PRESERVATIVE-FREE LIQUID CONTAINER, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SUCH A CONTAINER

Abstract

TITLE: CONTAINER FOR PRESERVATIVE-FREE LIQUID, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SUCH A CONTAINER The container (20) for food or pharmaceutical liquid (22) comprises a tube (21) made of plastic material comprising, in its side wall, a barrier label (24) comprising a material more impermeable to at least one gas than the plastic material of the tube, this barrier label being present in a mold during the molding of the wall of the tube and a seal (25) welded onto the tube, said liquid being a preservative-free liquid, the tube and this liquid undergoing a sterilization or tyndallization heat treatment. (Figure for the abstract: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: PRESERVATIVE-FREE LIQUID CONTAINER, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SUCH A CONTAINER Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a preservative-free liquid container, a method and a device for constituting such a container. It applies, in particular, to the constitution of doses of medicines and drinkable products, for example food supplements or energy drinks. State of the art

[0002] Traditionally, containers for doses of liquid medications and food supplements were cylindrical glass ampoules with two points. Their advantages include their ability to contain a single material, i.e. a uniform material, the impermeability of glass to both gases and liquids and their low cost. However, glass ampoules with two points have many disadvantages. First of all, glass is a brittle and heavy material, which therefore imposes significant logistical constraints. In addition, once opened by breaking one of their points, these ampoules can cause cuts to the user's skin. There are also risks, when opening by breaking a point, that glass fragments accompany the liquid and are swallowed by the user, with the risk of cutting their digestive system.Glass also does not allow for printing or decoration other than monochrome and low resolution.

[0003] A development of this two-pointed bulb is the single-pointed cylindrical glass "bottle" bulb. This bulb has the same disadvantages as the two-pointed bulb. In addition, its manufacture is more expensive than that of the two-pointed bulb.

[0004] Bottles made of synthetic material have also been used. These are single-dose containers made of synthetic material closed with a screw cap. These bottles have the advantages of being robust and non-brittle, of being able to be filled individually and of being able to be decorated in four-color process by applying a label. On the other hand, their synthetic material does not constitute a barrier for atoms or molecules, which can lead to deterioration of their contents, or even the formation of undesirable or dangerous molecules, for example by oxidation or penetration of atoms or molecules coming from the glue or the dyes of the label. In addition, these bottles cannot be sterilized and their cost is high.

[0005] Unicadose® have the advantages of being robust and sterilizable, but with risks of deformation and leakage. They have the following main disadvantages. Their material does not constitute a barrier for atoms or molecules, particularly in their breakable zone, which is particularly thin (of the order of a few hundredths of a millimeter thick) which aggravates the porosity to oxygen. Since their sealing is obtained by interlocking, they present risks of leakage and the presence of liquid in the assembled part. Their cost price is high. Their breakability is not controlled because the reduced thickness of material at the opening varies with the wear of the mold. Their filling is collective or semi-collective, implying a very heterogeneous dosage with a significant risk of non-compliant filling. Their decoration is necessarily monochrome.

[0006] Sticks ® are flexible aluminum containers. They have the advantages of being robust and individually refillable. They can be decorated in four colors and their walls constitute barriers for atoms and molecules, in particular oxygen. However, they have many disadvantages. They cannot be sterilized, which requires the use of preservatives. They have a small capacity and their opening is difficult for an average user. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to the manufacture of containers for liquids, for example single-dose liquid food supplements (unitary dose consumed), which meet all or part of the following criteria: - robust, - sterilizable, - decorable, - easy to open by any user, - economic, - whose dosage is reliable, and - of which more than 90% of the surface constitutes a barrier for atoms and molecules, notably oxygen.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a container in the form of a polypropylene tube sealed with an aluminum film. To ensure the quality of the assembly of these materials, and to ensure the perfect sealing of the container, despite the thermal and mechanical stress due to the sterilization process, while allowing opening without tools for the consumer, and respecting the constraints of production rates, the use of a direct thermal head is impossible. Indeed, on a filled container, the heat necessary for the fusion of the materials spreads to all the parts near the punch. The expansion of the residual air chamber above the resulting liquid creates an increase in pressure in the tube which, in turn, generates a thrust on the seal when heated.

[0009] When removing the punch from the head, while the polypropylene is still molten, this thrust causes the seal to detach. A seal cannot therefore be obtained.

[0010] According to embodiments of the invention, an induction sealing head is used. With this technology, the seal becomes the hot part of the process. The induction field is directed primarily towards the parts in contact at the periphery of the seal in order to reduce heat loss. This has the effect of limiting heating of the residual air chamber. To achieve this peripheral induction, an element is provided that disturbs the magnetic field, for example made of graphite positioned at the periphery of the inductor.

[0011] Preferably, the cover is made of coextruded aluminum with a layer of polypropylene, which allows the fusion of this layer and the polypropylene of the tube.

[0012] In embodiments, once the fusion and therefore the assembly have been carried out, the induction is stopped and the punch of the head remains under pressure until the polypropylene has cooled. Since the polypropylene is no longer molten when the punch is withdrawn, and since the air pressure is almost zero, nothing disrupts the connection and the seal obtained is controlled.

[0013] In addition, the use of this technology allows for a higher rate and eliminates the need for temperature management (preheating, cooling and heating control throughout production). The management of the values of the power and time parameters of the phases, combined with air cooling during the rest phases during the cycle, makes it possible to guarantee the reproducibility of operations throughout the production period with very high precision.

[0014] Another risk associated with heat sealing is that the diffusion of the molten material during sealing is not controlled. This creates excess material outside the tube, whether cylindrical or conical, which can rise up onto the lid. This generates a significant increase in the external diameter of the tube, a coarse result and major difficulties for the consumer to open the container. This very heterogeneous difficulty cannot be resolved with the use of conventional heat sealing.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, possibly complementary to the first, the quantity of material at the periphery of the tube in the sealing zone is reduced so that the excess molten material remains in the outer perimeter of the generatrices of the tube.

[0016] In embodiments of each aspect of the invention, the magnetic induction flux is oriented so that the melting occurs preferentially on the part of the seal facing the inner perimeter of the tube. The molten material on which the pressure is applied is therefore softer on the inner wall of the tube than on its outer wall, so that this material shrinks towards the center of the cover. However, since only the cover is hot, no fusion of the tube can occur outside the contact zone of the two parts.

[0017] All of these measures make it possible to increase the contact surface between the tube and the seal for better sealing without degrading the ease of use of the seal when opened manually by a user.

