Methods and dose bodies for forming targets from natural fiber-based materials

Abstract

A method comprising the steps of:-providing a dose body (1; 1 ') made of a natural fibre-based material; 101; 101; 201); 301) in the housing; -dispensing the dose body (1; 101; 101; 201); 301) into the mould (20) between the first mould half (21) and the second mould half (22); -moving at least one mold half selected from the first mold half (21) and the second mold half (22) along a pressing direction (D) towards the other mold half (21) selected from the second mold half (22) and the first mold half (21) to press the dose body (1; 2) between the first mold half (21) and the second mold half (22); 101; 101; 201); 301) and forming a target object (4; 104), wherein the dose body (1; 101; 101; 201); 301) has a non-uniform structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a dosage body for forming an object from a natural fiber-based material, in particular a cellulose-based material. Background Art

[0002] For reasons related to environmental protection, it is desirable to use natural and renewable materials, such as cellulose-based materials, to produce a variety of objects currently made of synthetic polymer materials, particularly but not limited to the packaging field. Cellulose-based materials are much less polluting and easier to handle than synthetic polymer materials.

[0003] It is known to form an object by pressing a dosage body of a cellulose-based material between a convex half-mold and a concave half-mold.

[0004] The dosage body can have the shape of a flat disc, which is obtained by cutting a web material made of a cellulose-based material. Thus, the flat disc has a constant density and a constant thickness, which correspond to the density and thickness of the starting web material.

[0005] If a dosage body of this type is used to form an object with a non-constant thickness, such as the lid of a container, difficulties may arise. The lid typically has an end wall, which is intended to be positioned horizontally above an opening surrounded by the neck of the container in use. A substantially cylindrical side wall projects from the end wall, and the substantially cylindrical side wall has an inner surface on which at least one fastening element is provided for removably fixing the lid to the neck of the container. An anti-tamper ring is provided below the fastening element in the edge region of the side wall to alert the user whether the container has been opened.

[0006] The thickness of the anti-tamper ring is generally less than that of the other parts of the lid, in particular less than that of the end wall. On the other hand, the end wall has a relatively high thickness. The anti-tamper ring may also be provided with retaining tabs for retaining the anti-tamper ring associated with the neck of the container, and the retaining tabs are thinner than the other parts of the lid.

[0007] More generally, the entire side wall may have a thickness less than that of the end wall, and the end wall cannot be too thin either, because it must seal the container and withstand the pressure generated inside the container.

[0008] This means that when pressing the dosage body between the convex half-mold and the concave half-mold, the pressure that must be applied in the region of the dosage body intended to form the anti-tamper ring and more generally in the side wall must be greater than the pressure that must be applied in the region of the dosage body intended to form the end wall. By compressing more the region of the dosage body intended to form the anti-tamper ring, a smaller thickness can be obtained in the anti-tamper ring than in the other regions of the lid.

[0009] However, this involves structural complexity in the forming equipment, which must be able to locally apply very high forming pressures at the thinner areas. Additionally, from the perspective of the design and construction of the mold, providing a mold that can apply different pressures in different areas of the lid creates significant complexity.

[0010] In addition to the above, the objects obtained at the end of the forming process also have non-uniform properties. For example, the density of a cellulose-based material is typically greater in the side walls where the material has been more compressed than in the end walls. This is generally undesirable.

[0011] When disk-shaped dosages are used to obtain objects with a concave shape (such as lids, capsules, or containers), they can cause difficulties during compression. These objects have a substantially flat end wall from which side walls project, and the side walls extend around an axis.

[0012] While the central part of the dosage intended to form the end wall does not encounter particular difficulties during compression, it is more difficult to handle the peripheral part of the dosage intended to form the side wall, which must bend relative to the central part and must slide until it fills the outermost area of the forming chamber.

[0013] It may also occur that when the peripheral part of the dosage deforms to form the side wall, thus changing from a flat shape to a concave shape, folds are formed on the side wall of the object, in which adjacent parts of the material are superimposed. These folds result in non-uniform properties of the formed object, with the formed object having a higher density and thus greater stiffness at the folds, and they may also be visible to the naked eye, which deteriorates the appearance of the object.

[0014] Some examples of methods for forming objects from natural fiber-based materials are disclosed in SE1950299, JP2006069071, DE3825986, US2017 / 305097. Summary of the Invention

[0015] An object of the present invention is to improve the method of forming an object by pressing a natural fiber-based material.

[0016] Another object is to improve the dosages made of natural fiber-based materials, which are suitable for forming objects by compression.

[0017] Yet another object is to provide a method for obtaining an object by pressing a dosage and the associated dosage, which allows obtaining an object with as uniform properties as possible even with a non-constant thickness.

[0018] Another object is to provide a method for forming an object by pressing a dosage body and a related dosage body, which allows obtaining an object with a non-constant thickness and good quality.

[0019] Another object is to provide a dosage body that allows forming a three-dimensional object, in particular an object with a concave shape, in which defects due to the presence of folds in the side walls are reduced or eliminated.

[0020] Another object is to provide a method for forming a concave object by pressing a dosage body in a mold and a related dosage body, which enables easy filling of the mold.

[0021] In a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, which includes the following steps:

[0022] - providing a dosage body made of a natural fiber-based material;

[0023] - inserting the dosage body into a mold between a first half-mold and a second half-mold;

[0024] - moving at least one half-mold selected from the first half-mold and the second half-mold along a pressing direction towards the other half-mold selected from the second half-mold and the first half-mold to press the dosage body between the first half-mold and the second half-mold, thereby forming an object,

[0025] wherein the dosage body has a non-uniform structure.

[0026] Instead of using a dosage body with uniform properties or a uniform geometry throughout its volume, in the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, a dosage body with a non-uniform structure is used, which is designed according to the type of object to be formed. The non-uniform structure is configured to optimize the behavior of the natural fiber-based material during pressing and / or improve the property distribution in the pressed object.

[0027] In one embodiment, the non-uniform structure of the dosage body is defined by a change in the properties of the dosage body between a first part of the dosage body and a second part of the dosage body.

[0028] For example, the non-uniform structure of the dosage body can be defined by a change in the properties of the dosage body between a central part of the dosage body and a peripheral part of the dosage body.

[0029] This embodiment is particularly suitable for a dosage body intended to form a concave object. In this case, the behavior of the central part of the dosage body intended to form the end wall of the object can be made different from the behavior of the peripheral part of the dosage body intended to form the side wall of the object.

[0030] The central part is arranged in the central region of the dosage body.

[0031] The peripheral part is defined by the outer or free edge of the dosage body.

[0032] If the dosage body has a substantially circular shape in plan view, the central part has a circular shape in plan view, while the peripheral part has an annular shape in plan view.

[0033] In one embodiment, the dosage body may include an intermediate part inserted between the central part and the peripheral part, where the varying property has an intermediate value between the value it has in the central part and the value it has in the peripheral part.

[0034] In one embodiment, the property that varies to make the structure of the dosage body non-uniform is thickness.

[0035] In particular, the thickness may be greater in a first part of the dosage body that is intended to form a thicker wall of the object, and smaller in a second part of the dosage body that is intended to form a thinner wall of the object.

[0036] This allows the elimination or at any rate reduction of density variations in the object formed by pressing the dosage body, which has a non-constant thickness, especially with a thicker wall and a thinner wall. The thicker region of the object can be obtained from the thicker part of the dosage body, while the thinner region can be obtained from the thinner part of the dosage body. This makes it unnecessary to distinguish between the forming pressures for the thinner and thicker regions. Thus, excessive complexity in the structure of the device for forming the object is avoided. In addition, an excessive density difference between the thinner and thicker regions of the object is avoided.

[0037] For example, the thickness may be greater in the central part of the dosage body and smaller in the peripheral part of the dosage body.

[0038] In one embodiment, the property that varies to make the structure of the dosage body non-uniform is density.

[0039] In particular, the density may be greater in a first part of the dosage body that is intended to form a thicker region of the object, and smaller in a second part of the dosage body that is intended to form a thinner region of the object.

[0040] In this embodiment, the dosage body may have a constant or substantially constant thickness.

