Tube for holding a paste-like material

Abstract

Tube (100) for receiving a paste-like material, which i) a tube body (10) for receiving a paste-like material, ii) an opening section (20) for dispensing the paste-like material, and iii) has a shoulder element (30) to form the transition between the tube body (10) and the opening section (20), wherein the opening section (20) has a mold outlet (21) which is provided for the formation of a mold strand whose strand outlet profile deviates from a round shape, and wherein a sealing element (22) is provided which is integrally formed with the opening section (20) and extends completely over the mold outlet (21), wherein sections of the sealing element (22) and the opening form a dividing line at their interface which is thinner and structurally weaker than both the opening section (20) and the sealing element (22), wherein the sealing element (22) also forms first gripping means (23) with which a force can be exerted on the sealing element (22) in order to tear the sealing element (22) away from the mold outlet (21) and opening section (20) along the dividing line.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tube for containing a paste-like material.

[0002] The use of tubes is widespread in various industries, including the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. Tubes serve as practical packaging solutions that enable the clean and easy dispensing of pasty or liquid products. Tubes are particularly popular due to their versatility and their ability to protect the material from external influences. In the food industry, tubes are used for mustard, mayonnaise, and various sauces, for example, while in the cosmetics industry, products such as toothpaste, creams, and hair gel are typically filled in tubes. Tubes are also used in the pharmaceutical industry, for example, in the packaging of ointments, gels, and other topical medications.

[0003] Conventional tubes only allow the product to dispense in its original shape, determined by the tube opening. This means that the product usually dispenses in a round strand defined by the diameter of the tube opening. This shape is not always ideal for the intended application of the product. For example, when using toothpaste, it can make it difficult to distribute evenly on the toothbrush, or with food products such as sauces and creams, applying it to food can be less appealing or precise. Such limitations can significantly impair usability and reduce consumer satisfaction.

[0004] It can also complicate application and dosing of the material, and in many cases, is not aesthetically or functionally optimal. Precise dosing is crucial to avoid waste and use the product efficiently. In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, precise application is also important to ensure a consistent product effect. Aesthetic aspects also play a role. A properly formed product discharge can influence the attractiveness and thus the consumer's purchasing decision. The need for a solution that offers both functional and aesthetic benefits is therefore particularly high in these industries.

[0005] Against this background, the utility model's task is to efficiently and precisely transform the extruded strand into a new shape. This is achieved by a specially designed opening section that forces the material into the desired shape as it is extruded from the tube.

[0006] This utility model represents a significant advance in the handling and application of tube-filled products, resulting in improved user-friendliness and more versatile applications. The tube is designed to be easy to manufacture and cost-effective without significantly altering existing production processes.

[0007] This task is solved in a first embodiment by a tube for holding a paste-like material, which i) a tube body for containing a paste-like material, ii) an opening portion for discharging the paste-like material, and iii) a shoulder element for forming the transition between the tube body and the opening section, wherein the opening section has a mold outlet which is provided for forming a molded strand whose strand outlet profile deviates from a round shape, and wherein a sealing element is provided which is formed integrally with the opening portion and extends completely over the mold outlet, wherein portions of the sealing element and the opening at their interface form a parting line which is thinner and structurally weaker than both the opening portion and the sealing element, wherein the sealing element further forms first gripping means with which a force can be exerted on the sealing element in order to tear the sealing element away from the mold outlet and opening portion along the parting line.

[0008] The tube body serves as the primary container, safely storing the material until needed. The shape and material of the tube body are designed to ensure easy handling and optimal distribution of the contents without compromising the stability and tightness of the tube.

[0009] The opening section of the tube is a functionally designed area that allows for precise and controlled dispensing of the material. The mold outlet is a key component, whose special shape ensures that the material exits not in a standard round shape, but in a structure that deviates from the round. This special feature opens up numerous application possibilities, especially in areas where the shape of the dispensed material is important.

[0010] The shoulder element connects the tube body to the opening section and plays a crucial role in the stability and ergonomics of the tube. Its sophisticated design creates a seamless transition between the two elements, ensuring the tube is both functional and visually appealing. The shoulder also adds additional strength to the construction, which is particularly beneficial when handling under pressure.

[0011] To protect the contents before first use, the tube is equipped with a sealing element. This is an integral part of the opening section and completely seals the mold outlet. The sealing element ensures that the material remains fresh and untouched until first use, which is crucial for hygiene and quality assurance. Furthermore, it contributes to the overall stability of the tube by mechanically reinforcing the mold outlet.

