Patent Description:
The present invention also relates to a method for packaging a food product, in particular a pourable food product, into a package.

As is known, many food products, in particular pourable food products, such as fruit juice, milk, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, yoghurt, cottage cheese, soup, salt, sugar etc., are sold in packages at least partially being made from a multilayer packaging material.

One of the prominent examples of such packages is the bottle-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Top (registered trademark). Such packages are formed from a laminated multilayer packaging material and a top portion molded to the multilayer packaging material.

The multilayer packaging material comprises a carton and/or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the multilayer packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.

While the multilayer packaging material is formed into a main body having an inner space, the top portion comprises a shoulder mounted to the main body, a neck extending from the shoulder and having a pouring outlet and a closure removably attached to the neck for selectively closing and opening the pouring outlet.

Even though the known packages for food products work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to even further improve the known packages. In particular, a need is felt in order to reduce the amount of plastic, thereby maintaining an appealing aesthetical appearance.

Related prior art is described in patent document <CIT> as well as in documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is an object of the invention to at least partly overcome one or more limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a package coming along with a reduced quantity of plastic and to maintain an appealing aesthetical appearance.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mold for a packaging machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for packaging a food product in a package.

According to the present invention, there is provided a package according to the independent claim <NUM>.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method according to claim <NUM>.

By having a package according to claim <NUM>, it is possible to maintain an appealing bottle-shape of the package thereby reducing the quantity of plastics used.

The neck may be a molded neck that is joined with the molded seams, the molded seams may extend from the molded neck along the lateral edges of the flap sections and in a direction towards the sidewall.

In this way, one obtains a compact package with reduced risks of the formation of perforations, which may allow leakages and/or contaminations of the food product. Furthermore, the neck and the molded seams are resistant.

Each flap section may comprise a top edge and the neck may be molded to the top edges of the flap sections.

In this way one obtains a good connection between the neck and the flap sections guaranteeing the sealing of the inner surface.

The molded seams may be integrally molded with the molded neck. Thereby, the sealing effect is guaranteed and providing a connection having a high resistance between the neck and the seams.

The flap sections may be integrally formed with the sidewall. In this way, one avoids any possible risks of the formation of perforations or similar.

The molded seams may be overmolded on the lateral edges of the flap sections. This guarantees a very good and resistive connection between the seams and the flap sections.

The combined thickness of each molded seam and the respective flap sections that are joined by the molded seam is at least <NUM>% greater than a thickness of the molded seam at a location between the lateral edges of the flap sections that are joined by the molded seam.

This guarantees a correct flow characteristics of the molten polymer during the formation of the molded seams. Each lateral edge comprises a first curved portion and a second curved portion. The first curved portion is different from the second curved portion. According to the invention, the first curved portion is convexly shaped and the second curved portion is concavely shaped with respect to a central axis of the respective flap section.

This solution facilitates the correct formation of the desired shoulder.

Each flap section may comprise a base portion integrally joined with the sidewall, and a top portion having a top edge opposite to the base portion, and the lateral edges of each flap section may be spaced apart from one another and may be joined with the base portion and the top portion of the respective flap section.

The width of the base portion may be larger than the width of the top portion. In this manner one obtains a shoulder which tampers towards the neck.

The flap sections may comprise a first group of flap sections and a second group of flap sections. The flap sections of the first group may have different shapes and dimensions with respect to the flap sections of the second group. This allows to define a particular shape of the shoulder.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Examples of the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, examples of the invention are shown.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> an exemplary package <NUM> for holding a food product, in particular a pourable food product, such as milk, yoghurt, tomato sauce, soup, salt, sugar or similar, is illustrated.

In more detail, package <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM> formed from a multilayer packaging material <NUM> and a top portion <NUM> molded to the main body <NUM>. In particular, package <NUM> may be bottle-shaped.

The multilayer packaging material <NUM> may comprise: a layer of fibrous material <NUM>, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material <NUM>, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material <NUM> in between one another.

Moreover, the multilayer packaging material <NUM> may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material <NUM>, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material <NUM> and layer of fibrous material <NUM>. Preferentially, the multilayer packaging material <NUM> may also comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material <NUM> being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material <NUM> and the layer of fibrous material <NUM>.