[0041] By pressing the dosage body with a substantially uniform forming pressure, the thicker part of the object can be obtained from the first part of the dosage body having a greater density, while the thinner part of the object can be obtained from the second part of the dosage body having a lower density. This avoids the complexity of the forming device and avoids excessive variations in density in the finished object.

[0042] In one embodiment, the non-uniform structure of the dose body can be defined by at least one intended deformation line made on the surface of the dose body.

[0043] This enables control of the behavior of the dose body during pressing, making it easier to form an object having a three-dimensional shape (such as a non-flat shape, especially a concave shape).

[0044] The intended deformation line can be a line around the central part of the dose body that is intended to form the end wall of the object.

[0045] This makes it easier to fold the peripheral part of the dose body relative to the central part of the dose body during shaping. The central part is arranged within the intended deformation line, and the peripheral part surrounds the intended deformation line.

[0046] In this way, a concave object can be obtained, where the central part of the dose body forms the end wall of the object, and the peripheral part of the dose body forms the side wall of the object. The intended deformation line makes it easier to shape the dose body, especially facilitating the arrangement of the peripheral part around the punch of the mold in which the object is to be formed in order to form the side wall of the object.

[0047] Thus, even if the object to be formed has a concave shape, the natural fiber-based material can more easily fill the shaping chamber of the mold.

[0048] The intended deformation line can be a closed line, for example, circular.

[0049] Thus, within the intended deformation line, the central part of the dose body that is intended to form the end wall of the object can be surrounded.

[0050] In one embodiment, the peripheral part of the dose body has a plurality of additional intended deformation lines extending from the intended deformation line towards the outside of the dose body.

[0051] During shaping, the additional intended deformation lines contribute to the deformation of the peripheral part of the dose body, which more easily produces side walls having shapes such as cylindrical or frustoconical shapes.

[0052] In one embodiment, the intended deformation line is a local compression zone provided in the dose body.

[0053] The local compression zone defines a linear zone in the dose body along which the material has been deformed by pressing. This makes it easier to form a concave object from the dose body because the peripheral part of the dose body can more easily rotate relative to the central part to form the side wall protruding from the end wall of the object.

[0054] The additional intended deformation lines can also be local compression zones.

[0055] The dosage body may have a multi-layer structure and may include, for example, a cover sheet arranged in contact with a support layer.

[0056] If the intended deformation line and / or additional intended deformation lines are local compression zones, the adhesion of the cover sheet to the support layer is improved because the local compression zones compress the cover sheet and promote mechanical adhesion of the cover sheet to the support layer.

[0057] In one embodiment, the intended fold line is a cutting line that partially cuts through the thickness of the dosage body.

[0058] The cutting line interrupts the continuity of the fibers of the natural fiber-based material, which facilitates the deformation of the peripheral portion relative to the central portion and thus facilitates the formation of the side walls.

[0059] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dosage body made of a natural fiber-based material, the dosage body being intended to be shaped by pressing to obtain an object, wherein the dosage body has an uneven structure.

[0060] The dosage body provided by the second aspect of the present invention enables the technical effects described above with reference to the first aspect of the present invention to be obtained.

[0061] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dosage body made of a natural fiber-based material, the dosage body being suitable for being shaped by pressing to obtain a concave object, the dosage body including a central portion for forming an end wall of the concave object and a peripheral portion for forming side walls of the concave object, the peripheral portion including a plurality of functional zones, and wherein a plurality of compensation zones are also provided for receiving an excess amount of the material of the dosage body in order to compensate for any thickness increase caused by folding generated when the peripheral portion is shaped to form the side walls, each compensation zone being inserted between two functional zones.

[0062] Due to the compensation zones, the dosage body according to the third aspect of the present invention allows a concave object to be obtained having a more uniform distribution of natural fibers in the side walls.

[0063] In fact, the compensation zones act as accumulation zones that can receive the amount of material from the folds formed in the peripheral portion when the peripheral portion is pressed to obtain the side walls. This prevents the formation of defective zones on the side walls where the excess material has reached an over-compacted degree.

[0064] The compensation zones may include zones having a lower density, or zones having a smaller thickness, or empty spaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The present invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting example forms of the present invention, and in which:

[0066] Figure 1is a schematic top view of a dosimeter for obtaining a target object by pressing;

[0067] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side view of the dosimeter;

[0068] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a dosimeter according to an alternative embodiment;

[0069] Figure 4 is a cross-section along Figure 3 plane IV-IV;

[0070] Figure 5 is a schematic top view of a dosimeter according to another alternative embodiment;

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section showing a mold constructed according to a first operation, in which a dosimeter of the type shown Figures 1 to 5 can be processed;

[0072] Figure 7 is a cross-section along Figure 6 plane VII-VII, in which the dosimeter is not shown;

[0073] Figure 8 is a cross-section similar to Figure 6 constructed according to a second operation;

[0074] Figure 9 is a cross-section similar to Figure 7 referred to as the second operation configuration;

[0075] Figure 10 is a cross-section similar to Figure 6 constructed according to a third operation;

[0076] Figure 11 is a cross-section similar to Figure 7 referred to as the third operation configuration;

[0077] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-section showing the first half of a mold such as Figure 6 shown according to an additional alternative embodiment, in which the dosimeter has been released;

[0078] Figure 13 is Figure 12 a schematic top view of the half mold;

[0079] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-section at a reduced scale of a lid that can be obtained from Figures 1 to 4 the dosimeter;

[0080] Figure 15shows a schematic cross-section of a dose body similar to that positioned in a mold according to an alternative embodiment Figure 1 and Figure 2 where the mold is in the open position;

[0081] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-section similar to Figure 15 where the mold is in the forming position;

[0082] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-section similar to Figure 15 where the mold is again in the open position and the formed object is removed from the mold;

[0083] Figures 18 to 21 shows a schematic plan view of a dose body according to a corresponding alternative embodiment;

[0084] Figure 22 shows a schematic cross-section of a dose body according to another alternative form;

[0085] Figure 23 shows a schematic cross-section of a capsule that can be produced starting from a dose body of the type shown above. Detailed Description

[0086] Figure 1 shows a blank or dose body 1 for obtaining an object by pressure forming, in particular by compression molding.

[0087] The dose body 1 is made of a natural fiber-based material, in particular a cellulose-based material. The material of the dose body 1 may include a cellulose content equal to at least 70% by weight, for example greater than or equal to 80% by weight.

[0088] The material for manufacturing the dose body 1 may be in a dry form or may contain a limited percentage of moisture. The material may be in the form of, for example, fluff, an air-laid structure, a mixture of powder and / or granules (pre-compacted if necessary).

[0089] In the example shown, the dose body 1 is shaped like a disc. In other words, the dose body 1 may have a circular shape in a plan view. However, this is not necessary, and the dose body 1 may be other shapes, such as oval, quadrilateral, polygonal, and other shapes in a plan view. An open-cell dose body, i.e., a dose body with through holes, may also be used, for example, with the through holes located in the central region of the dose body. The open-cell geometry is useful if the dose body is used to produce an object with holes, such as the neck of a container.

[0090] The statements above regarding the shape of the dose body apply not only to Figure 1 and Figure 2the dose body 1 shown in, and applicable to all dose bodies referred to in this specification.

[0091] The dose body 1 may have a substantially flat shape, or rather, a shape in which one dimension is much smaller than the other two dimensions. More specifically, the two lateral dimensions of the dose body 1 (e.g., the length of the bottom and the width of the bottom, or the diameter) may be much larger than the longitudinal dimension (e.g., the thickness or the height). In some cases, the lateral dimensions may be at least one order of magnitude larger than the longitudinal dimension.

[0092] However, this is not necessary, and according to an alternative embodiment, the dose body may have three dimensions of approximately the same order of magnitude.

[0093] In the dose body 1, a central portion 2 and a peripheral portion 3 can be identified. The peripheral portion 3 surrounds the central portion 2.

[0094] The peripheral portion 3 is bounded by the outer edge 16 of the dose body 1. According to the example shown, the peripheral portion 3 extends from the central portion 2 to the outer edge 16.

[0095] According to the example shown, the central portion 2 has a substantially circular shape in a plan view, and the peripheral portion 3 has a shape similar to a ring arranged around the central portion 2 in a plan view.