[0018] According to a third aspect, possibly complementary to one and / or the other of the first two aspects, for the decoration, an IML label (acronym for "In Mold Labeling" for in-mold labeling) is used. This label allows a four-color decoration to be obtained. The use of "crystal" polypropylene tube, therefore without additives, is an undeniable qualitative advantage for the target market.

[0019] In embodiments, the label is made of a "barrier" material, or support, i.e. one that does not allow the passage of oxygen through its thickness. This feature solves the problem of polypropylene containers being relatively porous to oxygen.

[0020] It is noted that the use of other common materials such as PET (polyethylene), which may have better barrier properties, is incompatible with the sterilization heat treatment.

[0021] Preferably, the single-dose object of the invention is a relatively long and narrow tube, the dimension of which parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry is, for example, greater than five times the diameter.

[0022] However, to maintain the IML label in the mold during the injection of the material, it is only known to charge the latter with an electrostatic charge to force it to stick to the walls of the mold. But, the diameter of the tube being very small, the opposite walls of the mold cavity are very close and disrupt the homogeneous distribution of the label. This technology cannot therefore be used.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the label is held in place in the mold using venturi (air suction) through openings in the external mold.

[0024] In embodiments, the label does not cover the entire circumference of the tube. The air suction device is then configured to be wide enough to allow the passage of air and a sufficient suction effect without allowing the suction of material injected into the mold, which would block the device in the event of absence or lack of integrity of the label during injection. Preferably, the diameter of the suction channels is between 5 and 15 microns. Preferably, the suction device comprises at least two channels per cavity of the single-cavity or multi-cavity mold, positioned near the ends of the part to be molded. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given for explanatory and in no way limiting purposes with regard to the appended drawings, in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] represents, in axial section, a closed container which is the subject of the invention,

[0027] [Fig.2] represents a section marked in [Fig.l], of the container illustrated in [Fig.l],

[0028] [Fig.3] represents, in top view, a distribution of the temperature on the surface circular of a lid during the sealing of a container,

[0029] [Fig.4] represents, in section, a first variant of a mouth part, before sealing, of the container illustrated in figures 4 to 7,

[0030] [Fig.5] represents, in section, a second variant of a mouth part, before sealing, of the container illustrated in figures 4 to 7,

[0031] [Fig.6] represents, in section, a third variant of a mouth part, before sealing, of the container illustrated in figures 4 to 7,

[0032] [Fig.7] represents, in section, the mouth part illustrated in one of figures 8 to 10, after sealing,

[0033] [Fig.8] schematically represents a first step in the molding of a container which is the subject of the invention in a molding machine,

[0034] [Fig.9] schematically represents a second step in the molding of a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0035] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a third step in the molding of a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0036] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a fourth step in the molding of a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0037] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a fifth step in the molding of a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0038] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a sealing machine before welding a seal onto a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0039] [Fig. 14] schematically represents the sealing machine illustrated in [Fig. 14], in the process of welding a seal onto a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0040] [Fig. 15] represents a timing diagram for activating components of a sealing machine implemented in a particular embodiment of the method which is the subject of the invention,

[0041] [Fig. 16] represents, in the form of a flowchart, steps of a method of manufacturing a container which is the subject of the invention,

[0042] [Fig. 17] is a photograph taken on the first day of a comparative stability monitoring,

[0043] [Fig. 18] is a photograph taken on the third day of a stability monitoring comparative,

[0044] [Fig. 19] is a photograph taken on the sixth day of a comparative stability monitoring,

[0045] [Fig.20] is a photograph taken on the eighth day of a stability monitoring comparative, and

[0046] [Fig.21] is a photograph of the mouths of a sealing tube, of a tube capped and a tube after removal of the cap. Detailed description

[0047] Throughout the description, the following terms are used: - “Monodose”: a single-dose container made of synthetic material. - “Unit filling”: action of filling the single-dose unit by unit, controlling the quantity of liquid inserted into the single-dose. - “Collective filling”: action of filling single doses collectively. - “Sterilization”: heat treatment at a temperature above 100°C and lasting between 12 and 30 min. - “Tyndallization”: heat treatment at a temperature below 100°C (generally 70°C) for a duration of 60 mm, repeated 3 times at 24-hour intervals (Used for heat-sensitive raw materials and active ingredients). - “Barrier”: term used to describe the absence of porosity to oxygen in materials.

[0048] In [Fig.l], we observe a container 20 (also called “monodose” below) which is the subject of the invention, according to a section BB identified in [Fig.2]. This monodose 20 comprises a tube 21 containing a liquid 22. The tube 21 is geometrically defined, at least at its mouth: - for the exterior of the tube, by generators of a cylinder or a cone called “external” and, - for the interior of the tube, by generators of a cylinder or a cone called “internal”.

[0049] The tube 21 has a longitudinal axis 27 of rotational symmetry.

[0050] The lower opening of the tube 21 is closed by a molded wall 23. The upper opening of the tube 21 is closed by a cover 25 that a consumer can remove without tools to consume the liquid 22. The cover 25 protrudes, towards the outside of the tube 21, the external generatrices of the tube 21. The wall of the tube 21 contains a barrier label 24. Preferably, the label 24 and the cover 25 jointly cover at least 80% of the surface of the container 20 and, even more preferably, at least 90% of this surface.

[0051] [Fig.2] represents the section AA identified in [Fig.l], of the single-dose 20. The barrier label 24 supports a “decoration” representing, in particular, the legal information mandatory on a container of consumable foodstuff. In this particular embodiment, and preferably, the label 24 is an IML label (acronym for "InMould Labelling"), which allows a four-color decoration to be obtained. Thanks to this type of label 24, the tube 21 can be molded in "crystal" polypropylene, therefore without additives, which constitutes a significant qualitative advantage for a container of consumable foodstuff. This IML 24 label, since it is manufactured with a "barrier" support, makes it possible to resolve the problem of porosity of polypropylene containers, which can lead, among other things, to oxidation of the components of the liquid 22. Preferably, in order to limit sealing problems, the tube 21 is relatively long (more than 100 millimeters) and narrow (less than 20 millimeters and preferably less than 17 millimeters), for a volume of liquid 22 of 15 ml.

[0052] The manufacture of 15 ml single-dose containers made of pharmaceutical grade polypropylene sealed using a co-extruded aluminium seal with a layer of polypropylene is described below.