Turning back to <FIG>, <FIG>, the main body <NUM> comprises: a bottom <NUM>, a side wall <NUM> extending from the bottom <NUM>, in particular along a central (longitudinal) axis B, and a plurality of flap sections 12a to <NUM> extending from the sidewall <NUM>, being folded towards each other in a direction towards a neck <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> and each flap section 12a to <NUM> having respective lateral edges 14a and 14b. Each lateral edge 14a faces a respective lateral edge 14b and each lateral edge 14b faces a respective lateral edge 14a of the respective neighboring flap sections 12a to <NUM>.

Flap sections 12a to <NUM> may be equally spaced around the central axis B.

Top portion <NUM> comprises besides the neck <NUM>, a plurality of molded seams 13a to <NUM>, each molded seam 13a to <NUM> joins one lateral edge 14a of one of respective flap section 12a to <NUM> of the flap sections 12a to <NUM> with the lateral edge 14b of a respective neighboring flap section 12a to <NUM>. the molded seam 13a joins the lateral edge 14a of the flap section 12a with the lateral edge 14b of the flap section 12b.

According to the example shown, each lateral edge 14a and the respective lateral edge 14b may remain distanced from one another (i.e. they do not contact) also after having been joined by the respective seam 13a to <NUM>. Alternatively, one or more or even all of the lateral edges 14a may be in contact with respective lateral edge 14b after having been joined by the respective seam 13a to <NUM>.

The flap sections 12a to <NUM> and the seams 13a to <NUM> form a shoulder <NUM> of package <NUM>.

Neck <NUM> may be a molded neck that may be joined with the molded seams 13a to <NUM>. Each one of the molded seams 13a to <NUM> may extend from the molded neck <NUM> and along the respective lateral edges 14a and 14b of the two respective flap sections 12a to <NUM> and in a direction towards the sidewall <NUM>. Each one of the molded seams 13a to <NUM> may be connected, in particular molded, to the sidewall <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may be opposed to top portion <NUM>.

The top portion <NUM> may be vertically arranged above the base <NUM>.

The top portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the base <NUM> along the central axis B.

The neck <NUM> may comprise a pouring outlet <NUM> allowing for the outpouring of the pourable product.

The neck <NUM> may also comprise a sealing membrane removably attached to the neck <NUM> for sealing the pouring outlet <NUM> at least prior to the first time outpouring of the pourable product.

Alternatively or in addition, the package <NUM>, in particular the top portion <NUM>, may comprise a closure <NUM>, that may be removably attached to the neck <NUM> so as to allow to at least selectively open, preferentially to selectively open and close, a pouring outlet <NUM> of the neck <NUM>.

More specifically, the base <NUM> may define a support surface of package <NUM>, in particular of the main body <NUM>, which may be configured to be put in contact with a support surface, such as a shelf, e.g. when, in use, being exposed within a sales point or similar or when being stored in a transport box, a fridge, a storage shelf or similar. In particular, it is readily recognizable that the base <NUM> is to be arranged at a lower position than the other portions of the package <NUM>, when being placed on the support surface. In particular, the base <NUM> defines the lowest portion of package <NUM>.

Furthermore, also during a manipulation of the closure <NUM> for opening the pouring outlet <NUM>, the base <NUM> may define the lowest position of the main body <NUM>.

Thus, in the following any references referring to top, bottom, upper, lower, above, beneath and similar refers to package <NUM> being placed e.g. on a support surface or when being held by a consumer when this latter intends to manipulate the closure <NUM> and/or the sealing membrane, having the base <NUM> at the lowermost position the pouring outlet <NUM> is located vertically above the base <NUM>.

In other words, a "correct" orientation of the package <NUM> is such that the base <NUM>, when being viewed by the consumer, is arranged at a lower position than the top portion <NUM> as otherwise the manipulation of the closure <NUM> and/or of the sealing membrane would lead to a non-desired spilling of the food product.

The neck <NUM> may comprise an annular cross-section with respect to a cross-section plane being perpendicular to the central axis B.

