Patent Description:
Disposable containers, in particular for food and beverages are ubiquitous. Whereas mounds of containers discarded in ancient times, such as the Roman Monte Testaccio, provide historical insights, modern one-way containers have an environmental impact that calls for mitigation. Existing approaches focus on the complete product life cycle, taking into account both production and disposal. It is known to manufacture disposable containers, in particular for food, from materials such as bamboo, wood, straw, etc. There is a need for containers that have a smaller environmental impact with regard to existing approaches.

US <NUM>'<NUM>'<NUM> discloses a paper cup bottom glued to the cup's side walls. A bottom disk is placed near the lower end of the side wall, a bonding adhesive is applied to the circumference of the bottom disk, and the lower end of the side wall is curled or folded over the region comprising the adhesive.

<CIT> discloses a method for creating the wall for a cheese box from a sheet of veneer combined with a sheet of pliable material.

<CIT> shows a cup made of veneer, with a wall part made of veneer coated with a flexible layer, and a bottom part made of plastic-coated cardboard. The wall and bottom part are welded together. It is doubtful whether the weld is sufficiently strong and/or liquid-tight.

It is therefore a possible object of the invention to create a container and a method for assembling a container of the type mentioned initially, and a related assembly device, which overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.

Another possible object of the invention is to provide a container with a low environmental footprint.

Another possible object of the invention is to provide an alternative method for manufacturing a container.

These objects are achieved by a container and a method for assembling a container and an assembly device according to the corresponding independent claims.

The method is for assembling a container, the container comprising.

Bonding the connecting element to the side wall and to the bottom part joins the two and creates a seal between them. In this way, it is possible to simply and reliably create a container made mainly of veneer.

It is understood that a shape being tubular can comprise the shape being cylindrical, in the shape of a general cylinder, that is, a non-circular cylinder. In the most general sense, the container thus is not limited to a cylindrical or conical side wall with a circular base, and not to a circular bottom part. For example, a top and/or bottom base of the cylinder can have the shape of a rounded triangle, rounded square or rectangle, rounded pentangle, or generally of a rounded polygon, or of an oval, or an ellipse or the like. Furthermore, a shape being tubular can mean that the shape corresponds to the surface of a truncated cone or prism, the latter typically having rounded edges. The shape being tubular can comprise a combination of cylindrical and conical sections (each at different locations along the tube's height).

Prior to assembly, the tubular shape of the side wall comprises a top opening and a bottom opening, and these openings are distanced from one another along a longitudinal axis of the tubular shape. Typically, the shapes of these openings correspond to the top and bottom bases of a cylinder and/or cone corresponding to the tubular shape. The tubular shape can have rotational symmetry, in which case a corresponding axis of symmetry coincides with the longitudinal axis.

The direction substantially normal to the plane in which the bottom part extends, typically is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shape. This direction typically also is parallel to a direction of relative movement of the anvil and plunger when compressing the connecting element and bottom part.

In embodiments, the thickness of the cellulose-based material, in particular the veneer of the side wall is between <NUM> millimetres and one millimetre, in particular between <NUM> millimetres and <NUM> millimetres, more in particular between <NUM> millimetres and <NUM> millimetres. In embodiments, the thickness of the cellulose-based material, in particular the veneer used in each of one or more layers of the bottom part is between <NUM> millimetres and one millimetre, in particular between <NUM> millimetres and <NUM> millimetres, more in particular between <NUM> millimetres and <NUM> millimetres.

In embodiments, the veneer is be made of maple wood or birch wood or poplar wood or beech wood.

In embodiments, the cellulose-based material, in particular the veneer of the side wall and/or of the bottom part constitutes a least <NUM>%, in particular at least <NUM>%, even more in particular <NUM>% of the weight of the respective side wall or bottom part, or of a disc that is part of the bottom part.

The cellulose-based material gives the side wall and/or bottom part its structural stability. The cellulose-based material typically is veneer, but in other embodiments is paper or cardboard or the like. Other materials that are part of the side wall and/or bottom part can be present to provide liquid-tightness, improve bonding to the connecting element, provide a basis for a label, etc. These other materials can be in the form of a film or thin layer, as described below.