[0096] Depending on the shape of the dose body 1, the shapes of the central portion 2 and the peripheral portion 3 may be different from the shapes shown.

[0097] The central portion 2 has a thickness S1, which may be substantially constant in the central portion 2. On the other hand, the peripheral portion 3 has an additional thickness S2, which may be substantially constant in the peripheral portion 3. The central portion 2 is different from the peripheral portion 3 because the thickness S1 of the central portion 2 is, on average, greater than the additional thickness S2 of the peripheral portion 3. In other words, the dose body 1 is thinner in the peripheral portion 3 than in the central portion 2.

[0098] Therefore, the dose body 1 has a non-uniform structure caused by the change in thickness in the body of the dose body 1. In other words, the change in thickness between the central portion 2 and the peripheral portion 3 makes the dose body 1 non-uniform.

[0099] The dose body 1 may have a substantially uniform density.

[0100] The dose body 1 can be used to form a concave object, such as a lid of a container or a container or a capsule, etc.

[0101] Figure 14 It is shown that it can be used Figure 1 and Figure 2An example of a lid 4 produced by the dosage body 1 shown. The lid 4 is configured to removably engage with the neck of a container and includes an end wall 5 which, in use, is adapted to be positioned above the mouth of the container, the opening being defined by the neck. The lid 4 also includes a side wall 6 projecting from the end wall 5 and which may extend about an axis Z.

[0102] The side wall 6 includes a skirt 8 defined by a portion of the side wall 6 adjacent the end wall 5. Inside the skirt 8 there is a connection structure 7 which may include one or more threads, or one or more protrusions, or any other connection element suitable for removably connecting the lid 4 to the neck of the container.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment, the connection structure 7 may be configured to connect at least a portion of the lid 4 to the neck of the container in a non-removable manner, as in the case of a snap-on lid.

[0104] The side wall 6 may also include a tamper-evident band 9 which is very schematically shown in Figure 14 The tamper-evident band 9 is disposed at one end of the skirt 8 which is opposite the other end of the skirt 8 adjacent the end wall 5.

[0105] The end wall 5 and the skirt 8 define a closure element 11 of the lid 4. The closure element 11 is movable between a closed position in which the closure element 11 engages with the neck of the container to keep the neck of the container closed and an open position in which the closure element 11 is spaced apart from the mouth of the container such that the user is allowed to see inside the container.

[0106] In the open position, the closure element may be completely separated from the tamper-evident band or remain partially anchored to the tamper-evident band, for example by a hinge structure or at least one connecting strip.

[0107] The tamper-evident band 9 is connected to the skirt 8 by frangible connectors which include, for example, a plurality of frangible bridges 10 which are adapted to be broken when the closure element 11 is first moved to the open position. By breaking the frangible bridges 10, the closure element 11 is completely or partially separated from the tamper-evident band 9. The tamper-evident band 9 is configured to remain associated with the neck of the container even when the closure element 11 is moved to the open position. For this purpose, the tamper-evident band may include one or more retaining elements which are formed inside the tamper-evident band 9 and which are adapted to engage with a collar projecting from the neck of the container so as to prevent the tamper-evident band 9 from being pulled off the neck.

[0108] The average thickness of the tamper-evident band 9 can be less than the average thickness of the end wall 5. In some cases, the average thickness of the skirt 8 can also be less than the average thickness of the end wall 5. This can occur because, although the end wall 5 requires good mechanical strength and excellent properties in terms of sealing with liquids and gases, the sealing properties and mechanical strength of the side wall 6 (or, in some cases, only the tamper-evident band 9) may not be as critical.

[0109] The lid 4 is obtained in a mold by pressing the dose body 1 between a convex half-mold and a concave half-mold, as described in detail below.

[0110] According to the example shown, the central part 2 of the dose body 1 is intended to form the end wall 5 of the lid 4. On the other hand, the peripheral part 3 of the dose body 1 is intended to form the side wall 6 of the lid 4.

[0111] The central part 2 with a thickness S1 greater than the additional thickness S2 of the peripheral part 3 is intended to form the thickest wall of the lid 4. Similarly, the peripheral part 3 with an additional thickness S2 smaller than the thickness S1 of the central part 2 is intended to form the thinner wall of the lid 4.

[0112] This makes it possible to form the end wall 5 and form the side wall 6 using a constant forming pressure (i.e., using substantially the same forming pressure) to obtain a lid 4 with desired thickness values in the end wall 5 and the side wall 6. This prevents structural complexity in the forming device for forming the lid 4 by compressing the dose body 1.

[0113] In addition, the resulting lid 4 has substantially constant or slightly different density values between the end wall 5 and the side wall 6.

[0114] The difference between the thickness S1 of the central part 2 and the additional thickness S2 of the peripheral part 3 depends on many factors, including the density of the dose body 1 and the thicknesses to be obtained for the end wall 5 and the side wall 6. For example, the difference between the thickness S1 of the central part 2 and the additional thickness S2 can vary between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

[0115] The planar dimensions of the central part 2 and the peripheral part 3 vary according to the type and size of the object to be obtained. For example, if a reduced thickness is obtained only in the tamper-evident band 9 and not in the skirt 8, the radial dimension of the peripheral part 3 can be less than Figure 1 the radial dimension shown.

[0116] Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows a dose body 101 according to an alternative form. Different from Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the dose body 101 has a substantially constant thickness S.

[0117] However, in the dosing body 101, a central part 102 and a peripheral part 103 can be identified, which differ from each other in the density of the natural fiber-based material, in particular cellulose-based material, from which it is made.

[0118] In particular, in the central part 102, the density of the natural fiber-based material can be greater than the density of this material in the peripheral part 103.

[0119] For example, the grammage of the central part 102 can vary between 600 g / m 2 and 1200 g / m 2 and is preferably equal to 900 g / m 2 . The grammage is closely related to the density of the material.

[0120] On the other hand, the grammage of the peripheral part 103 can vary between 250 g / m 2 and 750 g / m 2 .

[0121] Thus, the dosing body 101 has a non-uniform structure caused by the density variation in the body of the dosing body 101. In other words, the density variation between the central part 102 and the peripheral part 103 renders the dosing body 101 non-uniform.

[0122] The dosing body 101 can be used to obtain Figure 14 the lid 4 shown. In this case, by applying a constant forming pressure over the entire surface of the dosing body 101, a lid 4 can be formed in which the thickness of the part originating from the central part 102 of the dosing body 101 is greater than the thickness of the part originating from the peripheral part 103 of the dosing body 101.

[0123] For example, if the dimensions of the central part 102 are designed to form the end wall 5 of the lid 4 and the dimensions of the peripheral part 103 are designed to form the side wall 6 of the lid 4, a lid can be obtained from the dosing body 101 in which the end wall 5 is on average thicker than the side wall 6.

[0124] On the other hand, if the radial dimension of the peripheral part 103 of the dosing body 101 is smaller than Figure 3 and Figure 4 the radial dimensions shown, a lid 4 can be obtained with a tamper-evident band 9 that is on average thinner than the skirt 8 and the end wall 5.

[0125] Figures 6 to 11 An example of a mold 20 that can be used to form a concave object, such as the lid 4, is shown in a very schematic way. To simplify the representation, the side wall 6 bounded by a smooth cylindrical side surface is shown in Figures 6 to 11 , although it should be understood that the side wall 6 can include the connecting structure 7 and the tamper-evident band. Furthermore, the dosing body 101 is shown as having the same as Figure 3 andFigure 4 Dimensions of different sizes as shown. However, the dosing body 101 still includes a peripheral portion 103 having a density greater than that of the central portion 102.

[0126] Also in this case, the peripheral portion 103 is positioned outside the central portion 102 and extends to the outer edge 16 or the free edge.

[0127] The mold 20 includes a first half mold or female die portion 21 and a second half mold or male die portion 22. At least one of the half molds selected from among the concave portion 21 and the convex portion 22 can move relative to the other half mold selected from among the convex portion 22 and the concave portion 21 in a pressing direction D parallel to the molding axis Y.