<FIG> illustrates a blank <NUM>, which in use, is folded and sealed so as to allow for the formation of the main body <NUM>. The blank <NUM> may comprise a main portion <NUM>, which after being folded and sealed defines the base <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM>. The flap sections 12a to <NUM> may extend from the main portion <NUM>, in particular a zone of the main portion <NUM> which defines the sidewall <NUM> once main body <NUM> has been formed. The flap sections 12a to <NUM> may be integrally formed with the main portion <NUM>, in particular the zone defining the sidewalls <NUM>.

Thus, the flap sections 12a to <NUM> may be integrally formed with the sidewall <NUM>.

Furthermore, the blank <NUM>, in particular the main portion <NUM>, may comprise a plurality of crease lines <NUM>. The crease lines <NUM> may partially define the shape of the main body <NUM>.

Each blank <NUM> may be obtained from cutting a web of the multilayer packaging material. The web may comprise a plurality of successively arranged and continuously connected repeat units. The web may be cut in correspondence of the repeat units so as to form the blanks <NUM>.

Alternatively, the blank <NUM> may be provided as a single blank <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, each flap section 12a to <NUM> may comprise a respective top portion <NUM> and a base portion <NUM> integrally joined with the sidewall <NUM> (or to the main portion <NUM> when considering the unfolded blank <NUM>). In particular, the base portions <NUM> may be connected to the sidewall <NUM> or to the main portion <NUM> along a fold line so as to allow for the folding of the flap sections 12a to <NUM> towards the neck <NUM>.

Each top portion <NUM> may have a respective top edge <NUM>. The top edge <NUM> may be a free top edge <NUM> when considering the unfolded blank <NUM>.

Each flap section 12a to <NUM> may comprise a respective central axis A, in particular the central axis A may define a symmetry axis. The central axis A may be interposed between the respective lateral edge 14a and the respective lateral edge 14b.

Each top portion <NUM> and the respective base portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another along the respective central axis A.

Each top edge <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> and/or the respective fold line define the height h of the respective flap section 12a to <NUM>.

Reverting to <FIG>, <FIG>, the neck <NUM> may be molded to the flap sections 12a to <NUM>. More specifically, the neck <NUM> may be molded to the top edges <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> may comprise a (bottom) coupling portion <NUM> molded to the flap sections 12a to <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> may comprise a plurality of sections <NUM> angularly spaced apart from one another about the central axis A and each section <NUM> extending between two respective connection points <NUM>. From each one of the connection points <NUM> extends one respective seam 13a to <NUM> towards the sidewall <NUM>. In particular, each seam 13a to <NUM> is integrally connected to the neck <NUM> at a respective connection point <NUM>.

The neck <NUM> may be molded to each of the top edges <NUM>. In particular, each section <NUM> may be molded to one respective top edge <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, each seam 13a to <NUM> may comprise a central portion <NUM>, a first lateral portion <NUM> and a second lateral portion <NUM> integrally formed with one another. Each central portion <NUM> may be interposed between the respective first lateral portion <NUM> and the respective second lateral portion <NUM>.

Moreover, each central portion <NUM> may be interposed between and connected to the respective lateral edge 14a and the respective lateral edge 14b. Additionally, each one of the respective first lateral portion <NUM> and the respective second lateral portion <NUM> may contact a relative inner surface <NUM> of the respective flap sections 12a to <NUM>. In particular, each inner surface <NUM> may face the inner space <NUM>.

More specifically, each seam 13a to <NUM> may be overmolded, in particular during a single molding step, on the respective lateral edge 14a and the respective lateral edge 14b. The respective first lateral portion <NUM> and the respective second lateral portion <NUM> may be overmolded on the respective inner surface <NUM> of the respective flap sections 12a to <NUM>.

Overmolding may mean in the present context, that a molten polymer is brought, in particular during the single molding step, in contact with the respective flap sections 12a to <NUM> leading to a fusion of the respective layer of heat-seal plastic material <NUM> with the molten polymer, which further on solidifies. In particular, during the respective overmolding, the layer of the heat-seal plastic material <NUM> may be fused together with the respective first lateral portion <NUM> and the respective second lateral portion <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, a combined (maximum) thickness d1 of each molded seam 13a to <NUM> and the respective flap sections 12a to <NUM> that are joined by the molded seam 13a to <NUM> is at least <NUM>% greater than a (minimum) thickness d2 of the molded seam 13a to <NUM> at a location between the respective lateral edges 14a and 14b of the respective flap sections 12a to <NUM> that are joined by the molded seam 13a to <NUM>.

