Patent Description:
wherein the first internal angle, the second internal angle, the third internal angle and the fourth internal angle are each on the inner face of the sheetlike composite. The invention further relates to an arrangement with a packaging means obtainable by the method, to an apparatus and to a use of the apparatus.

For some time, foodstuffs, whether they be foodstuffs for human consumption or else animal feed products, have been conserved by storing them either in a can or in a jar closed by a lid. In this case, shelf life can be increased firstly by separately and as much as possible sterilizing the foodstuff and the container in each case, here the jar or can, and then introducing the foodstuff into the container and closing the container. However, these measures of increasing the shelf life of foodstuffs, which have been tried and tested over a long period, have a series of disadvantages, for example the need for another sterilization later on. Cans and jars, because of their essentially cylindrical shape, have the disadvantage that very dense and space-saving storage is not possible. Moreover, cans and jars have considerable intrinsic weight, which leads to increased energy expenditure in transport. In addition, production of glass, tinplate or aluminium, even when the raw materials used for the purpose are recycled, necessitates quite a high expenditure of energy. In the case of jars, an additional aggravating factor is increased expenditure on transport. The jars are usually prefabricated in a glass factory and then have to be transported to the facility where the foodstuffs are dispensed with utilization of considerable transport volumes. Furthermore, jars and cans can be opened only with considerable expenditure of force or with the aid of tools and hence in a rather laborious manner. In the case of cans, there is a high risk of injury emanating from sharp edges that arise on opening. In the case of jars, it is a regular occurrence that broken glass gets into the foodstuff in the course of filling or opening of the filled jars, which can lead in the worst case to internal injuries on consumption of the foodstuff. In addition, both cans and jars have to be labelled for identification and promotion of the foodstuff contents. The jars and cans cannot readily be printed directly with information and promotional messages. In addition to the actual printing, a substrate is thus needed for the purpose, a paper or suitable film, as is a securing means, an adhesive or sealant.

Other packaging systems are known from the prior art, in order to store foodstuffs over a long period with minimum impairment. These are containers produced from sheetlike composites - frequently also referred to as laminates. Sheetlike composites of this kind are frequently constructed from a thermoplastic plastic layer, a carrier layer usually consisting of cardboard or paper which imparts dimensional stability to the container, an adhesion promoter layer, a barrier layer and a further plastic layer, as disclosed inter alia in <CIT>. Since the carrier layer imparts dimensional stability to the container manufactured from the laminate, these containers, in contrast to film bags, can be regarded as a further development of the aforementioned jars and cans.

In this context, these laminate containers already have many advantages over the conventional jars and cans. Nevertheless, there are also opportunities for improvement in the case of these packaging systems. For instance, container precursors are typically first produced from a laminate blank by a manufacturing method which includes folding and sealing. It has to be possible to transport and store these container precursors in a space-saving manner, and for this reason they are converted to a collapsed, flat state at the early stage of production. These flat-folded container precursors are used, in a further method, to produce containers, which are typically filled and closed in the course of this further method. The processing of the container precursor in the aforementioned further method proceeds in a very substantially automated manner. In this context, a particular aim is faultless running without delays. Faults in the running of the method lead to production of rejects, to production downtime and hence to rising costs, and to increased manual labour and hence also personnel demands in the production. It has been found that non-ideal shaping characteristics of the flat-folded container precursors in particular can result in the aforementioned faults in the running of production.

These shaping characteristics of the flat-folded container precursor are determined to a crucial degree by the method by which the container precursor is formed from the laminate blank of the container precursors. The aim here is to optimally select various folding operations and to coordinate them to one another in the sequence such that a container precursor with suitable shaping characteristics can be obtained by forming a longitudinal seam. In the prior art, <CIT> teaches a conventional apparatus for folding of side flaps of the laminate blank. After folding, these side flaps are joined to one another to form the longitudinal seam. Thus, <CIT> specifically discloses a minimum degree of folding operations needed to enable the production of a longitudinal seam and hence a container precursor. The process according to the invention proceeds therefrom and improves on the prior art by means of further folding operations and the execution and mutual coordination thereof.

In the prior art, <CIT> relates to a method and apparatus for forming blanks of composite sheets into tubular container bodies. It is disclosed to create two folds in the blank, seal the edges of the blank with one another, folding again in the opposite direction to create two new folds, before squaring the blank into a tubular body for subsequent transport to a packaging machine.

In general terms, it is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome a drawback which arises from the prior art. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container precursor for laminate foodstuff containers, especially a packaging means with a multitude of container precursors of this kind, which is notable for improved processibility, preferably for improved shaping characteristics. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container precursor for laminate foodstuff containers, especially a packaging means with a multitude of container precursors of this kind, which leads to fewer faults in container production, preferably in a filling machine. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container precursor, especially a packaging means with a multitude of container precursors of this kind, which can reduce downtime of a filling machine. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container precursor for laminate foodstuff containers, especially a packaging means with a multitude of container precursors of this kind, which can be shaped more reliably and with fewer faults and placed onto a mandrel wheel. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container precursor for laminate foodstuff containers which can be stacked in a maximum number in an outer package. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container precursor, especially a packaging means with a multitude of container precursors of this kind, having a combination of the aforementioned advantages. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of producing a container precursor, especially a packaging means with a multitude of container precursors of this kind, having one of or a combination of several of the aforementioned advantages. It is a further object of the invention to reduce production faults and stoppages in container manufacture.

A contribution to at least partial achievement of at least one of the above objects is made by the independent claims. The dependent claims provide preferred embodiments which contribute to at least partial achievement of at least one of the objects.

A contribution to the achievement of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by a method as defined in claim <NUM>, comprising, as method steps,.

wherein the first internal angle, the second internal angle, the third internal angle and the fourth internal angle are each on the inner face of the sheetlike composite. In this method, the production of the first longitudinal fold and the third longitudinal fold in method step b) may be successive, overlap in time or be simultaneous. In addition, the production of the second longitudinal fold and the fourth longitudinal fold in method step c) may be successive, overlap in time or be simultaneous.

Preferably, in method step d), a container precursor is obtained in a first flat-folded state. Further preferably, the container precursor is converted in method step e) to a further flat-folded state by folding along the first to fourth longitudinal creases. The conversion of the container precursor from the first flat-folded state to the further flat-folded state or from the further flat-folded state to the first flat-folded state is also referred to as folding over. Thus, method step e) preferably comprises a first folding over operation. The multitude of the container precursors preferably comprises at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM>, container precursors. In this connection, a packaging means is an envelope which binds the container precursors of the multitude of container precursors spatially to one another to form a stack. A preferred packaging means consists of one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard, paper and plastic, or a combination of at least two of these. A further preferred packaging means is one selected from the group consisting of a box, a pouch, a bag, a can, a film, a vacuum packaging means, a sleeve, a strip and a thread, or a combination of at least two of these.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further comprises, between method steps e) and B), a method step f), wherein, in method step f), the first internal angle and the third internal angle are each increased to at least <NUM>°, preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°, and the second internal angle and the fourth internal angle are each reduced to not more than <NUM>°, preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°. Here, the container precursor obtained with preference in method step d) is preferably converted from the further flat-folded state to the first flat-folded state. Thus, method step f) preferably comprises a further folding over operation.

