RESEALABLE DISPOSABLE PACKAGING, DISPOSABLE ITEM, INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER, AND RELATED MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Abstract

- Resealable disposable packaging, disposable article, intermediate container, and related manufacturing processes - The invention relates to a resealable disposable package (1) that can be handled by hand, comprising a flexible skirt (3) having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first and a second edge (4, 5) flattened onto, and attached to, itself to form a closed edge, wherein said skirt (3) has a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first (4) to the second edge (5), and the packaging (1) comprises a closing wall (6), which is integral with said skirt (3) at the level of said first edge (4), is provided with an opening, and incorporates a reversible closing mechanism (8) thereon, said wall (6) being deformable to evolve between: a retracted configuration, where said wall (6) is retracted into said skirt (3), positioning said mechanism in said skirt,the packaging (1) being able to rest stably vertically on a flat surface (9), and an deployed configuration, where said wall (6) protrudes from said skirt (3), positioning said component (8) outside said skirt (3). - Resealable disposable packaging and its manufacture - Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: RESEALABLE DISPOSABLE PACKAGING, DISPOSABLE ITEM, INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER, AND RELATED MANUFACTURING METHODS

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of consumer products, and more particularly to the general field of packaging for liquid, pasty or bulk products, especially cosmetic, care or hygiene products.

[0002] The present invention relates more specifically to a resealable disposable package suitable for being grasped and handled by hand, designed to contain and dispense a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery product, said package comprising a flexible skirt having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge and a second edge flattened on, and attached to, itself, to form at the level of said second edge at least one closed edge.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a resealable disposable article suitable for being grasped and handled by hand comprising a resealable disposable package as described above.

[0004] The present invention also relates to an intermediate container intended for the production of a resealable disposable package as described above, said intermediate container comprising a flexible skirt having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge and a second edge forming a filling opening.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an intermediate container intended for the production of a resealable disposable package suitable for being grasped and handled by hand and designed to contain and distribute a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery product, said manufacturing method comprising at least one step of supplying or manufacturing a flexible skirt having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge and a second edge forming a filling opening.

[0006] The present invention finally relates to a method of manufacturing a resealable disposable article as described above.

[0007] Packaging for everyday products presents a major challenge in terms of logistics (transport, storage), finance (manufacturing costs and potentially recycling / recovery costs), marketing (layout, presentation, appearance, practicality), environmental impact (carbon footprint), and more generally, pollution both at the source (packaging production) and at the point of use after consumption (destruction, landfilling, recovery, recycling, etc. of used packaging). The challenge represented by the management of packaging is regulated, in particular with the French law AGEC (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) and the European regulation PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation).

[0008] Packaging remains, however, an essential element of the consumer economy, since its function is to protect and store products, and also allows consumers to identify said products as quickly as possible while preferably giving a good image of them.

[0009] Thus, a large number of everyday products are packaged in known containers, which are presented as both "disposable" and "resealable," that is, containers designed to be opened and resealed several times in order to gradually empty the product they initially contain, and then discarded once completely empty. These known containers are, for example, equipped with a dispensing system and / or a reversible opening from the top. One of the most common known systems is the pump bottle. However, the latter is relatively bulky (particularly in terms of verticality), expensive, and polluting, since it requires significant quantities of plastic to manufacture and includes plastic parts that are somewhat complex and relatively fragile, especially in terms of wear and tear.Other known top-opening systems include caps and dispensing capsules that screw and clip onto the packaging body, respectively, to seal an opening at the top. Although less complex and expensive, these systems are often not very practical to use.

[0010] Indeed, the products contained in these packages, particularly those with fluid behavior and a certain viscosity, such as liquids, pastes, creams, granules, or powders, are sometimes difficult to remove from the packaging, since they tend to settle at the bottom, while the opening of top-opening systems is located at the top of the package. To solve this problem, it is known to use bottom-opening packages, that is, packages with a system that allows an opening in the bottom of the package to be reversibly opened and closed. This allows the product, especially if it is somewhat viscous, to fill the lower part of the package when it is stored, and thus to be more easily removed from the package through the opening at the bottom.The product is expelled from the packaging generally either by simple pressure against the sides of the packaging, which have a certain flexibility, or by gravity alone, or both. Packaging of this type, i.e., opening from the bottom, very often has a general tube or bottle shape, and is therefore designed for storage and handling. These containers are positioned roughly vertically, primarily to be more easily visible and identifiable to the consumer. In practice, they include a bottom-opening system on which they rest to maintain their upright position. This bottom-opening system generally comprises, as with top-opening systems, a clip-on dispensing cap or a screw-on lid attached to the body of the packaging.

[0011] However, these known bottom-closing packages, although they generally fulfill their functions of storing and releasing various products in several stages satisfactorily, have certain drawbacks which can prove particularly troublesome.

[0012] In particular, these known packages often require relatively large quantities of materials, especially plastic, to manufacture. Indeed, the bottom opening systems used in these known packages are relatively large and complex, and often include dispensing caps or relatively large stoppers, as they ensure the vertical stability of the entire package. These known packages thus present a risk of inefficient pollution (significant carbon footprint), a relatively high cost (manufacturing, transport, storage), and considerable bulk, which in particular reduces the storage potential (by the manufacturer or the consumer) and the display potential (at points of sale, for example, in supermarkets) of these known packages.Furthermore, due to their general shape and the size of the opening mechanisms on the bottom of these familiar packages, the quantity of product they contain is often underestimated relative to their overall volume. Finally, these familiar packages are ultimately impractical to use, as their caps or dispensing lids tend to open inadvertently, get dirty, get lost, and become damaged or even break, thus compromising the use of the packaging and consequently also the preservation of the product inside.

[0013] The objects assigned to the present invention are therefore aimed at remedying the various disadvantages listed above and at proposing a new resealable disposable packaging suitable for being grasped and handled by hand, for a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery product, which, while being particularly easy to produce industrially, also allows the secure and durable storage of a sufficient quantity of product, while being particularly convenient to open and close.

[0014] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging which has a universal character and is suitable for containing a wide variety of products.

[0015] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be easily spotted and identified by a user or consumer.

[0016] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be handled in a particularly easy way by a user or consumer.

[0017] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be opened and resealed a sufficient number of times to allow it to be emptied of the product it contains without showing premature wear.

[0018] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be opened and resealed by a user in a way that is instinctive, quick, aesthetic and even playful.

[0019] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design minimizes its carbon footprint.

[0020] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to require only a minimal amount of polluting material relative to the amount of product it is capable of containing.

[0021] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging of particularly compact, lightweight, simple and robust construction.

[0022] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new resealable disposable packaging which uses a minimum of separate parts that are easy to produce and assemble.

[0023] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be particularly simple and easy to use, in particular to open and close, by a user.

[0024] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose impact on the environment is minimized.

[0025] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging which allows for the durable and secure storage of a common consumer product, in particular a liquid, creamy or pasty product.

[0026] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be stored and put away efficiently, quickly and easily, with a reduced footprint, and to be presented to consumers in a particularly practical and attractive way.

[0027] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows for simple, economical and easy industrialization.

[0028] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging, the design of which allows it to have an aesthetic appearance which, on the one hand, is easy to enhance, and which, on the other hand, remains substantially the same before and after use, which makes it possible both to enhance and quickly and easily recognize the resealable disposable packaging and therefore the product it contains.

[0029] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable packaging whose design allows it to be, once worn out, reprocessed, destroyed, recovered, and / or recycled easily, at reduced costs, and according to less restrictive legislation and / or channels.

[0030] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new resealable disposable article which, while being particularly easy to produce industrially, can be stored in a durable and practical way and presented to the consumer in a particularly accessible and attractive way, and finally presents great ease and reliability of use, in particular of opening and closing to distribute the product it contains.

[0031] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new intermediate container for the production of a resealable disposable packaging which is particularly practical in terms of storage, arrangement, use and handling, the new intermediate container being particularly easy and economical to produce industrially while being particularly eco-responsible and low polluting, and being able to be adapted to produce different types in dimensions of resealable disposable packaging, and this for a wide variety of products.