[0012] At the interface between the sealing element and the opening section, there is an intentionally weakened parting line. This parting line is thinner and less resistant than the surrounding components. This allows the user to easily remove the sealing element without tools or excessive force. This design makes opening the tube for the first time simple and user-friendly.

[0013] To facilitate tearing off the sealing element, it is equipped with special gripping devices. These are shaped to provide the user with a safe and effective way to grasp the element and apply the necessary force to separate it along the separation line. This feature ensures that the opening process can be carried out intuitively and without difficulty.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the mold outlet includes a profiling element designed to influence the shape of the material exiting the tube so that it exits not in a simple round shape, but in a specific functional or aesthetic form. The unique feature of this design is that the profiling element is seamlessly and integrally connected to the mold outlet of the opening section. This ensures a stable and tight construction that does not require additional connections or separate components. This integral design improves durability and enables precise shaping of the material outlet without the need for additional tools or adjustments by the user.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the shape of the profiling element can take on various geometries, including star-shaped, serrated, wave-shaped, or petal-shaped designs, thus adapting the strand outlet profile accordingly. This variety allows the material to be dispensed in an aesthetically pleasing and / or functionally optimized form, which is particularly advantageous in cosmetic applications.

[0016] The opening section can also be designed offset from the shoulder, creating an elongated shape. This design provides additional precision in material dosing, as the extended section allows for targeted guidance of the strand. This is particularly useful in applications requiring high accuracy.

[0017] The mold outlet itself can also be designed in an extended version. This design allows for even greater control over the material discharge while helping to keep the tube body clean, as the material exits further away from the container.

[0018] Another design is the tapering, narrowing, or beveling of the transition from the shoulder to the opening section. This shape increases the stability of the tube while also facilitating handling by optimizing the material flow at the outlet.

[0019] In an alternative design, the tube body, opening section, and shoulder can be made of different materials such as plastic, aluminum, or laminated materials. This material variety allows the tube to be adapted to different requirements such as cost, weight, or environmental compatibility, thus offering a high degree of flexibility in production.

[0020] Preferably, the tube can be provided with a cap that, together with the opening portion, forms locking means. These allow the cap to be removably secured, thus both protecting the sealing element before initial use and ensuring resealing of the mold outlet after removal. This makes the tube versatile and durable.

[0021] The cap itself may have an upper portion equipped with second gripping means. These engage with the first gripping means of the sealing element after the cap has been removed and turned over. This significantly facilitates the removal of the sealing element and ensures that the user can do so with minimal effort.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the opening section can be provided with an external thread and the cap with a corresponding internal thread to ensure safe and user-friendly handling. This screw mechanism allows for easy and secure screwing and unscrewing of the cap, ensuring the tube can always be tightly closed.

[0023] Examples of the utility model are shown in the following drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a tube with a cap in the closed state from different views; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 tube shown without cap in closed position; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 tube shown without cap in open state; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 tube shown with cap removed; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the tube; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the tube; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the tube; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the tube; and Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the tube.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a tube 100 with a cap 40 in the closed state from various views a-d. In all figures, the view shows a) an isometric perspective, b) a front view, c) a top view, and d) (if present) a bottom view. Since view d) is the same for all embodiments, it is not shown separately in all figures.

[0025] A tube body 10 forms the elongated main container, which receives and securely stores the pasty material. A shoulder element 30 is attached to the upper end of the tube body 10, which serves as a transition to an opening section 20 (not visible here due to the cap 40). This opening section 20 is Fig. 1 closed with the cap 40, which seals the tube 100 against unwanted leakage of the material.

[0026] On the inside of the cap 40 (not visible here), an internal thread is provided, with which it can be screwed onto the opening section 20. A second gripping means 41 is arranged on the top side of the cap 40, which serves as a counterpart to a sealing element 22.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 without cap 40 in the closed state, i.e. with a sealing element 22 still present. This sealing element 22 is arranged directly above a mold outlet 21, which in Fig. 1 is still sealed to keep the material fresh and untouched until first use. The sealing element 22 is integrally connected to the opening portion 20, but has thin, deliberately weakened material along a parting line at the joints. This line allows the user to easily separate the sealing element 22.

[0028] The sealing element 22 also forms first gripping means 23 in its edge regions, which preferably have a similar shape to the second gripping means 41 and the mold outlet 21. They are designed so that the user can grip the sealing element 22 to tear it off along the parting line. Furthermore, the opening portion 20 is provided with an external thread 24, which enables secure fastening of the cap 40.

