PACKAGE FOR FLUID MATERIALS AND PACKING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

 The invention relates to a package (100; 200; 300; 400) for fluid material comprising: a bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) for receiving the material, the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) having a central axis (X), a convex-shaped bottom end portion (120a; 220a; 320a; 420a), an upper end portion (120c; 220c; 320c; 420c) with an opening (121; 221; 321; 421), and a central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b) between the bottom end portion (120a; 220a; 320a; 420a) and the upper end portion (120c; 220c; 320c; 420c); a tubular shell (130; 230; 330; 430) around the lower end portion (120a; 220a; 320a; 420a) and at least part of the central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420), the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) having an upper end (130b; 230b; 330b; 430b) which is open and through which open end the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) extends upwardly out of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430); and a cap (140; 240; 340; 440) for the opening (121; 221; 321; 421), characterized in that a lower end (130a; 230a; 330a; 430a) of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) extends downwardly past the bottom end (122; 222; 322; 422) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420). The invention also relates to a packing assembly (1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600) comprising a plurality of the aforementioned packages (100; 200; 300; 400).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a package for fluid material, and particularly to a solution, that is designed to be used for holding consumables such as drinks or spices. The invention also relates to a packing assembly comprising plurality of these packages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Packages for fluid material, such as beverages or granular spices, need to reliably hold the contents, be easy to manufacture, have good logistic properties such as weight, stacking, and standing properties, and preferably be as ecological as possible.

[0003] In known solutions, the above-mentioned features are implemented most often with traditional plastic bottles which are light in weight and capable of reliably holding the contents. In traditional plastic bottles, in order to keep the bottle vertical, the lower end of the bottle needs to be shaped to form a stand. This shaping weakens the structural integrity of the bottle, resulting in a need for adding mass through increasing the wall thickness in these areas to compensate for the shaping. Traditional plastic bottles also often require additional labels to indicate the contents. Other composite package solutions are also known where the standing ability for holding the bottle upright is provided with external structural supports.

[0004] Previous solutions for composite packages are disclosed in GB1261248A, FR2013654A1, GB1537179A, US20140061150A1, FR1441098A, US4342399A, and US5462180A for instance.

[0005] A problem with the above-mentioned solutions is that each of them are lacking in at least one of the categories listed before. For example, as the wall thickness in traditional plastic bottles needs to be increased, the use of plastics is respectively increased which is harmful for the environment. Also, the need for a separate label causes additional manufacturing steps. The other known solutions for providing the standing ability for bottles also have problems related to either reliability, ease of manufacture, ecology, or logistic properties such as standing and stacking properties and weight. Also, other packages for granular goods such as coffee or spices have similar problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the invention is to introduce an improved package and an improved packing assembly, which are improved in terms of ease of manufacture, ecology, and logistic properties. An object is particularly to introduce a solution by which one or more of the above defined problems of prior art and/or problems discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be solved.

[0007] It is brought forward a new package for fluid material comprising: a bottle for receiving the material, the bottle having a central axis, a convex-shaped bottom end portion, an upper end portion with an opening, and a central portion between the bottom end portion and the upper end portion; a tubular shell around the lower end portion and at least part of the central portion of the bottle; the shell having an upper end which is open and through which open end the bottle extends upwardly out of the shell; a cap for the opening; a lower end of the shell extends downwardly past the bottom end of the bottle; and the central portion of the bottle comprises plurality of protrusions, and the inner surface of the shell rests on the plurality of the protrusions, characterized in that the central portion of the bottle comprises areas between adjacent protrusions where the inner surface of the shell does not reach into contact with the central portion.

[0008] With this solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be achieved. Particularly, hereby ecology and logistic properties of the package can be improved.