[0128] The mold 20 has a forming region 23 in which the natural fiber-based material is formed to obtain the lid 4. The forming region 23 has a volume that gradually decreases from the moment when the natural fiber-based material is received in the forming region 23 until the moment when the lid 4 is obtained. Therefore, the forming region 23 is a forming region with a variable volume.

[0129] The concave portion 21 includes a plurality of partitions 24 designed to define the side surface of the forming region 23, for example, four partitions 24.

[0130] Each partition 24 is in contact with two adjacent partitions 24.

[0131] The partition 24 can slide in contact with a transverse element 25 that defines the transverse surface of the forming region 23, that is, the surface of the forming region 23 that extends transversely to the pressing direction D.

[0132] In particular, the partition 24 can slide from Figure 6 and Figure 7 the initial position shown to Figure 10 and Figure 11 the final position shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 show the intermediate positions between the initial position and the final position reached by the partition 24.

[0133] The partition 24 can move under the action of one or more external actuators. In particular, each partition 24 can move under the action of the force applied to it by the corresponding external actuator and simultaneously under the action of the force applied to it by the adjacent partition 24.

[0134] The convex portion 22 includes a punch 26 that extends along the molding axis Y and is positioned to enter the forming region 23 for forming from the inside of the lid 4.

[0135] There is a tubular element 27 outside the punch 26, and the punch 26 can slide relative to the tubular element 27.

[0136] An actuating device (not shown) enables the concave part 21 and / or the convex part 22 to move relative to each other such that the concave part 21 and the convex part 22 move towards each other to form the lid 4, or move away from each other to allow the formed lid 4 to be removed from the mould 20.

[0137] During operation, the concave part 21 and the convex part 22 are initially in a spaced-apart position, in which a dosing device (not shown) introduces the dose body 101 into the forming area 23.

[0138] The partitions 24 are in an initial position, in which they define a wide configuration C1 of the forming area 23. Thus, the partitions 24 delimit a forming area 23 having a relatively large volume, which is capable of receiving a dose body 101 having a relatively low density (even if not constant), which dose body thus occupies a large amount of space.

[0139] The concave part 21 and the convex part 22 move towards each other until the tubular element 27 contacts the partitions 24, as Figure 6 shown. When this occurs, a closed forming chamber 28 is defined between the concave part 21 and the convex part 22, the volume of which is much larger than the final volume of the lid 4.

[0140] The punch 26 is initially in a retracted position, in which the punch 26 does not project from the tubular element 27, as Figure 6 shown.

[0141] Subsequently, the punch 26 enters the forming area 23 and moves towards the transverse element 25 until it is positioned at a distance from the transverse element 25 which is substantially equal to the thickness of the end wall 5 of the lid 4, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown. Thus, the end wall 5 of the lid 4 is formed.

[0142] The partitions 24, which have hitherto been in a first position (which corresponds to the wide configuration C1 of the forming area 23), now begin to move towards each other. Thus, the partitions 24 reach the second position shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , which corresponds to the final configuration C2 of the forming chamber 28. In this configuration, the partitions 24 are positioned at a distance from the punch 26 which corresponds to the thickness of the side wall 6 of the lid 4. Due to the interaction between the partitions 24 and the side part of the punch 26, the side wall 6 is thus compressed.

[0143] The free edge 12 of the side wall 6 is formed after the interaction between the natural-fibre-based material and the partial surface of the tubular element 27.

[0144] The lid 4 thus formed can now be removed from the mould.

[0145] In this way, the lid 4, or more generally a concave object, can be obtained, where the density of the end wall 5 is substantially equal to the density of the side wall 6, although these walls have different thicknesses.

[0146] During the process of pressing or compression molding of the natural fiber-based material in the mold 20, a pressure greater than 200 bar is applied to the material. The natural fiber-based material is heated to a temperature in the range of 150 - 200 °C. The heating of the natural fiber-based material can occur in the mold 20 and / or upstream of the mold 20 such that the natural fiber-based material has reached the mold 20 at the desired temperature.

[0147] According to an alternative form, the mold 20 can also reach from Figure 6 and Figure 7 the initial position shown to Figure 10 and Figure 11 the final position shown, for example by moving the punch 26 towards the transverse element 25 before or even simultaneously with moving the partition 24.

[0148] The mold 20 can also be used to form a concave object, such as the lid 4, by pressing using a dosing body Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the type shown having a non-constant thickness.

[0149] Figures 15 to 17 The mold 120 according to an alternative form is shown. The mold 120 allows the production of a concave object 104 from a dosing body 1 Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the type shown. According to an alternative form not shown, the mold 120 can also be used in combination with a dosing body 101 Figure 3 and Figure 4 of the type shown.

[0150] The mold 120 includes a first half-mold, which is the female die part 121 in the example shown, facing a second half-mold, which is the male die part 122 in the example shown.

[0151] The convex part 122 is similar to Figures 6 to 11 the convex part 22 shown, and particularly includes a punch 26 and a tubular element 27.

[0152] The concave part 121 is provided with a cavity 29 having a predetermined size. Different from what happens in the mold 20 Figures 6 to 11 shown, the concave part 121 has a lateral dimension (i.e., perpendicular to the pressing direction D) that does not change during forming. That is, there is no partition 24 in the concave part 121.

[0153] The concave part 121 is positioned below the convex part 122.

[0154] The concave portion 121 has a receiving space 30 which is intended to temporarily receive the dose body 1 when the dose body 1 is released in the mold 120 and then to compress the dose body 10 in accordance with the interaction between the concave portion 121 and the corresponding convex portion 122. The receiving space 30 is delimited by a support surface 31 which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the pressing direction D.

[0155] The support surface 31 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 32 of the cavity 29.

[0156] The dose body 1 has a lateral dimension, i.e. a dimension measured transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the pressing direction D, which is greater than the lateral dimension of the receiving space 30.

[0157] In this way, when the dose body 1 is released between the concave portion 121 and the convex portion 122, the dose body rests on the receiving space 30 and remains spaced apart from the bottom surface 32, as Figure 15 shown.

[0158] Subsequently, the concave portion 121 moves towards the convex portion 122, or the convex portion 122 moves towards the concave portion 121, thus moving along the pressing direction D, and the dose body 1 begins to interact with the punch 26 and is thus pushed into the cavity 29 until it reaches the bottom surface 32. The mold 120 reaches the Figure 16 shown closed position, in which the dose body 1 has been compressed to obtain the object 104 therefrom.

[0159] According to the example shown, the object 104 has an end wall 5 obtained from the central portion 2 of the dose body 1, and the end wall 5 is thicker than the side wall 6 obtained from the peripheral portion 3 of the dose body 1.

[0160] Subsequently, the concave portion 121 and the convex portion 122 move away from each other again to reach the open position. The tubular element 27 moves towards the concave portion 121 relative to the punch 26 such that the tubular element 27 exerts a thrust on the free edge 12 of the object 104 and separates the object 104 from the punch 26. The object 104 can now move away from the mold 120, and the mold 120 is ready to receive a new dose body 1.

[0161] Figures 15 to 17 The mold 120 shown can also be used to form an object starting from a dose body of the type shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0162] Figures 6 to 11 The mold 20 shown can be provided with Figures 15 to 17The receiving space 30 shown is similar to the receiving space such that in the mold 20, the dose body is initially also positioned in a configuration spaced apart from the bottom surface of the recess 21.

[0163] Figure 21 A dose body 401 according to an alternative form is shown.

[0164] The dose body 401 is different from the dose bodies 1 and 101 in that it comprises three parts, each of which has a different value of a property selected from among the thickness of the dose body or the density of the natural fiber-based material forming the dose body.

[0165] More specifically, the dose body 401 includes a central part 402 positioned in the central region of the dose body 401 and a peripheral part 403 positioned outside the central part 402. The peripheral part 403 extends to the outer edge 16 or free edge of the dose body. The outer edge 16 delimits the peripheral part 403.

[0166] The dose body 401 further includes an intermediate part 404 inserted between the central part 402 and the peripheral part 403.

[0167] According to the example shown where the dose body 401 has a substantially circular shape in plan view, the central part 402 also has a substantially circular shape in plan view. The intermediate part 404 has the shape of a circular crown that is immediately outside and surrounds the central part 402. The peripheral part 403 also has the shape of a circular crown. The peripheral part 403 surrounds the intermediate part 404.

