are connected to one another along the circumference of the paper profile by at least one shell element, in particular formed from paper.
9. The paper profile according to one of the claims 1, characterised by a marking area which is arranged on the paper profile and on which a marking and/or a logo can be positioned.
10. Procedure for producing a paper profile from paper rods, in particular a paper profile according to claims 1, in which the paper rod(s) is/are arranged and in which the paper rod(s) is/are formed and/or connected to one another, whereat preferably at least one or more, in particular all, paper rods are processed, in particular through adhesion, bonding, pressing, flattening, cutting, cutting to length, dyeing, printing, wrapping, smoothing, forming, rounding, flavouring, impregnating and/or cutting.
11. Use of a paper rod or a paper rod composite, in particular a paper profile or paper rod composite formed from a paper profile according to claims 1, as packaging means and/or packaging element, in particular for food packaging, especially as a handle element or stick for confectionery, preferably for ice cream.
12. Use of a paper rod or a paper rod composite, in particular a paper profile or paper rod composite formed from a paper profile according to claims 1, as an examination instrument, preferably as a mouth spatula or as a swab or as a swab holder.
13. Use of a paper rod or paper rod composite, in particular a paper profile formed from a paper profile according to claims 1, as a spring and/or tensioning element, in particular as a shoe tree.
14. An ice cream stick for ice cream,k characterised in that the ice cream stick is formed from a paper profile according to one of the claims 1.
15. A spatula, in particular a mouth spatula, for, in particular, medical examinations, characterised in that the spatula is formed from a paper profile according to claims 1.
16. A tensioning device, in particular a shoe tree, characterised in that the tensioning device is formed from at least a paper profile according to claims 1.
17. The tensioning device according to claim 16, characterised in that the tensioning device can be bent under formation of a restoring force, whereat preferably a first paper profile or a first paper rod is connected to at least one further paper profile or a further paper rod at least in sections, especially at the ends, in such a way that the first paper profile or the first paper rod applies a force, in particular a restoring or pretensioning force, to a further, in particular a second, paper profile or a further, in particular a second, paper rod in the unbent and/or bent state of the tensioning device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0033] In the drawing
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a paper profile comprising a mechanically formed paper rod in lateral view,
[0035] FIG. 1a to 1c show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several mechanically formed paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0036] FIGS. 2a to 2c show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0037] FIG. 3a, 3b show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several paper rods, partially mechanically formed, each in lateral view,
[0038] FIGS. 4a to 4d show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several layers with several flattened paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0039] FIGS. 5a to 5d show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several layers with several paper rods each, each in lateral view,
[0040] FIGS. 6b to 6d show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several layers offset to each other with one or several paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0041] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a paper profile comprising several layers of partially flattened paper rods, in lateral view,
[0042] FIGS. 8a to 8c show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising a wrapped layer with several flattened paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0043] FIGS. 9a to 9c show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising a wrapped layer with several paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0044] FIG. 10a, 10b show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising a wrapped layer with several, partly flattened, paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0045] FIG. 11a to 11d show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several wrapped layers each with one or more flattened paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0046] FIGS. 12a to 12d show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several wrapped layers each with one or more paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0047] FIGS. 13a to 13d show schematic representations of paper profiles, each comprising several wrapped and offset layers each with several paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0048] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of a paper profile comprising a plurality of wrapped layers each having a plurality of partially flattened paper rods, each in lateral view,
[0049] FIG. 15 shows a paper rod composite in perspective view,
[0050] FIGS. 16a to 16c show schematic representations of paper profiles with several paper rods, each in top view,
[0051] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of a paper profile with a contour in top view,
[0052] FIG. 18a, 18b shows schematic representations of an ice cream in lateral view,
[0053] FIG. 19a, 19b shows schematic representations of ice cream sticks in perspective view,
[0054] FIG. 20 shows a schematic representation of an ice cream stick in perspective view,
[0055] FIG. 21 shows a schematic representation of an ice cream stick variant in perspective view,
[0056] FIG. 22a shows a schematic representation of a tensioning device for a shoe in unbent condition, and
[0057] FIG. 22b shows a schematic representation of a bent tensioning device in a lady's shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0058] FIGS. 1 to 22b show schematic representations. A paper profile 1 in lateral view can be taken from FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the narrow side 2 of paper profile 1. Paper profile 1 according to FIG. 1 is formed from a solid paper rod 3, which is compressed or flattened at two opposite longitudinal positions 4 of an otherwise cylindrically shaped rod 3. Each of the paper rods shown in the figures can, for example, be formed from a paper web, for example through winding. Adjacent to the longitudinal points 4 of the paper profile or rod are round areas 5, which originate from the originally cylindrical shape of paper rod 3. Paper profile 1 according to FIG. 1 has a higher flexural rigidity along the axis imagined through the round areas 5 (according to FIG. 1 the y axis) than in the axis running perpendicular to it (according to FIG. 1 the x axis). Overall, this results in a higher flexural rigidity in at least one bending direction than with the cylindrical paper rod from which the paper profile according to FIG. 1 is formed.