[0053] The assembly of these materials ensures the perfect sealing of the container, despite the stress due to the sterilization process, while allowing opening without tools for the consumer, and respecting the constraints of production rates. It is noted that the use of a direct thermal head is impossible on a filled container, because the heat necessary for the fusion of the materials spreads to all the parts near the punch, that is to say the mobile part of the thermal head which comes into contact with the lid. This punch combines the functions of cutting the co-extruded aluminum ribbon with a layer of polypropylene, during passage through the die, the transport of the lid in contact with the container and its maintenance during sealing and cooling. It is noted that this punch is the only part which is in contact with the lid, outside the container.

[0054] With a thermal head, heating of the residual air chamber below the seal causes an increase in pressure in the tube which, in turn, generates a thrust on the seal during heating. When the punch is removed from the head, while the polypropylene is still molten, this thrust causes the seal to detach. A seal cannot therefore be obtained.

[0055] In the embodiment detailed here, an induction sealing head is used. With this technology, the seal becomes the hot part. The induction field is directed primarily towards the peripheral parts of the seal which are opposite the thickness of the tube at its mouth, in order to focus the heat generation on these parts. This has the effect of limiting the heating of the air chamber inside the tube. To obtain this local heating, the magnetic field lines are opposed in the center of the seal, with a part of low magnetic permeability. relative, a diamagnetic part or a magnet whose field lines are opposite to the electrically induced magnetic field. Alternatively, two parallel magnetic fields of opposite directions are induced on the central part of the operculum, for example with two coaxial coils of different diameters carrying currents in opposite directions.

[0056] Furthermore, once the fusion, and therefore the assembly, has been carried out, the induction is stopped and the punch of the head preferably remains under pressure until the polypropylene has cooled and hardened. Since the polypropylene is no longer molten when the punch is withdrawn, and the relative pressure of the air inside the tube is almost zero, the risks of disturbing the connection between the tube and the seal are thus eliminated. The seal obtained is thus controlled.

[0057] In addition, the use of this induction sealing technology allows for a higher throughput and eliminates the need for temperature management (preheating, cooling and heating control throughout production) required by other technologies.

[0058] In [Fig.13], we observe schematically a capping machine 80 in its idle configuration, before cutting a lid and welding this lid onto a container 21. The machine 80 comprises a punch 81, movable in translation along a vertical axis 88 and provided, on its axis, with a channel 82, for suction to retain a cut lid 25, or for blowing air to cool the punch 81. In its vertical translation movement, the punch 81 is guided by a punch guide 83. Between this punch guide 83 and a cutting die 84 moves, in horizontal translation, a film 85 of metal coextruded with a layer of the same plastic material as the tube 21. Preferably, this metal is aluminum and the coextruded plastic material is polypropylene. The aluminum is on the upper side of this film.This film 85 moves by a step corresponding to a little more than the diameter of the cover 25, each time that the punch 81 is in its rest configuration illustrated in [Fig. 13].

[0059] Below the die 84 are successively a support 86 and an inductor 87. A tube 21, containing the liquid 22 and provided with the label 24, is positioned below the support 86. During the descent of the punch 81, it cuts a cover 25 in the film 85 and makes it descend to bear on the tube 21 which remains fixed, as illustrated in [Fig. 14]. The inductor 87 causes the cover 25 to heat up in its contact zone with the mouth of the tube 21. This heating causes the material of the tube 21 to melt and the cover 25 to weld onto this mouth. During this melting, the tube 21 is kept under pressure on the cover 25 to ensure the formation of the meniscus 34.

[0060] The welding of the cover 25 on the tube 21 thus comprises a meniscus 34 on the internal wall of the tube 21 inside the volume defined by the internal generatrices of the tube 21. The volume of this meniscus 34 is at least twice the volume of any meniscus on the external wall of the tube 21, outside the volume defined by the external generatrices of the tube 21.

[0061] The heating and temperature control concerns the seal 25 and the punch 81. In fact, the punch 81 is cooled during periods of inactivity of the inductor 87, with the aid of an injection of compressed air. This prevents the punch 81 from tending to heat up during the duration of the sealing process of thousands of containers 20.

[0062] [Fig. 15] illustrates, on a timing diagram 50, the operating phases of different members of the machine 80, over a cycle of placing a cover 25 on a tube 21 to form a container 20. Curve 51 represents, on the one hand, the instants during which the punch 81 is in the rest position, curve 51 taking its high value there, and, on the other hand, the instants during which the punch is moving or in its low position, curve 51 taking its low value there. Curve 52 represents the instants during which the air cooling of the punch 81 is activated, curve 52 taking its high value there. Curve 53 represents the instants during which the cover 25 is cut and moved, curve 53 taking its high value there. Curve 54 represents the instants during which the suction of the cover 25 is carried out via the channel 82, curve 54 taking its high value there.Curve 55 represents the instants during which the seal 25 is moved until it comes into contact with the tube 21, curve 55 taking its high value there. Curve 56 represents the instants during which the seal 25 is in contact with the tube 21, curve 56 taking its high value there. Curve 57 represents the instants during which the inductor 87 is activated, curve 57 taking its high value there. It is observed that, for a duration 58, the seal 25 is kept in contact with the tube 21 and in contact with the punch 81, while the inductor 87 is inactive. This duration 58 allows the cooling of the seal 25 and the molten material of the tube 21, by the punch 81, which remains at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of this material.

[0063] For example, the heating time of the seal 25 by the inductor 87 is approximately 0.7 seconds for a three-second cycle. Thus, up to 2.3 seconds of a cycle are devoted to cooling. The punch 81 thus quickly acquires its optimal temperature, after approximately two or three cycles. Preferably, during these two or three initial cycles, the values of the parameters increasing the heating of the seal 25 are slightly increased, to compensate for the lower temperature of the punch 81, and to avoid discarding the first sealed containers 20 at the start of production.

[0064] The management of the values of the power and duration parameters of the phases, combined with air cooling during the intermediate phases between two induction phases during each cycle, makes it possible to guarantee the reproducibility of the operations throughout the production period with very high precision. More precisely, the cooling of the cover 25 and the punch 81 is done by injecting air through the punch 81 during the intermediate phases between two induction phases.

[0065] The air injection is carried out through the channel 82 of the punch 81 used for the suction of the seal 25, which makes it possible to keep the seal 25 perfectly centered during the movement of the punch 81 between the die 84 and the mouth of the tube 21 to be sealed.

[0066] Preferably, during heat sealing, the direction of diffusion of the material of the container is controlled, after melting. This prevents the creation of excess material outside the volume defined by the generatrices of the cylindrical or conical tube. Indeed, these excess materials can rise up onto the seal by capillarity. They therefore risk causing a significant increase in the outside diameter of the tube, a coarse result and a risk of cutting the lips of the consumer who brings the mouth of the container 20 to his lips. In addition, these excess materials would increase the welding surface of the seal and, consequently, significant difficulties for the consumer to open the container.