[0168] The dose body 401 may also have a non-circular shape in plan view. In this case, the shapes of the central part, the peripheral part, and the intermediate part (if present) are accordingly changed. In any case, the central part extends in the central region of the dose body, while the peripheral part has a closed annular shape delimited by the outer edge 16.

[0169] In the central part 402, the property of the dose body 401 selected from among thickness and density has a first value P1. In the peripheral part 403, the property has a second value P2. In the intermediate part 404, the property has an intermediate value P3.

[0170] The values P1, P2, P3 are values of the same property (e.g., thickness or density).

[0171] The first value P1 may be greater than the intermediate value P3, which in turn is greater than the second value P2.

[0172] For example, in the central part 402, the thickness can have a first value P1 that is greater than the intermediate value P3 of the thickness in the intermediate part 404. The intermediate value P3 can in turn be greater than the second value P2 of the thickness in the peripheral part 402.

[0173] In this type of dosimeter, the density can be constant.

[0174] According to an alternative form, the density of the natural fiber-based material in the central part 402 can have a first value P1 that is greater than the intermediate value P3 of the density in the intermediate part 404. The intermediate value P3 can in turn be greater than the second value P2 of the density in the peripheral part 402.

[0175] In this type of dosimeter, the thickness can be constant.

[0176] It is possible to press a dosimeter in which the thickness or density has a first value P1 greater than an intermediate value P3, and the intermediate value P3 is greater than a second value P2, to obtain Figure 14 the lid 11 of the type shown, in which the thickness of the end wall 5 is greater than the thickness of the skirt 6, and the thickness of the skirt 6 is greater than the thickness of the tamper-evident band 9. Due to the shape of the dosimeter, the desired thickness of the various parts of the lid 11 can be obtained using a substantially constant forming pressure. In addition, the obtained lid 11 can have a substantially uniform density.

[0177] In an alternative embodiment, the dosimeter 401 can have a thickness or density whose first value P1 is less than an intermediate value P3, and the intermediate value P3 is less than a second value P2. This type of dosimeter can be used to form Figure 23 the capsule 411 schematically shown in

[0178] The capsule 411 is intended to contain a substance, for example in powder or granular form, at least one component of which can be extracted from a pressurized fluid passing through the capsule. The capsule 411 can contain, for example, coffee, tea or other substances intended to produce a beverage. The capsule 411 includes a bottom wall 405, a side wall 406 projecting from the bottom wall 405 around an axis Z1, and a flange 409 surrounding the side wall 406.

[0179] The flange 409 is intended to engage with a support member of an extraction machine to feed a pressurized fluid into the capsule 411. Therefore, the flange 409 should have a relatively large thickness in order to have good rigidity.

[0180] The bottom wall 405 is intended to be perforated to allow the outflow of a beverage or other liquid formed in contact with the substance contained in the capsule 411. For this purpose, it is desirable for the thickness of the bottom wall 405 to be less than the thickness of the flange 409.

[0181] The thickness of the side wall 406 can be the same as the thickness of the bottom wall 405 or greater than the thickness of the bottom wall 405 but less than the thickness of the flange 409.

[0182] The capsule 411 can be obtained by pressing Figure 21 a dose body 401 of the type shown, in which the central part 402 has a property selected from among thickness and density, which property has a first value P1 that is less than a second value P2 of the same property in the peripheral part 403. In the intermediate part 404, the property selected from among thickness and density can have an intermediate value P3 that is greater than the first value P1 and less than the second value P2.

[0183] If the property that increases in value from the first value P1 to the second value P2 is density, the thickness of the dose body 401 can be constant. On the other hand, if the property that increases in value from the first value P1 to the second value P2 is thickness, the density of the dose body 401 can be constant.

[0184] If a capsule 411 is to be formed in which the side wall 406 and the bottom wall 405 have equal thicknesses that are less than the thickness of the flange 409, a dose body in which the peripheral part is in direct contact with the central part can be used, i.e., a dose body that does not have an intermediate part with an intermediate density or thickness value between the values present in the central part and the peripheral part.

[0185] Generally, the sizes, shapes, and positions of the parts of the dose body 1, 401 having different thicknesses or the parts of the dose body 101, 401 having different densities can be selected according to the type of object to be obtained, its shape, and its dimensions. Thus, the dose body is designed according to the object to be obtained, for example, differentiating the properties or characteristics of the dose body, such as density or thickness, according to the thickness of the object formed by the dose body. Thus, a higher density (or greater thickness) is employed in the part of the dose body that is intended to form a thicker part of the object, and a lower density (or smaller thickness) is employed in the part of the dose body that is intended to form a thinner part of the object.

[0186] For example, starting from a dose body having a relatively thick peripheral part or having a relatively high density, a lid having a tamper-evident band that is thicker than the other parts of the lid can be obtained. This can be desirable in cases where a reliable tamper-evident band is to be obtained and the tamper-evident band is difficult to break deceptively so that the consumer can easily detect any opening of the container.

[0187] Furthermore, the parts of the dose body having different properties (e.g., different density or thickness values) from each other are not necessarily positioned such that one part surrounds the other. Depending on the geometry of the object to be formed, the parts of the dose body having different properties can be positioned side by side with each other or according to other patterns.

[0188] In the dosage body, it is also possible to identify more than two parts having values of thickness, density or other properties that are different from each other, for example, three or more parts that are different in terms of thickness, density or other properties according to the geometry of the object to be formed.

[0189] According to a form not shown, parts of the dosage body that are different due to their properties (such as thickness or density) can produce regions of the object that have different densities from each other and also have the same thickness or different thicknesses from each other. In this way, an object with locally different densities can be obtained to locally change the properties of the formed object, such as in terms of strength, deformability, sealing, etc.

[0190] For example, the central part of the dosage body can have a property selected from thickness and density, and this property is greater than the value of this property in the part positioned in contact with the central part. By compressing the dosage body with a greater pressure in the central part, an object with a substantially uniform thickness can be obtained. In the relevant region obtained from the central part, the density of the object is greater than that of the adjacent regions. Therefore, the region of the object obtained from the central part of the dosage body is more rigid than the adjacent regions.

[0191] Figure 5 A dosage body 201 according to an alternative form is shown, which can be used to form a concave object, such as a lid 4, in a mold of the type shown, or in a forming mold different from that shown (for example, in the mold of Figures 6 to 11 ), by compression to form a concave object, such as a lid 4. Figures 6 to 11 shown, or in a forming mold different from that shown (for example, in the mold of Figures 15 to 17 ), by compression to form a concave object, such as a lid 4.

[0192] The dosage body 201 includes at least one intended deformation line 17 made on the surface 13 of the dosage body 201 to control the deformation of the dosage body 201 when it is pressed between the first half-mold and the second half-mold. The surface 13 can be the surface intended to define the inner surface of the finished object. According to the example shown, there are multiple intended deformation lines 17. The intended deformation lines 17 are configured such that: when the dosage body 201 is pressed between the first half-mold and the second half-mold, it facilitates the bending of the natural fiber-based material along the intended deformation lines 17.

[0193] The number of the intended deformation lines 17 can be selected as needed. There may be a number of intended deformation lines 17 different from that shown in Figure 5 , and there may also be a single intended deformation line 17.

[0194] In Figure 5In the example shown, each expected deformation line 17 is a locally compressed zone, i.e., a line obtained by locally compressing a natural fiber-based material. During local compression, a tool acts on the natural fiber-based material, which locally deforms and presses the natural fiber-based material without substantially damaging the fibers. The locally compressed zone defines a kind of crease on the dosing body 201, and the folding of the natural fiber-based material along this crease occurs in a convenient manner.

[0195] The expected deformation lines 17 make the structure of the dosing body 201 non-uniform because they introduce local deformations in a predetermined zone of the dosing body 201.

[0196] According to the example shown, the expected deformation lines 17 include a closed locally compressed zone 14 around the central part 202 of the dosing body 201. According to the example where the dosing body 201 has a disk-like shape in plan view, the locally compressed zone 14 is a circular line. Depending on the geometry of the dosing body 201 and the shape and dimensions of the object obtained by pressing the dosing body 201, other shapes of the closed locally compressed zone 14 are possible.