[0059] For example, paper profile 1 as shown in FIG. 1 can be cut to length from about 76 mm to about 113 mm and then used as ice cream stick 6 for ice cream 7. An ice cream stick 6 formed from profile 1 according to FIG. 1 does not break or tear even under strong mechanical stress and therefore does not splinter. This prevents splinters getting into ice cream 7 or into the ice cream packaging.
[0060] Paper profile 1 according to FIG. 1 can have a width of approx. 10 mm. The thickness of profile 1 can be less than 10 mm.
[0061] FIGS. 1a to 1c show schematic representations of types of a profile 1, which is made from flat pressed paper rods 3. A profile 1 comprising two paper rods 3 can be taken from FIG. 1a; according to FIG. 1b three paper rods 3 are provided per profile 1 and according to FIG. 1c there are four paper rods 3 per profile 1. Paper rods 3 are arranged according to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c next to each other in one plane. This results in a flat profile 1, wherein the width of the narrow side 2 of profile 1 can be determined by the number of paper rods 3 processed. Paper rods 3 according to FIGS. 1a to 1c may have been flattened through pressing before or after being arranged. It may be helpful to first arrange several paper rods parallel and adjacent to each other, to glue them together if necessary, and to then flatten the paper rod composite formed in this way on at least one side.
[0062] As several paper rods 3 are provided, profile 1 as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1 b and 1c has a greater flexural rigidity in at least one bending direction than a single paper rod 3.
[0063] FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show that profile 1 has one or more grooves 10 on the opposite sides 8, 9. The grooves 10 run parallel to the longitudinal direction of profile 1 and change haptics of profile 1. At the same time, the grooves 10 are suitable for distinguishing profile 1 from other profiles, i.e. as a recognition feature. Finally, when profile 1 is used as a packaging element or packaging instrument, the grooves 10 may be better suited for gripping the product to be packaged, for example a food product such as ice cream. If, for example, profile 1 is used for an ice cream stick, the ice cream will adhere better, in particular longer, to profile 1, which includes the grooves 10; a fact which a user (consumer) will appreciate in that the ice cream will not, or is at least less likely to, detach from the stick in an undesirable way and fall off.
[0064] FIGS. 2a to 2c show a paper profile 1, which is formed from several, namely from two, three or four, paper rods 3. The paper rods 3 each have a (circular) round or almost (circular) round cross-section, so unlike in FIGS. 1a to 1c they are not flattened according to FIGS. 2a to 2c. The paper rods 3 according to the profiles 1 shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c can be joined together by glueing, i.e. with adhesive, glue or bonding agent. A different joint may also be provided, for example by using thermal or mechanical means. One groove 10 (FIG. 2a) or several grooves 10 (FIGS. 2b and 2c) are arranged in the area of the contact points 11 of the rods 3. For the grooves 10, the same applies as described above.
[0065] FIGS. 3a and 3b each schematically show a profile 1, which is formed from three paper rods 3, 3 each. The paper rods 3, 3 are arranged in one plane next and parallel to each other. The paper rods 3, 3 of one of the profiles 1 according to FIGS. 3a and 3b differ in their shape. According to FIG. 3a, profile 1 comprises two round or almost round rods 3, between which another flat-pressed rod 3 is arranged. Rod 3 can be flat-pressed before or after arranging the three rods 3, 3 that form profile 1.