In more detail, the combined thickness d1 may be determined as the maximum thickness as defined by either the respective first lateral portion <NUM> and the portion of the respective flap section 12a to <NUM> to which the respective first lateral portion <NUM> is connected to or by the respective second lateral portion <NUM> and the portion of the respective flap section 12a to <NUM> to which the respective second lateral portion <NUM> is connected to. The minimum thickness d2 may be determined as the minimum thickness of the respective central portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, a respective (maximum) thickness d3 of each first lateral portion <NUM> and of each second lateral portion <NUM> is larger than the respective thickness d2.

Preferentially, each combined thickness d1 and/or each thickness d2 and/or each thickness d3 may be determined with respect to an axis normal to the respective flap section 12a to <NUM> and in proximity to the respective lateral edge 14a or the respective lateral edge 14b.

Turning back to <FIG> and <FIG>, each lateral edge 14a and each lateral edge 14b may comprise and/or present a curved shape.

Each lateral edge 14a and each lateral edge 14b of each flap section 12a to <NUM> may comprise a respective first curved portion <NUM> and a respective second curved portion <NUM>. Thereby, each first curved portion <NUM> may be different from the respective second curved portion <NUM>. More specifically, each first curved portion <NUM> may be described by a respective first radius r1 and each second curved portion <NUM> may be described by a respective second radius r2 distinct from the respective first radius r1.

Alternatively or in addition, each first curved portion <NUM> may be convexly shaped and the respective second curved portion <NUM> may be concavely shaped with respect to the respective central axis A.

It should be noted that each lateral edge 14a and each lateral edge 14b may also comprise one or more further curved portions. Thereby, the curved portions may be different in shape from the respective first curved portion <NUM> and/or the respective second curved portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, a respective width w1 of each base portion <NUM> may be larger than the respective width w2 of the respective top portion <NUM>. Each width w1 may be measured along the respective interface of the respective flap section 12a to <NUM> with the sidewall <NUM> or the main portion <NUM> and each width w2 may be measured along the respective top edge <NUM>.

The ratio w1/w2 between width w1 and width w2 may lie between <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> or between <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

One or more, in the specific example shown all, of the flap sections 12a to <NUM> may have a respective height h that is at least <NUM>% to <NUM>% or <NUM>% to <NUM>% larger than the respective widths w1.

Each lateral edge 14a and each lateral edge 14b may be joined with the respective base portion <NUM> at a first location <NUM> and with the respective top portion <NUM> at a second location <NUM>. Each first location <NUM> and the respective second location <NUM> are arranged such that a respective imaginary line L through the first location <NUM> and the respective second location <NUM> define an angle α with the respective central axis A which is larger than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°, in particular larger than <NUM>° and smaller than <NUM>°.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, one notes that sidewall <NUM> or prior to folding and sealing of blank <NUM> the main portion <NUM> comprises a plurality of curved connection portions <NUM>, each one interposed between and connecting two neighboring flap sections 12a to <NUM>. In particular, each curved connection portion <NUM> extends between two respective first locations <NUM>. Preferentially, a distance between the respective first locations <NUM> is at least <NUM>,<NUM>, in particular at least <NUM>,<NUM>.

The flap sections 12a to <NUM> of the specific example of <FIG> may be such that all the flap sections 12a to <NUM> may have the same shape and the same dimension. One also notes when reverting to <FIG> that the flap section 12a may comprise two portions 50a and 50b being arranged at opposed sides of the blank <NUM>. Furthermore, at least one of the portions 50a and 50b may have a size which is larger than half of the size of the flap section 12a. This is as during the folding of the blank <NUM>, the portions 50a and 50b overlap with one another and, accordingly, the size and the shape of the portion 50a and/or the portion 50b must be chosen so as to compensate for the overlap.

<FIG> show top views of variations of package <NUM> with respect to the one of <FIG>. In order to facilitate the comparison between the variations of the package <NUM>, the top view of the package1 of <FIG> is newly reproduced in <FIG>.