[0032] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process for an intermediate container which is particularly easy and economical to implement, requiring only a limited number of simple steps and using a standard industrial tool without requiring complex and / or costly modification.

[0033] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process for a resealable disposable article which is particularly easy and economical to implement, requiring only a limited number of simple steps and using a standard industrial tool without requiring complex and / or costly modification.

[0034] The objects assigned to the present invention are reached by means of a resealable disposable package suitable for being grasped and manipulated by hand, designed to contain and dispense a liquid, pasty, granular or powdery product, said package comprising a flexible skirt having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge and a second edge flattened onto, and attached to, itself, to form at least one closed edge at the level of said second edge, said package being characterized in that said flexible skirt has a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge to the second edge, and in that said package further comprises at least one closing wall which is integral with said skirt at the level of said first edge, which is provided with an opening for dispensing the product, and which incorporates a reversible closing mechanism for said dispensing opening,said closing wall being deformable to evolve between: , - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall is retracted inside said skirt, thus positioning said closure element within said flexible skirt, so that the packaging can rest stably vertically on a flat surface against which it rests at said first edge, - and a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall protrudes outside said skirt, thus positioning said closure element outside said flexible skirt.

[0035] The objects assigned to the present invention are also reached using a resealable disposable article suitable for being grasped and manipulated by hand, comprising a quantity of liquid, pasty, granular or powdery product, as well as a resealable disposable package as described above, said disposable package containing said quantity of product.

[0036] The objects assigned to the present invention are further achieved by means of an intermediate container intended for the production of a resealable disposable package as described above, for a liquid, pasty, granular or powdered product, said intermediate container comprising a flexible skirt having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge and a second edge forming a filling opening, said flexible skirt having a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge to the second edge, and said intermediate container further comprising at least one closing wall which is integral with said skirt at the level of said first edge, which is provided with an opening for dispensing the product, and which incorporates a reversible closing mechanism for said dispensing opening, said closing wall being deformable to be able to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall is retracted inside said skirt, thus positioning said closure member within said flexible skirt, so that the intermediate container can rest stably vertically on a flat surface against which it rests at said first edge, and - a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall protrudes outside said skirt, thus positioning said closure element outside said flexible skirt.

[0037] The objects assigned to the present invention are also achieved using a method for manufacturing an intermediate container intended for the production of a resealable disposable package suitable for being grasped and handled by hand and designed to contain and dispense a liquid, paste, granular or powdered product, said manufacturing method comprising at least: - a step of supplying or manufacturing a flexible skirt having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge and a second edge forming a filling opening, said flexible skirt having a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge to the second edge, - a step of supplying or manufacturing a closing wall which is provided with an opening for distributing the product, and which incorporates a reversible closing device for said distribution opening, - a bonding step, during which said closure panel is bonded to said flexible skirt at said first edge, said closure panel being deformable to be able to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closing wall is retracted inside said skirt, thus positioning said closing mechanism within said flexible skirt, so that the intermediate container can rest stably vertically on a flat surface against which it rests at said first edge, - and a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall protrudes outside said skirt, thus positioning said closure element outside said flexible skirt.

[0038] The objects assigned to the present invention are finally achieved using a method for manufacturing a resealable disposable article as described above, said manufacturing method comprising at least: - a step involving the supply or manufacture of an intermediate container as described above, - a step of filling said intermediate container with a quantity of product via said filling opening, and - a closing step, during which the second edge is flattened onto, and attached to, itself, to form a closed edge at the level of the second edge.

[0039] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in more detail from the following description and with the aid of the accompanying figures provided for explanatory purposes only and not for limitation, in which:

[0040] [Fig.1] illustrates, schematically according to a perspective view, a resealable disposable package according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where the closing wall is in a retracted configuration.

[0041] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically according to a perspective view, the packaging disposable of [Fig. 1], where the closing wall is in the deployed configuration, and where the closing mechanism, which is a service capsule, is still in the closed position, and therefore always blocks a product distribution opening made in the closing wall.

[0042] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically according to a perspective view, the packaging disposable resealable of [Fig.2], still in deployed configuration, but where the closing element is in the open position, that is to say that the distribution opening of the closing wall is no longer blocked by the closing element but left free by the latter, said closing element remaining connected to the closing wall.

[0043] [Fig.4] illustrates schematically an example of packaging implementation disposable resealable of figures 1 to 3 in three successive and reversible steps, where the first step on the left corresponds to the configuration of the disposable resealable packaging of [Fig.1], seen from the front and side and placed vertically in a stable manner on a flat surface, the skirt being made partially transparent to make visible the resealable wall and the closing mechanism, where the second step in the middle corresponds to the configuration of the disposable resealable packaging of [Fig.2], seen from the front and side, and where the third step on the left corresponds to the configuration of the disposable resealable packaging of [Fig.3], seen from the front.

[0044] [Fig. 5] illustrates, according to a schematic front view, on the left the disposable packaging resealable of [Fig.1], in vertical position, the skirt being made partially transparent to make visible the resealable wall and the closing mechanism, and to the right of sections of said packaging made according to two horizontal cutting planes at distinct heights, thus representing two cross sections of the packaging made at two different altitudes.

[0045] [Fig.6] illustrates, according to a schematic front view, a closing wall and a closing device in closed position, i.e. blocking the distribution opening of the closing wall, according to a particular embodiment, which may be that of [Fig.2], the closing wall being this time turned upwards.

[0046] [Fig.7] illustrates, according to a schematic front view, a manufacturing process for a intermediate container, disposable packaging and a resealable disposable item, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0047] [Fig.8] illustrates, according to a schematic perspective view, a detail of a manufacturing process for a plurality of skirts suitable for manufacturing several intermediate containers according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0048] [Fig.9] illustrates, schematically according to a perspective view, a container intermediate according to a particular embodiment of the invention, where the closing wall is in deployed configuration, where the closing element is a stopper, which is in the open position and is therefore detached from the wall to leave the distribution opening of the closing wall free, the stopper no longer being connected to the rest of the intermediate container.