In method step f), the carrier layer can be split along the second longitudinal crease or the fourth longitudinal crease or both into at least <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably <NUM>, sublayers at least partly separated from one another.

In method step f), a cavity can be produced in the carrier layer along the second longitudinal crease or the fourth longitudinal crease or both.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the container precursors of the multitude of container precursors are each sleeve-like container precursors for an individual container.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the production of the first longitudinal fold and of the third longitudinal fold in method step b) comprises reducing the first internal angle and the third internal angle each to not more than <NUM>°, preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, most preferably to not more than <NUM>°, and increasing the first internal angle and the third internal angle each to at least <NUM>°, preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the production of the second longitudinal fold and of the fourth longitudinal fold in method step c) comprises reducing the second internal angle and the fourth internal angle to not more than <NUM>°, preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sheetlike composite further includes an outer polymer layer, wherein the outer polymer layer is superposed on the carrier layer on a side of the carrier layer remote from the barrier layer. Further preferably, the outer polymer layer is covered by a colour layer, preferably a decoration, on a side of the outer polymer layer remote from the carrier layer. The colour layer preferably comprises at least one colourant.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sheetlike composite is a blank for production of a single container.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises, as method sub-steps of method step a),.

A preferred creasing in method sub-step II. is effected with a creasing tool.

The sheetlike composite precursor can be a blank for manufacture of a single container.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier layer of the sheetlike composite comprises an oriented material, wherein the oriented material is characterized by a direction of orientation, wherein the direction of orientation forms an angle of orientation with a longitudinal crease selected from the group consisting of the first longitudinal crease, the second longitudinal crease, the third longitudinal crease and the fourth longitudinal crease, or with a combination of at least two thereof, wherein the angle of orientation is in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>°, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°. A preferred oriented material is one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard and paper or a combination of at least two thereof. A preferred direction of orientation is a direction of a majority of fibres of the oriented material. The carrier layer preferably consists of the oriented material.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, in method step e) the carrier layer is split along the first longitudinal crease or the third longitudinal crease or both into at least <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, sublayers at least partly separated from one another.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method step e), a cavity is produced in the carrier layer along the first longitudinal crease or the third longitudinal crease or both.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the barrier layer comprises, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting of a plastic, a metal and a metal oxide, or a combination of at least two thereof.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the inner polymer layer comprises a polymer prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst to an extent of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, preferably to an extent of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, more preferably to an extent of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the inner polymer layer comprises a polymer prepared using a metallocene catalyst to an extent of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, preferably to an extent of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, more preferably to an extent of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the inner polymer layer.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier layer comprises, preferably consists of, one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard and paper, or a combination of at least two thereof.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the carrier layer has at least one hole, wherein the hole is covered at least by the barrier layer and at least by the inner polymer layer as hole-covering layers.

A packaging means at least partly enveloping a multitude of container precursors is obtainable by the method according to the invention. A preferred container precursor takes the form of a sleeve. In contrast to the container precursor in the form of a sleeve, what is known in the prior art is a container precursor in the form of a tube. With regard to the configuration of the packaging means, what was taught in connection with the method of the invention is applicable.

A contribution to the fulfilment of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an arrangement as defined in claim <NUM>, comprising a packaging means and a multitude of container precursors, obtainable by the method according to the invention, wherein the packaging means at least partially envelopes the multitude of container precursors.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the first internal angle and the third internal angle of at least a portion of the container precursors of the multitude of container precursors are each at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, most preferably <NUM>°; wherein the second internal angle and the fourth internal angle of at least the portion of the container precursors of the multitude of container precursors are each not more than <NUM>°, preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, most preferably <NUM>°; wherein the container precursors of the portion of the container precursors can each be shaped by folding along the first longitudinal crease, the second longitudinal crease, the third longitudinal crease and the fourth longitudinal crease to give a sleeve structure; wherein the container precursors of the portion of the container precursors are each characterized by a shaping coefficient according to the test method described herein in a range from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg.

Preferably, the first to fourth internal angles have been obtained as described above by the method according to any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> of the method according to the invention and not altered thereafter by more than <NUM>°, preferably not by more than <NUM>°. Accordingly, the first to fourth internal angles, after manufacture of the container precursor according to any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> of the method according to the invention, have preferably not been manipulated by folding. The container precursor is preferably folded flat, wherein the container precursor preferably has a thickness of less than <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM>, most preferably less than <NUM>. Further preferably, the container precursor is in one-piece form.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the first internal angle and the third internal angle of at least a portion of the container precursors of the multitude of container precursors are each not more than <NUM>°, preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, more preferably not more than <NUM>°, most preferably <NUM>°; wherein the second internal angle and the fourth internal angle of at least the portion of the container precursors of the multitude of container precursors are each at least <NUM>°, preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, more preferably at least <NUM>°, most preferably <NUM>°; wherein each of the container precursors of the portion of the container precursors can be shaped by folding along the first longitudinal crease, the second longitudinal crease, the third longitudinal crease and the fourth longitudinal crease to give a sleeve-like structure; wherein the container precursor is characterized by a shaping coefficient according to the test method described herein in a range from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg, most preferably of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/kg.

Preferably, the first to fourth internal angles, as described above, are obtained by the method according to any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> of the method of the invention and thereafter are altered by not more than <NUM>°, preferably not more than <NUM>°. Accordingly, the first to fourth internal angles, after production of the container precursor according to any of embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> of the method of the invention, have preferably not been manipulated by folding. The container precursor is preferably folded flat, the container precursor preferably having a thickness of less than <NUM>, preferably less than <NUM>, more preferably less than <NUM>, most preferably less than <NUM>. Further preferably, the container precursor is in one-piece form.

A contribution to the fulfilment of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by an apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>, comprising, as constituents,.

wherein the first internal angle, the second internal angle, the third internal angle and the fourth internal angle are each on the inner face of the sheetlike composite. A preferred transport direction at least partly takes the form of a conveyor belt or a roll conveyor or both. A preferred longitudinal seam-forming station is a sealing station, preferably designed for sealing as described herein.

In a further embodiment of apparatus according to the invention, the apparatus further comprises a second flat-folding station designed to increase the first internal angle and the third internal angle each to at least <NUM>°, preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, more preferably to at least <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°, and to reduce the second internal angle and the fourth internal angle each to not more than <NUM>°, preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°, wherein the second flat-folding station is arranged beyond the first flat-folding station in the transport direction.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to invention, the first folding station or the second folding station or each of them at least partly comprises at least <NUM> belts, wherein the belts each rotate about their longitudinal axis along the transport direction. A preferred belt is a continuous revolving belt.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to invention, the first flat-folding station or the second flat-folding station or each of them includes one, preferably two, rotating roll(s). Preferably, the first flat-folding station or the second flat-folding station or each of them includes two contra-rotating rolls, the rolls being arranged and designed to press a longitudinal fold of the sheetlike composite. Further preferably, the first flat-folding station or the second flat-folding station or each of them comprises two pairs of contra-rotating rolls, the rolls of any pair being arranged and designed to press a longitudinal fold of the sheetlike composite.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to invention, a longitudinal crease selected from the group consisting of the first longitudinal crease, the second longitudinal crease, the third longitudinal crease and the fourth longitudinal crease, or a combination of at least two thereof, forms an angle with the transport direction in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>°, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to invention, the carrier layer of the sheetlike composite comprises an oriented material, wherein the oriented material is characterized by a direction of orientation, wherein the direction of orientation forms an angle with the transport direction in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>°, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>°. A preferred oriented material is one selected from the group consisting of cardboard, paperboard and paper or a combination of at least two of these. A preferred direction of orientation is a direction of a majority of fibres of the oriented material. The carrier layer preferably consists of the oriented material.