[0066] According to FIG. 3b, the middle rod 3 is round or almost round, i.e. not flat-pressed, while the outer rods 3 are flat-pressed. With regard to the production of profile 1 according to FIG. 3a or 3b, it may be useful to alternately arrange round or almost round rods with a large diameter (rod 3) and a small diameter (rod 3) next to each other and then press this arrangement flat so that the thickness of profile 1 corresponds approximately to the smaller diameter of the rods involved, i.e. the diameter of the round rods 3.
[0067] FIGS. 4a to 4d, 5a to 5d, 6b to 6d and 7 show different variants of profiles 1, each of which is formed in several layers, i.e. where a first layer of 12 paper rods 3 is provided and at least one second paper rod layer 12 is arranged on top. Three, four or more layers (12, . . . ) can also be provided. The multilayer arrangement of paper rods 3 further improves the flexural rigidity of profile 1. Structural changes between the layers (12, 12, 12) can occur, especially when profile 1 is subjected to high bending loads. This means that the paper rods themselves are subjected to less stress and a crack or fracture of profile 1 cannot occur so quickly.
[0068] FIG. 4a shows a two-layer profile 1 with a first layer 12 formed from two flattened paper rods 3. On the first layer 12 a second layer 12 is arranged, which is formed from a flattened paper rod 3. A profile variant with a similar stack configuration but with round, i.e. not flattened, paper rods 3 instead of flattened rods 3 is shown in FIG. 5a.
[0069] FIGS. 4b and 5b show profile variants in which the first and second layers (12, 12) are each formed from two paper rods. According to FIGS. 4c and 5c each layer 12, 12 comprises three paper rods and according to FIGS. 4d and 5d four paper rods are intended per layer. Further variants that comprise more than four rods per layer (12, 12, . . . ) may be provided. Further profile variants that include more than two paper rod layers, wherein each layer (12, 12, 12, . . . ) may comprise any number of rods 3, 3, may also be provided. In this respect, numerous stack configurations in numerous profile types are possible. By varying the number of layers and/or the number of rods per layer, the following profile properties can be influenced: the profile width (number of rods per layer), the profile thickness (number of layers) as well as the mechanical, in particular bending mechanical, properties of the profile (number of layers and/or rods). By varying the number of layers/rods, profile 1 can thus be adapted to the requirements placed on profile 1. If, for example, an ice cream stick 6 is to be formed from profile 1, a few layers (12, 12) and a few rods 3 per layer can be sufficient (for example one or two layers with up to five rods each). If, on the other hand, a rigid tensioning device, such as a shoe tree, is to be formed from profile 1, a larger number of layers and/or rods per layer would be advisable (for example five to ten layers with five to ten rods each).
[0070] FIGS. 6b to 6d show profile types in which the rods of the second layer 12 are arranged in the groove 10 or in the grooves 10 between the rods 3 of the first layer 12. In this respect, the stack configurations according to FIGS. 6b to 6d include a lateral offset 13 of adjacent layers. In line with the stack configurations (shown here as an example) according to FIGS. 6b to 6d, the volume of the spaces 19 between the rods 3, 3 is reduced, wherein a higher density and stability of profile 1 can be achieved. In the case of a high strength requirement, the stack configuration according to FIGS. 6b to 6d is to be preferred; in the case of a high bending strength, the profile configurations according to FIGS. 4a to 4d and 5a to 5d respectively could be preferred.
[0071] A profile configuration with three layers 12, 12, 12 and comprising rods 3 with a first diameter and flattened rods 3 can be taken from FIG. 7. The flattened rods 3 are formed from originally round rods through flat pressing, whereat the originally round rods have a second diameter which was larger than the first diameter of the round rods 3. According to FIG. 7, the middle layer (12) is formed from round rods 3, the adjacent outer layers (12, 12) are formed from flat pressed rods 3. Alternatively, a type can be provided in which the round rods 3 form the outer layers and the flattened rods the middle layer. For more than three layers, alternating or repeating configurations may be provided (ABABAB, ABBABBABBA, ABBAABBAABBA and many more, where A, B are variables for differently formed layers).