[0197] Generally, the closed locally compressed zone 14 is intended to delimit the central part of the dosing body 201, which is intended to form the first wall of the object, for example, the lateral wall or end wall of the lid of a capsule or container or other concave object.

[0198] The peripheral part 203 of the dosing body 201 can be identified as being outside the closed locally compressed zone 14. The peripheral part 203 is intended to produce the second wall of the object after compression molding, which projects from the first wall and surrounds the axis of the object. The second wall can be the side wall of a capsule or container or lid and can optionally have a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape.

[0199] When the dosing body 201 is compressed between a first half-mold and a second half-mold, in particular between the concave parts 21, 121 of the mold and the convex parts 22, 122 of the mold, the natural fiber-based material located outside the closed locally compressed zone 14 tends to bend relative to the central part 202 in order to be distributed between the outer side surface of the punch and the inner side surface of the die around the molding axis Y.

[0200] According to Figure 5 the example shown, the expected deformation lines 17 also include a plurality of additional locally compressed zones 15 that extend from the closed locally compressed zone 14 towards the outer edge 16 of the dosing body 201. The additional locally compressed zones 15 can be, for example, radially directed straight lines. However, other shapes of the additional locally compressed zones 15 are possible.

[0201] When the natural fiber-based material is pressed between the first half-mold and the second half-mold, additional local compression zones 15 contribute to the deformation of the material. In particular, the local compression zones 15 help the natural fiber-based material to distribute around the molding axis Y, from a substantially flat shape in the dosing body 201 to a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shape in the pressed object.

[0202] The local compression zone 14 and the additional local compression zones can be continuous local compression zones or interrupted local compression zones, i.e., comprising multiple segments where the material has been locally compressed, with insertion zones in between where the material has not been locally compressed.

[0203] In some cases, the natural fiber-based material forming the dosing body 201 can have a multi-layer structure and can include, for example, at least one main or support layer that is thicker and is at least covered on the relevant surface with a covering layer or sheet that has, for example, a smoother and denser compactness than the support layer.

[0204] In addition to influencing the behavior of the natural fiber-based material during pressing, the local compression zones 14, 15 also allow for improved adhesion of the covering layer to the support layer. Due to the local pressure applied to the natural fiber-based material when making the local compression zones, the covering layer tends to remain attached to the support layer even without the use of an adhesive substance.

[0205] The dosing body 201 can be used to form an object in a mold of the type shown in Figures 6 to 11 or in a different type of mold where the cavity of the concave part has a fixed lateral dimension and there is no partition 24, such as in the mold of Figures 15 to 17 .

[0206] Figure 12 and Figure 13 shows a dosing body 301 according to another alternative form, which is positioned within the concave part 21 of a mold of the type shown in Figures 6 to 11 . It should be understood that the dosing body 301 can also be pressed in a mold different from the type of mold 20, such as a mold where there is no partition 24 and the cavity of the concave part has a fixed lateral dimension, as in the case of the mold of Figures 15 to 17 .

[0207] The dosing body 301 has an intended deformation line 317 shaped like a cutting line 18, which does not pass through the entire thickness of the dosing body 301. The intended deformation line 317 is a deformation line obtained by cutting a part of the thickness of the natural fiber-based material. Along the cutting line 18, the fibers of the material forming the dosing body 301 are broken due to the cutting.

[0208] For example, the cutting line 18 can penetrate more than half of the thickness of the dosing body 301.

[0209] The cutting line 18 is made on the surface 13 of the dose body 301, in which case this surface 13 can also be intended to form the inner surface of the finished object.

[0210] The cutting line 18 makes the structure of the dose body 301 non-uniform, as it locally interrupts the continuity of the fibers and makes the behavior of the natural fiber-based material along the cutting line 18 different from its behavior in other regions of the dose body 301.

[0211] The cutting line 18 ideally divides the dose body 301 into a central part 302 surrounded by the cutting line 18 and a peripheral part 303 located outside the cutting line 18.

[0212] The peripheral part 302 is intended to form the transverse or end wall of the object to be formed by the dose body 301, while the peripheral part 303 is intended to form the side wall of the finished object.

[0213] If the end wall intended to be formed by the central part 302 has a circular shape in the plane, the cutting line 18 can be a closed line, such as a circular line. Depending on the shape of the wall of the object intended to be formed by the central part 302, the cutting line 18 can have a shape different from the circular shape.

[0214] The cutting line 18 can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0215] According to the example shown, there is a single cutting line 18 so as not to overly weaken the natural fiber-based material.

[0216] According to an alternative form, there can be two or more cutting lines.

[0217] When the dose body 301 is pressed between the first half-mold and the second half-mold, the central part 302 flattens between the punch and the transverse element 25 to form the end wall of the object. Due to the local interruption of the fibers caused by the cutting line 18, the peripheral part 303 of the dose body 301 has a high degree of freedom of movement and can easily bend and position around the punch to form the side wall of the object.

[0218] According to Figure 5 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 the examples of, the non-uniform parts of the dose body (whether they are in the form of local compression zones or cutting lines) are designed to favor the desired type of deformation of the dose body in the mold.

[0219] It is also possible to use a dose body formed of a loose material (such as in the form of granules or powder). In this case, the dose body can have, for example, one or more preferential deformation lines generated during the formation of the dose body in the forming chamber where the loose material is compacted to obtain the dose body.

[0220] Regardless of whether the preferential deformation line is in the form of a cutting line, a local compression zone, or a groove obtained when forming the dose body, the preferential deformation line can also face the surface of the dose body that is intended to form the outer surface of the object, i.e., in the region where the object has a convex surface.

[0221] Figures 18 to 20 An example of a dose body for obtaining a concave object (i.e., having an end wall and a side wall protruding from the end wall, which side wall is, for example, cylindrical or frustoconical) is shown. A cavity is defined between the side wall and the end wall.

[0222] Figure 18 A dose body 501 having a central portion 502 is shown. The central portion 502 may optionally have a constant density and a constant thickness. There is a peripheral portion 503 outside the central portion 502. The peripheral portion 503 includes a plurality of compensation zones 505 for compensating for material overlap that occurs when the peripheral portion 503 is shaped to obtain the side wall of the concave object.

[0223] The peripheral portion 503 also includes a plurality of functional zones 506 that have density values and thickness values selected in such a way as to obtain desired properties in the side wall of the concave object.

[0224] The compensation zones 505 and the functional zones 506 are distributed around the perimeter of the central portion 502 in an alternating manner, with each compensation zone 505 inserted between two functional zones 506 and vice versa.

[0225] Each of the compensation zones 505 may have at least one property selected from thickness and density, and the value of this property is less than the value of this property in the functional zones 506.

[0226] The compensation zones 505 may have a constant thickness and density. The functional zones 506 may also have a constant thickness and density, which is equal to or different from the thickness and density of the central portion 502. However, the density in the compensation zones 505 may be less than the density in the functional zones 506. In this case, the dose body 501 may have a constant thickness.

[0227] In a plan view of the dose body 501, the compensation zones 505 extend over a significant portion of the surface of the dose body 501. More specifically, in the plan view, the compensation zones 505 may extend over at least 20% of the surface of the dose body 501 as a whole (i.e., considering the sum of the areas of all the compensation zones 505).

[0228] According to the example shown, the dose body 501 has a substantially circular shape in the plan view, although this is not necessary. The dose body 501 is bounded by an outer edge 16 or a free edge, which is circular in the example shown in the plan view. The central portion 502 has a substantially circular perimeter that is concentric with the outer edge 16.

[0229] The compensation zone 505 may have the shape of a circular crown and thus have angular dimensions that are equal to each other.

[0230] The functional zone 506 may also have the shape of a circular crown and thus have angular dimensions that are equal to each other.

[0231] The angular dimension of the functional zone 506 may be equal to or different from the angular dimension of the compensation zone 505.

[0232] When the dose body 501 is pressed in a mold to obtain a concave object, the end walls of the object are obtained starting from the central part 502 of the dose body 501, and the dose body 501 is pressed and compressed to change the relevant initial shape in a limited way.