[0009] Preferable further details of the package are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the package individually or in any combination.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the adjacent protrusions block the inner surface of the shell from reaching into contact with central portion at said areas.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of protrusions extend outwards preferably from 1 to 10 mm from the central portion.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of protrusions are domelike.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of protrusions are evenly spaced on the central portion.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of protrusions comprises more than 10 protrusions.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the lower edge of the shell defines a plane to which the central axis is orthogonal, the lower end being suitable for supporting the package such that the central axis is vertical when resting on a planar surface.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the package comprises a support face facing upwards preferably directly or at an inclined angle, in particular for supporting on top of it another package as defined.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the axial distance between the lower edge of the shell and the bottom end of the bottle is at least the axial distance between the highest point of the package and the support face.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the support face is formed by the upper edge of the shell, or a surface of the bottle extending on top of the upper end of the shell.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the support face is shaped to form a counterpart for the lower edge of a shell of another package as defined.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the package comprises a stop face facing downwards, in particular for blocking movement of the shell upwardly past the stop face.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the stop face is placed against the upper edge of the shell.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the shell is arranged to support the bottle via said stop face.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the bottle comprises a protrusion around its periphery, the protrusion comprising said support face and/or said stop face.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion is positioned on the central portion of the bottle and proximal to the upper end portion of the bottle.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the shell surrounds a space below the bottom end of the bottle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the space is downwardly open.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the space accommodates a centring member in particular for receiving and laterally supporting part of another package as defined.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the centring member comprises an opening for receiving a part of another package as defined.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the centring member comprises a plurality of individually conforming support tabs delimiting said opening.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the support tabs are divided on the centring member with a plurality of radial creases extending outwards from the opening.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom end portion and the central portion of the bottle are rotationally symmetric.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the bottom end portion of the bottle is constant.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the bottom end portion of the bottle is the same as the wall thickness of the central portion of the bottle.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom end portion of the bottle is hemispheric.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom end portion of the bottle does not comprise a flat surface or a concave cavity.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the shell is open-ended.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the shell is co-axial with the bottle.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the upper end portion comprises a first rounded convex corner in the periphery of the central portion of the bottle.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the upper end portion comprises a first rounded convex corner in the periphery of the central portion of the bottle and a second rounded concave corner higher than the first rounded convex corner.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the first rounded convex corner is suitable for guiding the lower edge of the shell of another package as defined to rest on said support face.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of at least the bottom end portion and the central portion of the bottle is from 0,3 to 2,5 mm, preferably from 0,3 to 1 mm.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the shell is from 0,6 to 4 mm, preferably from 0,6 to 1,5 mm.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the shell and the bottle are adhered together.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the shell and the bottle are fitted together, such that the outer surface of the central portion of the bottle and the inner surface of the shell are configured to frictionally engage one another such that they are detachably attached.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the bottle is from 0,1 litres to 2 litres, preferably from 0,25 litres to 0,75 litres.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the shell acts as a label for the package.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the package is a package for beverages such as carbonated drinks.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the package is a package for granular goods, such as spices or coffee.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the shell is fibre-based, preferably as cardboard, paperboard, paper, or carton.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the bottle is plastic, preferably thermoplastic polymer, more preferably PET.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the material of the cap is plastic, preferably a thermoplastic polymer, more preferably HDPE, even more preferably recycled HDPE.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the bottle is filled with fluid.

[0053] It is brought forward a new packing assembly, the packing assembly comprises a plurality of packages according to any of the preceding claims.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of packages comprises at least a first package and a second package arranged on top of the first package, such that at least the shell of the second package rests on the first package.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of packages comprises at least a first package and a second package arranged on top of the first package, such that the shell of the second package is supported by the support face of the first package.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of packages comprises at least a first package and a second package arranged on top of the first package, such that the upper end portion of the first package extends into the space below the bottom end of the bottle of the second package .

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, said plurality of packages comprises at least a first package and a second package arranged on top of the first package, such that the upper end portion of the first package extends into the space below the bottom end of the bottle of the second package, the internal surface of the lower end of the shell of the second package being arranged to delimit from opposite lateral sides lateral movement of the bottle of the first package inside the space, the gap between the outer surface of the bottle of the first package and the internal surface of the lower end of the shell of the second package preferably being less than 3 mm, more preferably from 0 to 1 mm, most preferably 0 mm.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of packages is arranged in tiers, wherein the tiers are arranged so that at least the shell of the package above rests on the package below.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the packing assembly comprises a top sheet mounted on the top tier, said top sheet having openings for receiving each package of the top tier.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the packing assembly comprises a base for mounting the bottom tier of packages, the base further comprising elevated protrusions such that the top surface of the elevated protrusions comes into contact with the bottom end of the bottle of the package mounted on said base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a first embodiment of the package, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the bottle of the first embodiment of the package.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the shell of the first embodiment of the package.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a packing assembly comprising two first embodiments of the package.

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of the package, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the bottle of the second embodiment of the package.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the shell of the second embodiment of the package.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of a packing assembly comprising two second embodiments of the package.

Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of the package, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 10 illustrates a side view of the bottle of the third embodiment of the package.

Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the shell of the third embodiment of the package.

Figure 12 illustrates a side view of a packing assembly comprising two third embodiments of the package.

Figure 13 illustrates a side view of a fourth embodiment of the package, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the bottle of the fourth embodiment of the package.

Figure 15 illustrates a side view of the shell of the fourth embodiment of the package.

Figure 16 illustrates a side view of a packing assembly comprising two fourth embodiments of the package.

Figure 17 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the package resting on a planar surface, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 18 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the bottle of an embodiment of the package.

Figure 19 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the package resting on a planar surface, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 20 illustrates an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of a packing assembly comprising plurality of an embodiment of the package.

Figure 21 illustrates a side view of assembling a packing assembly comprising a base and the third embodiment of the package, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 22 illustrates a side view of a packing assembly comprising a base and the third embodiment of the package, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

Figure 23 illustrates a top view of the base of a packing assembly.

Figure 24 illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a centring member.

Figure 25 illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of a centring member.

Figure 26 illustrates a side view of steps for inserting and utilizing the centring member in a packing assembly, with hidden features shown with broken lines.

[0062] The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and the detailed description related thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] Figures 1, 5, 9, and 13 each illustrate respectively a first embodiment, a second embodiment, a third embodiment, and a fourth embodiment of a package 100; 200; 300; 400 for fluid material. The package 100; 200; 300; 400 comprising a bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 illustrated separately in figures 2, 6, 10, and 14 for receiving the material. The bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 having a central axis X, a convex-shaped bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a, an upper end portion 120c; 220c; 320c; 420c with an opening 121; 221; 321; 421 and a central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b between the bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a and the upper end portion 120c; 220c; 320c; 420c. The package 100; 200; 300; 400 further comprising a tubular shell 130; 230; 330; 430 illustrated separately in figures 3, 7, 11, and 15 around the lower end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a and at least part of the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420. The shell 130; 230; 330; 430 having an upper end 130b; 230b; 330b; 430b which is open and through which open end the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 extends upwardly out of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430, and a lower end 130a; 230a; 330a; 430a extending downwardly past the bottom end 122;222;322;422 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420. The package further comprising a cap 140;240;340;440 for the opening 121; 221; 321; 421. This is advantageous because the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 extending downwardly past the bottom end 122;222;322;422 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 acts as the stand for the package 100; 200; 300; 400, thus facilitating standing of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 regardless of the shape of the bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420. Therefore, in the shaping of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420, preferable shapes such as convex shapes as illustrated can be used. Also, the bottle can be made with smaller wall thickness, as it does not need to support the standing of the package. Therefore, decreasing the use of materials in the bottle, particularly plastics, which pollute the environment.

[0064] As illustrated in figures 18 and 19, optionally in each embodiment the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 comprises plurality of protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426, and the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 rests on the plurality of the protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426. This is advantageous because it strengthens the structure of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420, thus giving the package 100;200;300;400 overall stronger structure. Also, as the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 rests on the protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426, it decreases the contact area between the inner surface of the shell 130;230;330;430 and the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 thus lowering the friction between them and therefore easing assembly and disassembly of the package 100;200;300;400 by reducing the force required to assemble or disassemble the package 100;200;300;400. Alternatively, the plurality of protrusions decreasing friction between said parts can be on the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330, 430 instead of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420.

[0065] Further as illustrated in figure 19, optionally in each embodiment, the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 comprises areas 127; 227; 327; 427 between adjacent protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 where the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 does not reach into contact with the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b. Preferably, the adjacent protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 block the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 from reaching into contact with central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b at said areas 127; 227; 327; 427. This is advantageous as it ensures that the contact area between the inner surface of the shell 130;230;330;430 and the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is lowered thus decreasing friction and resulting in advantages stated above. Additionally, condensation water resulting from temperature changes is allowed to evaporate or slide off the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 due to the areas 127; 227; 327; 427. This is advantageous as this condensation water could soak and thus weaken the structure of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0066] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 extend outwards preferably from 1 to 10 mm from the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b. Alternatively, the protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 may extend inwards preferably from 1 to 10 mm from the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b. This way the protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 would appear as recesses when viewed from the outside but would also achieve the effect of decreasing friction between said parts.

