Method for manufacturing objects

Abstract

An object (10; 40; 50) is formed by joining a first part (1; 1a; 1b; 51; 100; 101; 110) and a second part (2; 52; 200; 220), each made of a fiber-containing material including natural fibers. At least one part (1; 1a; 1b; 2; 51; 52; 100; 101; 110) selected from the first part or the second part is subjected to mold forming. The first part and the second part are joined during a pressing process in which the joining portion (7; 7a; 7b; 67; 107; 117) of the first part is pressed into contact with the second part. The joint portion is defined by fixed surfaces (22; 22a; 22b; 62; 122; 222; 322) intended to be joined to the second part. Prior to the pressing step, at least some free fibers are present on the fixed surfaces (22; 22a; 22b; 62; 122; 222; 322) to facilitate joining of the first part and the second part. At least the joint portion (7a; 67; 107) of the first part (1a; 51; 101) or the entire mass of the first part (101) can be molded during the pressing step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an object by joining at least two parts by pressing. The parts joined to obtain the object include materials containing fibers, such as natural fibers like cellulose fibers.

[0002] The objects manufactured by the device according to the present invention can include objects used in the packaging field, such as containers (bottles, etc.) or caps for containers. However, the method according to the present invention can also be used to manufacture objects for technical fields different from packaging.

Background Art

[0003] Also in the packaging field, as in many other technical fields, it is desirable to gradually reduce the use of synthetic polymer materials, mainly from the perspective of environmental protection. Therefore, in order to at least partially replace synthetic polymer materials, it is desirable to use natural fiber-based materials such as cellulose-based materials.

[0004] However, while synthetic polymer materials can be easily molded into complex shapes by, for example, injection molding or compression molding, it is more difficult to mold three-dimensional objects, particularly objects with complex shapes, using natural fiber-based materials.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve a method for manufacturing an object using a natural fiber-based material.

[0006] Another object is to provide an object molding method capable of obtaining an object having a relatively complex shape using a natural fiber-based material.

[0007] Still another object is to provide a method for molding an object having good mechanical strength with a natural fiber-based material.

[0008] Another objective is to provide a method for forming objects using natural fiber-based materials without using overly complex molds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for forming an object by joining a first part and a second part, each made of a fiber-containing material, each containing corresponding natural fibers. In this method, at least one part selected from the first part or the second part is subjected to mold forming, and the first part and the second part are joined during a pressing step in which the joining portion of the first part is pressed so as to contact the second part, the joining portion being defined by a fixed surface intended to be joined to the second part, and prior to the pressing step, the fixed surface has at least some free fibers to facilitate the joining of the first part and the second part.

[0010] When the fixed surface of the first component, where the free fibers are present, is pressed against the second component, the free fibers of the first component readily interact with the second component to facilitate and ensure a reliable bond between the two components. This is possible because the free fibers are not rigidly incorporated into the structure of the component to which they belong. Therefore, the free fibers readily bond with adjacent components when pressure is applied, facilitating the formation of a strong bond.

[0011] Furthermore, by joining two separate parts to form the object, it becomes possible to manufacture even objects with complex shapes. In fact, the two starting parts have a simpler shape than the finished product, which makes it possible to use natural fiber-based materials, such as cellulose-based materials, which are more difficult to mold than synthetic polymer materials.

[0012] Furthermore, molds and tools that are less complex than those required to manufacture the object as a single unit can be used. For example, undercuts can be limited or reduced by starting with two separate parts and forming the object from there.

[0013] The first and second parts can be joined not only by the pressure applied during the pressing process, but also by heating and appropriate humidity conditions (which can be achieved by humidifying the first and / or second parts as needed). In some cases, a non-stick additive may be used to promote adhesion between the first and second parts.

[0014] During the pressing process, pressure may be applied directly to the first component, or pressure applied to the second component may be transmitted to the first component.

[0015] In one embodiment, the part that undergoes mold forming may be a pre-molded part that is at least partially formed by the mold forming process before being joined with other parts.

[0016] In this case, the part that has undergone the molding process is provided in a state that is already ready to be joined with the other parts.

[0017] In other words, the part underwent the molding process before the pressing process.

[0018] In one embodiment, the part undergoing the molding process may be molded in whole or in part while in contact with the other parts.

[0019] In this case, the part undergoing the molding process is molded simultaneously with the pressing process which affects the joint portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the initial density of the joint increases during the pressing process.