From the comparison of <FIG>, one notes that in dependence of the specific choice of the shape and size and/or the number of the flap sections, it is possible to vary the specific shape of the respective shoulders <NUM>. Furthermore, it may be possible that the flap sections of a package <NUM> may not have the same size and shape (see e.g. <FIG>).

<FIG> shows a package <NUM> having the flap sections 12a to <NUM> and <FIG> shows a package <NUM> having the flap sections 12a to 12j.

One identifies that a package <NUM> may have a first group of flap sections 12a, 12c, 12e, <NUM> (, 12i) and a second group of flap sections 12b, 12d, 12f, <NUM> (, 12j). Thereby, the flap sections 12a, 12c, 12e, <NUM> (, 12i) of the first group and the flap sections 12b, 12d, 12f, <NUM> (, 12j) of the second group may be alternatingly arranged. This means that each flap section 12a, 12c, 12e, <NUM> (, 12i) of the first group has two neighboring flap sections 12b, 12d, 12f, <NUM> (, 12j) of the second group and vice versa.

in the example of <FIG>, the first group comprises the flap sections 12a, 12c, 12e and <NUM> and the second group comprises the flap sections 12b, 12d, 12f and <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the first group also comprises the flap section 12i and the second group also comprises the flap section 12j.

When comparing <FIG> one notes that the number of the flap sections differ, but the respective flap sections have the same size and shape.

A further example of a package <NUM> is shown in <FIG> in perspective view. <FIG> illustrates thereby the respective blank <NUM> which forms the basis of the respective side wall <NUM>, the respective base <NUM> and the flaps sections 12a to <NUM>.

One notes that similar to the examples of <FIG>, there are two groups of flap sections. While the flap sections 12a, 12c, 12e and <NUM> of the first group have the same shape and size, also the flap sections 12b, 12d, 12f e <NUM> of the second group have the same shape and size when being compared with respect to one another. However, the shape and size of the flap sections 12a, 12c, 12e and <NUM> of the first group and of the flap sections 12b, 12d, 12f e <NUM> of the second group differ with respect to one another.

As mentioned above, the neck <NUM> and the seams 13a to <NUM> are obtained during a molding process, in particular during a single molding step. <FIG> shows portions of a mold <NUM> configured to allow for the molding of neck <NUM> and seams 13a to <NUM> to flap sections 12a to <NUM>. The specific example of <FIG> shows a mold <NUM> configured to mold the neck <NUM> and the seams 13a to <NUM> of the package <NUM> of <FIG>. However, from the following description it will become clear on how to modify the mold <NUM> so as to also mold the respective necks <NUM> and the respective seams 13a to <NUM> of the variations of the packages <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The mold <NUM> has an inner mold tool <NUM> and an outer mold tool <NUM> (the outer mold tool <NUM> being only partially shown in <FIG>) defining together a mold cavity <NUM> configured to allow for the formation of the neck <NUM>.

The mold <NUM> may also comprise one or more distribution channels <NUM> configured to distribute the molten polymer into the mold cavity <NUM> and the mold channels 27a to <NUM>. The outer mold tool <NUM> may comprise at least some of the distribution channels <NUM>.

The engagement sections 26a to <NUM> may be complementary in size and shape to the size and shape of the flap sections 12a to <NUM>. the size and shape of the respective inner mold tools <NUM> adapted to form the respective necks <NUM> and the respective seams 13a to <NUM> of the packages <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, must be adopted to the specific shapes and sizes and the numbers of the flap sections.

Moreover, the engagement sections 26a to <NUM> and the mold channels 27a to <NUM> may be formed such to guarantee the formation of the first lateral portions <NUM> and the second lateral portion <NUM> and such that these are connected and/or fused and/or molded onto the respective flap sections <NUM> to <NUM>.

The outer mold tool <NUM> may comprise a first portion <NUM> and a second portion (symmetric to the first portion <NUM> and not shown). The first portion <NUM> and the second portion of the outer mold tool <NUM> may be distinct and, in use, are approached to one another so as to delimit in collaboration with the inner mold tool <NUM> the mold cavity <NUM>.