In a further embodiment of the invention apparatus according to, the first folding station is designed to reduce the first internal angle and the third internal angle each to not more than <NUM>°, preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, most preferably to not more than <NUM>°.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to invention, the second folding station is designed to reduce the second internal angle and the fourth internal angle each to not more than <NUM>°, preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, more preferably to not more than <NUM>°, most preferably to <NUM>°.

A contribution to the fulfilment of at least one of the objects of the invention is made by a use of the apparatus according to the invention as defined in claim <NUM> for production of a container precursor.

Features described as preferred in one category of the invention are likewise preferred in any embodiment of the further categories of the invention.

Two layers have been joined to one another when their adhesion to one another extends beyond van der Waals attraction forces. Layers joined to one another are preferably layers selected from the group consisting of mutually sealed, mutually glued and mutually compressed layers, or a combination of at least two thereof. Unless stated otherwise, in a layer sequence, the layers may follow one another indirectly, i.e. with one or at least two interlayers, or directly, i.e. without an interlayer. This is especially the case in the wording in which one layer superposes another layer. A wording in which a layer sequence comprises enumerated layers means that at least the layers specified are present in the sequence specified. This wording does not necessarily mean that these layers directly follow one another. A wording in which two layers adjoin one another means that these two layers follow one another directly and hence without an interlayer. However, this wording does not make any stipulation as to whether the two layers are joined to one another or not. Instead, these two layers may be in contact with one another.

The term "polymer layer" hereinafter relates especially to the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer, more preferably to the inner polymer layer. A preferred polymer, especially for the inner polymer layer, is a polyolefin. The polymer layers may include further constituents. The polymer layers are preferably introduced into or applied to the sheetlike composite material in an extrusion process. The further constituents of the polymer layers are preferably constituents that do not adversely affect the behaviour of the polymer melt on application as a layer. The further constituents may, for example, be inorganic compounds such as metal salts or further polymers such as further thermoplastics. However, it is also conceivable that the further constituents are fillers or pigments, for example carbon black or metal oxides. Suitable thermoplastics for the further constituents especially include those that are easily processible by virtue of good extrusion characteristics. Among these, polymers obtained by chain polymerization are suitable, especially polyesters or polyolefins, particular preference being given to cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), polycyclic olefin copolymers (POCs), especially polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particular preference to polyethylene. Among the polyethylenes, HDPE (high density polyethylene), MDPE (medium density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene), VLDPE (very low density polyethylene) and PE (polyethylene) and mixtures of at least two thereof are preferred. It is also possible to use mixtures of at least two thermoplastics. Suitable polymer layers have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> and especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, and a density in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, and further preferably in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>. The polymer layers preferably have at least one melting temperature in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> and especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. Preferably, the sheetlike composite comprises, between the barrier layer and the carrier layer, a polymer layer, preferably a polyolefin layer, preferably a polyethylene layer. Further preferably, the composite precursor comprises, between the barrier layer and the carrier layer, a polymer layer, preferably a polyolefin layer, preferably a polyethylene layer. The above remarks relating to the polymer layers also apply to these polymer layers, also called adhesion promoter layers herein, of the composite and the composite precursor.

The inner polymer layer is based on thermoplastic polymers, and the inner polymer layer may include a particulate inorganic solid. It is preferable, however, that the inner polymer layer comprises a thermoplastic polymer to an extent of at least <NUM>% by weight, preferably at least <NUM>% by weight and especially preferably at least <NUM>% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer. It is further preferable that the inner polymer layer comprises at least <NUM>% by weight, especially preferably at least <NUM>% by weight and most preferably at least <NUM>% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the inner polymer layer, of a polyolefin prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst, preferably a polyethylene prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst (mPE). Further preferably, the inner polymer layer comprises an mLLDPE (linear low density polyethylene prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst).

Preferably, the polymer or polymer mixture of the inner polymer layer has a density (according to ISO <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>) in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM> and most preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>. The MFR (ISO <NUM>, <NUM>/<NUM>) is preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> and most preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.

The carrier layer used may be any material which is suitable for a person skilled in the art for this purpose and which has sufficient strength and stiffness to impart stability to the container to such an extent that the container in the filled state essentially retains its shape. This is, in particular, a necessary feature of the carrier layer since the invention relates to the technical field of dimensionally stable containers. As well as a number of plastics, preference is given to plant-based fibrous materials, especially pulps, preferably sized, bleached and/or unbleached pulps, paper and cardboard being especially preferred. The grammage of the carrier layer is preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> and most preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>. A more preferred cardboard generally has a single-layer or multilayer structure and may have been coated on one or both sides with one or else more than one cover layer. In addition, a preferred cardboard has a residual moisture content of less than <NUM>% by weight, preferably of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight and especially preferably of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the cardboard. A particularly preferred cardboard has a multilayer structure. Further preferably, the cardboard has, on the surface facing the environment, at least one lamina, but more preferably at least two laminas, of a cover layer known to the person skilled in the art as a "paper coating". In addition, a more preferred cardboard has a Scott bond value in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> J/m<NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> J/m<NUM> and especially preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> J/m<NUM>. By virtue of the aforementioned ranges, it is possible to provide a composite from which it is possible to fold a container with high integrity, easily and in low tolerances.

The barrier layer used may be any material which is suitable for a person skilled in the art for this purpose and which has sufficient barrier action, especially with respect to oxygen. The barrier layer is preferably selected from.

If the barrier layer, according to alternative a. , is a plastic barrier layer, this preferably comprises at least <NUM>% by weight, especially preferably at least <NUM>% by weight and most preferably at least <NUM>% by weight of at least one plastic which is known to the person skilled in the art for this purpose, especially for aroma or gas barrier properties suitable for packaging containers. Useful plastic, especially thermoplastics, here include N- or O-bearing plastic, either alone or in mixtures of two or more. According to the invention, it may be found to be advantageous when the plastic barrier layer has a melting temperature in a range from more than <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> and especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Further preferably, the polymer barrier layer has a grammage in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> and further preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>. Further preferably, the plastic barrier layer is obtainable from melts, for example by extrusion, especially laminar extrusion. Further preferably, the plastic barrier layer may also be introduced into the sheetlike composite via lamination. It is preferable in this context that a film is incorporated into the sheetlike composite. In another embodiment, it is also possible to select plastic barrier layers obtainable by deposition from a solution or dispersion of p plastics.

Suitable polymers preferably include those having a weight-average molecular weight, determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) by means of light scattering, in a range from <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> to <NUM>·<NUM><NUM> g/mol, preferably in a range from <NUM>·<NUM><NUM> to <NUM>·<NUM><NUM> g/mol and especially preferably in a range from <NUM>·<NUM><NUM> to <NUM>·<NUM><NUM> g/mol. Suitable polymers especially include polyamide (PA) or polyethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a mixture thereof.