In embodiments, the bottom part is a single piece of material, in particular wherein the bottom part is thicker than the side wall, and/or thicker than one millimetre or two millimetres.

In embodiments, the bottom part is made of at least two separate parts, in particular a first disc and a second disc,.

In embodiments, when the two separate parts are present, they can have congruent shapes, which if they are circular means that they have the same diameter, or the inner of the two bottom parts can be smaller than the outer one. Furthermore, each of the two separate parts can have the same thickness as that of the side wall.

In embodiments, the bottom part is shaped to prevent a flow of the connecting element, as it is compressed, inwards in the radial direction. This can be done by the bottom part being shaped to have a notch or channel running around the circumference of the bottom part, and arranging the connecting element in this channel. The channel can be established by the bottom part having a first disc and a second disc, and the intermediate layer arranged between these discs having a smaller diameter than these discs. In embodiments, the second disc is a ring. In this case, the second disc can be arranged at the outside of the bottom part, that is, at the outside of the resulting container.

In embodiments, the method comprises the step of creating a pre-assembled bottom part by bonding elements of the bottom part prior to arranging the connecting element and the bottom part in the side wall,.

In embodiments, when compressing the connecting element and bottom part, a gap is present between an outer edge of the bottom part, and the expanding connecting element covers the outer edge of the bottom part.

The connecting element flowing over and covering the outer edge prevents, when the container is in use, liquid from entering the bottom part via the channels running along the grain of the wood that would otherwise be exposed at the outer edge. This could compromise the stability of the bottom part and/or cause chemicals from the wood to leak into the liquid.

Such a gap around an outer edge can be present around a single bottom part, where only a single bottom part is present. When two bottom parts are present, the gap can be present around one or both of them. In embodiments, the side wall is conical and the two bottom parts are congruent, so the gap is present around an inner one of the two bottom parts. In embodiments, the side wall is straight and the inner one of the two bottom parts is smaller than an outer one. The inner one is the one facing the inside of the container. For the reasons given above, it is preferable at least the inner one whose outer edge is covered by the expanded connecting element.

In embodiments, at least one bottom part is bent at its periphery, in particular by the at least one bottom part being forced into an opening at one end of the side wall in its tubular shape.

In this way, the outer edge can be oriented towards the connecting element, facilitating the covering of the outer edge. Alternatively, or in addition, the bottom part is pre-bent prior to inserting it in the side wall in its tubular shape.

In embodiments, two bottom parts are present, and only one or both of them are bent at their periphery.

In embodiments, the connecting element is a ring of solid material, or a section of a ring of solid material.

The connecting element being extruded can mean that the ring is extruded in the form of a single strand deposited on the bottom part, the strand constituting the entire width of the connecting element. Alternatively, the connecting element being extruded can mean that the ring is built up by a 3D-printer from a single strand thinner than the connecting element, in multiple passes.

In embodiments, the connecting element has one of a rectangular, a round, a triangular and a trapezoidal cross section.

In embodiments, the connecting element has a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In embodiments, imparting energy to the connecting element comprises at least one of.

In embodiments, vibration energy such as ultrasound energy is imparted through the plunger, the plunger thus acting as a sonotrode. The plunger can be shaped to focus the ultrasound energy on specific locations of the bottom part and/or the connecting element. In particular, it can focus the energy on the periphery of the bottom part, where the connecting element is to be softened for bonding to the bottom part and side wall.

In embodiments, compressing the connecting element comprises one of.

In embodiments, the method comprises the step of, at least when compressing the connecting element,.

In embodiments, the method comprises the step of pre-heating the side wall in a region in which it is to be bonded to the bottom part, before the step of compressing and bonding the connecting element,
in particular by one or more of.

Irradiation with infrared radiation can be accomplished with a heated plunger, which can be different from the plunger used to compress the bottom part.

In embodiments, the method comprises the step of pre-heating the bottom part in a region in which it is to be bonded to the side wall, before the step of compressing and bonding the connecting element. One or more of the heating principles listed above for heating the side wall can be applied to the bottom part as well.

