Packaging with snap-fit ​​cap holder

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a package (1), comprising the steps of supplying a package head (2) including at least one snap-fitting orifice (3), and snap-fitting a holder (7) of a cap (6) onto the snap-fitting orifice (3).

Description

Background Art

[0001] [Corresponding Application]

[0002] This PCT application claims priority based on the previous European patent application No. EP23161636.8 filed on March 13, 2023 with AISAPACK HOLDING SA as the applicant, and the content of the previous application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0003] The present invention relates to a package, particularly to a tube having a head, which head is preferably manufactured by molding, for example, compression molding, and this molding operation is also used for welding a tubular skirt to the tube head.

[0004] The present invention is applicable to the field of flexible tubes intended to contain creams and pastes such as toothpaste. However, the present invention can of course also be applied to other fields and other suitable packages. [Prior Art]

[0005] Publication WO2022 / 171752 describes a head for the manufacture of flexible tubes intended to contain liquid or paste products, characterized in that the tube head has a lid for reversibly closing the neck. Therefore, the tube head and the cap form an integral component. The tube head is obtained by injection molding and is then welded to the tube skirt for assembly. The described tube head has many advantages related to being relatively lightweight, but also has some disadvantages. One of them is that since the head needs to be pre-molded, this technology cannot be used for tubes manufactured by compression molding of the head and simultaneous assembly of the skirt during the molding operation. Another disadvantage is due to the assembly operation by welding the injection head, which requires a dedicated area in the periphery for welding, reducing the flat surface on which the tube is placed and also having an adverse effect on the appearance of the tube.

[0006] Summary and principle of the invention

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method and packaging that are improvements on known methods.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and packaging that minimizes the amount of plastic material used.

[0009] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a package, comprising the following steps. - A step of supplying a packaging head including at least one orifice referred to as a "snap-fitting orifice," • The step of snap-fitting the cap holder into the snap-fitting orifice.

[0010] In embodiments of the present invention, the cap holder includes at least one orifice for extracting the product contained within the packaging, the extraction orifice being smaller than the snap-fitting orifice. The cap preferably also includes a lid, and the cap holder and the lid are connected to each other by a hinge. In a modified example, the snap-fitting orifice and the extraction orifice may or may not be off-center.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holder of the hinged cap snaps into the orifice of the packaging head when the packaging head is only partially cooled.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remaining cooling of the packaging head causes the snap-fitting orifice of the packaging head to shrink, resulting in the snap-fitted cap holder being tightened.

[0013] In this way, the contraction of the orifice in the packaging head firmly attaches the cap holder to the packaging head, making disassembly difficult or impossible, and furthermore, the assembly interface becomes liquid-tight.

[0014] A preferred embodiment using high-temperature snap fitting offers several advantages, including reduced assembly effort during snap fitting because the snap fitting orifice has not yet shrunk. High-temperature assembly also allows for mitigation of dimensional variations in the cap holder.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tube head has an excess thickness of material (also referred to as a shrink ring) around the snap-fitting orifice to increase the tightening force on the snap-fitted cap. The shrink ring is defined by the (virtual) diameter of its cross-section, which corresponds to the maximum diameter within the thickness of the packaging head near the orifice. According to the present invention, the diameter of the shrink ring exceeds 1.2 times, preferably 1.5 times, the wall thickness of the packaging head.

[0016] The present invention makes it possible to manufacture a packaging that can be placed with the cap facing downwards, even if the cap occupies only a small portion of the support surface. To improve the stability when storing the packaging vertically, it is desirable to minimize the difference between the cross-section of the packaging and the cross-section of the support surface. That is, for a tube of diameter D and a support surface of diameter D1, the difference D-D1 should be close to 0. According to the present invention, this difference is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. Of course, these values ​​depend on the size of the tube, so it is the ratio of parameters D and D1 that should be minimized.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the geometric shape of the compression-molded packaging head does not have an undercut angle. Therefore, the packaging head can be demolded directly simply by opening the mold, in other words, no additional mechanical opening operation on an axis other than the compression molding axis is required. For this reason, the mold preferably does not have jaws or slides that must be operated to release the parts.