[0072] In all configurations according to FIGS. 1a to 1c, 2a to 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a to 4d, 5a to 5d, 6b to 6d and FIG. 7, the rods 3, 3 may be bonded or glued to one another or adhere otherwise to one another and thus form an (adhesive or glue) bond. Alternatively, instead of a bonding agent (adhesive, glue) a shell element 11 may be used which surrounds the (at least outer) rods 3, 3 of profile 1 at least in sections. It is also possible to provide several shell elements 11 which are arranged along the longitudinal direction of profile 1 and which produce a stable connection of the rods (3, 3) of profile 1.
[0073] Analogous to the stack configurations of different profile types described above, FIGS. 8a to 8c, 9a to 9c, 10a, 10b, 11a to 11d, 12a to 12d, 13b to 13d as well as FIG. 14 show configurations in which the rods or the outer rods are wrapped with a sleeve 11. The sleeve or shell element 11 may be formed from paper, in particular from a strip of paper wrapped around the rods. The paper shell 11 can be formed from multilayer paper material. The end areas 14 of the shell element 11 can overlap at least in sections, as shown schematically in FIGS. 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c as well as in FIGS. 10a and 10b. The overlapping end areas 14 can be bonded or glued together; a mechanical connection of the end areas 14 can also be provided, such as a fold and/or kink or rebate. A joint of the end areas 14 through thermal energy input, e.g. with a weld seam, can also be provided. The end areas 14 of the shell strip may also abut each other (edge-to-edge arrangement). A connecting element, such as an adhesive strip, may also be used to connect the end areas 14 of the shell 11.
[0074] By wrapping the rods 3, 3 with a shell element 11, profile 1 obtains an essentially smooth shell surface. The shell element 11 can be coloured and/or can be printed with a label and/or with an image and/or with a logo, making profile 1 more cost-effective to design. Moreover, the shell element 11 achieves better haptics of profile 1; the user of profile 1 cannot directly recognise the rods 3, 3 and has the impression of holding a compact, stable, light and environmentally friendly paper profile in his/her hands. This property of the profile is particularly desirable when profile 1 is used in conjunction with packaging components or packaging equipment.
[0075] A paper rod composite 15 from a large number of arranged paper rods 3 can be taken from FIG. 15. The paper rods 3, 3 are not only arranged next to each other but also behind each other. A profile 1 of any expansion in the z direction (length) can thus be formed. In particular, a profile 1 with a profile length of, e.g., approx. 1 m or longer can be produced and is formed from a large number of rods 3, 3 with a rod length of, e.g., approx. 20 cm or less.
[0076] Examples of the use of paper profile 1 described here can be found in FIGS. 16a to 16c, 17, 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b, 20 and 21. FIGS. 16a to 16c each show ice cream sticks 6 for ice cream 7. The ice cream sticks 6 are packaging equipment of an ice cream packaging. Ice cream 7 is arranged on ice cream stick 6. Ice cream with an ice cream stick, i.e. an ice lolly, is arranged in an outer packaging made of paper or cardboard. The consumer usually removes ice cream stick 6 together with ice cream 7 from the outer packaging and eats ice cream 7 while grabbing and holding the ice cream stick. FIG. 6a shows an ice cream stick 6 formed from a paper profile 1, which in turn is formed from at least one paper rod layer 12 with two adjacent paper rods 3, 3. The paper rods 3, 3 can be round or flattened. The rods 3, 3 can be glued together or wrapped with a shell element 11. Profile 1 is cut to the length of ice cream stick 6, e.g. by cutting or punching, rounded at the ends if necessary or cut accordingly.
[0077] According to FIG. 16b, a profile with three rods (3, 3) has been used to make ice cream stick 6; according to FIG. 16c, it is four rods (3, 3). The profiles 1 for the production of the ice cream sticks 6 according to FIGS. 16a to 16c all have approximately the same profile width, only the width (diameter) of the paper rods (3, 3) varies.