[0049] The invention relates, according to a first aspect illustrated in the figures, to a resealable disposable package 1, suitable for being grasped and handled by hand, for a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular, or powdered product 2. Advantageously, the resealable disposable package 1 is designed to contain and dispense said product 2 at will. This package 1 is therefore resealable, in particular reversibly, that is to say, it is preferably intended to be (and designed to be) opened, used, and resealed at least once and preferably several times. As will be seen below, said package 1 advantageously comprises at least one dispensing opening 7 for the product 2, which is preferably resealable. When opened, the package 1 can therefore be used to dispense the product 2 it contains.In other words, the packaging 1 is preferably designed to be opened to allow the extraction of at least part of the product 2 it contains, and then to be resealed, reversibly, advantageously repeating this process several times until the packaging 1 is emptied of the product 2 it contains. The product 2 advantageously has a certain viscosity, for example, a viscosity at least equal to that of water, preferably a viscosity strictly greater than that of water. The product 2 may, for example, have a pasty consistency. Preferably, the resealable disposable packaging 1 is suitable for containing said product 2, and in particular, for allowing the extraction of said product 2 from said packaging 1, in one or more stages.Packaging 1 is therefore preferably designed to be opened and emptied of said product 2 (in stages, in several stages) in a non-destructive manner, that is to say, it is not necessary or useful to damage (for example, by cutting, tearing or piercing) said packaging 1 in order to extract the product 2 from it (notwithstanding any possible security and / or closure seal for packaging which has never been opened). The said packaging 1 is also disposable, that is to say, it is preferably intended to (and designed to) be discarded after it has been (completely or almost completely) emptied of said product 2. Once emptied of said product 2, the packaging 1 is, according to a particular embodiment, not designed to be reused (i.e. refilled), although according to an alternative embodiment, it could be designed for such use (i.e. refilled and reused).Thus, said packaging 1 is advantageously not intended to be refilled with said product 2, although this is not entirely excluded. The fact that packaging 1 is disposable and resealable follows from the above; that is to say, packaging 1 is intended (and designed) to be, in its most common and simplest use, emptied of the product 2 it contains in several stages (by being opened and resealed each time), before being discarded and then advantageously recycled or recovered. Obviously, the advantage of this packaging 1 is that it can be stored for as long as necessary, being completely or partially reusable. partially filled with said product 2, so that the latter can be made available in small, limited quantities, spaced out over time. Said product 2 is preferably an everyday product and can relate to very diverse fields, such as cosmetics, personal care, hygiene (in particular body hygiene: liquid soap, shampoo, oil, cleansing cream, etc.), or other (for example, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc.). Said product 2 is preferably a liquid and / or bulk product, i.e., difficult to count. The packaging 1 can thus advantageously contain a wide range of different products 2, but preferably each packaging 1 according to the invention is adapted to a particular type of product 2 (or a nature of product: liquids, powders, etc.). The packaging 1 is preferably adapted to contain said product 2 on a long-term basis.Product 2 is, for example, a product intended for use in the field of personal care (cosmetics, etc.), the veterinary field, pharmaceuticals, DIY, automotive, sports, home maintenance, etc. According to a particular variant, illustrated in figures 4 and 5, product 2 is liquid, or at least, exhibits a relatively fluid behavior, as is often the case for a large number of everyday products, and advantageously has a viscosity substantially equal to that of water, and preferably a viscosity significantly greater than water, for example a dynamic viscosity at normal pressure greater than 1 Pa / s, at 20°C, more preferably greater than 6 Pa / s, at 20°C.Packaging 1 is suitable for handling and manipulation by hand; that is, it is preferably relatively small and lightweight, and is advantageously an everyday object, readily available in shops (e.g., grocery stores, supermarkets, etc.) or even online. Packaging 1 is advantageously larger, particularly in height, less than 80 cm, preferably less than 50 cm, and more preferably less than 40 cm, for example, approximately 25 cm + / - 10 cm. Packaging 1 advantageously weighs less than 3 kg on its own, that is, without product 2, preferably less than 1 kg, and more preferably less than 500 g. Indeed, packaging 1 is advantageously suitable for handling, lifting, carrying, grasping, and using without particular difficulty by an adult user, or even by a teenager or child.

[0050] The invention further relates, according to a second aspect, to a resealable disposable article, suitable for grasping and handling by hand, comprising a quantity of product 2, liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery, and a resealable disposable package 1 as described above and below, said disposable package 1 containing said quantity of product 2. The preceding description, as well as the following one, concerning said disposable package 1, therefore preferably also applies to The disposable article according to the invention, and conversely, the following description concerning the disposable article also preferably applies to the disposable packaging 1 according to the invention. The liquid, creamy, pasty, granular, or powdery product 2 designated in the description of the resealable disposable packaging 1 or the resealable disposable article is preferably the same. The resealable disposable article therefore advantageously comprises both the disposable packaging 1 and the product 2 it contains. The resealable disposable article preferably weighs less than 10 kg, preferably less than 5 kg, more preferably less than 3 kg, and even more preferably less than 2 kg.

[0051] Packaging 1 is, for example, designed to have an internal volume of between 50 and 600 ml, preferably between 100 and 500 ml, more preferably between 150 and 400 ml, and even more preferably between 150 and 300 ml, for example approximately equal to 250 ml + / - 10 ml. The article therefore advantageously contains a volume of product 2 within the ranges of value mentioned above.

[0052] According to the invention, said packaging 1 comprises a flexible skirt 3 having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge 4 and a second edge 5. Said second edge 5 is flattened onto, and attached to, itself to form at least one closed edge at said second edge 5, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 5 and 7. Advantageously, the flattened second edge 5 is plastically welded to itself at the closed edge. This is achieved, for example, by directly welding the second edge 5 to itself to flatten it, in particular by pressing two portions of the second edge 5 together before joining them (by plastic welding or by deposition of a plastic film, in particular). This is done either with the addition of plastic material on the flexible skirt 3 at the level of the second edge 5, or without the addition of plastic material (in particular when the flexible skirt 3 is formed at least partly by a plastic material).The first edge 4 advantageously forms a lower end of the flexible skirt 3, preferably circular, elliptical, or oval in shape. The second edge 5 preferentially forms an upper end of the flexible skirt 3, preferably substantially elongated and straight (this is, in practice, the aforementioned closed edge). The flexible skirt 3 advantageously has, at (and near) the first edge 3, a general hollow cylindrical shape. The flexible skirt 3 preferably comprises (and forms) a sleeve, which sleeve is more preferably formed by a lateral wall extending between the first edge 4, at which the lateral wall has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the second edge 5, at which the lateral wall is closed upon and attached to itself to form the closed edge. Thus, the flexible skirt 3 advantageously forms a sleeve. a hollow extending between said first edge 4 and said second edge 5. Said hollow sleeve is therefore preferably closed at the second edge 5 and, conversely, has an opening at said first edge 3, delimited by the latter. In other words, said hollow sleeve advantageously has a blind opening at the first edge 3, since between this opening and the second edge 5, the hollow sleeve is closed except for said blind opening. Said skirt 3 therefore advantageously does not have a through hole. Preferably, the closed edge is formed by two portions of the second edge 5 flattened and welded together, as is particularly visible in [Fig. 4], to present an elongated, narrow (preferably less than 1 cm wide, or even less than 0.5 cm wide), and straight shape, extending substantially horizontally when the flexible skirt 3 (and a fortiori the packaging 1) is positioned vertically.

[0053] The flexible skirt 3, as its name indicates, exhibits a certain flexibility, meaning that it can deform radially. More precisely, the flexible skirt 3 is preferably capable of deforming slightly in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis L, or in a substantially horizontal plane when the packaging 1 is placed vertically (and therefore when the longitudinal extension axis L is vertical). The flexible skirt 3 can thus advantageously bend slightly radially, that is, inwards or outwards from the packaging 1, in a horizontal plane and / or a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis L. By "deform slightly" or "bend slightly," we preferably mean a deformation that does not exceed a few centimeters, or a relative portion of the skirt's height.For example, when the package 1 is placed vertically, the flexible skirt 3 has a certain skirt height (which in practice advantageously corresponds to the height of the package 1), and said flexible skirt 3 is designed to be able to undergo, to a certain extent, elastic radial deformation (i.e., orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis L) (i.e., reversible deformation). Said radial deformation is preferably proportional to the dimensions (e.g., the diameter) of the closing wall 6 and / or to said skirt height. For example, said radial deformation is between 10 and 40% of the skirt height, and / or between 10 and 50% of the largest dimension (e.g., the diameter) of the closing wall θ. Said flexible skirt 3 therefore advantageously exhibits a certain degree of flexibility, but is not limp.The said flexible skirt 3 thus has a very preferential mechanical strength of its own, that is to say that it is preferably still sufficiently rigid and resistant to be able to contain the product 2 inside its side wall without deforming significantly (for example, more than 40% of the skirt height in radial deformation) or bursting, and to allow the packaging 1 to be placed in a stable vertical position, the skirt. flexible skirt 3 is then in practice also in a vertical position. This flexible skirt 3 therefore advantageously presents its own mechanical resistance, particularly vertically, while having a certain flexibility, particularly horizontally (the packaging 1 being then placed vertically).

[0054] According to the invention, said packaging 1 further comprises at least one closing wall 6 which is integral with said skirt 3 at said first edge 4. Thus, the flexible skirt 3 is preferably attached to said closing wall 6 via and / or at said first edge 4, and extends from the latter to said second edge 5. Preferably, said first edge 3 follows the contour of said closing wall 6. Said closing wall 6 is therefore advantageously designed to close the blind opening delimited by the first edge 4.