Pre-heating the side wall can improve the bonding of the connecting element to the material coating the side wall. Pre-heating the bottom can reduce the time to heat the connecting element, thereby reducing manufacturing time.

In embodiments, the method comprises the step of heating the elements being bonded, during the step of compressing and bonding the connecting element, in particular by one or more of.

In embodiments, the side wall is covered, at least in a region in which it is to be bonded to the bottom part, with a film of material that improves the bonding to the connecting element and bottom part, in particular wherein the material is a thermoplastic material and/or the same material as the material of the connecting element.

This will improve the bonding between the connecting element and the side wall covered or coated with the film of material. In embodiments, the film of material is applied by laminating, spraying or painting or printing the material on the side wall. The film of material can comprise a single layer of material or multiple layers of the same material or of different materials. One of the layers can be an adhesive material or glue for bonding the film to the side wall. Suitable materials for the film are, for example, Polyethylene (PE), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PVAC (polyvinyl acetate), PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol), PP (polypropylene), or biodegradable materials. Biodegradable materials are, for example, based on Polylactic acid (PLA) or lignin. Specific examples are ecovio® or Mater-Bi®.

In embodiments, an outer edge of the bottom part is coated, preventing liquids from entering the material of the bottom part, in particular channels of the grain of the veneer.

In embodiments, a material for coating the side wall and/or covering the outer edge is a biodegradable polymer material.

In embodiments, the entire container or only a subsection of the container around the bottom part is coated or treated after the bottom part is bonded to the side wall, typically for sealing pores of the material, in particular the veneer and for improving its resistance to liquids. This coating or treatment can comprise applying a layer of varnish or wax or paint.

In embodiments, the anvil and plunger are shaped to leave between them, when they are moved towards one another and compressing the bottom part and connecting element, a larger gap at the periphery than in the middle.

This has the effect of compressing the middle of the bottom part more than its periphery, and of forcing the softened or molten material of the connecting element outwards in the radial direction, against the side wall.

In embodiments, the anvil and plunger have corresponding respective convex and concave shapes, forcing the bottom part to have a corresponding shape after bonding to the side wall. Such a shape, typically an arched shape, is mechanically more stable than a flat shape.

In embodiments, the plunger has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the bottom part or the second disc and/or the first disc. This also forces the bottom part or respective disc to have an arched shape after bonding to the side wall. This also helps to stabilise the shape of the bottom when the container is filled with a hot liquid.

In embodiments, the anvil is shaped to conform to the shape of a gap created when overlapping layers of the side wall.

This prevents an uneven distribution of the flow of the connecting element into the gap, which would happen due to a variation of the width of the gap where the layers of the side wall overlap. It also maintains, at this location, an internal pressure on the connecting element forcing it in the radial direction against the pores of the side wall. In embodiments, the connecting element is shaped to conform to the shape of the gap created when overlapping layers of the side wall.

The container can be manufactured as described herein, the container comprising.

wherein the connecting element has a ring-like shape and is bonded to the side wall and the bottom part.

The assembly device configured for manufacturing a container according to the method of claim <NUM> comprising.

In embodiments, the anvil is configured, in addition to the plunger or instead of the plunger, to impart ultrasonic energy to the object being compressed.

Further embodiments are evident from the dependent patent claims.

The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the attached drawings, which schematically show:.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of an assembled container <NUM>, comprising a side wall <NUM> and a bottom part <NUM> bonded to one another by a connecting element <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM>, shown in a side view and also in a separate view from above. has a ring-like shape, following a circumference of the bottom part <NUM> where it is near the side wall <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> is made of a fusible material that has been softened and in the soft state has been deformed to bond to the side wall <NUM> and the bottom part <NUM> around this circumference. The fusible material can be a thermoplastic material, such as a plastic material. It can be the same material than a material coating the side wall, or a different one. In embodiments, the material is one of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PVAC (polyvinyl acetate), PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol), PP (polypropylene), PEHD (polyethylene high-density), PELD (polyethylene low-density). In embodiments, it is be a wax, wax-based or similar material.