Among the polyamides, useful PAs are all of those that seem suitable to the person skilled in the art for the use according to the invention. Particular mention should be made here of PA <NUM>, PA <NUM>, PA <NUM>, PA <NUM>, PA <NUM> or PA <NUM> or a mixture of at least two thereof, particular preference being given to PA <NUM> and PA <NUM> and further preference to PA <NUM>. PA <NUM> is commercially available, for example, under the Akulon®, Durethan® and Ultramid® trade names. Additionally suitable are amorphous polyamides, for example MXD6, Grivory® and Selar® PA. It is further preferable that the PA has a density in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM> and especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>. It is further preferable that the PA has a viscosity number in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/g and preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/g.

Useful EVOHs include all the EVOHs that seem suitable to the person skilled in the art for the use according to the invention. Examples of these are commercially available, inter alia, under the EVAL™ trade names from EVAL Europe NV, Belgium, in a multitude of different versions, for example the EVAL™ F104B or EVAL™ LR171B types. Preferred EVOHs have at least one, two, more than two or all of the following properties:.

Preferably at least one polymer layer, further preferably the inner polymer layer, or preferably all polymer layers, have a melting temperature below the melting temperature of the barrier layer. This is especially true when the barrier layer is formed from polymer. In this case, the melting temperatures of the at least one polymer layer, especially the inner polymer layer, and the melting temperature of the barrier layer differ preferably by at least <NUM>, especially preferably by at least <NUM>, even more preferably by at least <NUM>, further preferably at least <NUM>. The temperature difference should preferably be chosen only such that it is sufficiently high that there is no melting of the barrier layer, especially no melting of the plastic barrier layer, during the folding.

According to alternative b. , the barrier layer is a metal layer. Suitable metal layers are in principle all layers comprising metals which are known to the person skilled in the art and which can provide high light opacity and oxygen impermeability. In a preferred embodiment, the metal layer may take the form of a foil or a deposited layer, for example after a physical gas phase deposition. The metal layer is preferably an uninterrupted layer. In a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer has a thickness in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> and especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Metals selected with preference are aluminium, iron or copper. A preferred iron layer may be a steel layer, for example in the form of a foil. Further preferably, the metal layer is a layer comprising aluminium. The aluminium layer may appropriately consist of an aluminium alloy, for example AlFeMn, AlFe1.5Mn, AlFeSi or AlFeSiMn. The purity is typically <NUM>% or higher, preferably <NUM>% or higher, based in each case on the overall aluminium layer. In a preferred configuration, the metal layer consists of an aluminium foil. Suitable aluminium foils have a ductility of more than <NUM>%, preferably of more than <NUM>% and especially preferably of more than <NUM>%, and a tensile strength of more than <NUM> N/mm<NUM>, preferably more than <NUM> N/mm<NUM> and especially preferably more than <NUM> N/mm<NUM>. Suitable aluminium foils in the pipette test show a droplet size of more than <NUM>, preferably more than <NUM> and especially preferably of more than <NUM>. Suitable alloys for creation of aluminium layers or foils are commercially available under the EN AW <NUM>, EN AW <NUM> or EN AW <NUM> names from Hydro Aluminium Deutschland GmbH or Amcor Flexibles Singen GmbH. In the case of a metal foil as barrier layer, it is possible to provide an adhesion promoter layer between the metal foil and a closest polymer layer on one or both sides of the metal foil.

Further preferably, the barrier layer selected, according to alternative c. , may be a metal oxide layer. Useful metal oxide layers include all metal oxide layers that are familiar and seem suitable to the person skilled in the art, in order to achieve a barrier effect with respect to light, vapour and/or gas. Especially preferred are metal oxide layers based on the metals already mentioned above, aluminium, iron or copper, and those metal oxide layers based on titanium oxide or silicon oxide compounds. A metal oxide layer is produced by way of example by vapour deposition of metal oxide on a polymer layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film. A preferred method for this purpose is physical gas phase deposition.

In a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer of the metal oxide layer may take the form of a layer composite composed of one or more polymer layers with a metal layer. Such a layer is obtainable, for example, by vapour deposition of metal on a polymer layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film. A preferred method for this purpose is physical gas phase deposition.

The outer surface of the sheetlike composite is a surface of a lamina of the sheetlike composite which is intended to be in contact with the environment of the container in a container which is to be produced from the sheetlike composite. This does not contradict, outer surfaces of various regions of the composite being folded against one another or joined to one another, for example being sealed to one another, in individual regions of the container.

The inner surface of the sheetlike composite is a surface of a lamina of the sheetlike composite which is intended to be in contact with the contents of the container, preferably a foodstuff, in a container to be produced from the sheetlike composite.

According to DIN <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM>, colourant is the collective term for all colouring substances, especially for dyes and pigments. A preferred colourant is a pigment. A preferred pigment is an organic pigment. Pigments that are notable in connection with the invention are especially the pigments mentioned in DIN <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM> and those mentioned in "Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © <NUM> WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>).

An adhesion promoter layer may be present between layers which do not directly adjoin one another. More particularly, an adhesion promoter layer may be present between the barrier layer and the inner polymer layer, and between the barrier layer and the carrier layer.

Useful adhesion promoters in an adhesion promoter layer include all polymers which are suitable for producing a firm bond through functionalization by means of suitable functional groups, through the forming of ionic bonds or covalent bonds with a surface of a respective adjacent layer. Preferably, these comprise functionalized polyolefins which have been obtained by copolymerization of ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylate derivatives or carboxylic anhydrides that bear double bonds, for example maleic anhydride, or at least two of these. Among these, preference is given to polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymers (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA), which are sold, for example, under the Bynel® and Nucrel®0609HSA trade names by DuPont or Escor®6000ExCo by ExxonMobil Chemicals.

According to the invention, it is preferable that the adhesion between a carrier layer, a polymer layer or a barrier layer and the next layer in each case is at least <NUM> N/<NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM> and especially preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM>. In one configuration of the invention, it is preferable that the adhesion between a polymer layer and a carrier layer is at least <NUM> N/<NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM> and especially preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM>. It is further preferable that the adhesion between a barrier layer and a polymer layer is at least <NUM> N/<NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM> and especially preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM>. If a barrier layer indirectly follows a polymer layer with an adhesion promoter layer in between, it is preferable that the adhesion between the barrier layer and the adhesion promoter layer is at least <NUM> N/<NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM> and especially preferably at least <NUM> N/<NUM>. In a particular configuration, the adhesion between the individual layers is sufficiently strong that a carrier layer is torn apart in an adhesion test, called a cardboard fibre tear in the case of a cardboard as carrier layer.

A preferred polyolefin is a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. A preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an LDPE, an LLDPE, and an HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. A further preferred polyolefin is an mPolyolefin. Suitable polyethylenes have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> and especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>, and a density in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, and further preferably in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>.