[0055] According to the invention, said packaging 1 is provided with a dispensing opening 7 for the product 2. This dispensing opening 7 is thus preferably a distribution opening, and in particular allows the product 2 to pass from the inside of the packaging 1 to the outside thereof. This dispensing opening 7 is therefore preferably formed by a hole passing through said closure wall 6. Furthermore, said packaging 1 incorporates a reversible closure element 8 for said dispensing opening 7. This reversible closure element 8 may, for example, be a cap, as in [Fig. 9], or a dispensing cap, as in the other figures.The closing wall 6 preferably incorporates means for mechanical cooperation with the closing mechanism 8, such as, for example, an external mesh around the dispensing opening 7, or means for clipping the dispensing cap so that it closes the dispensing opening 7. Preferably, apart from the dispensing opening 7 provided in the closing wall 6, the packaging 1 does not have any other opening, in particular any other reversible opening (i.e., one that can be resealed at will). Ideally, the packaging 1 is also not specifically designed to have an irreversible opening, i.e., one that cannot be resealed (for example, by tearing the skirt 3), and in any case, advantageously does not have a design that facilitates such an opening.

[0056] According to the invention also, said closure wall 6 is deformable to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closing wall 6 is retracted inside said skirt 3, thus positioning said closing member 8 within said flexible skirt 3, so that the packaging 1 can rest stably vertically on a flat surface 9 against which it rests at said first edge 4, - and a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall 6 protrudes outside said skirt 3, thus positioning said closure member 8 outside said flexible skirt 3.

[0057] The closing wall 6 in its retracted configuration is shown by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4 (left), 5, and 7 (right). The closing wall 6 in its deployed configuration is shown by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 (middle and right), 6, 7 (middle), and 9. According to a particular embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, said closing wall 6 is formed by a separate piece attached to, and fixed to, said skirt 3 at the first edge 4, for example by welding (in particular by plastic welding).The closure wall 6 is advantageously designed to deform stably, i.e., it remains in its adopted configuration, deployed or retracted, as long as no external force is applied to the packaging 1, for example, to the skirt 3, the closure member 8, or the closure wall 6 itself. The closure wall 6 is advantageously designed to deform reversibly, i.e., elastically. The closure wall 6 is preferably designed to deform, when transitioning from the retracted to the deployed configuration or vice versa, so as to move the closure member 8 along the longitudinal extension axis L (or parallel to it).

[0058] Thus, in its retracted configuration, the closing wall 6 is advantageously surrounded by the skirt 3, and more specifically by the lateral wall of the aforementioned sleeve. This is particularly visible in Figures 4 on the left, 5, and 7 on the right, where the closing wall 6 is made visible by the (partial) transparency of the skirt 3. The packaging 1 (as a whole) thus advantageously has an elongated shape that rises vertically between the first and second edges 4, 5, particularly in its retracted configuration. Preferably, the packaging 1 is therefore designed to be placed, in its retracted configuration, in a reference position where it extends substantially vertically (and thus rests stably on the flat surface 9). In this reference position, the first edge 4 is positioned below the second edge 5, that is to say, the first edge 4 is positioned at a lower height than the second edge 5.The packaging 1 can be placed stably on the flat surface 9 and can then stand upright on its own, without any other support. Naturally, this flat surface 9 is preferably substantially horizontal. This flat surface 9 can thus be part of a shelf, a display shelf (in a supermarket or other store), a piece of furniture, or even the floor. The packaging 1 is therefore advantageously designed so that, in its retracted configuration, it can stand stably on a surface, in particular on the flat (and horizontal) surface 9, for example, a support. flat (and horizontal) and stored as such, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 4] on the left and [Fig. 7] on the right, where the package 1 is in its reference position, placed vertically. Advantageously, said flexible skirt 3 thus extends along a longitudinal extension axis L. Obviously, the package 1 preferably also extends along a longitudinal extension axis L, which is advantageously the same (i.e., coincident with, or at least parallel to) that mentioned previously for said skirt 3. Obviously, the elongated shape of the package 1 can possibly be placed in positions other than vertical, but the reference position of the package 1, therefore vertical, is that which will be observed here and which is represented in particular in Figures 4, 5 and 7.

[0059] More specifically, advantageously there exists a transverse plane T that is horizontal and / or substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal extension A, and that passes through and / or at said first edge 4, or alternatively just below it. Said transverse plane T is advantageously a plane that is flush with a collar formed by the closing wall in its retracted configuration, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. Said transverse plane T is preferably located between or at an interface between the flat surface 9 and the first edge 4 when the packaging 1 is stably placed on the flat surface 9 in its retracted configuration. Preferably, in its retracted configuration, said transverse plane T does not intersect said closing wall 6, whereas in its extended configuration, said transverse plane T does intersect said closing wall 6.Furthermore, advantageously, when the packaging 1 is positioned vertically, in the retracted configuration, said reversible closing element 8 is positioned (at least essentially) above said transverse plane T, while in the deployed configuration, said reversible closing element 8 is positioned (at least essentially) below said transverse plane T.

[0060] The transition from the retracted to the deployed configuration is usually achieved by the user simply pressing on the outside of the flexible skirt 3, after grasping the packaging by hand. The pressure of the product 2 (and possibly the air) contained in the packaging 1 will exert a force on the closure wall 6, deforming it and pushing it out of the skirt 3. The transition from the deployed to the retracted configuration is achieved by applying pressure from the outside on the closure wall 6, or more simply on the closure mechanism 8 (in the closed position), using the user's other hand, or even using the flat surface 9 against which the packaging 1 in the retracted configuration can then be placed vertically.

[0061] In the deployed configuration, the closing element 8 is positioned outside the flexible skirt 3, and is thus accessible to the user, who can manipulate it to release the distribution opening 7, as can be seen in particular in Figures 2, 3, 4 (middle and right), and 9. In the retracted configuration, the closure 8 is positioned substantially within the flexible skirt 3; it is thus made difficult, or even inaccessible, for the user. This latter configuration allows, in particular, the packaging 1 to be placed vertically and stably on the flat surface 9, as illustrated in [Fig. 4] (left) and [Fig. 7] (right). Thus, in the retracted configuration, the packaging 1 is advantageously designed to rest vertically and stably on the flat surface 9 without the closure 8 resting on said flat surface 9. Thus, particularly in the retracted position, the closure 8 is advantageously designed to pass, reversibly: - from a closed position, where it blocks the distribution opening 7, - to an open position, where it leaves said distribution opening 7 free (so that it can allow the product 2 to pass out of the packaging 1).