The side wall <NUM> is shown to be covered with a film layer <NUM>. For the sake of the representation, the film layer <NUM> is shown to be separated from the side wall <NUM>, in reality there is of course no gap between them, the film layer <NUM> being, for example, sprayed or painted on the side wall <NUM> or bonded to the side wall <NUM>. The film layer <NUM> can help to bond the connecting element <NUM> to the side wall <NUM>. In embodiments, the film layer <NUM> is not present. For the remaining figures, it is understood that they relate both to embodiments with and without the film layer <NUM>.

While the container <NUM> is shown to have the shape of a truncated cone, in particular a truncated circular cone, in other embodiments the base of the container <NUM> can have a shape other than a circle, all of the following examples being adapted to this shape. Also, the container <NUM> have a cylindrical shape, that is, with the side wall forming a hollow cylinder.

The thickness of the veneer used for the side wall <NUM> and bottom part <NUM> can be between <NUM> millimetres and one millimetre. The thickness of the bottom part <NUM>, which can comprise a single disc of relatively thick veneer or can comprise two discs of veneer, can be the same as that of the side wall <NUM>. Alternatively, it can be higher, for example more than one or more than two millimetres. In this case, each of the two discs of veneer can have the same thickness as that of the side wall.

In other embodiments, the side wall <NUM> and/or bottom part <NUM> are made of another cellulose-based material than veneer, for example paper or cardboard.

<FIG> shows an assembly device <NUM> in which a container <NUM> is assembled. The assembly device <NUM> comprises an anvil <NUM> whose outer shape corresponds to the inner shape of the container <NUM>. A plunger <NUM> is arranged to be moved towards the anvil <NUM>, or vice versa. The plunger <NUM> can comprise or be attached to a generator of ultrasound vibrations, and thus transmit these vibrations to an object compressed by the plunger <NUM>.

For assembling a container <NUM>, the assembly device <NUM> is typically used in an inverted position as opposed to the position in the <FIG>, as in the following figures, that is, with the anvil <NUM> below and the plunger <NUM> pushing down towards the anvil <NUM>.

In a setup phase, a side wall <NUM> is placed on the part of the anvil <NUM> corresponding to the shape of the inside of the <NUM>, with the bottom part <NUM> arranged on leading surface of the anvil leading surface <NUM>. The bottom part <NUM> comprises at least one disc of veneer, or first disc <NUM>, and the connecting element <NUM>. Typically, the first disc <NUM> faces the anvil <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM> faces the plunger <NUM>. Optionally, a second disc <NUM> can be present between the connecting element <NUM> and the plunger <NUM>. For the sake of representation, here and in other figures the various elements are shown with gaps between them, whereas in reality they touch one another.

In a compression phase, the plunger <NUM> is moved towards the anvil <NUM>, or vice versa, compressing the bottom part <NUM> and forcing the material of the connecting element <NUM> against the side wall <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> can impart vibration energy, such as ultrasound vibration energy, to the bottom part <NUM> and connecting element <NUM>, to heat and thereby soften the connecting element <NUM>. The movement of the plunger <NUM> is in a direction essentially normal to a plane in which the bottom part <NUM> extends. The movement of material of the connecting element <NUM> is essentially in radial and outward directions that are parallel to this plane.

The plane in which the bottom part <NUM> extends typically is normal to a longitudinal axis of the container <NUM>, which can also be an axis of symmetry of the container <NUM> and an axis along which a height of the container <NUM> is measured.

In embodiments, the material of the connecting element <NUM> is also forced to cover an outer edge <NUM> of one or both of the discs of the bottom part <NUM>.

<FIG> show the assembly process for a container <NUM> with a bottom part <NUM> with two layers <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> shows the beginning of the compression phase. Between a first disc <NUM> and second disc <NUM> of the bottom part <NUM>, the ring-shaped connecting element <NUM> is arranged. The side wall <NUM> lies on and is held by the anvil <NUM>. The second disc <NUM> can touch the side wall <NUM>, whereas there can be a gap between the first disc <NUM> and the side wall <NUM>. <FIG> shows the end of the compression phase, with the material of the connecting element <NUM> having been forced against the side wall <NUM> and further into the gap between the first disc <NUM> and the side wall <NUM>, covering the outer edge <NUM> of the first disc <NUM>.

