Folded package with discharge spout and blank therefore

Abstract

 The invention relates to a packaging comprising a parallelepiped-shaped outer container (1) with a top face (2) and four side faces (3-6) and further comprising a bag-like flexible inner container with connected thereto a closable discharge device (7) projecting through the top face of the outer container. The top face of the outer container comprises two first sections (8,9) which coincide with a common diagonal line (13) of the top face. The discharge device, in its open position, is parallelogram-shaped in cross section and comprises four hingeably connected wall sections (20-23) extending substantially perpendicularly to the outer container top face. In the closed position, all four wall sections extend in parallel along said diagonal line thus closing the discharge device, whereas by partially moving towards each other those corners of the top face that are interconnected by said diagonal line the discharge device assumes its open position.

Description

[0001] The present invention firstly relates to a packaging of the type comprising a parallelepiped-shaped outer container with a top face and four side faces and further comprising a bag-like flexible inner container with connected thereto a closable discharge device projecting through the top face of the outer container.

[0002] A packaging of such a type, also referred to as bag-in-box, is known for more than 50 years now. Such a packaging comes in many shapes. Basically, it comprises an outer container or box, preferably constructed from sheet material, such as cardboard, and a flexible inner container, or bag, constructed from a flexible material, preferably a plastic material. The closable discharge device is connected to the flexible inner container and can have many different embodiments. Preferably it is connected to the inner container at a seam thereof.

[0003] Among others, the known packaging of the above type suffers from the following drawbacks:

• it is difficult or even impossible to open the packaging with one hand;
• it is difficult or even impossible to close the packaging again with one hand;
• the known discharge devices, which often comprise a flange with a separate or hingeable closing cap, are very costly;
• the dimensions of the flanges of known discharge devices are determined by the desired discharge opening. Because of its large dimensions this flange is difficult to apply in a seam of a bag;
• the closable discharge devise is more durable than the remainder of the packaging, which makes some users somewhat reluctant to throw away the packaging after use;
• the closable discharge device is rather bulky and complicated.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging of the type referred to above, in which the above drawbacks are eliminated in a simple, yet nevertheless effective manner.

[0005] Thus, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a packaging of the type comprising a parallelepiped-shaped outer container with a top face and four side faces and further comprising a bag-like flexible inner container with connected thereto a closable discharge device projecting through the top face of the outer container, characterized in that the top face of the outer container at least comprises two first sections of which first sides join opposite side faces of the outer container and of which second sides in a closed position of the packaging coincide with a common diagonal line of the top face, wherein the discharge device in its open position is parallelogram-shaped in cross section and comprises four hingeably connected wall sections extending substantially perpendicularly to the outer container top face, of which two opposite wall sections are attached to the second sides of the top face first sections in such a manner that, in the closed position of the packaging, all four wall sections extend in parallel along said diagonal line thus closing the discharge device, whereas by partially moving towards each other those corners of the top face that are interconnected by said diagonal line, the top face is deformed such that the second sides, and thus said opposite wall sections connected thereto, slide and move apart relative to each other and the packaging, and thus the discharge device, assumes an open position.

[0006] The use of the packaging according to the present invention is extremely simple. By moving towards each other the mentioned corners of the top face (corners of the outer container) between the thumb and index finger of one hand the required deformation of the top face and thus movement of the discharge device from its closed towards its open position is realized. Thus, operation of the packaging is possible with only one hand. The discharge device which comprises four hingeably connected wall sections, can be manufactured in a cheap manner. Moreover, in its closed position the discharge device has strongly reduced dimensions and thus can be attached to the seam of a bag without any problems. It is possible to manufacture the wall sections of the discharge device from the same material as the top face of the outer container. Finally, in its closed position the discharge device is very compact.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the packaging the top face first sections are triangular, with the length of said first sides substantially corresponding with the respective dimension of the joining outer container side faces, whereas in the closed position of the packaging a third side of each first section diverges inwardly from the corresponding outer container side face. The diverging third sides of each first section can come into engagement with the corresponding outer container side faces when the packaging will be deformed as stated above. Thus, the cooperation between those third sides and the corresponding side faces of the outer container determines the end position of the packaging when deformed, and thus the open position of the discharge device. Moreover, said triangular first sections cover a large part of the cross section of the packaging at its top face, thus offering an effective support for the bag-like flexible inner container, for example when the packaging is tilted to pour out any substance from the open discharge device.