[0067] In the container 20 detailed here, the quantity of material at the periphery of the container is preferentially reduced before heat-sealing, as illustrated in [Fig.4]: the internal diameter of the tube is, before sealing, identical over the entire length of the tube 21, including its mouth, but the external diameter of the tube 21 is reduced near the mouth.

[0068] In geometric terms, the last section of the mouth of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 of rotational symmetry, is separated from the external generatrices of the mouth of the tube 21, by a distance, measured on an axis of this section passing through the axis of rotational symmetry, at least equal to one fifth of the distance between the internal generatrices and the external generatrices, i.e. the thickness of the tube 21. Consequently, the surface area of the section of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 of rotational symmetry is reduced, compared to sections of the tube perpendicular to the axis 27 of rotational symmetry further away from this mouth.

[0069] In [Fig.4], the reduction in the external diameter, in the form of a shoulder 30, is 0.5 millimeters. The thickness of the tube 21 thus goes from 1.00 millimeters to 0.75 millimeters over the last half-millimeter of the tube 21 preceding its upper end. More generally, the longitudinal dimension of the part having a reduced external diameter is preferably less than two millimeters and this reduction in diameter is less than half the thickness of the tube.

[0070] The external shoulder 30 located near the mouth of the tube 21 reduces, at this mouth, the surface of the section of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 of rotational symmetry, compared to sections of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 further from the mouth.

[0071] In other embodiments, the reduction in diameter at the mouth is progressive, for example in the form of several successive shoulders 31 and 32, as illustrated in [Fig.5], or in the form of a cone 33 forming, in section, a bevel on each edge of the tube 21, as illustrated in [Fig.6]. The conical shape 33 reduces, at the mouth, the surface area of the section of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 of rotational symmetry, compared to sections of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 further away from the mouth.

[0072] Preferably, the length, parallel to the axis 27, of the zone in which the surface of the section of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 is reduced, compared to sections of the tube 21 perpendicular to the axis 27 further from the mouth, is less than two millimeters.

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig.7], thanks to the reduction in the external diameter of the tube 21 at its mouth, during induction heating, a meniscus, or bead, of material 34 is created inside the tube 21, which adheres to the cover 25. On the outside of the tube 21, the material of the tube which melts does not exceed, or very little, the generatrices of the cylinder or cone defining the tube 21. This provides good adhesion of the cover 25 to the tube 21 while avoiding the formation of an unsightly external edge likely to injure the consumer's lip when consuming the liquid 22.

[0074] In [Fig.21], a photograph shows, from left to right, the mouths of a tube 21 to be capped, of a capped tube and of a tube after removal of the cap 25. There we see the shoulder 30, at the mouth of the tube 21 to be capped, and the meniscus 34, at the mouth of the tube after removal of the cap, by hand, without tools.

[0075] As can be understood from reading the preceding description, the reduction in diameter of the tube 21 at its mouth makes it possible to absorb the excess molten material while remaining within the external perimeter of the generatrices of the tube 21, cylindrical or conical.

[0076] The induction flow is oriented so that the melting takes place preferentially on the seal facing the internal wall of the tube 21, the part of the seal facing the external wall of the tube receiving a lower induction flow and therefore heating up less. [Fig. 3] represents, in top view, a distribution of the temperature on the circular surface of a seal during the sealing of a container. The circular dashed line 26 represents the initial contact surface of the wall of the tube 21 with the seal 25. The material, for example polypropylene, is therefore softer on the internal wall of the mouth of the tube 21 and is therefore pushed towards the inside of the tube 21, while the external wall of the mouth of the tube 21, more rigid, does not deform beyond the generatrices of the tube 21.

[0077] Each of the sealing measures set out above makes it possible to increase the contact surface between the tube 21 and the seal 25 for better sealing, without degrading the ease of use of the seal 25 during opening. Finally, the use of this peripheral induction technology reduces space requirements and allows the multiplication of workstations on the industrial equipment.

[0078] We will now describe, with reference to figures 8 to 11, a molding machine 40 and the steps of molding the tube 21 comprising, in its thickness, the IML label 24. It is noted that these steps lead to the production of a tube 21 oriented in the opposite direction to its representation in figures 1 to 7, that is to say with its mouth at the bottom.

[0079] In [Fig. 8], in the molding machine 40, we observe a fixed part comprising an injection module 41, a bezel 42, a “Venturi” suction channel 43 between the bezel 42 and a die 44 and a “Venturi” suction channel 45 between the die 44 and a bezel 45. Below this fixed part is shown a label 24 held by a cylindrical removal tool (not shown) to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of a cavity 49 of the fixed part passing through the bezels 42 and 45 and the die 44 and ending under the injection module 41. Below the label 24 is shown a stripper 48 carrying a pin 47. As shown by the arrows in [Fig. 8], the label 24 and the pin 47 are intended to penetrate into the cavity 49. The difference in radius between the pin 47 and the cavity 49 thus corresponds to the thickness of the tube to be molded.

[0080] In [Fig.8], the mold comprising the die 44 and the glasses 42 and 45 is in the open position and the label 24 is waiting to be introduced into the cavity 49 of the mold. The glasses 42 and 45 are spaced from the die 44 so as to create a gap of two millimeters for the suction channels 43 and 46. The stripper 48 is in the open position.

[0081] The positioning of the label 24 in the cavity 49 is carried out by a Cartesian robot (not shown). This robot will retrieve the label 24 from a distribution magazine (not shown). The label 24 is wound around the cylindrical installation tool (for example with a diameter of 15 mm). The label 24 is held on this removal tool by depression. The width of the label 24 and the diameter of the removal tool are linked. The diameter of the removal tool must necessarily be less than the diameter of the cavity. The label must be held over its entire surface, therefore its width must be less than or equal to the perimeter of the removal tool: if its width were greater than the perimeter of the removal tool, the additional label, called "overlap", would come into contact with the cavity 49 of the mold when the label 24 is introduced.