[0078] FIG. 17 shows an ice cream stick 6 formed from a profile 1 with a contour 15. Contour 15 can be arranged in profile 1 through cutting or punching. Ice cream stick 6 according to FIG. 17 has a waistline 16 along the longitudinal direction, wherein stick 6 has the shape of a paddle or double paddle. The paddle-shaped stick lies better in the hand, the consumer can hold the ice cream better and safer. At the same time, paper material is saved in the waistline area 16, which offers ecological advantages. In addition, contour 15 makes the stick lighter, which reduces the effort required for transporting and storing large quantities.
[0079] An ice cream 7 with ice cream sticks 6 arranged in ice cream 7 can be taken schematically from FIGS. 18a and 18b. Ice cream stick 6 according to FIG. 18b is formed from a profile 1 which comprises three (identically) coloured paper rods 3. Ice cream stick 6 according to FIG. 18a is formed from a profile 1 which comprises three paper rods 3, each of which differs in colour. Thus, the ice cream stick may be made in the colours of the ice cream manufacturer's trade mark or colours may be used which indicate national or regional origin. An ice cream stick 6 with the paper rod colours black, red and yellow, for example, would indicate an ice cream of German origin, an ice cream stick 6 with the colours blue, white and red would indicate an ice cream of French origin or taste and an ice cream stick 6 with the colours green, white and red would indicate Italy as the country of origin. Any number of other colour combinations are possible. A coloured profile 1 is produced by using coloured paper rods 3, 3. Alternatively, the colour or appearance of the profile can be achieved with a coloured or designed shell 11.
[0080] FIGS. 19a, 19b, 20 and 21 show different profile types with different design characteristics. The selection of the 3, 3 paper rods enables many different design variants. A further design measure is the arrangement of a marking area 17 on profile 1. Marking area 17 can be arranged on rods 3, 3 or on a shell element 11. Marking area 17 may be printed or embossed. A label 18 and/or a logo and/or a (picture) image may be arranged in marking area 16.
[0081] A schematic lateral view of a shoe tree 20 can be taken from FIG. 22a. Shoe tree 20 comprises a first paper rod 3 and a second paper rod 3. Both paper rods 3 are interconnected at the ends, wherein the first paper rod 3 is slightly longer than the second paper rod 3. Due to the difference in length of both paper rods 3 and in that a joint of the paper rods 3 is provided at the respective rod ends, the longer rod 3 has a bend, wherein the tensioning device 20 has a mechanical pretension.
[0082] According to the schematic diagram of FIG. 22b, the shoe tree is used in a woman's shoe 21 according to FIG. 22a. Stuffing paper against which the shoe tree 20 presses has been arranged in the front area of woman's shoe 21. Compared to the unbent starting position shown in FIG. 22a, shoe tree 20 is now mechanically bent, wherein the first and the second paper rod transmit forces to each other. Bending of the paper rods 3 of the tensioner 20 is reversible, i.e. the rods 3 can be returned to their original position (FIG. 22a) without material damage. Due to the pretension (FIG. 22a), the shoe tree wants to return to its original shape (FIG. 22a), wherein shoe tree 20 transfers a restoring force to shoe 21 that tensions shoe 21.
[0083] Shoe tree 20 according to FIGS. 22a and 22b is made of paper rods, i.e. paper material. Stuffing paper 22 is also made of paper material. If shoe 21 with shoe tree 20 and stuffing paper 22 is now (re)packed in a (shoe) box, the entire shoe packaging (carton+stuffing paper 22+shoe tree 20) can be disposed of in the paper waste bin. Waste separation of the shoe packaging is not necessary, because apart from paper material no other packaging material is necessary.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0084] 1 Paper profile [0085] 2 Narrow side [0086] 3, 3 Paper rod [0087] 4 Longitudinal points [0088] 5 Round area [0089] 6 Ice cream stick [0090] 7 Ice cream [0091] 8 Side [0092] 9 Side [0093] 10 Groove [0094] 11 Shell element [0095] 12, 12, 12 Position [0096] 13 Offset [0097] 14 End area [0098] 15 Contour [0099] 16 Waistline [0100] 17 Marking area [0101] 18 Labelling [0102] 19 Space [0103] 20 Shoe tree [0104] 21 Shoe [0105] 22 Stuffing paper