[0062] Furthermore, said flexible skirt 3 has a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge 4 to the second edge 5. This is made possible, in particular, by the attachment of the skirt 3 at the first edge 4 to the closing wall 6, and by the construction of the second edge 5, which is flattened onto and attached to itself to form a closed edge. The packaging 1 therefore advantageously has a fairly wide lower base formed by the skirt 3 / closing wall 6 interface in the vicinity and / or at the level of the first edge 4, and a relatively narrow upper end, in this case formed by the second edge 5, which forms at least said closed edge.In other words, the flexible skirt 3 has a cross-section whose internal area advantageously never increases from the first edge 4 to the second edge 5 (at least in the portion of the skirt 3 not connected, for example by welding, to the closure wall 6). This allows the resealable disposable packaging 1 to have a simple, continuous, and robust profile while being easy and inexpensive to manufacture. It also gives it an immediately identifiable shape and simplifies its production optimally. Furthermore, this reduces the amount of material required to manufacture the packaging 1. More precisely, the flexible skirt 3 has a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreases from the first edge 4 to the second edge 5, preferably in a portion of the flexible skirt 3 not directly connected to the closure wall 6.Thus, from the first edge 4 to the second edge 5, the internal distance of the cross-section of the skirt 3 is preferentially strictly decreasing over at least a first segment of the skirt 3. Said first segment preferably has a length greater than half the distance. separating the first edge 4 and the second edge 5, preferably greater than 70% of the distance separating the first edge 4 and the second edge 5. This first segment is, for example, closer to the second edge 5 than to the first edge 4. From the first edge 4 to the second edge 5, the perimeter, for example the internal perimeter, of the cross-section of the skirt 3 is substantially constant over at least one second segment of the skirt 3. This is particularly visible in [Fig. 5], where an example of packaging 1 according to the invention is shown on the left, and two internal perimeters of two cross-sections of said packaging 1 are illustrated on the right, each cross-section having been made at a different altitude along the length of the packaging 1 (vertically, therefore).A first cross-section SI, made according to a cut in plane A, lower and closer to the first edge 4 than a second cross-section S2, has a first internal perimeter and a first internal area, while the second cross-section S2, made according to a cut in plane B, higher and closer to the second edge 5 than the first cross-section SI, has a second internal perimeter and a second internal area. Said first internal area is substantially greater than said second internal area. The first and second internal perimeters are, however, substantially identical. The second segment preferably has a length greater than half the distance between the first edge 4 and the second edge 5, preferably greater than 70% of the distance between the first edge 4 and the second edge 5, and more preferably greater than 90% of the distance between the first edge 4 and the second edge 5. Advantageously, the first and second segments are at least partially coincident. Optionally, from the first edge 4 to the second edge 5, the internal perimeter of the cross-section of the skirt 3 is preferably substantially constant over at least one third segment of the skirt 3. The third segment preferably has a length less than half the distance between the first edge 4 and the second edge 5, and preferably less than 30% of the distance between the first edge 4 and the second edge 5.This third section, for example, is closer to the first edge 4 than to the second edge 5. This third section is advantageously distinct from the first section and located below it when the packaging 1 is in its reference position (placed vertically on the flat surface 9). Each of the aforementioned sections preferably represents a segment of the length of the skirt 3; that is, each section is advantageously delimited between two distinct and distant planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis L. Advantageously, the cross-sectional area (preferably horizontal) of the flexible skirt 3 decreases substantially gradually, possibly continuously and regularly, from bottom to top, that is, from the first edge 4 (wide and cylindrical) to the second edge 5. (narrow and elongated, forming the closed edge), at least over part of the length of said flexible skirt 3, in particular over said first section.

[0063] Advantageously, in retracted configuration, said closure wall 6 has a general concave shape, with a concavity facing outwards from the skirt 3 (and therefore with a convexity facing inwards from the skirt 3, and more particularly towards the second edge 5).

[0064] Advantageously, said closure wall 6 advantageously has a central zone 10 and a peripheral zone 11, located around said central zone 6. Advantageously, said central zone 10 and peripheral zone 11 are designed to deform when changing from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, and vice versa.

[0065] Preferably, in its retracted configuration, said central zone 10 has a generally concave shape, with a concavity facing outwards from the skirt 3 (and therefore with a convexity facing inwards from the skirt 3, and more particularly towards the second edge 5). Also in its retracted configuration, said peripheral zone 11 preferably has a generally convex shape, with a convexity facing outwards from the skirt 3 (and therefore with a concavity facing inwards from the skirt 3, and more particularly towards the second edge 5).

[0066] Advantageously, the closing wall 6 has an annular edge 12, preferably substantially rounded, which abuts said skirt 3 at said first edge 4. Said substantially rounded annular edge 12 preferably has a concavity facing inwards towards the packaging 1. Said skirt 3 in particular surrounds said annular edge 12 and is connected to it, for example, by gluing or plastic welding. According to a particular embodiment, said peripheral zone 11 comprises (or alternatively, is formed by) said annular edge 12.According to a particular variant illustrated in the figures, in its retracted configuration, said peripheral zone 12 has a general shape of a hollow half-ring formed from a hollow ring with a rounded cross-section and cut transversely (for example, a hollow torus cut in half by a plane perpendicular to its axis of revolution), with the hollow of the half-ring facing the inside of the packaging, and more precisely towards the inside of the skirt 3 (i.e., towards the second edge 5). Said annular edge 12 advantageously has, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], at least one area of ​​increased thickness relative to the rest of the closing wall 6 (for example, relative to the rest of the peripheral zone 11 and / or the central zone 10), which provides better mechanical strength to the skirt 3 / closing wall 6 interface, and prevents unwanted deformation of said flexible skirt 3 at the first edge 4.The said closure wall 6 preferably has, as illustrated in [Fig.6], at least one external area having a recess, said recess being . intended to receive the skirt 3 to secure it to the closing wall 6, preferably substantially at the level and / or near the first edge 4. This allows for a precise, standardized and easily reproducible location for attaching the closing wall 6 to the flexible skirt 3. The outer area with the recess is advantageously located at the level of the annular edge 12. The flexible skirt 6 therefore advantageously surrounds said annular edge 12 at the level of the first edge 4, to be received and fixed within the recess of the outer area.

[0067] Preferably, in its deployed configuration, the closing wall 6 has a generally convex shape, with the convexity facing outwards from the skirt 3 (i.e., opposite the second edge 5). The closing wall 6 then advantageously has a substantially frustoconical (inverted) shape, preferably composed of at least the central zone 10 and peripheral zone 11, which have a continuous profile relative to each other. When the packaging 1 is vertical, the apex (or the smaller base) of the substantially frustoconical shape is facing downwards, and the (larger) base of the frustoconical shape is located in the vicinity and / or at the level of the first edge 4. In a particular embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, in its retracted configuration, the closing wall 6 has a generally disc-like shape (which exhibits some undulations due to the concave / convex shapes mentioned above).

[0068] These concave and / or convex shapes of the closing wall 6, or different portions thereof, depending on whether it is in its retracted or extended configuration, make it possible, in particular, to minimize the deformation of said closing wall 6 during the transition from one configuration to another. In the retracted configuration, this results in a minimized footprint for the closing wall 6 and the closing mechanism 8 it incorporates, which notably allows for storing more product 2 within the packaging 1. This also helps to limit wear and tear.

[0069] According to a first embodiment, the disposable packaging 1 includes an attachment means 13 designed to connect said closure wall 6 to said closure member 8 even when the latter is not closing said dispensing opening 7, that is to say, even when the closure member 8 is in the open position. Such a configuration is notably that illustrated in Figures 1 to 7. This prevents the closure member 8 from being lost in the open position. According to a particular embodiment, the reversible closure member 8 is formed from the material along with said closure wall 6, notably via said attachment means 13, which is therefore also advantageously formed from the material along with the closure member 8 and the closure wall 6. This simplifies and accelerates the manufacturing of the closure wall 6 and the closure member 8. According to a second embodiment, The closing member 8 is designed to be able to be completely detached from the closing wall 6, when it is in the open position, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0070] Said closing wall 6 preferably has a diameter (or maximum width) between 15 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 35 mm and 55 mm, for example approximately 50 mm + / - 2 mm. Advantageously, the closing wall 6 has an average thickness (or a thickness over at least 80% of its surface) of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.8 mm, for example approximately 0.5 mm + / - 0.05 mm. Preferably, said flexible skirt 3 has a side wall with a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably still less than 0.6 mm, for example approximately 0.31 mm + / - 0.05 mm.

[0071] The invention further relates, according to a third aspect, to an intermediate container 14 for making a resealable disposable package 1 as described above, for a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery product 2 (which is preferably also as described above), illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5]. The preceding description, as well as the following one, concerning said disposable package 1 and the resealable disposable item, therefore preferably also applies to said intermediate container 14 according to the invention, and conversely, the following description concerning the intermediate container 14 preferably also applies to the disposable package 1 and the disposable item according to the invention.Preferably, the elements common to the intermediate container 14 and the disposable packaging 1 are designated in the same way, even if they do not necessarily have the same geometry or configuration, such as the flexible skirt 3 and the second edge 5, as will be seen below. The intermediate container 14 comprises a flexible skirt 3, having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge 4 and a second edge 5. The second edge 5 forms a filling opening, as illustrated in Figures 7, 8 (the four leftmost diagrams except the last), and 9. The flexible skirt 3 has a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge 4 to the second edge 4. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the cross-section of the flexible skirt 3 is substantially constant between the first and second edges 4 and 5.The intermediate container 14 advantageously has an elongated shape and rises vertically. The intermediate container 14 thus advantageously allows for the production of the disposable packaging 1, which constitutes, in a sense, a final or finished container. The flexible skirt 3 of the intermediate container 14 therefore advantageously has the shape of a hollow cylinder, through which a through hole passes.