[0021] In this case, the free fibers are present because the joint portion does not have a dense structure such as obtained at the end of the pressing process, but rather has a relatively low initial density in relation to the insufficient compression of the fibers being formed. In the joint portion, it is possible to identify a number of voids, at least a part of whose length is surrounded by free fibers.

[0022] For example, the density of the joint portion may increase to at least twice the initial value during molding in a state of contact with the other component.

[0023] In one embodiment, the fixed surface defines a unit component of a natural fiber-based material having a substantially flat shape. The unit component may have a non-flat shape, for example a concave shape or a shape having a localized compression portion.

[0024] In this case, the pressing process affects not only the joint portion but also the entire unit component that is molded during the pressing process so that the unit component forms the corresponding component of the object. Thereby, the unit component is overmolded in a state of contact with the other component. In this way, in the pressing process, while molding the unit component to obtain the corresponding molded component of the object, the component can be joined to the other component to form a desired object.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first component (including the joint portion) before the pressing process has regions having different densities from each other.

[0026] In particular, the density is low in the joint portion and high in regions other than the joint portion.

[0027] When the first component having a plurality of different density regions is brought into contact with and pressed by the second component, the density of the joint portion increases, and accordingly the shape of the joint portion changes. That is, a kind of localized overmolding occurs, and as a result, the joint portion is molded into the final shape and fixed to the other component at the same time.

[0028] In contrast, in the region of the pressed component other than the joint portion, no change in shape or density occurs.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least partially free fibers are obtained by a scraping process on the fixed surface.

[0030] The scraping process removes the coating surface layer initially present on the fixed surface, enabling some fibers in the surface layer of the component to be at least partially separated from adjacent fibers before the surface treatment. This generates at least partially free fibers, facilitating the joining of the two components.

[0031] In one embodiment, the two components to be joined each include a neck of a container and a container body.

[0032] In this way, a container such as a bottle can be manufactured from two components of relatively simple shapes.

[0033] The joint portion may include a neck of the container and / or a peripheral flange of the container body.

[0034] In one embodiment, the two components to be joined each include a neck of a container and a sheet material.

[0035] The neck of the container may be joined to the sheet material in a flat state of the sheet material.

[0036] The sheet material may be fed out from a reel or in the form of a pre-cut sheet. In the latter case, each pre-cut sheet may have dimensions for obtaining a single container.

[0037] Subsequently, the sheet material is folded, welded, and optionally cut to obtain a container with opposing necks.

[0038] The sheet material may be, for example, a single layer made of a cellulose material to which additives can be added.

[0039] Alternatively, the sheet material may have a multilayer structure.

[0040] The aforementioned sheet material may be laminated.

[0041] In one embodiment, the two parts to be joined are two parts of a container seal intended to be joined at a hinge.

[0042] In this way, it is possible to obtain a so-called "snap-type" or "hinge-type" container seal. In the "snap-type" or "hinge-type" container seal, one part of the seal is connected to the neck of the container, and the other part of the seal is movable between an open position and a closed position by rotating around a hinge that joins the two parts of the seal.

[0043] In a second embodiment of the present invention, The process of supplying sheet material, A step of providing a container dispensing section made of a natural fiber material containing at least 80% cellulose by weight on the sheet material, A process to obtain a container by bending and welding the aforementioned sheet material. A method including this is provided.

[0044] According to this aspect of the present invention, an environmentally friendly container can be obtained. In fact, the sheet material may be a type of material currently used in the manufacture of sterile containers, containing a large amount of cellulose material and being recyclable. The container dispensing section made of natural fiber material can replace conventional dispensing sections made of synthetic plastic material with dispensing sections made mainly of cellulose, and can be easily recycled or disposed of after use, thereby reducing contamination caused by conventional dispensing sections made of synthetic plastic material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] The present invention can be better understood and implemented by referring to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bottle made from natural fiber materials. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the two components that make up the bottle in Figure 1. [Figure 3] For example, Figure 1 is a plan view of a container dispensing unit that can be used in the manufacture of bottles. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the IV-IV plane in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4, which schematically shows a container dispensing section according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure is similar to Figure 3, showing a container dispensing section according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a sheet material with multiple container dispensing sections of the type shown attached. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view along the VIII-VIII plane in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section onto a sheet material. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section onto a sheet material. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section onto a sheet material. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section onto a sheet material. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steps of a method for molding a container dispensing portion on a sheet material according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steps of a method for molding a container dispensing portion on a sheet material according to another embodiment. [Figure 15]This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steps of a method for molding a container dispensing portion on a sheet material according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steps of a method for molding a container dispensing portion on a sheet material according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steps of a method for molding a container dispensing portion on a sheet material according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section on a sheet material according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section on a sheet material according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section on a sheet material according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section on a sheet material according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the process of molding a container dispensing section on a sheet material according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of a crushable container. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view of the crushable container shown in Figure 23, taken from a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figures 23 and 24 are perspective views of a crushable container. [Figure 26] This is a schematic plan view showing a container seal in an open state. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is a schematic side view showing the steps of the manufacturing method for the encapsulant.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a container 10 for containing a fluid substance, which is in a bottle shape.