An mPolymer is a polymer which has been prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst. Metallocene is an organometallic compound in which a central metal atom is arranged between two organic ligands, for example cyclopentadienyl ligands. A preferred mPolymer is an mPolyolefin, preferably an mPolyethylene or an mPolypropylene or both. A preferred mPolyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an mLDPE, an mLLDPE, and an mHDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof.

In the extrusion, the polymers are typically heated to temperatures of <NUM> to <NUM>, measured in the molten polymer film beneath the exit from the extruder die. The extrusion can be effected by means of extrusion tools which are known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available, for example extruders, extruder screws, feed blocks, etc. At the end of the extruder, there is preferably an opening through which the polymer melt is pressed. The opening may have any shape that allows extrusion of the polymer melt to the composite precursor. For example, the opening may be angular, oval or round. The opening is preferably in the form of a slot of a funnel. In a preferred configuration of the method, application is effected through a slot. The slot preferably has a length in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, the slot preferably has a width in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, especially preferably in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. During the application of the polymer melt, it is preferable that the slot and the composite precursor move relative to one another. Preference is given to such a process wherein the composite precursor moves relative to the slot.

In a preferred extrusion coating method, the polymer melt is stretched during the application, this stretching preferably being effected by melt stretching, and most preferably by monoaxial melt stretching. For this purpose, the layer is applied to the composite precursor in the molten state by means of a melt extruder, and the layer applied, which is still in the molten state, is subsequently stretched in the preferably monoaxial direction, in order to achieve orientation of the polymer in this direction. Subsequently, the layer applied is left to cool for the purpose of heat-setting. In this context, it is especially preferable that the stretching is effected by at least the following application steps:.

In a further preferred configuration, the area which has emerged is cooled down to a temperature below the lowest melting temperature of the polymers provided in this area or its flanks, and then at least the flanks of the area are separated from this area. The cooling can be effected in any manner which is familiar to the person skilled in the art and seems to be suitable. Preference is given here too to the heat-setting which has already been described above. Subsequently, at least the flanks are separated from the area. The separation can be conducted in any manner which is familiar to the person skilled in the art and seems to be suitable. Preferably, the separation is effected by means of a knife, laser beam or waterjet, or a combination of two or more thereof, the use of knives being especially preferable, especially knives for shearing.

A fold is produced along a crease if an internal angle formed by the fold regions of the sheetlike composite that are adjacent along the crease differs by at least <NUM>° from <NUM>° for the first time as a result of folding. In the course of production of the fold by folding for the first time by at least <NUM>° along the crease as described above, more particularly, the carrier layer is weakened along the fold.

The test methods which follow were utilized in the context of the invention. Unless stated otherwise, the measurements were conducted at an ambient temperature of <NUM>, an ambient air pressure of <NUM> kPa (<NUM> atm) and a relative air humidity of <NUM>%.

MFR is measured in accordance with standard ISO <NUM> (unless stated otherwise at <NUM> and <NUM>).

Density is measured in accordance with standard ISO <NUM>-<NUM>.

Melting temperature is determined using the DSC method ISO <NUM>-<NUM>, -<NUM>. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions using the following measurements:.

Oxygen permeation rate is determined in accordance with standard ISO <NUM>-<NUM> Annex C at <NUM> and <NUM>% relative air humidity.

Moisture content of cardboard is measured in accordance with standard ISO <NUM>:<NUM>.

The adhesion of two adjacent layers is determined by fixing them in a <NUM>° peel test instrument, for example the Instron "German rotating wheel fixture", on a rotatable roller which rotates at <NUM>/min during the measurement. The samples were previously cut into strips of width <NUM>. On one side of the sample, the laminas are detached from one another and the detached end is clamped in a tensile device directed vertically upward. A measuring instrument to determine the tensile force is attached to the tensile device. As the roller rotates, the force needed to separate the laminas from one another is measured. This force corresponds to the adhesion of the layers to one another and is reported in N/<NUM>. The separation of the individual layers can be effected mechanically, for example, or by means of a controlled pretreatment, for example by soaking the sample in <NUM>% acetic acid at <NUM> for <NUM>.

Detection of organic colourants can be conducted in accordance with the methods described in "Industrial Organic Pigments, Third Edition" (Willy Herbst, Klaus Hunger Copyright © <NUM> WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim ISBN: <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>).

The shaping coefficient is defined as follows: <MAT>.

This can be represented as: <MAT> where K is the shaping coefficient, Fshaping is the shaping force, Fzero sample is the zero sample force and GR is the grammage. Thus, the unit of the shaping coefficient is m<NUM>/kg. The individual parameters of the shaping coefficient are determined as specified below.

To measure the zero sample force, three specimens are taken from the uncreased container precursor according to the German version of DIN EN ISO <NUM>:<NUM>, the sample size being <NUM> × <NUM>. These specimens are then analysed by means of an SRT-Win <NUM> crease-bend tester from Karl Marbach GmbH & Co. KG, Heilbronn, Germany, according to the operating instructions dated March <NUM>. This is done by clamping the specimens in a holding clamp developed in-house and placing them onto the turntable. The configuration of the clamp is shown in figures <NUM> a) and b), <NUM> a) and b) and <NUM> a) and b). The evaluation is effected according to DIN <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM> and DIN <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM>, the maximum force value over the bending angle range being determined here at bending of up to <NUM>°.

To measure the shaping force, the container precursor is clamped in unchanged form as obtained by the method according to the invention in the flat-folded state between two compression plates of a strength testing machine (TIRA test <NUM> universal strength testing machine) from TIRA GmbH, Schalkau, Germany and, as in the "Compression test" method according to DIN EN ISO <NUM>:<NUM>, in the case of the compression test, a load is applied until a fixed displacement (to be selected according to the container precursor format, typically <NUM>) has taken place. The curve profile is recorded and evaluated with the TIRA test software.

The universal strength testing machine is a motor-driven compression plate system capable of applying a load which results from uniform movement of one of the plates at a relative speed of <NUM>/min ± <NUM>/min.

The grammage is determined by taking a laminate sample of defined size from the container precursor and weighing the sample.

The invention is described in more detail hereinafter by examples and drawings, although the examples and drawings do not imply any restriction of the invention. Moreover, the drawings, unless stated otherwise, are not to scale.

For the examples (inventive) and comparative examples (non-inventive), laminates were produced with the following layer sequence by a layer extrusion method with a standard extrusion coating system.

The laminate obtained by the layer extrusion process is used to manufacture container precursors in the form of sleeves for the examples and comparative examples. In each case, longitudinal creases <NUM> to <NUM> are introduced, as is the corresponding first to fourth longitudinal fold. Moreover, a longitudinal seam is produced by means of heat sealing.

The internal and external angles of the longitudinal folds are produced in the laboratory with a folding flap (Lexikon Verpackungstechnik [Lexicon of Packaging Technology], ISBN3954681668, <NUM>, page <NUM>). The heat sealing is effected by means of an HSG250 heat-sealing unit from Kopp Verpackungstechnik, Esslingen, Germany. The initial pressure is set to <NUM> bar and the sealing temperature to <NUM>.

In addition, a multitude of container precursors are introduced into an outer package for transport. The outer package for transport has the following dimensions: length <NUM>; width <NUM>; height <NUM>. According to Table <NUM>, the container precursors in the examples and comparative examples, prior to the packaging of a multitude of the respective container precursors in an outer carton, can be folded over once or twice, or the folding over may follow the removal from the outer packaging in the filling machine. The advantages and disadvantages detailed in Table <NUM> arise.