[0233] On the other hand, the side walls of the concave object require a more significant deformation of the dose body part that forms them (i.e., the peripheral part 503), and this peripheral part 503 must rotate from a planar configuration that is substantially coplanar with the central part 502 to a three-dimensional configuration in order to be positioned transversely to the central part 502. During this deformation, some regions of the side part 503 overlap because they bend onto each other. The compensation zone 505 is intended to compensate for the excess material that is generated when the regions of the side part 503 overlap. In fact, the excess material resulting from the overlap or folding that occurs when forming the side walls of the object can be distributed in the compensation zone 505, which is initially less dense and / or thinner. In this way, the distribution of the material in the side walls of the object is improved and made more uniform.

[0234] The above reference Figure 18 The described embodiment relates to a case where the density of the compensation zone 505 is less than the density of the functional zone 506 under equal thickness conditions.

[0235] It is also conceivable to have a case where the thickness of the compensation zone 505 is less than the thickness of the functional zone 506 under equal density conditions.

[0236] Figure 19 A dose body 601 according to an alternative embodiment is shown, which has a central part 602 that is similar to Figure 18 the central part 502 shown. The dose body 601 also has a peripheral part 603, and the peripheral part 603 includes a plurality of functional zones 606 that are similar to Figure 18 the functional zone 506 shown.

[0237] There are also a plurality of empty compensation zones 605, that is, zones where there is no material. Each compensation zone 605 is an empty space inserted between two consecutive functional zones 606.

[0238] When the dose body 601 is shaped to obtain a concave object, in addition to being compressed, the functional zones 606 also rotate relative to the central part 602 and widen in the circumferential direction such that the sides of two adjacent functional zones 606 contact and engage to form an uninterrupted side wall. The compensation zones 605 where no dose body material exists are filled with the material of the functional zones 606, and overlapping is prevented or minimized.

[0239] In Figure 19 the example shown, each compensation zone 605 where no material exists extends between two functional zones 606 to the central part 602 that forms the end wall of the object.

[0240] The peripheral part 603 has a discontinuous configuration around the central part 602, where full spaces (i.e., functional parts 606) alternate with empty spaces (i.e., compensation parts 606).

[0241] In this case, a non-circular shape can also be envisioned in the plan view of the dose body 601.

[0242] Figure 20 A dose body 701 for obtaining a concave object according to an alternative form is shown. The dose body 701 includes a central part 702 intended to form the end wall of the object, which is similar to the central part 502 described above. The central part 702 is surrounded by a peripheral part 703 intended to form the side wall of the finished object.

[0243] The central part 702 has been Figure 20 indicated as being bounded by a dashed line. This dashed line is a theoretical line that may not correspond to any variation of the dose body 701. In fact, the thickness and density of the central part 702 can be equal to the thickness and density of the peripheral part 703. Alternatively, the thickness and / or density of the dose body 701 in the central part 702 can be different from the thickness and / or density of the peripheral part 703.

[0244] The peripheral part 703 extends continuously around the central part 702. The peripheral part 703 is bounded by a peripheral region 707 having a undulating shape. Along the peripheral region 707, curved depressions 708 that indent towards the interior of the dose body 701 (i.e., towards the central part 702) and curved protrusions 709 that protrude towards the exterior of the dose body 701 are defined.

[0245] The curved depressions 708 define compensation zones 705 where no material exists, and the compensation zones 705 are intended to compensate for the excess amount of material due to the formation of folds in which the natural fiber-based material tends to stack. On the other hand, the curved protrusions define functional zones 706 for obtaining the side wall of the finished object with desired properties.

[0246] Figure 22Shows a dosage body 801 according to an alternative form, which includes a central portion 802 having a substantially constant thickness and density. The dosage body 801 also includes a peripheral portion 803, wherein the density of the natural fiber-based material gradually decreases from the value it has in the central portion 802 to a predetermined minimum value near the outer edge 16. The minimum value is selected according to the desired properties (such as height) of the finished object. This type of dosage body allows for a thickness that is better distributed in the finished object.

[0247] The above dosage bodies can be used for pressure-forming a plurality of objects that are different from each other, such as concave objects (such as various types of containers, capsules for coffee or for other food or non-food products, concave non-axially symmetric objects), flat objects (such as tiles or slabs), or objects with relatively complex shapes (such as bottles, necks of containers, dispensing devices for containers, nozzles, and other articles).

[0248] In addition, all of the above dosage bodies are discrete dosage bodies, wherein the size of each dosage body is designed to form a single object.

[0249] The following are some terms regarding embodiments of the present invention.

[0250] Clause 1: A method, which includes the following steps:

[0251] - Providing a dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) made of a natural fiber-based material;

[0252] - Inserting the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) into a mold (20) between a first half-mold (21) and a second half-mold (22);

[0253] - Moving at least one half-mold selected from the first half-mold (21) and the second half-mold (22) along a pressing direction (D) towards the other half-mold selected from the second half-mold (22) and the first half-mold (21) to press the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) between the first half-mold (21) and the second half-mold (22), thereby forming an object (4; 104),

[0254] wherein the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) has a non-uniform structure.

[0255] Clause 2: The method according to Clause 1, wherein the dosage body (1) includes at least a first portion (2) having a first thickness (S1) and at least a second portion (3) having a second thickness (S2), and the first thickness (S1) is greater than the second thickness (S2).

[0256] Clause 3: The method according to Clause 1, wherein the dosing body (101) has a first part (102) and a second part (103), and the density of the first part (102) is greater than the density of the second part (103).

[0257] Clause 4: The method according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the first part (2; 102) is used to form a first region (5) of the target (4; 104), and the second part (3; 103) is used to form a second region (6) of the target (4), and the first region (5) of the target (4; 104) is on average thicker than the second region (6) of the target (4; 104).

[0258] Clause 5: The method according to Clause 1, wherein at least one preferential deformation line (17; 317) is provided on the surface (13) of the dosing body (201; 301), the preferential deformation line (17; 317) defines a first part (202; 302) and a second part (203; 303) on the dosing body (201; 301), and is configured to assist the bending of the second part (203; 303) relative to the first part (202; 302) when the dosing body (201; 301) is pressed between the first half mold (21) and the second half mold (22).

[0259] Clause 6: The method according to Clause 5, wherein the preferential deformation line (17; 317) is a local compression zone (14).

[0260] Clause 7: The method according to Clause 5, wherein the preferential deformation line (17; 317) is a cut (18) that partially penetrates the thickness of the dosing body (301).

[0261] Clause 8: The method according to any one of Clauses 5 to 7, wherein the preferential deformation line (17; 317) is a closed line surrounding the first part (202; 302) of the dosing body (201; 301), and the second part (203; 303) of the dosing body (201; 301) is arranged outside the preferential deformation line (17; 317).

[0262] Clause 9: The method according to any one of Clauses 5 to 8, wherein the dosing body (203) further includes a plurality of additional preferential deformation lines (15), and the plurality of additional preferential deformation lines (15) extend from the preferential deformation line (17) towards the outer edge (16) of the dosing body (203).

[0263] Clause 10: The method according to Clause 9, wherein the additional preferential deformation line (15) is a local compression zone.

[0264] Clause 11: A method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 10, wherein the first part (2; 102; 202; 302) is a central part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) and the second part (3; 103; 203; 303) is a peripheral part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301), or, wherein the second part (3; 103; 203; 303) is a central part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) and the first part (2102; 202; 302) is a peripheral part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201181), and wherein the peripheral part surrounds the central part.

[0265] Clause 12: A method according to Clause 11, wherein the object (4; 104) has a concave shape and includes an end wall (5) and side walls (6) protruding from the end wall (5), and wherein the central part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) is for producing at least the end wall (5), and the peripheral part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) is for producing at least a part of the side walls (6), such as a tamper-evident band (9) included in the side walls (6).

[0266] Clause 13: A method according to Clause 12, wherein the object (4; 104) is a lid of a container or a container or a capsule.