[0008] Generally, deforming the packaging and its top face for obtaining the open position of the discharge device requires some pressure. When the pressure is released, the inherent resilience of the packaging will move it back towards its non-deformed initial position in which the discharge device is closed again.

[0009] However, it is also possible to embody the packaging according to the present invention in such a manner, that it assumes a stable closed position as well as a stable open position. Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the top face first sections and the four wall sections of the discharge device are such that the discharge device during its motion from its closed towards its open position passes a position in which it has a rectangular shape and in which the length of the two wall sections extending at that instant perpendicularly to the top face second sides exceeds the momentary distance between said second sides.

[0010] Because of the difference between the length of the said two wall sections and the momentary distance between said second sides, such an intermediate position is unstable. However, the positions beyond said position, at one side and at the other side thereof, both are stable. Thus, for opening the packaging one has to create a force sufficiently large to pass this intermediate unstable position, whereafter the packaging "snaps" into its open position. For bringing the packaging back towards its closed position, the other two corners of the packaging (or top face) should be moved towards each other manually, until again the mentioned intermediate position has been passed.

[0011] In a special embodiment of the packaging, said first sections of the outer container top face are attached to said outer container side faces. Thus, said first sections are stationary with respect to the corresponding side faces of the outer container.

[0012] When, as stated above, said first sections are attached to said side faces, it further is possible, that the top face of the outer container further comprises two second sections attached to the remaining opposite side faces of the outer container and wherein the first and second sections overlap each other like roof tiles. The two first sections and two second sections engage each other firmly because of the roof tile-like overlap. As a result, a very supportive top face is obtained which, however, can be deformed easily for realising the open position of the discharge device.

[0013] However, it is also possible that said first sections together with the discharge device are movable vertically relative to said outer container side faces such as to define a movable top face, and wherein the outer container further comprises an auxiliary top face positioned stationary above the movable top face, which top face comprises two auxiliary first sections in correspondence with the first sections of the slidable top face and attached to said opposite outer container side faces as well as two auxiliary second sections attached to the remaining opposite side faces of the outer container and wherein the auxiliary first and second sections overlap each other like roof tiles.

[0014] In this special embodiment of the packaging according to the present invention it comprises two top faces. The lower movable top face has connected thereto the discharge device, such that this discharge device can be moved relative to the upper stationary auxiliary top face positioned above the movable top face. This makes it possible, for example, to create a storage or transport position of the packaging in which the discharge device does not or hardly project from the stationary top face. When the packaging has to be used, the discharge device can be gripped manually and be pulled outwardly from the stationary top face. During such a pulling action the movable top face will move upwardly relative to the stationary top face.

[0015] It is conceivable, that the movable top face is provided with first sections of which the first sides are attached to the corresponding side faces of the container, and which first sections are deformable in such a manner that the discharge device is movable relative to the stationary top face. However, in yet another, preferred embodiment of the packaging according to the present invention, the first sections of the movable top face are attached to a frame comprising four interconnected vertical strips engaging the four side faces of the outer container in a slidable manner. In this embodiment, the frame with first sections and discharge device connected thereto can move vertically relative to the outer container, and thus relative to the auxiliary stationary top face.

[0016] For determining the position of the movable top face relative to the stationary top face, preferably the discharge device is provided with locking means for locking the discharge device relative to the auxiliary top face.

[0017] As an example, the locking means comprise at least two locking noses projecting from opposite discharge device wall sections for cooperation with any of the first and second sections of the auxiliary top face.

[0018] Preferably, the packaging according to the present invention comprises an outer container which in its closed position has a rectangular or square cross section. In its open position the upper end of the packaging has a parallelogram-shaped cross section.

[0019] However, although not preferred, the packaging according to the present invention also could have a parallelogram-shaped cross section in its closed position and a rectangular, square or parallelogram-shaped cross section in its open position.