<FIG> show an assembly process for a container <NUM> with a bottom part <NUM> with two layers or discs <NUM>, <NUM> and an intermediate layer <NUM>, at the beginning and the end of the compression phase, respectively. The intermediate layer <NUM> is compressible in the vertical direction, in particular more compressible than the two discs, and is arranged in the otherwise hollow space in the ring-shaped connecting element <NUM>. It forms an inner boundary to a containing space <NUM> containing the connecting element <NUM> and prevents the material of the connecting element <NUM> from flowing inward in a radial direction, where it is of less use than at the periphery. In embodiments, not illustrated, the intermediate layer <NUM> and the two discs <NUM>, <NUM> are all compressed to a certain degree, forcing the material of the connecting element <NUM> to flow outward.

<FIG> show the assembly process for a container <NUM> with a bottom part <NUM> shaped to form a containing space <NUM> for the connecting element <NUM>, at the beginning and the end of the compression phase, respectively. The second disc <NUM> is only a ring instead of a full disc, and the intermediate layer <NUM> is a smaller disc that fits inside the second disc <NUM> or is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the ring, as shown in <FIG>. The plunger <NUM> comprises a central, leading protrusion <NUM> corresponding to the shape of the second disc <NUM>, so that the plunger <NUM> presses against both the second disc <NUM> and the intermediate layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in the compressed phase the intermediate layer <NUM> is essentially pushed against the first disc <NUM>, forming an inner boundary to a containing space <NUM> for the connecting element <NUM>.

In embodiments, not illustrated, the second disc <NUM> and intermediate layer <NUM> face the inside of the container <NUM> and the anvil <NUM> instead of the plunger <NUM>. In this case the anvil <NUM> (instead of the plunger <NUM>) comprises a leading protrusion <NUM> corresponding to the shape of the second disc <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an anvil <NUM> with such a leading protrusion <NUM>. The leading protrusion can be shaped as part of the anvil <NUM>, or, as shown, be resiliently supported in the anvil <NUM>, so that it can yield as the bottom part <NUM> is compressed. In embodiments, the leading protrusion <NUM> of the plunger <NUM> shown in <FIG> is resiliently supported so that it can yield as the bottom part <NUM> is compressed.

In embodiments, not illustrated, the intermediate layer <NUM> is not present, and the leading protrusion protrudes so far that in the compressed state it lies at least in part against the first disc <NUM>, forming an inner boundary to a containing space <NUM> for the connecting element <NUM>.

The leading protrusion can be tapered or rounded, rather than flat as in <FIG>, so that it forces material from the connecting element <NUM> outward in radial directions. A plunger <NUM> with such a protrusion, here called plunger leading surface <NUM>, is shown in the top part of <FIG>. In combination with an anvil <NUM> with a flat leading surface, the effect described will occur.

<FIG> also shows an anvil <NUM> with a curved anvil leading surface <NUM>. In combination with the correspondingly shaped plunger leading surface <NUM>, a curved bottom part <NUM> can be compressed or created by compressing a flat bottom part <NUM>. In embodiments, the plunger leading surface <NUM> has the shape shown by a dashed line, leaving a smaller gap between the plunger <NUM> and anvil <NUM> in the middle than at the periphery. This has the effect of forcing material of the connecting element <NUM> outward in the compression phase.

Such a curved anvil <NUM> and plunger <NUM> can create or be used with a bottom part <NUM> that is bent at least at its periphery. This can be combined with the bottom part <NUM> being forced into the opening at the end of the side wall <NUM> to which it is to be bonded, creating a radial pre-tension force between the bottom part <NUM> and side wall <NUM>. Typically, the curved bottom part <NUM> will have its convex side facing the inside of the container <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a section of a container with a curved or arched bottom part bottom part <NUM>. The curve or arch can be created by correspondingly shaped anvil <NUM> and/or plunger <NUM>, as shown in the embodiments of <FIG>. Alternatively, it can be created when creating a pre-assembled bottom part <NUM> by bonding the first disc <NUM> and second disc <NUM> in a central region of the discs, with the connecting element <NUM> arranged between them in its not yet deformed state. As shown, the compression of the first disc <NUM> and second disc <NUM> can cause them to touch or be closer to one another in the middle, and be distanced from one another at the periphery. In embodiments, not illustrated, only the first disc <NUM> or only the second disc <NUM> is present.