[0048] Container 10 is made by joining two parts, namely the first part 1 and the second part 2. These are shown in their disassembled state in Figure 2.

[0049] Both Part 1 and Part 2 are made from materials containing natural fibers. Part 1 and Part 2 may optionally be made from the same material.

[0050] In particular, the first component 1 and the second component 2 may be made of a cellulose-based material. Specifically, the first component 1 and the second component 2 may be made of a material containing at least 80% cellulose by weight.

[0051] In addition to natural fibers, particularly cellulose fibers, the first component 1 and / or the second component 2 may also contain synthetic polymer fibers in amounts significantly less than the amount of natural fibers. For example, the material from which the first component 1 and / or the second component 2 are made may contain synthetic polymer fibers at a weight ratio of 10% or less.

[0052] In the example shown, the first part 1 has the shape of a container dispensing section, and the second part 2 has the shape of a container body.

[0053] The first component 1 may include a neck 3 surrounding a dispensing passage 4 that allows the consumer to access the substance in the container 10. For example, the consumer can drink directly from the neck 3 or pour the substance from the container 10. The neck 3 extends around an axis Z and may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0054] The neck portion 3 has a fixing structure 5 for detachably securing a cap (not shown) to allow the container 10 to be opened and closed. The fixing structure 5 may include one or more helical screws 6 for screwing the cap onto the neck portion 3. Alternatively, the fixing structure may include fixing elements other than screws, such as one or more protrusions, recesses, cam elements, or bayonet connectors.

[0055] The first part 1 further includes a first joining portion 7 intended to be joined to the second part 2. The first joining portion 7 may include a flange 8. The flange 8 may be substantially flat, or it may have a non-flat shape, such as wavy, curved, or having one or more grooves. The flange 8 may be annular in plan view, or have a different shape depending on the shape of the container 10.

[0056] The first component 1 may also include an intermediate portion 9 interposed between the neck portion 3 and the flange 8. The intermediate portion 9 connects the neck portion 3 and the flange 8. The lateral dimension of the intermediate portion 9, measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis Z, gradually decreases from the flange 8 toward the neck portion 3. In the example, the intermediate portion 9 is dome-shaped and has a shape that is recessed toward the inside of the container 10. However, other shapes of the intermediate portion 9, such as a frustoconical shape, are also possible.

[0057] The first component 1 is a mold-molded component. For example, the first component 1 may be formed by a substantially dry molding process using a cellulose-based starting material (with a moisture content of 20% or less by weight). The starting material may be in powder form. Alternatively, the starting material may be a fluffy material such as cotton or a unit amount of airlaid.

[0058] A unit quantity of airlaid can be obtained, for example, by cutting a sheet of airlaid material unwound from a reel. The airlaid material is obtained starting from a dense web of a relatively high-density, unwound cellulosic material. The dense web is polished and broken down into fibers, and then the fibers are recombined to form a low-density sheet material in which a large amount of air exists between the fibers. In this way, the airlaid material is obtained. A small amount of liquid additive, such as water, may be added to the airlaid material to facilitate the subsequent molding process.

[0059] Part 1 is a single-piece molded part.

[0060] The neck portion 3 may be open, as shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 2. In this case, the neck portion 3 is defined by a free end 11 located at the opposite end of the flange 8. The free end 11 surrounds an opening 12 that provides access to the inside of the container 10.

[0061] In another embodiment, the neck portion 3 may be closed, as shown in Figure 4. In this case, the neck portion 3 includes a membrane 13 that closes the dispensing passage 4. The membrane 13 is generated when the first part 1 is molded and may be removed or perforated before the container 10 is filled with the desired substance. Alternatively, the membrane 13 may be removed or perforated when the consumer opens the container 10 for the first time.