[0082] The robot then presents itself in front of the mold cavity 49 when the latter is in the open position. The removal tool introduces the label 24 into the mold cavity 49 (for example, with a diameter of 16.9 mm). Once the label 24 has arrived in position, the depression exerted by the removal tool is stopped and replaced by an injection of air to detach the label 24 from the removal tool and press it against the wall of the cavity 49. The label 24 is then held in place using the two suction channels 43 and 46 positioned near the ends of the cavity 49. These venturis are obtained by breaking down the cavity 49 into three parts. The bottom part, the injection module 41, which supports the injection nozzle, is fixed. The central part, which is conical and perfectly smooth, corresponds to the die 44. The lower part is cylindrical. The depression is done with the help of channels 43 and 46 which are formed at the junction of these three parts.However, the second and third parts are slightly movable. When the mold is opened, each of these parts is spaced 2 mm from the previous one, so that the suction power is maximum. Once the label 24 is in place, the removal tool is removed and the mold can close. When it closes, the mold compresses the second and third parts to reduce the size of the venturi channels to a minimum (between 5 and 13 microns).

[0083] In the case of polypropylene injection, the dimension of 13 microns is the maximum size which allows for suction to hold the label without allowing the polypropylene to be sucked in and clog the channels 43 and 46 after a few injections.

[0084] In [Fig.9], the label 24 is positioned in the cavity 49 of the mold and the mold is being closed. The suction channels 43 and 46 are still in the open position. The suction they provide holds the label 24 in a cylindrical configuration against the wall of the cavity 49. This prevents the distance between the label 24 and the wall of the cavity 49 from varying according to the parts of the label 24. The stripper 48 is in the closed position. It presses on a cone of the spindle 47 to ensure its perfect centering and prevent the thickness of the tube to be molded from varying according to the angle around its longitudinal axis.

[0085] In [Fig. 10], the stripper 48 has inserted the pin 47 into the cavity 49. The suction channels 43 and 46 are closed by the thrust of the stripper 48, so that each channel 43 and 46 has an opening, measured parallel to the axis of the cavity, limited to a value between five and fifteen microns, typically eight or nine microns. The injection of the material begins to be carried out by the injection module 4L

[0086] In [Fig. 11], the mold is still closed and in the same configuration as in [Fig.10]. The injection is completed. The die 44 and the spindle 47 are cooled by internal circulation of a refrigerated fluid. In [Fig. 11], for explanatory purposes, the tube 21 is represented by dashed lines.

[0087] Once cooling is complete, the stripper 48 and the mold return to the position illustrated in [Fig.l], as illustrated in [Fig.12]. It can be seen, in [Fig.12], that the tube 21 is detached from the spindle 47 by sliding the spindle 47 downwards in the stripper 48. Once the tube 21 is removed from the spindle 47, the cycle begins again with the positioning of a label 24 opposite the cavity 49, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. The complete cycle lasts approximately ten seconds. It can also be seen, in [Fig.12], that the shoulder 30 has been molded into an annular cylindrical groove 59 of the stripper 48. This particular characteristic has, among other advantages, that the label 24, held in position in the cavity 49, is moved away from the sealing zone molded in the stripper 48.

[0088] The tube 21 is conical, with a generatrice angle of 0.2 degrees to 0.4 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube 21. This is a physical requirement for the molded parts. Technically, this is a draft. This draft allows the moving parts of the mold to very quickly no longer be in contact with the molded part when the mold is opened. Without this draft, the frictional stresses would be too high and the damage to the molded parts too.

[0089] The thickness is almost constant over the entire length of the tube, for example, approximately 0.8 millimeters. However, approximately 14 millimeters from the end of the tube 21, the taper is abandoned to move to a cylindrical profile. Thus, a thickness of one millimeter is obtained at the edge of the container, before the shoulder 30. These geometric characteristics have several advantages. On the one hand, the thickness of one millimeter is preferable to obtain the quantity of material necessary for sealing the lid 25. In addition, it is the surface on which the stripper 48 rests to detach the tube 21 from the spindle 47 when opening the mold shown in [Fig. 12]. The fact of moving to 0.8 millimeters, outside this zone defined to meet these constraints, makes it possible to save weight of material injected into the mold.

[0090] The molded wall 23 is the part for injecting the material. The profile of this part is very technical. The "skirt" which protrudes from the wall 23 of the tube 21 is a so-called "thief" bottom.

[0091] The objective of implementing the elements shown in figures 8 to 12 is to allow the positioning and maintenance of the label 24. This also allows the injection flow of the material to come and meet the label 24 perpendicularly in order to press the start of the label against the wall of the cavity 49 of the mold.

[0092] As understood from reading the description given with regard to figures 8 to 12, preferably, a mold is used which holds the label 24 using air suction (“Venturi”). Since the label 24 does not cover the entire circumference of the tube 21, each annular channel 43 and 46 of each venturi must be sufficiently wide to allow the passage of air and ensure a suction effect. sufficient, without however allowing the suction of material which would block this channel 43 or in the event of absence or lack of integrity of the label 24 during injection. Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of each annular channel 43 and 46 is between 5 and 15 microns. At least two venturi suction channels are arranged on each external mold, near the ends of the internal cavity 49 of this mold.

[0093] The moving part of the mold which closes is made up of the spindle 47, which determines the internal profile of the tube 21 of the single-dose, and the stripper 48 which is the last part of the mold (with regard to the parts in contact with the molded part). This stripper 48 has several functions.

[0094] The positioning of the label 24 is done with a small offset to prevent the removal tool from coming into conflict with the bottom (at the top in [Fig.9]) of the cavity 49. The stripper 48 makes it possible to push the label 24 to the bottom of the cavity 49 and its precise positioning.

[0095] It is also the stripper 48 which creates the particular profile of the rim (material removal shoulder to allow the sealing of the cover 25 without material overflow). The stripper 48 also allows the pin 47 to be precisely centered during injection. Finally, it allows the tube 21 to be detached from the pin 47 when the mold is opened.

[0096] The mechanical part which supports the removal tool, on its front face, is equipped with a gripper, on its rear face. When the mold is opened again, this gripper catches the molded tube 21, previously detached from the pin 47 as shown opposite [Fig. 12].

[0097] The actions of removing the label 21 and recovering the molded tube 21 are therefore carried out simultaneously, while the mold is being opened. This step only lasts 2 to 3 seconds. The injection and cooling steps last 7 to 8 seconds, with 5 to 6 seconds for cooling only.

[0098] Possible technical specifications for the IML label are given below: barrier material, multi-layer cast polypropylene (CPP) film (Polypropylene / Ethylene-vinyl alcohol EVOH / Polypropylene), with a thickness between 50 microns and 80 microns, for example 65 microns.

[0099] In embodiments and as illustrated in [Fig. 16], the method 60 for constituting a container 20 for packaging a preservative-free liquid comprises: - the manufacture of a synthetic material container provided with an IML label, step 61, preferably as set out with regard to figures 8 to 12, - filling this container, step 62, - the sealing of this filled container, step 63, preferably by induction and more particularly by peripheral induction as explained with regard to figures 3 to 7 and 13 to 15, and - sterilization or tyndallization of the contents (in particular by autoclave), step 64.