[0020] Further, in the closed position of the packaging the discharge device may be located centrally or non-centrally on said diagonal line.

[0021] When the packaging according to the present invention is meant for use with perishable goods, such as food stuffs, it is preferred that the discharge device in its closed position initially comprises a removable sealing device, for example a tear strip attached to the four wall sections of the discharge device.

[0022] In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the discharge device in its closed position is foldable to a position in parallel to the top face of the outer container. In such a folded position of the discharge device the packaging comprises no projecting parts, making it less bulky and less vulnerable for storage and transport.

[0023] As stated before, the dimensions of specific parts of the packaging may be such, that the packaging has a stable open and a stable closed position. Additionally, or instead, the discharge device may comprise means for maintaining it in its closed or open position. For example, the wall sections of the discharge device may diverge downwardly in the closed position of the discharge device. Such diverging wall sections can create a stable closed position of the discharge device when, in their closed position, the wall sections are compressed. Another solution encompasses the use of cooperating snap members on the wall sections being operative in the closed and/or open position of the discharge device.

[0024] To further enhance the sealing action of the discharge device in its closed position, in a preferred embodiment of the packaging the wall sections of the discharge device comprise projections and depressions cooperating in a sealing manner when the discharge device assumes its closed position.

[0025] Preferably, the inner bag-like-container defines a complete container separate from the outer container. However, it is also possible, that the inner bag-like-container only comprises an upper flexible collar which is attached to the outer container in a sealing manner. Thus, the container housing the substance is defined partly by the inner bag-like container (at the top) and the outer container (downwardly inclusive the bottom).

[0026] The packaging according to the present invention offers many advantages, as already in part discussed above. The packaging can be manipulated by one hand for opening and closing; in its closed position the discharge device can be attached (glued or sealed) to a seam of the bag-like flexible inner container. Thus, the manufacturing process is simplified and less costly. Closing the discharge device according to the invention is simple, without application of a separate cap, lid or cover. This further reduces the price of the packaging. In a folded position of the discharge device the packaging needs less space, offering advantages during storage and transport. Moreover the discharge device can have wall sections with a reduced thickness compared to known discharge devices operating with a cap.

[0027] The packaging according to the present invention offers another distinct advantage caused by the deformation of the top face. The shape of the packaging shows whether it is in an open or closed position. Further, when the top face of the packaging also comprises two second sections overlapping the first sections like roof tiles, a deformation of the packaging (and thus the top face) leads to making certain parts visible during deformation, which parts before where hidden behind other parts, and vice versa. Such parts may be used for representing information, such as instructions for opening and/or closing the packaging.

[0028] The invention not only relates to a packaging, but also to a broadsheet for manufacturing at least a part of such a packaging according to the invention. Such part may, for example, be an outer container or a top face and discharge device.

[0029] Hereinafter the invention will be elucidated referring to the drawing, in which embodiments of the object of the invention are illustrated.

Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view, a first embodiment of a packaging according to the present invention in a closed position;

figure 2 shows a top plan view of the packaging in fig. 1;

figure 3 shows a top plan view of the packaging in fig. 1, however, in an intermediate position;

figure 4 shows a perspective view of the packaging in fig. 1 in an open position;

figure 5 shows a top plan view of the packaging in fig. 4;

figure 6 shows a broadsheet for manufacturing the packaging in fig. 1;

figure 7 shows a detail of a bag-like inner container for the packaging according to the present invention;

figures 8-10 shows details of an embodiment of a closable discharge device for the packaging according to the present invention;

figure 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the packaging;

figure 12 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of the packaging in a closed position;

figure 13 shows a top plan view of the packaging in fig. 12 in an open position;

figure 14 shows a top plan view of yet another embodiment of the packaging in a closed position;

figure 15 shows a top plan view of the packaging in fig. 14 in the open position;

figures 16-20 show details of another embodiment of the packaging according to the present invention;

figure 21-23 shows yet another embodiment of the packaging;

figure 24 shows a broadsheet for manufacturing part of the packaging illustrated in fig. 21;

figures 25-27 show some embodiments of a closable discharge device for application in a packaging according to the present invention.