Damage to the decorative layer is characterized in Table <NUM> according to the following scale:.

The results in Table <NUM> have been established using a CFA <NUM> standard filling machine from SIG Combibloc, Linnich, Germany. For this purpose, for each example and comparative example, <NUM> container precursors were processed in the filling machine. The shaping coefficient for each example and comparative example was measured by the method described above, in each case before the outer packing of the container precursors.

Unless stated otherwise in each case in the description or the respective figure, the figures are schematic and not true to scale, and show the following:.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram of a method <NUM> according to the invention. In a method step a) <NUM> of the method <NUM>, a sheetlike composite <NUM> is provided. The latter comprises, as mutually superposed layers, from an inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM> to an outer face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>, a layer structure shown in <FIG>. In addition, the sheetlike composite <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, comprises a first longitudinal edge <NUM> and, opposite that, a further longitudinal edge <NUM>, and also, in the direction from the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>: a first longitudinal crease <NUM>, a second longitudinal crease <NUM>, a third longitudinal crease <NUM> and a fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. In a method step b) <NUM>, by folding along the first longitudinal crease <NUM>, a first longitudinal fold is produced and, by folding along the third longitudinal crease <NUM>, a third longitudinal fold is produced. In this context, the first longitudinal fold is characterized by a first internal angle <NUM> and the third longitudinal fold by a third internal angle <NUM>. In a method step c) <NUM>, by folding along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>, a fourth longitudinal fold is produced and, by folding along the second longitudinal crease <NUM>, a second longitudinal fold is produced. In this context, the fourth longitudinal fold is characterized by a fourth internal angle <NUM> and the second longitudinal fold by a second internal angle <NUM>. In this context, the first to fourth internal angles <NUM>-<NUM> are each on the inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>. In a method step d) <NUM>, the first longitudinal edge <NUM> and the further longitudinal edge <NUM> are pressed against one another and sealed to one another. Thus, a longitudinal seam <NUM> is produced, which results in formation of a sleeve-like container precursor <NUM> for a single container from the folded sheetlike composite <NUM>. The container precursor <NUM> is obtained in a first flat-folded state. In a method step e) <NUM>, the container precursor <NUM> is folded in such a way that the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> are each reduced to <NUM>° and the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> are each increased to <NUM>°. Thus, the container precursor <NUM> is converted from the first flat-folded state to a further flat-folded state, i.e. folded over. According to method steps a) <NUM> to e) <NUM>, a multitude of container precursors <NUM> are produced, which constitutes method step A) overall. In a method step B) <NUM>, <NUM> container precursors <NUM> obtained according to method steps a) <NUM> to e) <NUM> are packaged in an outer box as a stack.

<FIG> shows schematic snapshots of the sheetlike composite <NUM> in method steps a) <NUM> to e) <NUM> of the method according to the invention <NUM> according to <FIG>. As shown, the sheetlike composite <NUM> provided in method step a) <NUM> is unfolded, but creased. The sheetlike composite <NUM> comprises, in the direction from the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>: the first longitudinal crease <NUM>, the second longitudinal crease <NUM>, the third longitudinal crease <NUM> and the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. The sheetlike composite <NUM> provided is a blank for manufacture of a single closed foodstuff container. In addition, <FIG> shows a snapshot in method step b) <NUM>. Here, the first longitudinal fold along the first longitudinal crease <NUM> and the third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM> have already been produced. The first internal angle <NUM> is reduced to <NUM>° and the third internal angle <NUM> to <NUM>°. Subsequently, the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> are each increased to <NUM>° (not shown). A snapshot of method step c) <NUM> shows the already produced second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease <NUM> and the fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. The second internal angle <NUM> has been reduced to <NUM>° and the fourth internal angle <NUM> to <NUM>°. In a snapshot of method step d) <NUM>, the first longitudinal edge <NUM> and the further longitudinal edge <NUM> have been contacted with one another and joined by sealing. Thus, the longitudinal seam <NUM> has been produced. A further snapshot shows the result of method step e) <NUM>. The container precursor <NUM> was folded over as described for <FIG>, such that the first internal angle <NUM> of the first longitudinal fold along the first longitudinal crease <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> of the third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM> were each reduced to <NUM>°, and the second internal angle <NUM> of the second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> of the fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM> were each increased to <NUM>°.

<FIG> shows schematic snapshots of a sheetlike composite <NUM> in method step b) <NUM> of a further method according to the invention <NUM>. In addition, the method <NUM> according to <FIG> comprises method steps a) <NUM> and c) <NUM> to e) <NUM> according to <FIG> and <FIG>. In method step b) <NUM> according to <FIG>, the first internal angle <NUM> is first reduced to <NUM>° and hence the first longitudinal fold along the first longitudinal crease <NUM> is produced. In addition, in method step b) <NUM>, the first internal angle <NUM> is reduced further to <NUM>° and, at the same time, the third internal angle <NUM> is reduced to <NUM>° and hence the third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM> is produced. In addition, in method step b) <NUM>, the first internal angle <NUM> is increased to <NUM>° and, at the same time, the third internal angle <NUM> is reduced further to <NUM>°. In addition, in method step b) <NUM>, the first internal angle <NUM> is increased further to <NUM>° and the third internal angle <NUM> is reduced to <NUM>°. In addition, the third internal angle <NUM> is folded to <NUM>°. Thus, the sheetlike composite <NUM> has been returned to a flat state. Method steps c) <NUM>, d) <NUM> and e) <NUM> follow according to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram of a further method <NUM> of the invention. In a method step a) <NUM> of the method <NUM> according to <FIG>, a sheetlike composite <NUM> is provided. The latter comprises, as superposed layers, from an inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM> to an outer face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>, a layer structure shown in <FIG>. In addition, the sheetlike composite <NUM> comprises, as shown in <FIG>, a first longitudinal edge <NUM> and, opposite that, a further longitudinal edge <NUM> and, in the direction from the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>: a first longitudinal crease <NUM>, a second longitudinal crease <NUM>, a third longitudinal crease <NUM> and a fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. In a method step b) <NUM>, a first longitudinal fold is produced by folding along the first longitudinal crease <NUM>, and a third longitudinal fold is produced by folding along the third longitudinal crease <NUM>. In this case, the first longitudinal fold is characterized by a first internal angle <NUM> and the third longitudinal fold by a third internal angle <NUM>. In a method step c) <NUM>, a fourth longitudinal fold is produced by folding along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>, and a second longitudinal fold is produced by folding along the second longitudinal crease <NUM>. In this case, the fourth longitudinal fold is characterized by a fourth internal angle <NUM> and the second longitudinal fold by a second internal angle <NUM>. In this case, the first to fourth internal angles <NUM> - <NUM> are each on the inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>. In a method step d) <NUM>, the first longitudinal edge <NUM> and the further longitudinal edge <NUM> are pressed onto one another and sealed to one another. Thus, a longitudinal seam <NUM> is produced, which gives rise to a sleeve-like container precursor <NUM> for a single container from the folded sheetlike composite <NUM>. The container precursor <NUM> is obtained in a first flat-folded state. In a method step e) <NUM>, the container precursor <NUM> is folded in such a way that the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> are each reduced to <NUM>°, and the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> are each increased to <NUM>°. Thus, the container precursor <NUM> is converted from the first flat-folded state to a further flat-folded state, i.e. folded over. Method step e) <NUM> is followed by a method step f) <NUM>. In method step f) <NUM>, the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> are each increased to <NUM>°, and the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> are each reduced to <NUM>°. Thus, the container precursor <NUM> is converted from the further flat-folded state to the first flat-folded state, i.e. folded over once more. In method steps a) <NUM> to f) <NUM>, a multitude of container precursors <NUM> are produced, which constitutes method step A) overall. In a method step B) <NUM>, <NUM> container precursors <NUM> obtained according to method steps a) <NUM> to g) <NUM> are packaged in an outer box as a stack.