[0267] Clause 14: A method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 13, wherein the part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) selected among the first part (2; 102; 202; 302) and the second part (3; 103; 203; 303) has a substantially circular shape in a plan view, and wherein the other part of the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) selected among the second part (3; 103; 203; 303) and the first part (2; 102; 202; 302) has an annular shape surrounding the part of the dosage body (1101; 201; 301) that has a substantially circular shape in the plan view.

[0268] Clause 15: A method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 14, wherein the first part (2; 102; 202; 302) and the second part (3; 103; 203; 403) are for forming corresponding regions of the object (4; 104) having different densities.

[0269] Clause 16: A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) has a multi-layer structure and includes at least a covering layer and at least a support layer.

[0270] Clause 17: A dosage body made of a natural fiber-based material, the dosage body (1; 101; 201; 301) being suitable for being shaped by pressing to obtain an object (4; 104), wherein the dosage body has a non-uniform structure.

[0271] Clause 18: The dosage body according to Clause 17, which comprises a first part (2) having a first thickness (S1) and a second part (3) having a second thickness (S2), the first thickness (S1) being greater than the second thickness (S2).

[0272] Clause 19: The dosage body according to Clause 17, which comprises a first part (102) and a second part (103), the density of the first part (102) being greater than the density of the second part (103).

[0273] Clause 20: The dosage body according to Clause 17, which further comprises a local compression zone (14) made on the surface (13) of the dosage body (201) and surrounding the central part (202) of the dosage body (201).

[0274] Clause 21: The dosage body according to Clause 20, which further comprises a plurality of additional local compression zones (15) made on the surface (13), the additional local compression zones (15) extending from the local compression zone (14) towards the free edge (16) of the dosage body (201).

[0275] Clause 22: The dosage body according to Clause 17, which further comprises a cutting line (18) made on the surface (13) of the dosage body (301) and surrounding the central part (302) of the dosage body (301), the cutting line (18) partially passing through the thickness of the dosage body (301).

Claims

1. A method, comprising the following steps: - Provide a dose body (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801) made of a natural fiber-based material; - Insert the dose body into a mold (20) between a first half mold (21) and a second half mold (22); - Move at least one half mold selected from the first half mold (21) and the second half mold (22) along a pressing direction (D) towards the other half mold selected from the second half mold (22) and the first half mold (21) to press the dose body between the first half mold (21) and the second half mold (22), thereby forming an object (4; 104; 411), wherein the dose body has a non-uniform structure, a property selected from density and thickness of the dose body is greater in a first portion (2; 102; 402; 502; 602; 702; 802) of the dose body than in a second portion (3; 103; 403; 503; 603; 703; 803) of the dose body, and wherein the first portion of the dose body forms a first region (5; 409) of the object (4; 104; 411), and the first region (5; 409) of the object (4; 104; 411) is on average thicker than a second region (6; 405) of the object (4; 104; 411) formed by the second portion of the dose body.

2. A method, comprising the following steps: - Provide a dose body (1; 101; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601; 701; 801) made of a natural fiber-based material; - Insert the dose body into a mold (20) between a first half mold (21) and a second half mold (22); - Move at least one half mold selected from the first half mold (21) and the second half mold (22) along a pressing direction (D) towards the other half mold selected from the second half mold (22) and the first half mold (21) to press the dose body between the first half mold (21) and the second half mold (22), thereby forming an object (4; 104; 411), wherein the dose body has a non-uniform structure, a property selected from density and thickness of the dose body is greater in a first portion (2; 102; 402; 502; 602; 702; 802) of the dose body than in a second portion (3; 103; 403; 503; 603; 703; 803) of the dose body, and wherein the first portion of the dose body forms a first region (5; 409) of the object (4; 104; 411), and the average density of the first region (5; 409) of the object (4; 104; 411) is higher than that of a second region (6; 405) of the object (4; 104; 411) formed by the second portion of the dose body.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part is the central part of the dosage body and the second part is the peripheral part of the dosage body, or wherein the second part is the central part of the dosage body and the first part is the peripheral part of the dosage body, and wherein the peripheral part surrounds the central part.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the peripheral part is defined by the outer edge (16) of the dosage body.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grammage of the first part of the dosage body is between 600 g / m 2 and 1200 g / m 2 and the grammage of the second part of the dosage body is between 250 g / m 2 and 750 g / m 2 and the grammage of the first part is greater than the grammage of the second part.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the property of the dosage body that is greater in the first part than in the second part is density, and wherein the dosage body has a substantially constant thickness.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first part of the dosage body has a thickness (S1), and the second part of the dosage body has an additional thickness (S2), the thickness (S1) being greater than the additional thickness (S2), and the difference between the thickness (S1) and the additional thickness (S2) being between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage body has an intermediate part (404) inserted between the first part and the second part, and wherein the value of the property of the dosage body selected from density and thickness in the intermediate part is less than the value in the first part and greater than the value in the second part.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (4; 104) has a concave shape and comprises an end wall (5) and side walls (6) protruding from the end wall (5), and wherein the first part of the dose body is for producing at least the end wall (5), and the second part of the dose body is for producing at least a part of the side walls (6), such as a tamper-evident band (9) included in the side walls (6).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the object is a capsule (401) and comprises an end wall (405), side walls (406) protruding from the end wall (405), and a flange (409) arranged at an end of the side walls (406) opposite to the end wall (405), and wherein the first part of the dose body is for producing at least the flange (409), and the second part of the dose body is for producing at least the end wall (405).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one part of the dose body selected from the first part and the second part has a substantially circular shape in a plan view, and wherein the other part of the dose body selected from the second part and the first part has an annular shape in the plan view, and the other part is arranged outside the part of the dose body having a substantially circular shape in the plan view.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dose body has a multi-layer structure and comprises at least a covering layer and at least a supporting layer.

13. A dose body made of a natural fiber-based material, the dose body (1; 101; 401) being suitable for being formed by pressing to obtain an object (4; 104, 411), wherein the dose body has a non-uniform structure, and a property selected from density and thickness of the dose body in a first part (2; 102; 402) is greater than that in the second portion (3; 103; 403) large, wherein the first part is the central part of the dose body and the second part is the peripheral part of the dose body, or wherein the second part is the central part of the dose body and the first part is the peripheral part of the dose body, and wherein the peripheral part extends along the outer edge (16) of the dose body.

14. The dose body according to claim 13, further comprising an intermediate part (404) inserted between the first part and the second part, and wherein a value of the property selected from density and thickness of the dose body in the intermediate part is less than a value in the first part and greater than a value in the second part.

15. A dose body made of a natural fiber-based material, the dose body (501; 601; 701) being suitable for being formed by pressing to obtain a concave object (4; 104; 411), the dose body comprising a central part (502; 602; for forming an end wall (5; 405) of the concave object 702) and for forming the peripheral part (503; 603; 703) of the side wall (6; 406) of the concave object, the peripheral part comprising a plurality of functional regions (506; 606; 706), and wherein a plurality of compensation regions (405; 505; 605) are also provided for receiving the material of the dose body in order to compensate for any increase in thickness caused by folding occurring when the peripheral part is shaped to form the side wall, each compensation region being inserted between two functional regions.

16. The dosimeter according to claim 15, wherein in a plan view, a surface of the compensation region is equal to at least 20% of a surface of the dosimeter.

17. The dosimeter according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a value of a property selected from density and thickness in the compensation region is less than a value in the functional region.

18. The dosimeter according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the compensation region is an empty space inserted between two adjacent functional regions.

19. The dosimeter according to claim 15 or 16, the dosimeter being bounded by a peripheral region (707) having a undulating shape.

20. A method for obtaining a concave object (4; 104; 411), comprising the steps of: - Provide a dose body (501; 601; 701)； - Insert the dose body into a mold (20) between a first half - mold (21) and a second half - mold (22); - Move at least one half - mold selected from the first half - mold (21) and the second half - mold (22) towards the other half - mold selected from the second half - mold (22) and the first half - mold (21) along a pressing direction (D) to press the dose body between the first half - mold (21) and the second half - mold (22), thereby forming the concave object (4; 104; 411), wherein the compensation regions (505; 605; 705) compensate for the increase in thickness caused by the folding by receiving an excess amount of the excess material of the folds generated when the peripheral part is shaped to form the side wall.

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