[0030] Firstly reference is made to figure 1 which illustrates a packaging according to the present invention of the type comprising a parallelepiped-shaped outer container 1 with a top face 2 and four side faces 3-6 joining the top face 2. A packaging of the type to which the invention relates, further comprises a bag-like flexible inner container (which is not illustrated in fig. 1 but which will be shown later) with connected thereto a closable discharge device 7 projecting through the top face 2 of the outer container 1.

[0031] As can be seen best in figure 2, the top face 2 of the outer container 1 comprises two substantially triangular first sections 8, 9 and two second, substantially triangular sections 10, 11. The first sections 8, 9 and second sections 10, 11 overlap each other like roof tiles.

[0032] Also referring to fig. 2, each first section 8, 9 comprises a first side 12 attached to opposite side faces 6 and 4, respectively, of the outer container 1. In the illustrated closed position of the packaging a second side 13 of each first sections 8, 9 coincides with a common diagonal line between corners 14 and 15 of the top face 2. Finally, each first section 8, 9 comprises a third side 16 which, in the illustrated closed position of the packaging, diverges inwardly from the corresponding side faces 3 and 5, respectively, of the outer container 1. The regions of the first sections 8, 9 near to the third sides 16 are positioned underneath the respective second sections 10 and 11, respectively.

[0033] Each second section 10, 11 has a first side 17 connected to respective opposite side faces 3 and 5, respectively, of the outer container 1, second sides 18 and third sides 19 (clearly visible in fig. 3 in which the top face 2 has been deformed; in fig. 2 these third sides 19 nearly coincide with the first sides 12 of the first sections 8,9). The regions of the second sections 10, 11 near to the third sides 19 are positioned underneath the respective first sections 8 and 9, respectively.

[0034] The discharge device 7 comprises four hingeably connected wall sections 20-23 (as will appear later, wall sections 20 and 21, as well as wall sections 22 and 23 are directly hinged to each other, whereas material of the inner container defines the hinges between the wall sections 20 and 23 as well as 21 and 22). At their lower end two of these wall sections 21 and 23 are provided with lips 24 and 25 (fig.2) with which these wall sections 21 and 23 are connected to the first sections 8 and 9, respectively, of the top face 2.

[0035] In the closed position of the packaging illustrated in fig. 1 and fig. 2 the wall sections 20-23 all extend in parallel along said diagonal line between the corners 14 an 15. This means that wall sections 20 and 21 lie in a common plane, and wall sections 22 and 23 lie in another common plane alongside the first common plane.

[0036] Manually compressing the top face 2 at the corners 14 and 15 (arrows M) leads to a deformation of the top face 2 as illustrated in fig. 3. As a result, the first sections 8, 9 (and also the second sections 10, 11) will slide and move apart relative to each other, as a result of which (because wall sections 21 and 23 are connected to the first sections 8 and 9 by respective lips 24 and 25) the discharge device 7 will be opened.

[0037] The fully open position of the discharge device 7 is illustrated in fig. 4 and fig. 5. In this fully open position the discharge device 7 is parallelogram-shaped in cross section. The position illustrated in fig. 3, however, is an intermediate position, in which wall sections 20 and 22 extend perpendicularly to the second sides 13 of the first sections 8 and 9. The dimensions of the first sections 8, 9 of the top face 2 and the dimensions of the four wall sections 20-23 of the discharge device 7 are such, that in the intermediate position illustrated in fig. 3 the distance between the second sides 13 of the first sections 8 and 9 is smaller than the length of the wall sections 20 and 22 (as seen in a direction perpendicularly to the second sides 13). This means, that the position illustrated in fig. 3 is an unstable position, whereas the positions illustrated in fig. 1 (fully closed) and figures 4 and 5 (fully open) are stable.

[0038] Again referring to fig. 5, it is noted that in this situation the third sides 16 of the first sections 8 and 9 engage the respective side faces 3 and 5, thus determining the end position of the packaging and top face in the fully open position. Instead, or in addition thereto, such an end position also could be determined by the engagement between wall sections 20 and 22 and respective second sides 18 of the second sections 11 and 10, respectively.