[0018] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to produce tubular packaging with a reduced plastic ratio in the head and cap. That is, according to the present invention, the ratio of the mass (M: grams) of the closure system (head + cap) to the mass M0 of the disc with a diameter D and a thickness of 1 mm that closes the tube is very advantageous. According to the present invention, the ratio M / M0 is less than 1.7, preferably less than 1.5, and more preferably less than 1.3.

[0019] According to the present invention, the snap-fit ​​cap has a reduced material mass, which is preferably less than the mass of the head. More precisely, the masses of the cap and head are defined such that the result of the calculation (Mc / Mh) × (D / 50)² is less than 1, preferably less than 0.7, and more favorably less than 0.5, where Mc is the mass of the cap, Mh is the mass of the head, and D is the diameter of the tube (mm).

[0020] According to the present invention, the snap-fitted cap is preferably unable to be separated from the packaging head after the packaging head has cooled. The cooling of the packaging head reduces the snap-fit ​​diameter, tightening the holder (which is part of the cap) that is snap-fitted into the snap-fit ​​orifice. The cap may also be provided with additional or auxiliary snap-fitting means 11 to enhance the robustness of the assembly. These means may have some degree of flexibility so as to pass inside the snap-fit ​​diameter.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that the same cap can be used for different packaging diameters. This is not possible, for example, with the integrated cap shoulder described in WO 2022 / 171752.

[0022] In embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a package, comprising the following steps. - A step of supplying a packaging head equipped with at least one snap-fitting orifice, - The step of snap-fitting the cap holder into the snap-fitting orifice.

[0023] In an embodiment, it includes a step of cooling the packaging head so as to reduce the cross-section of the orifice for snap fitting and securely grip the snap-fitted cap holder.

[0024] In an embodiment, the step of supplying the packaging head may include a step of filling a measured amount of resin into the cavity of the mold and compressing the amount to form the packaging head.

[0025] In an embodiment, the method for manufacturing the package may further include a step of loading a tubular skirt onto a mandrel and preferably welding the packaging head to the skirt simultaneously with forming the packaging head.

[0026] In an embodiment, a step of partially cooling the packaging head before snap fitting may be performed.

[0027] In an embodiment, the temperature of the packaging head around the orifice for snap fitting during snap fitting is higher than 40°C, preferably higher than 50°C.

[0028] In an embodiment, the operation of snap fitting may further include a step of deforming the cap holder to increase the assembly strength.

[0029] In an embodiment, the operation or step of snap fitting may further include a step of welding a part of the cap holder to the packaging head. This welding can be advantageously performed by hot air, ultrasonic waves, or other equivalent means.

[0030] In an embodiment, the final cooling of the packaging head may be performed by passive cooling by outside air, or may be partially or entirely performed on a molding machine or an assembly machine. ​​​​​​In this embodiment, the geometric shape of the insert may change into a three-dimensional shape during the molding process.

[0033] In an embodiment, the tube head is provided with extra material thickness around the snap-fitting orifice to increase the tightening force of the snap-fitted cap.

[0034] According to the embodiment, the measuring quantity (dose) may be set either inside the die (first part of the mold) or on the mandrel (second part of the mold).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the snap-fitting step may be performed on a molding machine or on a cap-fitting machine installed on a production line.

[0036] According to the embodiment, means may be used to maintain a partially cooled state of the packaging head. These means may be, for example, hot air. Other equivalent means are also possible.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the snap-fitting step may include engaging the cap with the snap-fitting orifice of the packaging head.

[0038] According to embodiments of the present invention, the snap-fitting operation may also include deforming (crimping) the cap holder to increase the assembly strength.

[0039] In embodiments, part or all of the packaging (skirt, packaging head, etc.) may be single-layer or multi-layer, or part may be single-layer and other part may be multi-layer. In the multi-layer mode, these parts may include, for example, a barrier layer. Examples of multi-layer structures are given in WO2022 / 053879, WO2022 / 229810, and WO 2022 / 185176, all of which are incorporated in whole by reference in this application, and the materials and structures described in these publications can be used to form single-layer or multi-layer structures of packaging components within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] In embodiments, the present invention relates to packaging produced by the method described herein.