[0072] According to the invention, said intermediate container 14 further comprises at least one closing wall 6 which is integral with said skirt 3 at said first edge 4, which is provided with a distribution opening 7 for the product 2, and which incorporates a reversible closing element 8 for said distribution opening 7, said closing wall 6 being deformable so as to be able to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall 6 is retracted inside said skirt 3, thus positioning said closure member 8 within said flexible skirt 3, so that the intermediate container 14 can rest stably vertically on a flat surface 9 against which it rests at said first edge 4, and - a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall 6 protrudes outside said skirt 3, thus positioning said closure member 8 outside said flexible skirt 3.

[0073] The filling opening allows a quantity of product 2 to be introduced into the intermediate container 14. The intermediate container 14 can then be closed by flattening the second edge 5 and attaching it to itself to form the closed edge. In this way, the disposable packaging 1 is created, and the disposable item as well (since the latter includes both the disposable packaging 1 and the product 2 it contains). In summary, and alternatively, in both the intermediate container 14 and the disposable packaging 1, the flexible skirt 3 has, in the vicinity of the first edge 4, a sleeve-like shape closed by the closing wall 6, said first edge 4 having, for example, a substantially circular or cylindrical shape.However, in the intermediate container 14, the flexible skirt 3 preferably has a general shape of an open cylindrical sleeve with the filling opening formed at the level of the second edge 5, said filling opening being for example substantially cylindrical or circular, the flexible skirt 3 also advantageously having a cross-section (preferably horizontal) which is substantially constant and / or circular.In the disposable packaging 1, which is advantageously derived from a modification of the intermediate container 14 and more particularly of the flexible skirt 3, said flexible skirt 3 has a closed sleeve shape extending regularly and continuously between a lower (and cylindrical) portion, at the level of the first edge 4 (which advantageously forms a lower end of the packaging 1), and an upper portion, at the level of the second edge 5, and including the closed edge (which advantageously forms an upper end of the packaging 1). The intermediate container 14 is also advantageously able to rest stably vertically on the flat surface 9, which then allows it to be filled (and subsequently closed). more easily, to arrive at both the disposable packaging 1 and the disposable article of the invention.

[0074] The invention further relates, according to a fourth aspect, an example of which is illustrated in [Fig. 7] (three drawings on the left), to a method for manufacturing an intermediate container 14 for producing a resealable disposable package 1 suitable for being grasped and handled by hand (preferably as described above), for a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular, or powdered product 2 (also preferably as described above). The preceding description, as well as the following one, concerning said disposable package 1, said disposable article, and said intermediate container 14, therefore preferably also apply to said method for manufacturing the intermediate container 14 according to the invention, and vice versa.In general, the elements common to the different aspects of the invention are advantageously designated in the same way, even if they do not necessarily have the same geometry or the same configuration, such as for example the flexible skirt 3 and the second edge 5 in the disposable packaging 1 and in the intermediate container 14.

[0075] Said method for manufacturing the intermediate container 14 comprises at least: - a step of supplying or manufacturing a flexible skirt 3 having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge 4 and a second edge 5 forming a filling opening, said flexible skirt 3 having a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge 4 to the second edge 5, - a step of supplying or manufacturing a closing wall 6 which is provided with a distribution opening 7 for the product 2, and which incorporates a reversible closing element 8 for said reclosable opening, - a joining step S, during which said closure wall 6 is joined to said flexible skirt 3 at said first edge 4, said closure wall 6 being deformable so as to be able to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall 6 is retracted inside said skirt 3, thus positioning said closure member 8 within said flexible skirt 3, so that the intermediate container 14 can rest stably vertically on a flat surface 9 against which it rests at said first edge 4, - and a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall 6 protrudes outside said skirt 3, thus positioning said closure member 8 outside said flexible skirt 3.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, during said joining step _S, said closure wall 6 is brought against the first edge 4 of the flexible skirt 3 and then attached to the latter, for example by plastic welding or by deposition of a plastic film, as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0077] During the joining step S, the closing wall 6 is preferably in the deployed configuration, as this makes it easier to handle. It is then deformed by pressing it against the flat surface 9 to move into the retracted configuration, before the flexible skirt 3 is filled with product via the filling opening formed at the second edge 5, which is then flattened and welded to itself to obtain both the packaging 1 and the article.

[0078] Advantageously, said flexible skirt 3 is formed at least in part (and preferably completely) by rolling and / or extrusion.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, in particular when the flexible skirt 3 is formed by rolling, the step of supplying or manufacturing the flexible skirt 3 comprises at least: - a step of supplying or manufacturing a substantially elongated flexible sheet 15, preferably polygonal in shape, for example rectangular in shape, said sheet 15 extending between two opposite lateral edges 16, 17, - a rolling step E of said sheet 15 upon itself to give it an elongated, substantially cylindrical shape, the two lateral edges 16, 17 being folded against each other, - a fixing step X in which said two opposite lateral edges 16, 17 are attached together, for example by plastic welding or by deposition of a plastic film, to obtain a substantially cylindrical flexible object 19.

[0080] The step of supplying or manufacturing the flexible sheet 15 advantageously includes a rolling operation to obtain said flexible sheet 15.

[0081] According to another embodiment of the invention, in particular when the flexible skirt 3 is formed by extrusion, the step of supplying or manufacturing the flexible skirt 3 comprises at least: - a step of supplying or manufacturing a basic material (for example a plastic material, or any suitable material with thermoplastic properties), - an extrusion step during which the base material is extruded to obtain a flexible, substantially cylindrical object 19.

[0082] Thus, the step of supplying or manufacturing the flexible skirt 3 advantageously includes a step of manufacturing or supplying a substantially cylindrical flexible object 19.

[0083] According to a first alternative illustrated in [Fig. 8], the substantially cylindrical flexible object 19 is actually much longer than the desired flexible skirt 3. Thus, the step of supplying or manufacturing the flexible skirt 3 advantageously includes at least one cutting step Ç, during which the substantially cylindrical flexible object 19 is cut transversely to obtain said flexible skirt 3. Preferably, during the cutting step Ç, the substantially cylindrical flexible object 19 is cut transversely at regular intervals to obtain a plurality of flexible skirts 3 (as described above and below). According to a second alternative, the substantially cylindrical flexible object 19 directly forms the flexible skirt 3 (still within the framework of manufacturing the intermediate container 14).

[0084] Thus, at the end of the said winding E and fixing X steps, and optionally at the end of the cutting Ç step, said flexible skirt 3 advantageously has a hollow cylinder shape with an opening to the outside at the first edge 4, intended to be closed by the closing wall 6 during the bonding _S step, and an opening to the outside at the second edge 5, which opening essentially constitutes the filling opening (intended to be closed subsequently during the closing F step detailed below).

[0085] Optionally, the step of supplying or manufacturing the flexible skirt 3 includes a marking step M, during which at least one design 18 and / or a word is applied for display on the outer surface of the skirt 3. When the flexible skirt 3 is produced by lamination, the marking step M is advantageously carried out on the sheet 15, for example by digital printing or flexography, which allows this operation to be performed more simply, on a flat surface. When the flexible skirt 3 is produced by extrusion, the marking step M can be carried out in various ways directly on the flexible skirt 3, in particular by screen printing, offset printing, and other types of marking. The marking step facilitates the visual identification of the packaging 1.

[0086] According to a first variant, the step of supplying or manufacturing the closing wall 6 includes a compression overmolding operation, during which said closing wall 6 is compression overmolded directly against said flexible skirt 3, in particular at the first edge 4. The bonding step S is then advantageously at least partly coincided with the step of supplying or manufacturing the closing wall 6, which accelerates and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0087] According to a second embodiment, the step of supplying or manufacturing the closing wall 6 includes an injection molding operation, during which said closing wall 6 is formed by plastic injection, independently of the manufacture of said flexible skirt 3. The joining step S then comprises Advantageously, at least one welding operation of the closing wall 6 and the flexible skirt 3 at the first edge 4 of the latter, for example a hot air welding operation. This welding operation (in particular hot air welding) is quick and easy to carry out.