[0039] For again closing the open packaging illustrated in fig. 4 and 5 it is sufficient to apply a pressure according to M' (figure 5) on the remaining two corners 26 and 27 until the discharge device 7 has passed the position illustrated in figure 3. After passing that position the packaging will automatically return to its position illustrated in fig. 1.

[0040] In the open position illustrated in fig. 4 the top face of the packaging has assumed a parallelogram-shape, whereas its bottom face 29 still has a square or rectangular shape. It is conceivable however, that also the bottom face is deformable in the same manner as the top face, but this is not necessary.

[0041] Further it should be noted, that the packaging top face 2 also can have a parallelogram-shape in its fully closed position.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a broadsheet for manufacturing the outer container 1 of the packaging illustrated in fig. 1. This broadsheet comprises the side faces 3, 4, 5 and 6 and attached thereto first sections 8 and 9 and second sections 10 and 11. A connection strip 28 attached to side face 5 is used to connect side face 5 to side face 6.

[0043] Dotted lines 24' and 25' illustrate the locations at which the lips 24 and 25 of the wall sections 21 and 23 of the discharge device 7 will be attached to the respective first sections 8 and 9.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a part of a bag-like flexible inner container 30 with an upper extension 31. As illustrated in fig. 8, the wall sections 20 and 21 of the discharge device 7 are commonly attached to one side of the upper extension 31 of the inner container 30, whereas the other two wall sections 22 and 23 will be attached commonly to the opposite side (not visible in fig. 8). At the upper end the wall sections are interconnected by a tear strip 32 sealing the discharge device 7 in an initial state. When the tear strip 32 is removed, the wall sections 20 and 21 are disengaged from the wall sections 22 and 23, whereas also the uppermost part of the upper extension 31 is removed, such that the inside of the inner container 30 becomes accessible.

[0045] Figure 9 shows the situation, in which the tear strip 32 has been removed. As noted before, there is a direct hingeable connection between the wall sections 20 and 21 and between the wall sections 22 and 23, but the hingeable connection between the wall sections 21 and 22 and between the wall sections 20 and 23 is determined by the material of the upper extension 31 of the inner container 30.

[0046] Figure 10 shows the discharge device 7 in its open position, clearly illustrating the wall sections 20-23.

[0047] Figure 11 shows a packaging which basically corresponds with the packaging illustrated in fig. 1. However, now the discharge device 7 has been folded to a position in parallel to the top face 2 of the outer container 1. Before opening the packaging, the discharge device 7 has to be folded upwards (arrow F) first.

[0048] Figures 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of the packaging in its fully closed and fully open position, respectively. In this embodiment the discharge device 7 is located non-centrally on the diagonal line between the corners 14 and 15.

[0049] Likewise, figure 14 and 15 show yet another embodiment of the packaging in its fully closed and fully open position, respectively. Now, the discharge device 7 is located centrally on the mentioned diagonal line, but the cross section of the top face 2 is not square, but rectangular. Combinations of the embodiments according to figures 12 and 13 and according to figures 14 and 15 are possible too.

[0050] Figures 16-20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the discharge device 7. The lips 24 and 25 have been replaced by members 32 and 33 which in their shape correspond with the first sections 8 and 9. Member 32 has an outer strip 34 attached thereto, and likewise member 33 has attached thereto an outer strip 35. These strips 34 and 35 are attached to side faces 6 and 4 of the outer container 1 (fig. 19). As a result, the members 32 and 33 operate in the same manner as the first sections 8 and 9 described before. This is clearly illustrated in fig. 17 and figure 18, of which the first shows the fully closed position of the discharge device 17 and figure 18 the fully open position thereof.