[0100] Preferably, this method 60 for manufacturing a container 20 of food or pharmaceutical liquid 22, comprises: - a step 61 of manufacturing an empty tube 21 having, at least at its mouth, a longitudinal axis 27 of rotational symmetry, the tube having, at this mouth, a sectional surface perpendicular to the axis of rotational symmetry, reduced compared to sections of the tube perpendicular to the axis of rotational symmetry further away from the mouth, and / or - a step 61 of molding an empty tube 21 in a mold 41 to 46 with a molten plastic material, during which, a barrier label 24 comprising a material more impermeable to at least one gas than the molten plastic material is held in the mold during the injection of the molten plastic material.

[0101] Preferably, during the sealing step 63, the tube 21 is sealed by magnetic induction and pressurizing the seal on the mouth of the tube.

[0102] Preferably, during the sealing step 63, a sealing machine 80 is used, configured so that the magnetic induction flux is reduced, facing the interior of the tube 21, compared to the magnetic induction flux facing the wall of the tube.

[0103] Preferably, during the sealing step 63, a sealing machine 80 is used, configured so that the magnetic induction flux is higher opposite the internal wall of the mouth of the tube 21 than opposite the external wall of the mouth of the tube.

[0104] Preferably, during the sealing step 63, a sealing punch 81 is used, pressurized onto the cover 25, and, once the magnetic induction is complete, the punch is kept under pressure on the cover.

[0105] Preferably, during the sealing step 63, the cooling of the punch 81 is done by injecting air through a channel 82 of the punch used for the suction of the cover 25 before it is placed on the mouth of the tube 21.

[0106] Preferably, during step 61 of manufacturing the tube 21, the mouth of the tube is molded in an annular groove 59 of a stripper 48.

[0107] Preferably, during step 61 of molding the tube 21, the suction holding the barrier label 24 in position is carried out by means of at least one suction channel 43, 46 whose smallest empty dimension is between 5 and 15 microns.

[0108] Preferably, during step 61 of molding the tube 21, the suction holding the barrier label 24 in position is carried out by means of at least at least one annular suction channel 43, 46 located in a plane perpendicular to an axis 27 of rotational symmetry of the external wall of the mold, channel whose dimension measured parallel to this axis, is between 5 and 15 microns.

[0109] Preferably, during step 61 of molding the tube 21, at least two annular suction channels 43, 46 are used, positioned near the ends of the tube 21 to be molded.

[0110] Preferably, during step 61 of molding the tube 21, the annular channels 43, 46 are formed in an interposed manner between a bezel 42, 45 and a die 44, each bezel being movable relative to the die, between a position distant from the die, implemented during a step of introducing the label 24 into the mold 41 to 46 and a position closer to the die, implemented during the injection of the molten plastic material into the mold.

[0111] Preferably, during step 61 of molding the tube 21, a stripper 48 carrying a spindle 47 is used, the movement of the stripper causing the glasses 43, 46 and the die 44 to come together.

[0112] Preferably, during step 61 of molding the tube 21, the mouth of the tube is molded in an annular groove 59 of a stripper 48.

[0113] Preferably, the sterilization or tyndallization step 64 is a tyndallization step. Tyndallization is a heat treatment carried out by an autoclave using a temp / temperature exposure ratio. This heat treatment is carried out with a temperature lower than 100°C and, for example, a duration of at least one hour reproduced three times at 24-hour intervals.

[0114] Preferably, the Tyndallization step 64 comprises, three times at 24-hour intervals: - a preheating step of a double wall of the autoclave, - an initial step of vacuuming the autoclave chamber, to extract as much air as possible from the chamber, - a moderate steam injection step while the vacuum continues to replace all the air initially present in the chamber with saturated steam, - a step of heating the container 20 by more powerful injection of steam to obtain a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure, - a stage of maintaining the temperature and pressure of the chamber, by controlling the pressure of the chamber by balancing the injection of steam and the evacuation of the atmosphere, in such a way that the temperature is regulated, - a final step of vacuuming the autoclave chamber.

[0115] Preferably, the predetermined temperature is between 70°C and 75°C.

[0116] In the manufacturing unit, the empty tubes are loaded in bulk by an operator at the entrance to the line and the tubes filled, sealed and stored on a multitude support of tubes are received by this operator at the exit. The production line includes: - automatic feeding of empty tubes (unpicking, grouping on a motorized conveyor with suction, positioning in packaging buckets), - the filling, - the sealing, and - placing on a support for sterilization or tyndallization.

[0117] Regarding sterilization or tyndallization, autoclaves are preferably used. These are rectangular tunnels with a watertight door on each side. The load is introduced on one side and removed from the other. They have a volume of several cubic meters.

[0118] For operation, the aim is to apply to each container (several tens of thousands for a load) a precise and controlled temperature for a variable duration depending on the chosen temperature, this is the time / temperature exposure ratio mentioned above.

[0119] We distinguish two types of treatment, those with a temperature lower than 100°C (minimum 70°C) which are called "tyndallization" and those above 100°C (maximum 121°C) which are called "sterilization";

[0120] The first steps are the same for both types.

[0121] 1 - Preheating the double wall.

[0122] 2 - Initial vacuum which aims to extract the maximum amount of air from the chamber (typically 90%).

[0123] 3 - Vacuum and injection of moderate steam which serves to improve the quality of the chamber atmosphere. Steam is injected while the vacuum continues in the lower part of the chamber. In fact, all the cold air at the bottom of the chamber is extracted and eventually replaced by saturated steam. This will be important for maintaining the temperature during the plateau phase.

[0124] 4 - Heating the load by powerful injection of steam. The aim being to obtain the desired temperature at the same time as the desired pressure.

[0125] 5 - Treatment tray. This is the efficient part of the cycle that allows us to obtain the result of reduction of the initial bacterial load (Reduction by a factor of 10 to the power of 12 for a 12-minute cycle at 121°C).

[0126] To obtain the regularity of the plateau, we only play on the pressure of the chamber by balancing the injection of steam and the vacuum. It is the law of ideal gases, PV=nRT, which allows a regulation to the tenth of a degree in a very large volume, whatever the desired temperature (pressure below the relative pressure for 70°C, 0.34 bar in absolute, and higher for sterilization, 2.049 bars for 121°C according to the Régnault table) and the initial temperature of the injected steam (around 170°C in our case).