<FIG> shows such a pre-assembled bottom part <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows a suction duct <NUM>. It can be connected to a pump to create a suction force when a bottom part <NUM> is placed against the anvil leading surface <NUM>, holding the bottom part <NUM> in place prior to and during assembly. Alternatively, such a suction duct is arranged in the plunger <NUM>, for holding the bottom part <NUM> against the plunger <NUM>, allowing the plunger <NUM>, for example, to pick up the bottom part <NUM> from a feeder, holding it and placing it on the anvil <NUM>. Such a suction duct can be combined with the anvil <NUM> or plunger <NUM> of any of the other embodiments.

<FIG> shows a constraining ring <NUM> and various heating elements <NUM>, <NUM>' in an assembly device. The constraining ring <NUM> is arranged at an outer periphery of the side wall <NUM>, in a section in which it is bonded to the bottom part <NUM>. It holds and stabilises the side wall <NUM> against radial forces from the connecting element <NUM> being pushed against the side wall <NUM> in the compression phase.

None, one or more of the heating elements <NUM>, <NUM>' can be present. A first heating element <NUM> can be arranged as part of the constraining ring <NUM>, heating the side wall <NUM> from the outside. A second heating element <NUM>' can be arranged to heat the side wall <NUM> from the inside. This can be by heated air and/or by infrared radiation. Infrared radiation can be generated by a heated object. The purpose and effect of the heating in each case is to heat the inner surface of the side wall <NUM> prior to the compression phase. The inner surface, as explained earlier, can be treated to comprise the film layer <NUM>, and in other embodiments can be untreated. The inner surface being heated facilitates bonding of the material of the connecting element <NUM> to the inner surface.

<FIG> show cross sections of containers with different types of wall seams <NUM> of the side wall <NUM>. By way of example, the cross sections are not circular, and it is understood that the types of wall seams <NUM> can be present for any shape of cross section. A wall seam <NUM> is where the veneer, rolled to have a tubular shape, is joined to itself. <FIG> shows a wall seam <NUM> made by overlapping one end of the rolled veneer over the other end. A seam adhesive <NUM> is present between the layers of the veneer in the region of overlap. <FIG> shows a wall seam <NUM> made by having the edges of the rolled veneer facing one another without overlap and being joined by the seam adhesive <NUM>. <FIG> also shows edges of the rolled veneer facing one another, and a seam element <NUM> covering the seam and overlapping the two ends of the veneer, holding them together, with the seam adhesive <NUM> between the seam element <NUM> and the respective end.

<FIG> shows a cross section of an anvil <NUM> adapted to a side wall with overlapping edges at the seam, as in <FIG>. The side wall <NUM> is assumed to have a circular cross section. So does the anvil <NUM>, but with a small step in diameter, corresponding to the inner shape of the side wall <NUM> where the edges overlap. When assembling the container <NUM>, the side wall <NUM> is placed on the anvil <NUM> oriented such that the step in the anvil <NUM> lies under the step in the side wall <NUM>. This has the effect of closing a gap between the anvil <NUM> and side wall <NUM> which would otherwise be present and which would cause an irregularity in the flow of the material of the connecting element <NUM> flowing outward, and weaken the bond or the tightness of the seal created by the connecting element <NUM> at this location.

<FIG> shows connecting elements <NUM> with different cross sections. In one embodiment, the cross section of the ring is rectangular. In another one, it is triangular or trapezoidal. As a result, the surface of the ring on a first side <NUM> is larger than on an opposite, second side <NUM>.