[0041] In an embodiment, the packaging may include at least one packaging head with a snap-fitting orifice, a cap, and a cap holder snap-fitted to the orifice.

[0042] In one embodiment, the packaging body may include a skirt fixed to the packaging head.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cap may include a lid that is fixed to the cap by a hinge.

[0044] In an embodiment, the snap-fitting orifice may be off-center on the packaging head.

[0045] In an embodiment, the snap-fitting orifice may have multiple diameters.

[0046] In one embodiment, the snap-fitting orifice may have excess material thickness.

[0047] In this embodiment, the difference between the dimensions of the packaging and the dimensions of the support surface is minimized.

[0048] In the embodiment, the dimension is the diameter.

[0049] In some embodiments, the packaging may include an insert that is overmolded during the head molding operation.

[0050] In the embodiment, the insert may have a variety of geometric shapes, such as a planar geometric shape or a three-dimensional shape.

[0051] In the embodiment, packaging components such as the skirt, head, cap holder, hinge, and lid may be single-layer and / or multi-layer.

[0052] The cross-section of the packaging according to the present invention can be any suitable shape, such as a disc, ellipse, square, oblong, polygon, etc.

[0053] In embodiments, the packaging is mainly based on a plastic substrate, preferably polyolefin-based, and more preferably polyethylene (PE)-based. In one non-limiting embodiment, the packaging is mainly based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is recyclable in the HDPE tube and vial sector. Alternatively, the packaging is made of polypropylene (PP) and is recyclable in the PP sector.

[0054] Depending on the method, the packaging may have a recycled material content of more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, and more preferably more than 70%.

[0055] In embodiments, the packaging is primarily cellulose-based, with a cellulose content of over 50%, preferably over 70%, and more preferably over 85%. Advantageously, the packaging is recyclable in the liquid board or paper sectors.

[0056] In one embodiment, the packaging is based on a bio-based material.

[0057] The present invention is highly useful for producing packaging with a high cellulose content (more than 70%, preferably more than 85%). According to embodiments of the present invention, a cellulose skirt and a cellulose insert are used. According to these embodiments of the present invention, when the head is molded, the ends of the skirt and the insert that forms at least a portion of the head are overmolded simultaneously. This reduces the amount of molding material used. According to these embodiments of the present invention, the operation of placing the cellulose insert in the mold is performed prior to step 3 of head molding.

[0058] The present invention also makes it possible to use recycled resin in the production of each component of the packaging. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0059] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the present invention, in which, for example, a hinged cap 6 is snap-fitted to the orifice 3 of a tube head 2 manufactured by molding, preferably by compression molding. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the main steps of the snap-fitting method according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the main steps of the snap fitting method according to the present invention, and shows the tube 1 after the cap 6 has been snap-fitted. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the tube head 2 comprises a snap-fitting orifice 3 and a product extraction orifice 10. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the snap-fitting orifice 3 is off-center relative to the tube 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the snap-fitting orifice 3 has multiple diameters. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the insert 14 is overmolded during the head molding operation. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a tube produced according to the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a tube produced according to the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a tube produced according to the present invention.

[0060] Detailed description of the invention

[0061] This chapter will provide a deeper understanding of the present invention, along with several non-limiting embodiments.

[0062] Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the present invention, in which a hinged cap 6 is snap-fitted to the orifice 3 of a tube head 2 manufactured, for example, by molding, preferably by compression molding. The tube head 2 is attached to the skirt 5 by welding the end 4 of the head 2 to the skirt 5, for example, as described herein.

[0063] Figures 2 and 3 show the main steps of the snap-fitting method according to the present invention.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the tube head 2 before snap-fitting of the cap 6. During snap-fitting, the tube head 2 may be partially cooled. The excess thickness formed by the shrink ring 12 maintains a high temperature in this region. The tube diameter D and the support surface diameter D1, which should be minimized, are also visible.

[0065] Figure 3 shows the tube 1 after the cap 6 has been snap-fitted. The cooling of the tube head 2 causes the snap-fitting orifice 3 to contract, making the interface between the cap 6 and the tube head 2 liquid-tight and integrating the assembly.

[0066] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention. The size and position of the product extraction orifice 10 depend on the cap 6 and may be off-center, for example, as shown in Figure 4.