[0062] Figure 4 relates to another embodiment of the first component, but it should be understood that the film 13 can also be provided on the first component 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0063] The second part 2 includes a bottom wall 14 suitable for being placed on a support surface during use. The bottom wall 14 may be substantially flat, slightly rounded inward, or have other shapes. The bottom wall 14 is positioned laterally with respect to the axis Z after the first part 1 and the second part 2 are joined to form the container 10.

[0064] The second part 2 further includes a side wall 15 that protrudes from the bottom wall 14 and extends around axis Z. The side wall 15 may be axially symmetric, but is not required.

[0065] The side walls 15, together with the bottom wall 14, define a containment space 16 that can accommodate most of the material to be contained within the container 10.

[0066] The second part 2 has a second joining portion 17 that is suitable for joining with the first joining portion 7 of the first part 1, in order to form a joint portion 19 for attaching the first part 1 to the second part 2.

[0067] The second joint portion 17 may include a further flange 18. The further flange 18 is suitable for being pressed against the flange 8 of the first part 1 so that the flange 8 of the first part 1 is fixed to the further flange 18.

[0068] In the example shown, the additional flange 18 is substantially flat. However, this is not required, and in other embodiments, the additional flange 18 may have a non-flat shape. Generally, in a cross-section in a plane containing axis Z, the shape of the additional flange 18 may coincide with the shape of flange 8. In plan view, the additional flange 18 may be annular, but this is not required, and the shape of the additional flange 18 depends on the cross-section of the second part 2.

[0069] The second part 2 is a mold-molded part. For example, the second part 2 may be formed by a substantially dry molding process using a cellulose-based starting material with a moisture content of 20% or less by weight. The starting material may be in powder form. Alternatively, the starting material may be a fluffy material such as cotton or a unit amount of airlaid.

[0070] The second part 2 may be manufactured by a wet molding process.

[0071] Part 2 is a single-piece molded part.

[0072] To join the first part 1 to the second part 2, the first joining portion 7 is brought into contact with the second joining portion 17, and a pressing force is applied to secure the flange 8 against the further flange 18. Heating may be performed simultaneously.

[0073] To enable the joining of the first part 1 and the second part 2, either the first joining portion 7 or the second joining portion 17 may contain free fibers, at least partially.

[0074] "At least partially free fibers" means that the fibers are not incorporated into a densely compressed structure in which they are substantially fixed in position. At least partially free fibers are not rigidly constrained in place by adjacent fibers, and can change position by the application of compressive force, and can interact with other components being compressed—for example, at least partially free fibers belonging to other components. In this way, a strong and lasting bond is established between the first component 1 and the second component 2.

[0075] As will be discussed later, the fibers may be free, at least partially, for reasons such as the fibers being part of a relatively low-density structure, the fiber density being intended to increase during the pressing process, or the result of surface treatment being applied to part of the surface of the component.

[0076] A partially free fiber may have one end free, both ends free, or a portion of its central part free.

[0077] Figures 3 and 4 show another embodiment of the first part 1a. The first part 1a includes a first joint portion 7a, the density of which is lower than that of the other parts of the first part 1a. In particular, the density of the first joint portion 7a is lower than that of the neck portion 3. If an intermediate portion 9 is present, the density of which is higher than that of the first joint portion 7a.

[0078] For example, the density of the first joint portion 7a may be less than or equal to half the density of the other parts of the first component 1a.

[0079] The first part 1a is a mold-formed part and is formed in the same manner as already described for the first part 1. When the first part 1a is formed, various mold pressures are applied to different parts of the first part 1a to the natural fiber material, depending on the desired density. In particular, the first joint portion 7a is subjected to a lower mold pressure than that applied to the neck portion 3 and the intermediate portion 9 (if present). The mold pressure applied to the first joint portion 7a may be zero, meaning that the first joint portion 7a is not compressed relative to the starting natural fiber material.

[0080] Therefore, the first part 1a has a pre-molded body defined by a neck portion 3 and an intermediate portion 9 (if present). There is also a first joint portion 7a surrounding this pre-molded body.

[0081] The density of the neck portion 3 and the intermediate portion 9 (if present) is equal to the density of the first part 1a in the finished container 10. In fact, the density of the neck portion 3 and the intermediate portion 9 (if present) does not change when the first part 1a is joined to the second part 2.