[0051] As follows from this embodiment, for the basic operation of the packaging according to the present invention only first sections 8 and 9 (or corresponding members 32 and 33) are necessary. Substantially, the second sections 10 and 11 only serve for reinforcing the top face of the outer container 1. However, in the embodiment illustrated in figures 19 and 20 the discharge device 7 as illustrated in fig. 16 has been combined with a top face 2 of the outer container 1 which corresponds with the top face as described before. In fig. 19 the discharge device 7 (wall sections 20-23) has been folded on top of the top face 2 of the outer container 1. For opening the packaging, firstly the wall sections 20-23 are folded upwards (arrow F in fig. 19). Moreover it is possible, that next (arrow P in fig. 20) the discharge device 7 is partly pushed inward until locking means (for example two locking noses 36 and 37 projecting from wall sections 20 and 21, see figure 16) engage beneath top face 2 of the outer container 1. Then the position illustrated in fig. 20 is obtained, in which in accordance with figure 17 and 18 the packaging can be opened. The position in fig. 20 offers the advantage, that the discharge device 7 is maintained in its vertical position, because a folding line 38 thereof is then situated beneath the top face 2.

[0052] In a way, the top face 2 acts as an auxiliary top face, whereas the members 32 and 33 define the real top face.

[0053] Figure 21-24 relate to an embodiment of the discharge device 7 which slightly resembles the previously described embodiment. However, now the members 32 and 33 are attached to a frame comprising for interconnected vertical strips 39 (only two are visible in fig. 21). As illustrated in fig. 22, this frame (members 32 and 33 and vertical strips 39) is positioned inside the outer container 1 and can slide relative thereto. Fig. 22 shows an initial position, in which the frame has a lower position in which the discharge device 7 does not or hardly project from the top face 2 of the outer container 1. When this packaging has to be opened, firstly the discharge device 7 with the frame attached thereto is pulled upwardly, as a result of which the vertical strips 39 of the frame slide along the inner walls of the outer container 1. When a position in accordance with fig. 23 has been reached, the packaging can be opened by again deforming the top face 2 and in a corresponding manner deforming the frame with members 32 and 33.

[0054] In fig. 23 the frame assumes an end position in which it is still at some distance from the top face 2. Such an end position may be determined by appropiate engagement members not shown in detail.

[0055] Figure 24 shows a broadsheet for manufacturing the discharge device 7 illustrated in fig. 21. In addition to what has been shown in fig. 21, this broadsheet also comprises a tear strip 40 initially connecting the wall sections 20-23.

[0056] It is noted, that in figures 19, 20 and figures 22 and 23 the inner bag-like container 30 has not been illustrated, but will be present. However, it further has to be noted, that such an inner container not necessarily has to comprise a complete bag-like container, as illustrated partly in fig. 7. It is also possible, that such an inner container only comprises a top collar-like part of the bag illustrated in fig. 7, which top part then is sealed to the inner walls of the outer container 1.

[0057] Finally, reference is made to fig. 25-27 showing alternative embodiments of the discharge device 7.

[0058] Figure 25a and 25b show a top plan view and frontal view, respectively, of an embodiment of the discharge device in which, in its closed position, the wall sections 20-23 diverge downwardly. When compressing the diverging wall sections 20, 21 and 22, 23 (arrows C in fig. 25c which shows a lateral side view) the wall sections 20, 21 and 22, 23 can be pushed towards a position illustrated in fig. 25d which is stable and which firmly maintains the discharge device in its closed position.

[0059] Fig. 26 shows in a top plan view (a), a frontal view (b) and a lateral side view (c) a discharge device in which the wall sections 20-23 are provided with projections and corresponding depressions 41, 42 engaging each other in the closed position of the discharge device. Such projections 41 and depressions 42 enhance the sealing function of the discharge device in its closed position. Further, as illustrated in fig. 26b, a folding line 43 hingeably connecting wall sections 20 and 21 (22 and 23) is interrupted at the projection 41 (and likewise at the depression 42). This enhances the stable position of the discharge device in its closed position.

[0060] Fig. 27 shows a discharge device, in which each wall section 20-23 is provided with a flap 44 comprising a snap member 45. In the fully closed position (fig. 27a-c) snap members 45 of flaps 44 of wall sections 20 and 21 and snap members 45 of flaps 44 of wall sections 22 and 23 engage each other for holding the discharge device in its closed position. Figure 27d shows the open position, in which the snap member 45 are disengaged.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 26 preferably only that part of the wall sections 2-23 positioned above the projections 41 and depressions 42 will project from the top face of the outer container. Likewise, in the embodiment shown in fig. 27 the flaps 44 preferably will be positioned below the top face of the outer container.