[0067] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the tube head 2 comprises a snap-fit ​​orifice 3 and an extraction orifice 10 for the product. Thus, in this embodiment, the orifice 10 is located inside the tube head rather than on the cap, as in Figure 4, for example. Nevertheless, it is closed by the lid 8 of the cap 6.

[0068] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the snap-fitting orifice 3 is off-center relative to the tube 1.

[0069] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the snap-fitting orifice 3 has multiple diameters.

[0070] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the insert 14 is overmolded during the head molding operation. This embodiment allows for the production of tubes with a high cellulose content, provided that at least the skirt 5 and the insert 14 are cellulose-based. In Figure 8, the insert 14 has a planar geometric shape. This embodiment is not limiting, and the insert may have a variety of geometric shapes, particularly three-dimensional shapes.

[0071] According to embodiments of the present invention, the geometric shape of the insert 14 may not be modified by the molding operation, particularly when the shape of the insert matches the shape of the mold wall. In alternative embodiments, the geometric shape of the insert is modified by the molding operation. For example, the insert 14, which is initially planar, changes to a three-dimensional shape during the molding operation.

[0072] Figures 9 to 11 show examples of tubes produced according to the present invention.

[0073] Embodiments have been described to provide an overview of the structure, function, manufacturing and use principles of the systems and methods described herein. Some of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above. The systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Some problems of prior art and systems have been pointed out here, and the methods and systems described herein may overcome one or more of these problems. Furthermore, although the invention has been described in conjunction with multiple embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention are also included in this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1: Tube, 2: Tube head, 3: Orifice for snap-fitting, 4: End of the tube head, 5: Skirt, 6: Cap, 7: Cap holder, 8: Lid, 9: Hinge, 10: Dispensing orifice, 11: Snap fitting and sealing means, 12: Shrink ring, 13: Virtual diameter of the shrinking ring, 14: Cellulose-based insert.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a package (1), The steps include supplying a packaging head (2) having at least one snap-fitting orifice (3), The steps include snap-fitting the holder (7) of the cap (6) onto the snap-fitting orifice (3), A method of having.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of cooling the packaging head (2) to reduce the cross-section of the snap-fitting orifice (3) and securely gripping the snap-fitted cap holder (7).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the packaging head (2) is obtained by filling a mold cavity with a measured amount of resin and compression molding that amount.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of loading a tubular skirt (5) onto a mandrel and welding the packaging head (2) to the skirt at the same time as forming the packaging head (2).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the packaging head (2) is partially cooled before the snap fitting.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature of the packaging head (2) around the snap fitting orifice (3) during snap fitting is higher than 40°C, preferably higher than 50°C.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the snap fitting operation comprises a step of deforming the cap holder (7) to increase the assembly strength.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the snap fitting operation also includes the step of welding a part of the cap holder (7) to the packaging head (2).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the final cooling of the packaging head (2) is performed by natural cooling (cooling with ambient air) or partially or completely on a molding machine or assembly machine.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert (14) is overmolded during the molding operation of the packaging head (2).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the geometric shape of the insert (14) changes to a three-dimensional geometric shape during the molding operation.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tube head is provided with excess material thickness around the snap-fitting orifice to increase the tightening force of the snap-fitted cap.

13. A package produced by the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The packaging body according to claim 13, comprising at least one packaging head (2) having the snap-fitting orifice (3), a cap (6), and a cap holder (7) snap-fitted to the snap-fitting orifice (3).

15. The packaging body according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a skirt (5) fixed to the packaging head.

16. The packaging body according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the cap (6) comprises a lid (8) fixed to the cap by a hinge (9).

17. The packaging body according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the snap-fitting orifice (3) is positioned off-center on the packaging head.

18. The packaging body according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the snap-fitting orifice (3) has a plurality of diameters.

19. The packaging body according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the snap-fitting orifice (3) has an excess thickness (12) of material.

20. The packaging body according to any one of claims 13 to 19, comprising an insert (14) that is overmolded during the molding operation of the packaging head (2).

21. The packaging body according to claim 20, wherein the insert (14) has a variety of geometric shapes, such as a planar geometric shape or a three-dimensional shape.

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