[0082] In contrast, the density of the first joint portion 7a increases during the pressing process in which the first part 1a is joined to the second part 2. During the pressing process, the first joint portion 7a is pressed against the second joint portion 17 of the second part 2 until its density is equal to that of the other parts of the first part 1a. For example, after the pressing process, the density of the first joint portion 7a may differ from that of the other parts of the first part 1a by less than 10%.

[0083] The first joint portion 7a is defined by a fixed surface 22. The fixed surface 22 is positioned to be in contact with a further fixed surface 23 that defines the second joint portion 17 shown in Figure 2, and is suitable for being stably joined to form the joint portion 19.

[0084] If the initial density of the first joint portion 7a is low, at least partially free fibers, i.e., at least partially free natural fibers, are present on the fixed surface 23 before the pressing process. Since these at least partially free fibers can easily bond with the fibers of the second part 2, the first joint portion 7a is joined to the second joint portion 17, forming a joint 19 with excellent mechanical properties.

[0085] During the pressing process, the first joint portion 7a is molded in contact with the second part 2, and the first flange 8 is obtained. In this way, the shape of the first joint portion 7a changes to conform to the shape of the second joint portion 17 of the second part 2. By molding the first joint portion 7a in contact with the second joint portion 17, the joint between the first part 1a and the second part 2 is improved, and the strength of the joint portion 19 is increased.

[0086] The pressing process in which the first part 1a is joined to the second part 2 is included in the overmolding process that fixes the first part 1a to the second part 2. The overmolding process does not affect the entire first part 1a, but only the first joining portion 7a.

[0087] The first joint portion 7a is, for example, an annular shape and extends continuously around the axis Z. In this way, a joint portion 19 can be formed without any discontinuities around the axis Z.

[0088] In one embodiment not shown, the second joining portion 17 of the second part 2 may be the same as the first joining portion 7a of the first part 1a. That is, before the second part 2 and the first part 1a are joined, the second part 2 may have a lower density than the other parts of the second part 2.

[0089] Figure 5 schematically shows yet another embodiment of the first component 1b.

[0090] The first part 1b includes a first joining portion 7b—in the shown example, the shape of a flange 8—which is defined by a fixed surface 22b intended to contact the second part 2.

[0091] The fixed surface 22b is subjected to a scratching or abrasion surface treatment, which at least partially frees the fibers located near the fixed surface 22b. The fibers located near the fixed surface 22b, which were initially compressed into a high-density structure, are partially separated from the substrate and become able to interact more easily with the fibers of the second component 2.

[0092] This is illustrated very schematically in the enlarged view of Figure 5, where at least partially free fibers F extending from the dense substrate SC of the first jointed portion 17 are shown.

[0093] Scratching or rubbing the surface may be performed, for example, by rubbing the fixed surface 22b with sandpaper.

[0094] The fibers separated from the dense base material SC of the first joint portion 7b can be easily bonded to the second joint portion 17 of the second part 2 during the pressing process.

[0095] In one embodiment not shown, the second joint portion 17 of the second part 2 may be similar to the first joint portion 7b of the first part 1b, that is, it may have at least partially free fibers on the fixed surface as a result of scratching or rubbing surface treatment.

[0096] Furthermore, the pressing process can combine a component (selected from either the first or second component) in which at least partially free fibers exist at the joint due to a lower density than the rest of the component with a component (selected from either the second or first component) in which at least partially free fibers exist on the fixed surface as a result of scratching or rubbing surface treatment.

[0097] Another embodiment related to Figures 7 and 8 provides a method for forming a container from a sheet material. In this embodiment, a first component 100 may be joined to a second component 200 (including the sheet material 20).

[0098] The first component 100, shown in detail in Figure 6, is a container dispensing unit and is similar to the first component described with respect to Figures 1 to 5. Unless otherwise specified, the information described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5 is understood to apply to the first component 100 as well.

[0099] The first component 100 has a joint portion 107 having the shape of a flange 108, the radial dimension of the flange 108, or more generally, the transverse dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis Z, is larger than the corresponding dimension of the flange 8 shown in Figures 1 to 5. The flange 108 is directly connected to the neck portion 3, which in this case is substantially the same as the neck portion 3 shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0100] The flange 108 may be substantially flat. In other words, the flange 108 is defined by a substantially flat fixed surface 122.