<FIG> shows schematic snapshots of the sheetlike composite <NUM> in method steps c) <NUM> to g) <NUM> of the method <NUM> according to the invention as per <FIG>.

The sheetlike composite <NUM> provided in method step a) <NUM> is unfolded, but creased (not shown). The sheetlike composite <NUM> comprises, in the direction from the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>: the first longitudinal crease <NUM>, the second longitudinal crease <NUM>, the third longitudinal crease <NUM> and the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. The sheetlike composite <NUM> provided is a blank for production of a single closed foodstuff container. In method step b) <NUM>, as described above, the first longitudinal fold is produced along the third longitudinal crease <NUM>, and the third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM> (not shown). For this purpose, the first internal angle <NUM> is reduced to <NUM>°, and the third internal angle <NUM> to <NUM>°. Subsequently, the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> are each increased to <NUM>° (not shown). <FIG> shows a snapshot of method step c) <NUM>. This shows the already produced second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease <NUM> and the fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. The second internal angle <NUM> has been reduced to <NUM>° and the fourth internal angle <NUM> has been reduced to <NUM>°. In a snapshot of method step d) <NUM>, the first longitudinal edge <NUM> and the further longitudinal edge <NUM> have been contacted with one another and joined by sealing. Thus, the longitudinal seam <NUM> has been produced. The container precursor <NUM> obtained is in the first flat-folded state. A further snapshot shows the result of method step e) <NUM>. The container precursor <NUM> was folded over as described for <FIG>, such that the first internal angle <NUM> of the first longitudinal fold along the first longitudinal crease <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> of the third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM> were each reduced to <NUM>°, and the second internal angle <NUM> of the second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> of the fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM> were each increased to <NUM>°. Here, the container precursor <NUM> is in the further flat-folded state. In addition, <FIG> shows, in a further snapshot, the result of method step f) <NUM>. The first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> have each been increased to <NUM>°, and the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> have each been reduced to <NUM>°. The container precursor <NUM> is again in the first flat-folded state.

<FIG> shows a detail of a layer sequence of the sheetlike composite <NUM> of the method <NUM> according to <FIG> in cross section. From the inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM> to the outer face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>, the layer sequence comprises an inner polymer layer <NUM>, a barrier layer <NUM>, an adhesion promoter layer <NUM>, a carrier layer <NUM>, an outer polymer layer <NUM> and, printed thereon, a colour layer <NUM> which comprises a colourant and constitutes a decoration <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a microscope image of a longitudinal crease <NUM>-<NUM> of a sheetlike composite <NUM> of the inventive container precursor <NUM> in <FIG> in cross section. It is clearly apparent that the carrier layer <NUM> is split into <NUM> separate sublayers <NUM> along the longitudinal crease <NUM>-<NUM>. Between the two sublayers <NUM>, the carrier layer <NUM> forms a cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an inventive container precursor <NUM> in top view (upright). The container precursor <NUM> consists of a sheetlike composite <NUM>, the layer structure of which is shown in cross section in <FIG>. In this case, the sheetlike composite <NUM> is a blank for manufacture of a single container. The container precursor <NUM> comprises a first longitudinal edge <NUM> and, opposite that across the sheetlike composite <NUM>, a further longitudinal edge <NUM>. The first longitudinal edge <NUM> is sealed to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>. This results in formation of a longitudinal seam <NUM> of the container precursor <NUM>. The longitudinal seam <NUM> in this container precursor <NUM> runs through about the middle of a wall area of the container precursor <NUM>. In the case of other inventive container precursors <NUM>, the longitudinal seam <NUM> may instead run along a longitudinal fold, i.e. along a longitudinal edge <NUM> of the container precursor <NUM>. Across the sheetlike composite <NUM>, from the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>, the sheetlike composite <NUM> comprises a first longitudinal crease <NUM>, a second longitudinal crease <NUM>, a third longitudinal crease <NUM> and a fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. Therein, a first longitudinal fold runs along the first longitudinal crease <NUM>, a second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease <NUM>, a third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM>, and a fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. The longitudinal folds are each intended to form a longitudinal edge <NUM> in the closed container to be produced. The first longitudinal fold is characterized by a first internal angle <NUM>, the second longitudinal fold by a second internal angle <NUM>, the third longitudinal fold by a third internal angle <NUM>, and the fourth longitudinal fold by a fourth longitudinal angle <NUM>. Therein, the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> are each <NUM>°, and the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> are each <NUM>°. Thus, the container precursor <NUM>, in accordance with the invention, is in a flat-folded state. By shaping <NUM> of the flat-folded container precursor <NUM>, it can be formed to give a sleeve structure. The shaping <NUM> can be effected by simultaneous folding of the first to fourth longitudinal folds as indicated in <FIG>. The container precursor <NUM> is obtainable by method steps a) <NUM> to e) <NUM> of the method <NUM> according to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the container precursor <NUM> according to <FIG> in side view (upright) after the shaping <NUM>. Thus, the container precursor <NUM> in <FIG> is no longer in a flat-folded state. In the side view shown in <FIG>, compared to <FIG>, moreover, a hole <NUM> can be seen in a carrier layer <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>. The hole <NUM> is covered by an adhesion promoter layer <NUM>, a barrier layer <NUM> and an inner polymer layer <NUM> as hole-covering layers <NUM> on the inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>. In addition, further creases <NUM> are shown. By folding along the further creases <NUM> and joining appropriate parts of the sheetlike composite <NUM>, it is possible to form a top region <NUM> and a base region <NUM> of a closed container. Also shown here is a longitudinal edge <NUM> formed from the fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an inventive apparatus <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> comprises a sheetlike composite <NUM> which, from an inner face <NUM> to an outer face <NUM>, comprises the layer sequence according to <FIG>. In addition, the sheetlike composite <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, comprises a first longitudinal edge <NUM> and a further longitudinal edge <NUM>. As also shown in <FIG>, the sheetlike composite <NUM> comprises, from the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM>: a first longitudinal crease <NUM>, a second longitudinal crease <NUM>, a third longitudinal crease <NUM>, and a fourth longitudinal crease <NUM>. Moreover, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a transport unit <NUM>, designed to transport the sheetlike composite <NUM> from a first folding station <NUM> to a first flat folding station <NUM>, in a transport direction <NUM>. The first folding station <NUM> is designed to produce a first longitudinal fold along the first longitudinal crease <NUM> by reducing a first internal angle <NUM> which characterizes the first longitudinal fold to <NUM>° and to produce a third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease <NUM> by reducing a third internal angle <NUM> which characterizes the third longitudinal fold to <NUM>°. For the aforementioned purpose, the first folding station <NUM> comprises two continuously revolving belts, wherein the belts, for the above-described folding of the sheetlike composite <NUM>, each rotate about their longitudinal axis along the transport direction <NUM>. In addition, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a second folding station <NUM> beyond the first folding station <NUM> in transport direction <NUM>. The second folding station <NUM> is designed to produce a second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease <NUM> by reducing a second internal angle <NUM> that characterizes the second longitudinal fold to <NUM>°, and to produce a fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease <NUM> by reducing a fourth internal angle <NUM> that characterizes the fourth longitudinal fold to <NUM>°. For the aforementioned purpose, the second folding station <NUM> comprises two continuously revolving belts, wherein the belts, for the above-described folding of the sheetlike composite <NUM>, each rotate about their longitudinal axis along the transport direction <NUM>. In addition, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a longitudinal seam-forming station <NUM>, which is a sealing station. The latter is designed to contact and join the first longitudinal edge <NUM> to the further longitudinal edge <NUM> by ultrasound sealing thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam <NUM>. For this purpose, the longitudinal seam-forming station <NUM> comprises a sonotrode. The longitudinal seam-forming station <NUM> is arranged beyond the second folding station <NUM> in the transport direction <NUM>. It should also be mentioned that the first internal angle <NUM>, the second internal angle <NUM>, the third internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> are each on the inner face <NUM> of the sheetlike composite <NUM>. In transport direction <NUM>, arranged beyond the longitudinal seam-forming station <NUM>, the apparatus <NUM> further comprises a first flat-folding station <NUM>. The first flat-folding station <NUM> is designed to reduce the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> each to <NUM>°, and to increase the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> each to <NUM>°. For this purpose, the first flat-folding station <NUM> comprises two pairs of contra-rotating rolls. In this case, the rolls of one pair are designed and arranged to press the first longitudinal fold in a gap between the rolls. The rolls of the further pair are designed and arranged to press the third longitudinal fold in a gap between the rolls.