[0062] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described before which may be varied widely within the scope of the invention as defined by the appending claims.

Claims

1. Packaging of the type comprising a parallelepiped-shaped outer container with a top face and four side faces and further comprising a bag-like flexible inner container with connected thereto a closable discharge device projecting through the top face of the outer container, characterized in that the top face of the outer container at least comprises two first sections of which first sides join opposite side faces of the outer container and of which second sides in a closed position of the packaging coincide with a common diagonal line of the top face, wherein the discharge device in its open position is parallelogram-shaped in cross section and comprises four hingeably connected wall sections extending substantially perpendicularly to the outer container top face, of which two opposite wall sections are attached to the second sides of the top face first sections in such a manner that, in the closed position of the packaging, all four wall sections extend in parallel along said diagonal line thus closing the discharge device, whereas by partially moving towards each other those corners of the top face that are interconnected by said diagonal line, the top face is deformed such that the second sides, and thus said opposite wall sections connected thereto, slide and move apart relative to each other and the packaging, and thus the discharge device, assumes an open position.

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the top face first sections are triangular, with the length of said first sides substantially corresponding with the respective dimension of the joining outer container side faces, whereas in the closed position of the packaging a third side of each first section diverges inwardly from the corresponding outer container side face.

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape and dimensions of the top face first sections and the four wall sections of the discharge device are such that the discharge device during its motion from its closed towards its open position passes a position in which it has a rectangular shape and in which the length of the two wall sections extending at that instant perpendicularly to the top face second sides exceeds the momentary distance between said second sides.

4. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first sections of the outer container top face are attached to said outer container side faces.

5. Packaging according to claim 4, wherein the top face of the outer container further comprises two second sections attached to the remaining opposite side faces of the outer container and wherein the first and second sections overlap each other like roof tiles.

6. Packaging according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein said first sections together with the discharge device are movable vertically relative to said outer container side faces such as to define a movable top face, and wherein the outer container further comprises an auxiliary top face positioned stationary above the movable top face, which top face comprises two auxiliary first sections in correspondence with the first sections of the slidable top face and attached to said opposite outer container side faces as well as two auxiliary second sections attached to the remaining opposite side faces of the outer container and wherein the auxiliary first and second sections overlap each other like roof tiles.

7. Packaging according to claim 6, wherein the first sections of the movable top face are attached to a frame comprising four interconnected vertical strips engaging the four side faces of the outer container in a slidable manner.

8. Packaging according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the discharge device is provided with locking means for locking the discharge device relative to the auxiliary top face.

9. Packaging according to claim 8, wherein the locking means comprise at least two locking noses projecting from opposite discharge device wall sections for cooperation with any of the first and second sections of the auxiliary top face.

10. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein the outer container has in its closed position a rectangular or square cross section.

11. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein in the closed position of the packaging the discharge device is located centrally on said diagonal line.

12. Packaging according to any of the claims 1-10, wherein in the closed position of the packaging the discharge device is located non-centrally on said diagonal line.

13. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein the discharge device in its closed position initially comprises a removable sealing device.

14. Packaging according to claim 13, wherein the sealing device is a tear strip attached to the four wall sections of the discharge device.

15. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein the discharge device in its closed position is foldable to a position in parallel to the top face of the outer container.

16. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein the discharge device comprises means for maintaining it in its closed or open position.

17. Packaging according to claim 16, wherein the wall sections of the discharge device diverge downwardly in the closed position of the discharge device.

18. Packaging according to claim 16, wherein the wall sections comprise cooperating snap members being operative in the closed and/or open position of the discharge device.

19. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein the wall sections of the discharge device comprise projections and depressions cooperating in a sealing manner when the discharge device assumes its closed position.

20. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, wherein the inner bag-like container only comprises an upper flexible collar which is attached to the outer container in a sealing manner.

21. Broadsheet for manufacturing at least a part of a packaging according to any of the previous claims.

Drawing