[0029] The (in Fig. The second gripping means 41 (shown in Figure 1) are configured to engage the first gripping means 23 of the sealing element 22 after the cap 40 has been removed and turned over. The second gripping means 41 of the cap 40 and the first gripping means 23 of the sealing element 22 cooperate to facilitate the separation of the sealing element 22.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 without cap 40 in the open state, i.e., with the sealing element 22 already removed. The opening section 20 is conically shaped in the upper area to ensure a smooth connection between the wider shoulder element 30 and the narrower mold outlet 21. The mold outlet 21 is located at the tip of the opening section 20 and has a special profile shape that allows the material to be dispensed in a geometry that deviates from the standard round shape. After removing the sealing element 22, the mold outlet 21 remains freely accessible, allowing the material to be dispensed in the desired shape.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the Fig. 1 with the cap 40 removed or unscrewed. The threaded connection ensures secure screwing and unscrewing of the cap 40, thereby protecting the tube 100 from external influences. After removing the cap 40, the sealing element 22 and, after its removal, the mold outlet 21 are accessible.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the tube 100. In this illustration, the transition between the tube body 10 and the opening section 20 is realized by a shortened shoulder element 30. The shoulder element 30 is designed as a tapered connecting element. This conical shape achieves a uniform pressure distribution on the contents.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the tube 100. In this embodiment, the mold outlet 21 is deformed by a single large prong. This creates a circular segment-shaped cross-section of the molded strand.

[0034] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the tube 100. The mold outlet 21 is elongated in this embodiment. One of the longitudinal sides of the mold is smooth, the other is provided with a plurality of prongs. This shapes the cross-section of the molded strand according to the shape of the mold outlet 21.

[0035] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the tube 100. The mold outlet 21 in this embodiment is flower-shaped. As a result, the cross-section of the molded strand is also flower-shaped.

[0036] Fig.Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the tube. The mold outlet 21 in this embodiment is shaped like a sun. As a result, the cross-section of the molded strand is also shaped like a sun.

Claims

[1] Tube (100) for holding a paste-like material, the i) a tube body (10) for receiving a paste-like material, ii) an opening portion (20) for dispensing the paste-like material, and iii) a shoulder element (30) for forming the transition between the tube body (10) and the opening section (20), wherein the opening section (20) has a mold outlet (21) which is provided for forming a molded strand whose strand outlet profile deviates from a round shape, and wherein a sealing element (22) is provided which is formed integrally with the opening section (20) and extends completely over the mold outlet (21), wherein sections of the sealing element (22) and the opening form a parting line at their interface which is thinner and structurally weaker than both the opening section (20) and the sealing element (22), wherein the sealing element (22) further forms first gripping means (23) with which a force can be exerted on the sealing element (22) in order to tear the sealing element (22) away from the mold outlet (21) and opening section (20) along the parting line. [2] Tube (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mold outlet (21) has a profile-giving element for forming the strand outlet profile deviating from the round shape, wherein the profile-giving element is formed integrally with the mold outlet (21) of the opening section. [3] Tube (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the profile-giving element is substantially star-shaped, serrated, wave-shaped, petal-shaped, for forming a star-shaped, serrated, wave-shaped or petal-shaped strand outlet profile. [4] Tube (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening portion (20) is offset from the shoulder (30), in particular is an extended opening. [5] Tube (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mold outlet (21) is offset from the opening section (20), in particular is an extended mold outlet (21). [6] Tube (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a transition from the shoulder to the opening portion (20) is tapered. [7] Tube (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (10) and / or the opening portion (20) and / or the shoulder (30) are formed from or comprise a material selected from plastic, aluminum or laminates thereof. [8] A tube (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cap (40), the cap (40) and the opening portion (20) forming cooperating locking means by which the cap (40) can be removably secured to the opening portion (20) to i) cover the sealing member (22) and ii) provide a selective seal for the mold outlet (21) after the sealing member (22) has been torn from the neck portion. [9] A tube (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (40) has an upper portion defining second gripping means (41) which, when the cap (40) is removed from the opening portion (20) and inverted, engage the first gripping means of the sealing element (22) to exert the force required to tear off the sealing element (22). [10] Tube (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the opening portion (20) has an external thread (24) and the cap (40) has an internal thread cooperating with the external thread (24) such that the cap (40) can be screwed onto and off the opening portion (20).

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