[0088] The step of supplying or manufacturing the closing wall 6 advantageously includes a step of supplying or manufacturing the closing member 8, in particular when the latter comes from the same material as said closing wall 6, as may be the case in the compression overmolding and injection molding operations mentioned above.

[0089] The closing wall 6 is preferably made of a polymer material, which may optionally be the same as the plastic material described below.

[0090] The invention further relates, according to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of which is illustrated in [Fig. 7], to a method for manufacturing a resealable disposable article as described above. The preceding description, like the following one, concerning said disposable packaging 1, said resealable disposable article, said intermediate container 14 and said method for manufacturing an intermediate container 14, therefore preferably also applies to said method for manufacturing a resealable disposable article according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0091] Thus, said manufacturing process for said resealable disposable article comprises at least: - a step of supplying or manufacturing an intermediate container 14 as described above (which advantageously consists of the manufacturing process of the intermediate container 14 as described previously), - a filling step R of said intermediate container 14 with a quantity of product 2 via said filling opening, and - a closing step .F, during which the second edge 5 is flattened onto, and attached to, itself, to form at the level of the second edge 5 a closed edge.

[0092] Said filling step R is advantageously carried out using a tubing machine, preferably a tubing machine suitable for filling plastic tubes with liquid. Said closing step F can be carried out in two steps, first by pinching the second edge 5 to flatten it upon itself, then by attaching the second edge 5 to itself, for example by plastic welding or by depositing a plastic film.

[0093] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said flexible skirt 3 is formed at least in part from a cellulose-based material. This makes it possible to use less polluting material, such as plastics (which are generally polymers made from hydrocarbons), for the manufacture of the flexible skirt 3, and therefore of the packaging. 1. Overall. Indeed, the bulk of the packaging 1, in terms of its volume and / or weight, is advantageously formed by the flexible skirt 3. In fact, packaging is increasingly subject to critical scrutiny from the public and the media, which have become aware of the overall polluting and energy-intensive nature of plastic packaging, particularly packaging made entirely of plastic or containing a high proportion of plastic. Moreover, legislation is generally becoming stricter in the environmental field, especially with regard to plastic packaging.Thus, packaging with a high plastic content is increasingly subject to specific standards, making its production, use, disposal, and reprocessing (recovery or recycling) increasingly complex, restrictive, and costly, particularly because it presents a high risk of endangering wildlife and vegetation when released into the environment without appropriate treatment (recycling, recovery, landfill, destruction, etc.). Advantageously, the closure flap 6 only closes the disposable packaging 1 at the first edge 4, but the rest of the disposable packaging 1 is essentially formed by the flexible skirt 3 (notwithstanding the closure mechanism 8).Furthermore, the cellulose-based material provides the flexible skirt 3 with both good mechanical strength, necessary for the packaging 1 to stand upright (vertically), and a degree of flexibility (particularly horizontally), which allows the flexible skirt 3 to be squeezed to expel the product 2 once the final opening 7 has been made in the flexible skirt 3. It is therefore the flexible skirt 3 that creates, within the packaging 1, the necessary internal space to accommodate the quantity of product 2 that the packaging 1 must contain. In a first embodiment, the cellulose-based material comprises at least, and is preferably made entirely of, cardboard and / or paper. In a second embodiment, the cellulose-based material comprises at least, and is preferably made entirely of, cellulose fibers.According to a third embodiment, said material comprises at least cardboard and / or paper, as well as cellulose fibers.

[0094] Said packaging 1 therefore preferentially exhibits good mechanical strength. This is made possible not only by the flexible skirt 3 made at least partly of said cellulose-based material, which cellulose-based material provides a good compromise between mechanical strength and flexibility of said flexible skirt 3, but also by the general geometry of the disposable packaging 1.

[0095] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said flexible skirt 3 is also formed at least from a plastic material. Said plastic material preferably comprises at least ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene (PE), for example high-density polyethylene, preferably HD 300 polyethylene. Said plastic material is preferably a polymer conferring particular properties to the flexible skirt 3, for example preservation, sealing, resistance, etc. properties. According to examples of embodiments of this latter variant, the flexible skirt 3 comprises or is formed by: - ​​a single wall made entirely of polyethylene (PE), - a single wall made entirely of polypropylene (PP), - at least one first layer (film or wall) made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), and at least a second layer (film or wall) made of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), said first and second layers (each made of plastic) being pressed against each other (and joined together).

[0096] The base material mentioned above, used in particular during the extrusion step, may for example include cellulose-based material, in particular when it includes cellulose fibers, and / or plastic material.

[0097] Thus, according to a particular embodiment, said packaging 1 is substantially watertight and / or airtight (in particular when the closure element 8 is in the closed position). In particular, the skirt 3 is advantageously substantially watertight and / or airtight. This is particularly advantageous when the product 2 is sensitive to air or humidity, or when it is composed of a liquid or a paste. The plastic material makes it possible, in particular, to impart this property to the flexible skirt 3 (and therefore, by extension, to the packaging 1, assuming that the closure wall 6 potentially already has this property). Preferably, said closure wall 6 is also substantially watertight and / or airtight.

[0098] According to a particular embodiment, said flexible skirt 3 comprises a wall (lateral, that already mentioned above) formed by said cellulose-based material. Said wall is covered, on the outside and / or inside said packaging 1, by at least one film formed by said plastic material. In other words, the flexible skirt 3 comprises a wall formed by said cellulose-based material, said wall providing the essential mechanical strength of the flexible skirt 3, as well as a layer of said plastic material, which layer forms a film, preferably impermeable, covering said wall formed by the cellulose-based material.The wall (of the flexible skirt 3) formed by said cellulose-based material can thus be covered by: - ​​a first film formed by said plastic material on the outside of the packaging 1, for example to protect the product 2 contained therein and the wall formed by said material from external air and moisture, . - and / or a second film formed by said plastic material on the inside of the packaging 1, for example to protect the product 2 contained therein vis-à-vis external air and humidity while protecting the wall formed by said material from possible aggressions or contamination due to product 2.

[0099] Thus, said flexible skirt 3 is advantageously formed from the cellulose-based material coated with one or more films of the plastic material. In other words, according to this latter embodiment, the flexible skirt 3 comprises a main body formed from the cellulose-based material, said main body being complexed (i.e., covered here) by at least one layer formed from the plastic material. This is particularly advantageous in the case where the flexible skirt 3 is formed, preferably via said flexible sheet 15, by lamination.

[0100] Preferably, said cellulose-based material constitutes more than 50% by weight of the total weight of said flexible skirt 3, preferably more than 60% by weight of the total weight of said flexible skirt 3, more preferably more than 70% by weight of the total weight of said flexible skirt 3, and more preferably still more than 80% by weight of the total weight of said flexible skirt 3. For example, said flexible skirt 3 is formed by said cellulose-based material in a proportion of between 50% and 95% by weight, preferably in a proportion of between 70% and 90% by weight, and by said plastic material in a proportion of between 5% and 50% by weight, preferably in a proportion of between 10% and 30% by weight. Thus, the packaging 1 of the invention, according to this particular embodiment, makes it possible to considerably reduce the amount of plastic required to produce the resealable disposable packaging 1 of the invention.This also allows for the elimination of the need to recycle or recover used (i.e., emptied) disposable packaging 1 through so-called "plastic recycling" channels, and instead through cardboard / paper (or cellulose) recycling channels, which are less restrictive, less costly, and more favorably viewed by the public than plastic recycling channels. Indeed, not only can the packaging 1 of the invention be recycled, with less stringent legal requirements, than packaging made entirely or primarily (by weight) of plastic, but it also aims to garner greater support from the media and the general public, particularly consumers who will purchase and use the packaging 1 of the invention. These consumers, media, and legislators are increasingly sensitive to the phenomenon of public denigration of plastic in packaging (commonly known as "plastic bashing").Preferably, said cellulose-based material forms more than 50% by weight of the total weight of the package 1, preferably more than 60% by weight of the total weight of the package 1, more preferably more than 70% by weight of the total weight of the package 1. The closure element 8 and the closure wall 6, preferably made of plastic, advantageously represent only a small fraction, by weight, of the package 1. For example, the cumulative weight of the element. of closure 8 and of the closure wall 6 represents less than 25% of the total weight of the package 1, preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the package 1, for example about 15% (+ / -1%) of the total weight of the package 1.