[0067] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 are domelike. This domelike shape is advantageous because it provides a strong and smooth structure which is easy to manufacture on the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 but still has a decreasing sectional area towards the peak of the protrusion 126; 226; 326; 426 resulting in advantages stated above. However, the protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 may be in other forms which also decrease the contact area between the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 and the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0068] Preferably the plurality of protrusions comprises more than 10 protrusions. Further, the plurality of protrusions 126; 226; 326; 426 are preferably evenly spaced on the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b. This is advantageous as it evenly distributes the forces coming from the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 and acting on the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420. However, the protrusions may also be distributed in other ways such as in random patterns or in ornamental patterns.

[0069] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 5, 9, and 13, a lower edge 131;231;331;431 of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 defines a plane to which the central axis X is orthogonal, the lower edge 131;231;331;431 being suitable for supporting the package 100; 200; 300; 400 such that the central axis X is vertical when resting on a planar surface as illustrated in figure 17. This is particularly advantageous when the package is used for holding liquids or granular goods, as this allows the package to be placed on a surface even without the cap without spilling the contents. Additionally, this is advantageous as a fully flat surface is not required as long as the contact points between the lower edge 131;231;331;431 of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 and the surface for resting form a plane.

[0070] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 5, 9, and 13, the package 100; 200; 300; 400 comprises a support face 111;211;311;411 facing upwards preferably directly or at an inclined angle, in particular for supporting on top of it another package 100; 200; 300; 400 as defined. This support face 111;211;311;411 allows another package 100; 200; 300; 400 to be arranged on top of the package 100; 200; 300; 400, thus facilitating stacking of the packages 100; 200; 300; 400 and therefore improving the logistic properties of the package 100; 200; 300; 400.

[0071] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 5, 9, and 13, the axial distance D1 between the lower edge 131; 231; 331; 431 of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 and the bottom end 122; 222; 322; 422 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is at least the axial distance D2 between the highest point of the package 100; 200; 300; 400 and the support face 111; 211; 311; 411. This allows preferably both the bottom end 122; 222; 322; 422 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 and the lower edge 131; 231; 331; 431 of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 to simultaneously rest on a package 100; 200; 300; 400 below, when stacked. This is advantageous as it allows multiple contact points to bear the load. Alternatively, solely the lower edge 131; 231; 331; 431 of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 rests on the package 100; 200; 300; 400 below.

[0072] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 9, and 13, the support face 111; 311; 411 is formed by a surface of the bottle 120;320;420 extending on top of the upper end 130b; 330b; 430b of the shell 130; 330; 430. Whereas, in the second embodiment of the package 200 illustrated in figure 5, the support face 211 is formed by the upper edge 232 of the shell 230. This is advantageous as no external support faces are needed, therefore facilitating the manufacture of the package.

[0073] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 5, 9, and 13, the support face 111; 211; 311; 411 is shaped to form a counterpart for the lower edge 131; 231; 331; 431 of a shell 130; 230; 330; 430 of another package 100; 200; 300; 400 as defined. Preferably the support face 111; 211; 311; 411 and the lower edge 131; 231; 331; 431 of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 are both circular as illustrated. This is advantageous because it increases the contact area between the packages 100; 200; 300; 400 when stacked, therefore facilitating the firmness of the stacking.

[0074] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 9, and 13, the package 100; 300; 400 comprises a stop face 112; 312; 412 facing downwards, in particular for blocking movement of the shell 130; 330; 430 upwardly past the stop face 112; 312; 412. The stop face 112; 312; 412 is placed against the upper edge 132; 332; 432 of the shell 130; 330; 430. And the shell 130; 330; 430 is arranged to support the bottle 120; 320; 420 via said stop face 112; 312; 412. This is advantageous as the stop face aids in accurately positioning the shell relative to the bottle, therefore facilitating manufacture of the package 100; 300; 400. It also provides a physical support point for the parts, reducing the stress placed on adhesion if the parts are adhered.

[0075] In the third embodiment of the package 300 illustrated in figure 9, the bottle 320 comprises a protrusion 323 around its periphery, the protrusion 323 comprising said support face 311 and/or said stop face 312. The protrusion 323 is positioned on the central portion 320b of the bottle 320 and proximal to the upper end portion 320c of the bottle 320. The protrusion 323 could also be alternatively positioned elsewhere on the bottle 320. The advantage of this is that it provides a clear and precise reference point for resting the packages 300, when the packages 300 are stacked.