[0127] 6 - Either cooling with injection of cold purified water then draining for sterilization lization, or final vacuum for tyndallization. Safety and legislation do not allow us to open the autoclave if the internal temperature is above 90°C.

[0128] Sterilization generally lasts between 15 and 30 minutes (for example, for food supplements, 115°C can be applied for 20 minutes).

[0129] Tyndallization lasts 60 minutes and the cycle must be repeated three times at 24-hour intervals. The aim is to alternate periods of heat stress and rest for the bacteria, which have the ability to protect themselves in the event of an attack. They cannot change states several times. Therefore, the first pass stresses them and they can no longer protect themselves during the second pass. The third makes everything safe. Tyndallization is used for products whose active ingredients are heat-sensitive so that they are not destroyed during heat treatment (royal jelly or vitamins, for example).

[0130] Stability tests

[0131] Tests were carried out to compare the behavior of a packaged product: - in 15 mL yellow glass ampoule, - in single-dose PPS® 10 mL, - in single dose according to the invention 15 mL containing a colored IML label, - in single dose according to the invention 15 mL containing a white IML label, - in single dose according to the invention 15 mL without IML label.

[0132] These tests were carried out on Taurine Zinc Royal Jelly. The purpose of this study is to present the results in order to see the evolution of the color of the product over time depending on the type of container. In order to avoid any microbiological risk that could alter the study, the manufacture of the Taurine Zinc Royal Jelly and the filling into the different containers were carried out on the same day.

[0133] Five different containers were used for this study, namely: - a 15 ml yellow glass ampoule. This is a container used on the market and known to be permeable to oxygen. - a 10 ml PPS® single-dose container. This is a container available on the market and known not to be permeable to oxygen (material used not being an oxygen barrier). - the single-dose according to the invention 15 ml containing a colored IML label, called “single-dose teaser”, - the single-dose according to the invention 15 ml containing a white IML label, - the single-dose according to the invention 15 ml without IML label.

[0134] The single-dose units according to the invention 15mL are composed of a tube in PPMH350 polypropylene with or without IML label and a coextruded aluminum and polypropylene cap.

[0135] It is noted that the In-Mould Labeling (IML) label allows for the production of a four-color decoration. It systematically has a white backing and has the advantage of being an oxygen barrier. The different samples underwent tyndallization at 70°C for one hour, and this for three successive days. All the containers were then inserted into cases and placed in an oven (oven temperature between 60°C and 75°C). Stability monitoring was carried out every two working days with a visual verification of the color. Only the PPS® unit-doses, opaque, were checked when a difference in color was observed between the other containers.

[0136] Progress of the tests.

[0137] At the manufacturing level, for technical and ergonomic reasons, two 750 mL preparations were produced: - Manufacturing 1 = IA test, - Manufacturing 2 = IB Tests.

[0138] In order to avoid any cross-contamination, precautionary measures were put in place with bench cleaning between each test. All raw materials used were present in stock at the store and had been released compliantly by the Quality Control laboratory. No anomalies were encountered during this stage.

[0139] At the filling level, in order to avoid any microbiological risk, the filling and closing of the containers were carried out on the same day as the manufacturing. Concerning the 15 mL yellow glass ampoules, the filling of these ampoules was carried out under a vacuum bell and the welding using a torch gun. 16 15 mL ampoules were filled. Concerning the PPS® single-dose containers, their filling was carried out manually using a pipette. 16 10 mL PPS® single-dose containers were filled. Concerning the 15 mL single-dose containers according to the invention, their filling was carried out in accordance with good manufacturing practices. The single-dose containers were filled and sealed. The values used for the adjustment parameters for sealing are presented below:

[0140] Ten single-dose containers according to the invention containing a colored IML label, ten single-dose containers according to the invention containing a white label and ten single-dose containers according to the invention without labels were filled. The filling steps could be completed successfully, no anomalies occurred.

[0141] Regarding the heat treatment, as specified above, the different samples underwent tyndallization (70°C for 1 hour three days in a row). The heat treatment took place in a production environment governed by the Good Manufacturing Practices. All applicable rules, described in the laboratory procedures, for heat treatment were applied for these stability tests. This heat treatment was carried out in an autoclave. No anomalies were encountered during this phase. For the single-dose containers according to the invention, a leak test by passage through a vacuum bell was carried out for verification.

[0142] Concerning the stabilization and stability monitoring, the different cases were placed in the oven, in order to mimic accelerated stability conditions and thus be able to observe the behavior of the single doses according to the invention under the effect of heat (oven temperature between 60°C and 75°C). The stability monitoring was carried out with a visual verification of the color on all the containers. It should be remembered that, since the PPS® single-dose is opaque, it is only checked when a difference in color is observed between the different containers.

[0143] The exploitation of the results is given below. The stability monitoring for this study was carried out over 7 days. The results obtained are presented with regard to figures 17 to 20.

[0144] JO results: [Fig.17], with, from left to right: ampoule 91, PPS® single-dose 92, teaser single-dose 93, white label single-dose 94, single-dose without IML label 95. No significant visual difference in color was observed between the different containers.

[0145] Results D+2: [Fig.18], with from left to right: ampoule 91, single-dose without IML label 95, single-dose teaser 93, single-dose white label 94. No significant visual difference in color was observed between the different containers.

[0146] Results D+5: [Fig.19], with, from left to right: ampoule 91, single-dose teaser 93, single-dose white label 94, single-dose without IML label 95, single-dose PPS® 92. Initial color differences were observed during these checks at D+5.

[0147] The results show: - that the contents of the PPS® 92 single-dose containers are much darker than those of the other containers. This observation highlights that the material that makes up the PPS® 92 single-dose containers is very porous and does not protect the product. In fact, under the effect of heat, the product oxidizes much more quickly in this type of container. - that the contents of the single-dose containers according to the invention without an IML label are darker than the contents of the single-dose containers according to the invention with a label, without being as dark as those of the PPS® 92 single-dose containers. This observation highlights that the IML label plays an extremely important role in protecting the product against external conditions. No significant visual difference in color was observed between the ampoule and the single-dose containers according to the invention with an IML label.

[0148] Results D+7: [Fig.20], with, from left to right: ampoule 91, single-dose teaser 93, single-dose white label 94, single-dose without IML label 95. The observations noted during the checks at D+7 are quite similar to those at D+5. There is little difference in color between the ampoule and the single-doses according to the invention with IML label.