<FIG> shows a further apparatus <NUM> of the invention. The apparatus <NUM> according to <FIG> is designed like the apparatus <NUM> according to <FIG>, wherein the apparatus <NUM> according to <FIG> further comprises a second flat-folding station <NUM>. The second flat-folding station <NUM> is arranged beyond the first flat-folding station <NUM> in the transport direction <NUM>. The second flat-folding station <NUM> is designed to increase the first internal angle <NUM> and the third internal angle <NUM> each to <NUM>° and to reduce the second internal angle <NUM> and the fourth internal angle <NUM> each to <NUM>°. For this purpose, the second flat-folding station <NUM> comprises two pairs of contra-rotating rolls. In this case, the rolls of one pair are designed and arranged to press the second longitudinal fold in a gap between the rolls. The rolls of the further pair are designed and arranged to press the fourth longitudinal fold in a gap between the rolls. In addition, the transport unit <NUM> in the transport direction <NUM> downstream of the longitudinal seam-forming station <NUM> up to and including the second flat-folding station <NUM> is designed as a conveyor belt <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a test setup <NUM> for measurement of the shaping force. In this setup, the container precursor <NUM> according to <FIG> is clamped between two compression plates <NUM> of a compression plate system of a universal strength tester. The compression plate system is motor-driven, such that the upper compression plate <NUM> can perform a uniform downward motion <NUM>. As a result, shaping <NUM> of the container precursor <NUM> from the flat-folded state takes place to give a sleeve structure. Further details relating to the measurement are reported under the "Shaping force" test method.

<FIG>) shows a holding clamp <NUM>. The holding clamp <NUM> was developed in-house and serves to conduct the above-described test method for the zero sample force. <FIG>) shows a section A-A through the holding clamp <NUM>. The holding clamp <NUM> more particularly comprises a holding plate <NUM>, a clamp <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, a shell <NUM>, a spacer ring <NUM>, a bolt <NUM>, a cylinder pin <NUM> and a compression spring <NUM>.

<FIG>) shows the holding clamp <NUM> according to <FIG>) in a further view. What is shown is a section B-B through the holding clamp <NUM>.

<FIG>) shows the holding clamp <NUM> according to <FIG>) in a further view with dimensions in mm.

<FIG>) shows the holding clamp <NUM> according to <FIG>) with a turntable <NUM>. The holding clamp <NUM> and the turntable <NUM> are used in this arrangement for the "zero sample force" test method as described above.

<FIG>) shows the holding clamp <NUM> according to <FIG>) in a further view.

<FIG>) shows the holding clamp <NUM> according to <FIG>) in a perspective view.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) comprising, as method steps,
A) providing a multitude of container precursors (<NUM>), wherein the providing of the container precursors (<NUM>) in each case comprises:
a) providing a sheetlike composite (<NUM>) comprising, as mutually superposed layers of a layer sequence, from an inner face (<NUM>) of the sheetlike composite (<NUM>) to an outer face (<NUM>) of the sheetlike composite (<NUM>)
i) an inner polymer layer (<NUM>),
ii) a barrier layer (<NUM>), and
iii) a carrier layer (<NUM>),
wherein the sheetlike composite (<NUM>) includes a first longitudinal edge (<NUM>) and a further longitudinal edge (<NUM>),
wherein the first longitudinal edge (<NUM>) lies opposite the further longitudinal edge (<NUM>),
wherein the sheetlike composite (<NUM>) includes, in the following sequence in the direction from the first longitudinal edge (<NUM>) to the further longitudinal edge (<NUM>):
i. a first longitudinal crease (<NUM>),
ii. a second longitudinal crease (<NUM>),
iii. a third longitudinal crease (<NUM>), and
iv. a fourth longitudinal crease (<NUM>);
b) producing a first longitudinal fold along the first longitudinal crease (<NUM>) and a third longitudinal fold along the third longitudinal crease (<NUM>),
wherein the first longitudinal fold is characterized by a first internal angle (<NUM>),
wherein the third longitudinal fold is characterized by a third internal angle (<NUM>);
c) producing a second longitudinal fold along the second longitudinal crease (<NUM>) and a fourth longitudinal fold along the fourth longitudinal crease (<NUM>),
wherein the second longitudinal fold is characterized by a second internal angle (<NUM>),
wherein the fourth longitudinal fold is characterized by a fourth internal angle (<NUM>);
d) contacting and joining the first longitudinal edge (<NUM>) to the further longitudinal edge (<NUM>) thereby obtaining a longitudinal seam (<NUM>); and
e) reducing the first internal angle (<NUM>) and the third internal angle (<NUM>) each to not more than <NUM>° and increasing the second internal angle (<NUM>) and the fourth internal angle (<NUM>) each to at least <NUM>°; and
B) at least partly enveloping the multitude of container precursors (<NUM>) with a packaging means,
wherein the first internal angle (<NUM>), the second internal angle (<NUM>), the third internal angle (<NUM>) and the fourth internal angle (<NUM>) are each on the inner face (<NUM>) of the sheetlike composite (<NUM>).