The inner mold tool <NUM> and the outer mold tool <NUM> may be configured such that the flap sections 12a to <NUM> are, in use and during the execution of the mold process, clamped between an outer surface <NUM> of the inner mold tool <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM> of the outer mold tool <NUM>.

Furthermore, the outer surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> may be complementary to one another and may define in collaboration the shape of the shoulder <NUM>.

Each one of the mold channels 27a to <NUM> and the flap sections 12a to <NUM> may comprise portions of the outer surface <NUM>.

Furthermore, mold channels <NUM> may be formed such that the thickness d1 is larger than the thickness d2. Moreover, the mold channels <NUM> may also be formed such that also the thickness d3 may be larger than the thickness d2.

<FIG> show in enlarged view a plurality of varying types of mold channels 27a to <NUM>, which may be provided on the inner mold tool <NUM>. The specific choice of the type of mold channel 27a to <NUM> may depend on the size and/or shape of the flap sections 12a to <NUM>, the number of the flap sections 12a to <NUM>, on the type of polymer used and others.

It should be noted that the number and the respective sizes and shapes of the engagement sections 26a to <NUM> depend on the specific number, sizes and shapes of the flap sections 12a to <NUM> or 12a to 12j.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram of a method for packaging the food product into package <NUM>, in particular as it is operated within an automatic packaging machine. The method comprises the steps of:.

The method may also comprise the step of g) providing and/or applying the closure <NUM> on the neck <NUM>. This step may be performed before filling the food product into the package <NUM>. Alternatively, this step may be performed after filling the food product into the package <NUM>, typically when the neck <NUM> includes a membrane that seals the neck <NUM>.

In particular, the steps a) to f) may be executed in sequence of their appearance.

The method may also comprise a plurality of further steps h) of repetition, during which the steps a) to f) or a) to g) are repeated.

In more detail, during the step a) the sub-steps of:.

During the step b) the blank <NUM> may be formed such to form a tubular package having the bottom open end and a top open end opposite to the bottom open end. In particular, the flap sections 12a to <NUM> may define the top open end.

During the step c) the inner mold tool <NUM> and the outer mold tool <NUM> may be approached towards one another such that the flap sections 12a to <NUM> engage onto engagement sections 27a to <NUM>. Furthermore, during the step c) the flap sections 12a to <NUM> are clamped between the outer surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>.

During the step d), the molten polymer may be injected, in particular through the distribution channels <NUM>, into the mold cavity <NUM> for forming the neck <NUM> and into the mold channels 27a to <NUM> for forming the seams 13a to <NUM>.

After the molding of the neck <NUM> and the seams 13a to <NUM>, the inner mold tool <NUM> and the outer mold tool <NUM> may be separated from one another.

Furthermore, after the molding the packaging <NUM> is partially formed with the bottom open end being still open so that the food product can be introduced into the partially formed package <NUM> through the bottom open end.

Claim 1:
A package (<NUM>) for holding a food product, the package (<NUM>) comprising a base (<NUM>), a sidewall (<NUM>), a shoulder (<NUM>), a neck (<NUM>) and a closure (<NUM>) for forming a sealed, inner space (<NUM>) for the food product, the base (<NUM>) and the sidewall (<NUM>) being formed from a multilayer packaging material (<NUM>) that comprises a layer of fibrous material (<NUM>), wherein
the shoulder (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of flap sections (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, <NUM>, <NUM>) that are formed from a multilayer packaging material (<NUM>), extend from the sidewall (<NUM>) and are folded towards each other in a direction towards the neck (<NUM>), with each flap section (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 12i, 12j) having lateral edges (14a, 14b) facing lateral edges (14b, 14a) of neighboring flap sections (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 12i, 12j), and
a plurality of molded seams (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 13i, 13j) that join the lateral edges (14a, 14b) of neighboring flap sections (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 12i, 12j), characterized in that
each lateral edge (14a, 14b) comprises a first curved portion (<NUM>) and a second curved portion (<NUM>), wherein
the first curved portion (<NUM>) is different from the second curved portion (<NUM>), and/or
the first curved portion (<NUM>) is convexly shaped and the second curved portion (<NUM>) is concavely shaped with respect to a central axis (A) of the respective flap section (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 12i, 12j).