[0076] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 5, 9, and 13, the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 surrounds a space 113; 213; 313; 413 below the bottom end 122; 222; 322; 422 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 and the space 113; 213; 313; 413 is preferably downwardly open. This is advantageous as this space 113; 213; 313; 413 allows for receiving for example a part of another package 100;200;300;400 into the space and/or for additional features to be placed in this space.

[0077] In an embodiment of the package 500 illustrated in Figure 26, the space 513 accommodates a centring member 550; 650 in particular for receiving and laterally supporting part of another package 500 as defined. This further facilitates lateral support when plurality of packages 500 are stacked for example in a packing assembly 1500 as illustrated in figure 26.

[0078] Figures 24 and 25 each illustrate an embodiment of the centring member 550; 650 that comprises an opening 551; 651 for receiving a part of a package 100; 200; 300; 400. The centring member further comprises a plurality of individually conforming support tabs 552; 652 delimiting said opening 551; 651 and the support tabs 552; 652 are divided on the centring member 550; 650 with a plurality of radial creases 553; 653 extending outwards from the opening 551; 651. This allows for the centring member 550; 650 to be used with varying bottle shapes as the support tabs 552; 652 are able to individually conform to various angles.

[0079] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 5, 9, and 13, the upper end portion 120c; 220c; 320c; 420c comprises a first rounded convex corner 124; 224; 324; 424 in the periphery of the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420, and preferably a second rounded concave corner 125; 225; 325; 425 higher than the first rounded convex corner 124; 224; 324; 424. This facilitates placing the opening 121; 221; 321; 421 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 to be orthogonal with the central axis X of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 further aiding the package 100; 200; 300; 400 in holding the contents.

[0080] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 9, and 13, the first rounded convex corner 124; 324; 424 is suitable for guiding the lower edge 131; 331; 431 of the shell 130; 330; 430 of another package 1 as defined to rest on said support face 111; 311; 411. This facilitates stacking of the packages 100; 300; 400.

[0081] The bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a and the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 are preferably rotationally symmetric.

[0082] The wall thickness of the bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is preferably constant.

[0083] The wall thickness of the bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 preferably is the same as the wall thickness of the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420.

[0084] The bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is preferably hemispheric.

[0085] The bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 preferably does not comprise a flat surface or a concave cavity.

[0086] The shell 130; 230; 330; 430 is preferably open-ended.

[0087] The shell 130; 230; 330; 430 is preferably co-axial with the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420.

[0088] The wall thickness of at least the bottom end portion 120a; 220a; 320a; 420a and the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is preferably from 0,3 to 2,5 mm, more preferably from 0,3 to 1 mm.

[0089] The wall thickness of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 is preferably from 0,6 to 4 mm, more preferably from 0,6 to 1,5 mm.

[0090] The shell 130; 230; 330; 430 and the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 may be adhered together.

[0091] The shell 130; 230; 330; 430 and the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 may be fitted together, such that the outer surface of the central portion 120b; 220b; 320b; 420b of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 and the inner surface of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 are configured to frictionally engage one another such that they are detachably attached.

[0092] The volume of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is preferably from 0,1 litres to 2 litres, more preferably from 0,25 litres to 0,75 litres.

[0093] The shell 130; 230; 330; 430 may act as a label for the package 100; 200; 300; 400.

[0094] The package 100; 200; 300; 400 is preferably a package for beverages such as carbonated drinks.

[0095] The package 100; 200; 300; 400 is preferably a package for granular goods, such as spices or coffee.

[0096] The material of the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 is preferably fibre-based, such as cardboard, paperboard, paper, or carton.

[0097] The material of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 is preferably plastic, preferably thermoplastic polymer, more preferably PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

[0098] The material of the cap 140; 240; 340; 440 is preferably plastic, preferably a thermoplastic polymer, more preferably HDPE (high density polyethylene), even more preferably recycled HDPE.

[0099] Figures 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 22, and 26 each illustrate respectively a first embodiment, a second embodiment, a third embodiment, a fourth embodiment, a fifth embodiment, a sixth, and a seventh embodiment of a packing assembly 1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600; 1700. Each embodiment of the packing assembly 1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600; 1700 comprising a plurality of packages 100; 200; 300; 400; 500.