[0101] The resealable disposable packaging 1 of the invention is thus particularly practical to position, vertically and stably thanks to its general configuration, particularly at the level of the first edge 4, on the flat surface 9, while presenting an advantageous configuration allowing it to have an excellent compromise between a good internal volume (to accommodate a sufficient quantity of product), good overall mechanical resistance (the disposable packaging 1 is not flabby and does not fold on itself), and excellent practicality of use thanks to the closing wall 6 which can go from a retracted configuration, for storage, to a deployed configuration which allows access to the closing element 8 in order to move it from the closed position to the open position, and this reversibly, at will.Packaging 1, when placed in its vertical reference position, offers excellent visibility to the consumer both in retail outlets and in the consumer's home. Packaging 1 thus facilitates the viewing, identification, grasping, use (from retracted to extended configuration and vice versa, opening / closing), storage, and distribution of the product 2 contained within it, while limiting the volume and weight of materials, particularly plastic materials, discarded when packaging 1 is disposed of after being completely emptied.

Claims

Demands

1. A resealable disposable package (1) suitable for grasping and handling by hand, designed to contain and dispense a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular, or powdered product, said package (1) comprising a flexible skirt (3) having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge (4) and a second edge (5) flattened onto, and attached to, itself, to form at least one closed edge at said second edge (5), said package (1) being characterized in that said flexible skirt (3) has a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge (4) to the second edge (5), and in that said package (1) further comprises at least one closure wall (6) which is integral with said skirt (3) at said first edge (4), which is provided with a dispensing opening (7) for the product (2), and which incorporates a reversible closure device (8) for said dispensing opening (7),said closure wall (6) being deformable to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall (6) is retracted inside said skirt (3), thus positioning said closure member (8) within said flexible skirt (3), so that the packaging (1) can rest stably vertically on a flat surface (9) against which it rests at said first edge (4), - and an extended configuration, in which said closure wall (6) protrudes outside said skirt (3), thus positioning said closure member (8) outside said flexible skirt (3).

2. Disposable packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that from the first edge (4) to the second edge (5), the internal area of ​​the cross-section of the skirt (3) is strictly decreasing over at least a first section of the skirt (3).

3. Disposable packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first section has a length greater than half the distance separating the first edge (4) and the second edge (5), preferably greater than 70% of the distance separating the first edge (4) and the second edge (5).

4. Disposable packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that from the first edge (4) to the second edge (5), the perimeter, for example the internal perimeter, of the cross-section of the skirt (3) is substantially constant over at least a second stretch of the skirt (3).

5. Disposable packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said second section has a length greater than half of the distance separating the first edge (4) and the second edge (5), preferably greater than 70% of the distance separating the first edge (4) and the second edge (5), more preferably greater than 90% of the distance separating the first edge (4) and the second edge (5).

6. Disposable packaging (1) according to claim 2 or 3 and according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said first and second sections are at least partially merged.

7. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in retracted configuration, said closure wall (6) has a generally concave shape, with a concavity facing outwards from the skirt (3), and in that in deployed configuration, said closure wall (6) has a generally convex shape, with a convexity facing outwards from the skirt (3).

8. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing wall (6) has a substantially rounded annular edge (12) which abuts said skirt (3) at the level of said first edge (4), said substantially rounded annular edge (12) preferably having a concavity turned towards the inside of the packaging (1).

9. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an attachment means designed to connect said closing wall (6) to said closing member (8) even when the latter does not close said dispensing opening (7).

10. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reversible closure member (8) is made of material with said closure wall (6).

11. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said closing wall (6) is formed by a separate piece attached against, and attached to, said skirt (3) at the first edge (4), for example by welding.

12. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, apart from the dispensing opening (7) provided in said closing wall (6), it does not have any other opening, in particular any other resealable opening.

13. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second flattened edge (5) is, at the closed edge, plastically welded to itself.

14. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flexible skirt (3) is formed at least in part by rolling and / or extrusion.

15. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flexible skirt (3) is formed at least in part from a cellulose-based material.

16. Disposable packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said cellulose-based material comprises at least, and is preferably formed entirely from, cardboard and / or paper.

17. Disposable packaging (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said cellulose-based material comprises at least, and is preferably formed entirely from, cellulose fibers.

18. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said flexible skirt (3) is also formed at least in part by a plastic material.

19. Disposable packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said plastic material comprises at least ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polypropylene (PP) and / or polyethylene (PE), for example high-density polyethylene, preferably HD 300 polyethylene.

20. Disposable packaging (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 17 as well as according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that said flexible skirt (3) comprises a wall formed by said cellulose-based material, and in that said wall is covered, on the outside and / or inside said packaging (1), by at least one film formed by said plastic material.

21. A resealable disposable article suitable for grasping and handling by hand, comprising a quantity of liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery product, and a resealable disposable package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said disposable package (1) containing said quantity of product.

22. An intermediate container (14) for making a resealable disposable package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, for a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdery product, said intermediate container comprising a flexible skirt (3) having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge (4) and a second edge (5) forming a filling opening, said flexible skirt (3) having a cross-section whose internal area is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge (4) to the second edge (5), and said intermediate container (14) further comprising at least one closing wall (6) which is integral with said skirt (3) at the level of said first edge (4), which is provided with a product (2) dispensing opening (7), and which incorporates a reversible closing device (8) for said dispensing opening (7),said closure wall (6) being deformable so as to be able to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall (6) is retracted inside said skirt (3), thus positioning said closure member (8) within said flexible skirt (3), so that the intermediate container (14) can rest stably vertically on a flat surface (9) against which it rests at said first edge (4), and - an extended configuration, in which said closure wall (6) protrudes outside said skirt (3), thus positioning said closure member (8) outside said flexible skirt (3).

23. A method for manufacturing an intermediate container (14) for producing a resealable disposable package (1) capable of being grasped and handled by hand and designed to contain and dispense a liquid, creamy, pasty, granular or powdered product (2), said manufacturing method comprising at least: - a step of supplying or manufacturing a flexible skirt (3) having an elongated shape rising vertically between a first edge (4) and a second edge (5) forming a filling opening, said flexible skirt (3) having a cross-section whose internal Faire is strictly constant or decreasing from the first edge (4) to the second edge (5), - a step of supplying or manufacturing a closing wall (6) which is provided with a distribution opening (7) for the product (2), and which incorporates a reversible closing device (8) for said resealable opening, - a joining step (S), during which said closure wall (6) is joined to said flexible skirt (3) at said first edge (4), said closing wall (6) being deformable in order to be able to move between: - a retracted configuration, in which said closure wall (6) is retracted inside said skirt (3), thus positioning said closure member (8) within said flexible skirt (3), so that the intermediate container (14) can rest stably vertically on a flat surface (9) against which it rests at said first edge (4), - and a deployed configuration, in which said closure wall (6) protrudes outside said skirt (3), thus positioning said closure member (8) outside said flexible skirt (3).

24. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that during said bonding step (S), said closure wall (6) is brought against the first edge (4) of the flexible skirt (3), and then attached to the latter so that it follows the contour of said closure wall (6), for example by plastic welding or by deposition of a plastic film.

25. A method for manufacturing a resealable disposable article according to claim 21, said manufacturing method comprising at least: a step of supplying or manufacturing an intermediate container (14) according to claim 22, a step of filling (R) said intermediate container (14) with a quantity of product (2) via said filling opening, and a closing step (F), during which the second edge (5) is flattened onto, and attached to, itself, to form at the level of the second edge (5) a closed edge.

Images