The effect of this is that the first (larger) side <NUM> can be arranged to face the first disc <NUM>, and the second (smaller) side <NUM> to face the second disc <NUM>, or the plunger <NUM> if no second disc <NUM> is used. With the plunger <NUM> acting as an ultrasound sonotrode, and imparting vibration energy mainly at the smaller second side <NUM> the material of the connecting element <NUM> in an inner region of the ring near the first side <NUM> is softened less than in other, outer regions, and the material of the connecting element <NUM> will predominantly flow in an outward direction.

In another embodiment, the surface on both sides <NUM>, <NUM> is the same, but in between them, the material extends more towards the ring's centre than near the two surfaces. Here too, the material in the region extended towards the centre is softened less and impedes the flow in the inward direction.

Regardless of the exact shape, a connecting element <NUM> can be manufactured by stamping or cutting it from sheet of flat material, by moulding the ring, or by extrusion moulding a strip of material and then cutting of a section of the strip and forming the ring from this section. Or the connecting element <NUM> can be manufactured by extruding or otherwise manufacturing a tube, and cutting rings constituting connecting elements <NUM> off the tube. Or the connecting element <NUM> can be manufactured by extruding the material of the connecting element <NUM> onto the bottom part <NUM> or a part of the bottom part <NUM>, such as the first disc <NUM> or second disc <NUM>, or in a gap between a pre-assembled first disc <NUM> and second disc <NUM>. In each case, the respective ring can be closed, forming a complete ring, or open, forming a section of a ring.

For all embodiments it can be the case that the elements of the bottom part <NUM> are pre-assembled before being joined to the side wall <NUM>. Such a pre-assembly thus can comprise at least a first disc <NUM> and a connecting element <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> can be manufactured in any of the ways described in the preceding paragraph. In other embodiments, it can comprise, in addition, a second disc <NUM> and further also an intermediate layer <NUM>.

Generally, as shown in the embodiments so far, it is the case that during assembly the first disc <NUM> faces the anvil <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM> is arranged on the side of the first disc <NUM> facing away from the anvil <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> compresses the connecting element <NUM> directly without a second disc <NUM> being present, or via a second disc <NUM>.

In embodiments, not illustrated, the first disc <NUM> faces the anvil <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM> is arranged on the side of the first disc <NUM> facing the anvil <NUM>. That is, the connecting element <NUM> lies between the first disc <NUM> and the anvil <NUM>. The anvil <NUM> can compress the connecting element <NUM> directly, without a second disc <NUM> being present, or via a second disc <NUM> arranged between the connecting element <NUM> and the anvil <NUM>.

In embodiments, the veneer is made of hardwood.

In embodiments, the veneer is made of wood from coniferous trees, in particular of pine trees, in particular spruce trees. For thin veneer, hardwood is preferable to coniferous woods. For food-contact applications, non-coniferous tree may be preferred. This is because resin present in wood of coniferous trees may disperse into substances such as beverages or foods. In embodiments, locally grown tree species or native species are preferred to reduce environmental impact of the production. In Switzerland, such species are, for example, birch or beech or maple.

With regard to a differentiation between hardwood and softwood, there exist two general types of woody trees:.

Claim 1:
A method for assembling a container (<NUM>), the container (<NUM>) comprising
• a side wall (<NUM>), the side wall (<NUM>) comprising a cellulose-based material, in particular veneer, and the side wall (<NUM>) being bent to have a tubular shape,
• at least one bottom part (<NUM>), the bottom part (<NUM>) comprising a cellulose-based material, in particular veneer;
• a connecting element (<NUM>), the connecting element (<NUM>) being made of a fusible material;
the method comprising the steps of
• arranging the connecting element (<NUM>) and the bottom part (<NUM>) at one end of the tubular shape in the side wall (<NUM>);
• imparting energy to the connecting element (<NUM>), thereby softening the connecting element (<NUM>);
• compressing the connecting element (<NUM>) and in particular also the bottom part (<NUM>) in a direction substantially normal to a plane in which the bottom part (<NUM>) extends, thereby expanding the softened connecting element (<NUM>) in the plane in which the bottom part (<NUM>) extends;
• thereby bonding the connecting element (<NUM>) to the side wall (<NUM>) and to the bottom part (<NUM>).