[0149] Stability studies have shown that the color changes in the single-dose container according to the invention more quickly than in the ampoule, without having any impact on the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics. Depending on the type of container selected, the evolution of the product over time is different. The PPS® single-dose container, although offering many advantages, is porous to air. The product, under the effect of heat, changes much more quickly than in the ampoule and / or the single-dose container according to the invention.

[0150] The single-dose according to the invention without an IML label is also porous to air. The presence of an IML label is important for the protection of the product against external conditions. The ampoule is the container which exhibits a slower change in color than the single-dose according to the invention. It is however useful to specify that the change in color observed in the single-dose according to the invention having an IML label does not interfere with the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics.

[0151] Object of the invention

[0152] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art set out above.

[0153] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a container for food or pharmaceutical liquid comprising a plastic tube comprising, in its side wall, a barrier label comprising a material more impermeable to at least one gas than the plastic material of the tube, this barrier label being present in a mold during the molding of the wall of the tube and a seal welded onto the tube, said liquid being a liquid without preservative, the tube and this liquid undergoing a sterilization or tyndallization heat treatment.

[0154] Thanks to these provisions, the liquid contained in the tube does not require a preservative. In addition, the barrier label limits the passage of gas through the wall of the tube, which increases the shelf life of the liquid.

[0155] In optional embodiments, the container that is the subject of the invention has an axis of rotational symmetry, and a dimension parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry greater than five times its maximum diameter. This elongated shape increases the surface area ratio of the container comprising the barrier label to the total surface area of the container. In addition, handling of the container is improved with such a length to diameter ratio. Finally, transporting containers is facilitated by this elongated shape.

[0156] In optional embodiments, the barrier label is made of an oxygen-tight material. This reduces oxidation of the contents of the container.

[0157] In optional embodiments, the label and the seal jointly cover at least 80% of the total surface area of the container. Preferably, this ratio is greater than 90%. The capacity for gas passage through the wall of the tube is thus greatly reduced.

[0158] In optional embodiments, the plastic material of the tube wall is "crystal" polypropylene without additives. There is therefore no risk of contamination of the contents of the tube by a component present in the material of the tube.

[0159] In optional embodiments, the lid is made of aluminum coextruded with a layer of polypropylene.

[0160] Thus, the adhesion of the molten material of the tube to the seal is improved.

[0161] According to a second aspect, the present invention aims at a method for constituting a container of a food or pharmaceutical liquid without preservative, which comprises: - a step of manufacturing a tube made of synthetic material provided with a barrier label molded together with the tube, - a step of filling this container with the preservative-free liquid, - a step of sealing this filled container by placing a lid, and - a step of sterilization or tyndallization of the liquid.

[0162] Advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this method being similar to those of the container which is the subject of the invention, they are not recalled here.

[0163] In optional embodiments, the sterilization or tyndallization step is a tyndallization step carried out in an autoclave by heat treatment with a temperature lower than 100°C and a duration of at least one hour reproduced three times at 24-hour intervals.

[0164] In optional embodiments, the tyndallization step comprises, three times at 24-hour intervals: - a preheating step of a double wall of the autoclave, - an initial step of vacuuming the autoclave chamber, to extract as much air as possible from the chamber, - a moderate steam injection step while the vacuum continues to replace all the air initially present in the chamber with saturated steam, - a step of heating the container by more powerful injection of steam to obtain a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure, - a stage of maintaining the temperature and pressure of the chamber, by controlling the pressure of the chamber by balancing the injection of steam and the evacuation of the atmosphere, in such a way that the temperature is regulated, - a final step of vacuuming the autoclave chamber.

[0165] The inactivation of pathogens potentially present in the container is thus sufficient.

[0166] In optional embodiments, the predetermined temperature is between 70°C and 75°C.

[0167] In optional embodiments, during the sealing step, the tube is sealed by magnetic induction and pressurizing the seal onto the mouth of the tube.

[0168] In optional embodiments, during the sealing step, a sealing machine is implemented configured so that the magnetic induction flux is reduced, facing the inside of the tube, relative to the magnetic induction flux facing the wall of the tube. Thus, heating is focused on the portion of the seal in contact with the wall of the tube, which further reduces heating of the air inside the tube.

[0169] In optional embodiments during the sealing step, a sealing punch is used, pressurized onto the seal, and, once the magnetic induction is complete, the punch is kept under pressure on the seal.

[0170] Thanks to these arrangements, the seal and the molten material of the tube are rapidly cooled by the punch.

Claims

Claims

1. Container (20) of food or pharmaceutical liquid (22), characterized in that it comprises a tube (21) made of plastic material comprising, in its side wall, a barrier label (24) comprising a material more impermeable to at least one gas than the plastic material of the tube, this barrier label being present in a mold (41 to 46) during the molding of the wall of the tube and a cover (25) welded onto the tube, said liquid being a liquid without preservative, the tube and this liquid undergoing a sterilization or tyndallization heat treatment.

2. Container (20) according to claim 1, having an axis (27) of rotational symmetry, the dimension parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry of the container being greater than five times its maximum diameter.

3. Container (20) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the barrier label (24) is made of oxygen-tight material.

4. Container (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the barrier label (24) and the seal (25) jointly cover at least 80% of the total surface area of the container.

5. Container (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the plastic material of the wall of the tube (21) is "crystal" polypropylene without additives and the lid (25) is made of coextruded aluminum with a layer of polypropylene.

6. Method (60) for constituting a container (20) of a food or pharmaceutical liquid (22) without preservative, characterized in that it comprises: - a step (61) of manufacturing a tube (21) of synthetic material provided with a barrier label (24) molded together with the tube, - a step (62) of filling this container with said liquid without preservative, - a step (63) of sealing this filled container by placing a cover (25), and - a step (64) of sterilizing or tyndallizing the liquid.

7. Method (60) according to claim 6, in which the step (64) of sterilization or tyndallization is a tyndallization step carried out in an autoclave by heat treatment with a temperature lower than 100°C and a duration of at least one hour reproduced three times at 24-hour intervals.

8. The method (60) of claim 7, wherein said predetermined temperature is between 70°C and 75°C.

9. Method (60) according to one of claims 6 to 8, in which, during the sealing step (63), the tube (21) is sealed by magnetic induction and pressurizing the seal (25) on the mouth of the tube and a sealing machine (80) is used, configured so that the magnetic induction flux is reduced, facing the interior of the tube (21), compared to the magnetic induction flux facing the wall of the tube.

10. Method (60) according to one of claims 6 to 9, in which, during the sealing step (63), a sealing punch (81) is used, put under pressure on the cover (25), and, once the magnetic induction is finished, the punch is kept under pressure on the cover to cool the cover.

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