[0100] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 26, said plurality of packages 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 comprises at least a first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 and a second package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 arranged on top of the first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500, such that at least the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 of the second package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 rests on the first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500. And said plurality of packages 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 comprises at least a first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 and a second package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 arranged on top of the first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500, such that the shell 130; 230; 330; 430 of the second package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 is supported by the support face 111; 211; 311; 411 of the first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500. And said plurality of packages 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 further comprises at least a first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 and a second package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 arranged on top of the first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500, such that the upper end portion 120c; 220c; 320c; 420c of the first package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 extends into the space 113; 213; 313; 413; 513 below the bottom end 122; 222; 322; 422 of the bottle 120; 220; 320; 420 of the second package 100; 200; 300; 400; 500. These features allow the packages 100; 200; 300; 400; 500 to be stacked directly on top of each other in the packing assembly, which negates the need for additional support surfaces positioned between the packages 100; 200; 300; 400; 500, thus decreasing the amount of additional materials needed in the packing assembly.

[0101] In each of the embodiments illustrated in figures 4, 12, 16, and 20, said plurality of packages 100; 300; 400 comprises at least a first package 100; 300; 400 and a second package 100; 300; 400 arranged on top of the first package 100; 300; 400 , such that the upper end portion 120c; 320c; 420c of the first package 100; 300; 400 extends into the space 113; 313; 413 below the bottom end 122; 322; 422 of the bottle 120; 320; 420 of the second package 100; 300; 400 , the internal surface of the lower end 130a; 330a; 430a of the shell 130; 330; 430 of the second package 100; 300; 400 being arranged to delimit from opposite lateral sides lateral movement of the bottle 120; 320; 420 of the first package 100; 300; 400 inside the space 113; 313; 413, the gap between the outer surface of the bottle 120; 320; 420 of the first package 100; 300; 400 and the internal surface of the lower end 130a; 330a; 430a of the shell 130; 330; 430 of the second package 100; 300; 400 preferably being less than 3 mm, more preferably from 0 to 1 mm, most preferably 0 mm. This facilitates the stability of the packing assembly 1100; 1300; 1400; 1600, as the above-mentioned structures of each package 100; 300; 400 support each other laterally, thus improving the logistic properties of the packing assembly 1100; 1300; 1400; 1600.

[0102] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 20, the plurality of packages 300 is arranged in tiers 1060, wherein the tiers 1060 are arranged so that at least the shell 330 of the package 300 above rests on the package 300 below. Organizing the packages 300 of the packing assembly 1600 in tiers facilitates the logistic properties of the packing assembly 1600.

[0103] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 20, the packing assembly; 1600 comprises a top sheet 1070 mounted on the top tier 1060b, said top sheet 1070 having openings 1071 for receiving each package 300 of the top tier 1060b. The top sheet 1070 aiding in locking the horizontal movements of individual packages 300 in the packing assembly 1600 thus further facilitating the stability of the packing assembly 1600. This may also reduce the need of wrapping the packing assembly with plastic wrap for transport.

[0104] Figures 21 to 23 illustrate an embodiment of the packing assembly 1700. The packing assembly comprising a base 1080 for mounting the bottom tier 1060a of packages 300, the base 1080 further comprising elevated protrusions 1081 such that the top surface 1082 of the elevated protrusions 1081 come into contact with the bottom end 322 of the bottle 320 of the package 300 mounted on said base 1080. This allows for forces in vertical direction to be transferred also through the bottle to the base, further facilitating load bearing ability of the packing assembly 1700.

[0105] The package is illustrated and described in the application in a position, where the central axis X is vertical.

[0106] The features of the embodiments may be preferable, but not necessary for the package.

[0107] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) for fluid material comprising:

- a bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) for receiving the material, the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) having a central axis (X), a convex-shaped bottom end portion (120a; 220a; 320a; 420a), an upper end portion (120c; 220c; 320c; 420c) with an opening (121; 221; 321; 421), and a central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b) between the bottom end portion (120a; 220a; 320a; 420a) and the upper end portion (120c; 220c; 320c; 420c),

- a tubular shell (130; 230; 330; 430) around the lower end portion (120a; 220a; 320a; 420a) and at least part of the central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420),

- the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) having an upper end (130b; 230b; 330b; 430b) which is open and through which open end the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) extends upwardly out of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430),

- a cap (140; 240; 340; 440) for the opening (121; 221; 321; 421),

- a lower end (130a; 230a; 330a; 430a) of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) extends downwardly past the bottom end (122; 222; 322; 422) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420), and

- the central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) comprises plurality of protrusions (126; 226; 326; 426), and the inner surface of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) rests on the plurality of the protrusions (126; 226; 326; 426)

characterized in that the central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) comprises areas (127; 227; 327; 427) between adjacent protrusions (126; 226; 326; 426) where the inner surface of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) does not reach into contact with the central portion (120b; 220b; 320b; 420b).

2. The package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lower edge (131; 231; 331; 431) of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) defines a plane to which the central axis (X) is orthogonal, the lower edge (131; 231; 331; 431) being suitable for supporting the package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) such that the central axis (X) is vertical when resting on a planar surface.

3. The package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprises a support face (111; 211; 311; 411) facing upwards preferably directly or at an inclined angle, in particular for supporting on top of it another package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) as defined.

4. The package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axial distance (D1) between the lower edge (131; 231; 331; 431) of the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) and the bottom end (122; 222; 322; 422) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) is at least the axial distance (D2) between the highest point of the package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) and the support face (111; 211; 311; 411).

5. The package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support face (111; 211; 311; 411) is formed by:

- the upper edge (232) of the shell (230), or

- a surface of the bottle (120; 320; 420) extending on top of the upper end (130b; 330b; 430b) of the shell (130; 330; 430).

6. The package (100; 300; 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package (100; 300; 400) comprises a stop face (112; 312; 412) facing downwards, in particular for blocking movement of the shell (130; 330; 430) upwardly past the stop face (112; 312; 412).

7. The package (300) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottle (320) comprises a protrusion (323) around its periphery, the protrusion (323) comprising said support face (311) and/or said stop face (312).

8. The package (100; 200; 300; 400;500) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (130; 230; 330; 430;530) surrounds a space (130; 230; 330; 430;530) below the bottom end (122; 222; 322; 422;522) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420;520).

9. The package (500) according to claim 8, characterized in that the space (513) accommodates a centring member (550; 650) in particular for receiving and laterally supporting part of another package (500) as defined.

10. The package (100; 300; 400) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper end portion (120c; 320c; 420c) comprises a first rounded convex corner (124; 324; 424) in the periphery of the central portion (120b; 320b; 420b) of the bottle (120; 320; 420) and a second rounded concave corner (125; 325; 425) higher than the first rounded convex corner (124; 324; 424), and in that the first rounded convex corner (124; 324; 424) is suitable for guiding the lower edge (131; 331; 431) of the shell (130; 330; 430) of another package (100; 300; 400) as defined to rest on said support face (111; 311; 411).

11. A packing assembly (1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600), characterized in that the packing assembly (1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600) comprises a plurality of packages (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) according to any of the preceding claims.

12. The packing assembly (1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said plurality of packages (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprises at least a first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) and a second package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) arranged on top of the first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) , such that at least the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) of the second package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) rests on the first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) .

13. The packing assembly (1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600) according to any of the preceding claims 11 or 12, characterized in that said plurality of packages (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprises at least a first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) and a second package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) arranged on top of the first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) , such that the shell (130; 230; 330; 430) of the second package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) is supported by the support face (111; 211; 311; 411) of the first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) .

14. The packing assembly (1100; 1200; 1300; 1400; 1500; 1600) according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said plurality of packages (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprises at least a first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) and a second package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) arranged on top of the first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500), such that the upper end portion (120c; 220c; 320c; 420c) of the first package (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) extends into the space (113; 213; 313; 413; 513) below the bottom end (122; 222; 322; 422) of the bottle (120; 220; 320; 420) of the second package (100; 200; 300; 400;500).

15. The packing assembly (1100; 1300; 1400; 1600) according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that said plurality of packages (100; 300; 400) comprises at least a first package (100; 300; 400) and a second package (100; 300; 400) arranged on top of the first package (100; 300; 400), such that the upper end portion (120c; 320c; 420c) of the first package (100; 300; 400) extends into the space (113; 313; 413) below the bottom end (122; 322; 422) of the bottle (120; 320; 420) of the second package (100; 300; 400) , the internal surface of the lower end (130a; 330a; 430a) of the shell (130; 330; 430) of the second package (100; 300; 400) being arranged to delimit from opposite lateral sides lateral movement of the bottle (120; 320; 420) of the first package (100; 300; 400) inside the space (113; 313; 413), the gap between the outer surface of the bottle (120; 320; 420) of the first package (100; 300; 400) and the internal surface of the lower end (130a; 330a; 430a) of the shell (130; 330; 430) of the second package (100; 300; 400) preferably being less than 3 mm, more preferably from 0 to 1 mm, most preferably 0 mm.

Drawing