[0101] In Figure 2, the intermediate portion indicated by reference numeral 9 is essentially absent in this case, and the flange 108 is directly joined to the neck portion 3.

[0102] When the outer diameter of the neck portion 3 and the outer diameter of the flange 108 are equal, the area of ​​the fixed surface 122 is larger than the area of ​​the fixed surface 22 shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0103] Therefore, the first part 100 is particularly suitable for application to a sheet material 20 that has a flat shape in its initial state.

[0104] The sheet material 20 includes at least one layer of natural fiber material, such as a cellulose layer of the "paperboard" or "cartonboard" type. The sheet material 20 may also be a multilayer material, in which case the natural fiber layer may be sandwiched between two layers of synthetic polymer material that provide barrier properties and heat-weldability to the laminated material. If barrier properties against gases, vapors, and odors are required, an aluminum layer or other polymers or other fiber materials (e.g., microcellulose or nanocellulose) may also be present.

[0105] The multilayer structure of the sheet material 16 (if any) may be obtained by lamination or other techniques. Alternatively, the sheet material 20 may have a single-layer structure.

[0106] The sheet material 20 may be unwound from a reel or may be in the form of a flat sheet. In the latter case, the sheet material 20 may include pre-cut sheets of dimensions that can form a single container.

[0107] The sheet material 20 is folded, welded, and cut as needed to form, for example, a prism-shaped container. The container can be opened and closed by operating a cap that is detachably attached to the neck portion 3. It is also possible to fill the container with a desired substance when folding the sheet material 20.

[0108] The container formed from the sheet material 20 may be a sterile container.

[0109] The sheet material 20 may have a plurality of holes 21 aligned along its longitudinal direction, for example, as shown in Figure 8. A first component 100 is placed in each hole 21, and the substance in the container is dispensed through the dispensing passage 4 surrounded by the holes 21 and the neck portion 3.

[0110] The first component 100 may be joined to the sheet material 20 during a pressing process in which the joint portion 107 (defined by the flange 108) is pressed against the sheet material 20. Heating may be performed as necessary.

[0111] To facilitate the bonding of the first part 100 and the sheet material 20, at least one of these two parts may have at least partially free fibers on the surface that contacts the other part. For example, the bonding portion 107 of the first part 100 may have a lower density than the other part of the first part 100, particularly the neck portion 3. That is, the first part 100 may have a structure of the type shown in Figure 4, where the neck portion 3 already has the final density and shape, while the flange 108 is relatively low in density and is compressed in contact with the sheet material 20 to bond to the latter. In this way, the bonding portion 107 is overmolded in contact with the sheet material 20 by pressing the flange 108 and increasing its density.

[0112] In another embodiment, the fixed surface defining the joint portion 107 on the opposite side of the neck portion 3 of the flange 108 may be scratched or rubbed so that several fibers are at least partially free in the interface region with the sheet material 20. In this way, when the flange 108 is pressed against the sheet material 20, the at least partially free fibers are more readily bonded to the sheet material 20.

[0113] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the above, the sheet material 20, particularly the surface of the sheet material 20 on which the first part 100 is placed, i.e., the upper surface of the sheet material 20 in the example of Figure 8, may be scratched or rubbed. The scratching or rubbing is performed around the hole 21. This treatment locally removes the surface layer of the sheet material 20, for example, the synthetic polymer material layer or the aluminum layer. This exposes the fibers of the underlying paper layer, which can then bond more easily with the fibers of the first part 100—particularly the chemically related natural fibers. If necessary, an adhesive substance may be applied to penetrate between the cellulose fibers of the first part 100 and the cellulose fibers of the paper layer of the sheet material 20 to improve the bonding of the two parts.

[0114] Figures 9 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the steps of a method in which a first part 101 is molded in contact with a second part 200 (in this example, a sheet material 20 similar to that described in Figures 7 and 8).

[0115] The first component 101 is initially composed of a unit quantity 24 of a natural fiber-based material, particularly a cellulosic material, and may contain small amounts of synthetic polymer fibers or other additives as needed. The unit quantity 24 may be a fluffy material such as cotton or airlaid.

[0116] The density of unit quantity 24 is 0.05-0.5 g / cm³. 3 That's fine.

[0117] The unit quantity 24 may have a disc shape made of cellulose-based material, in which case the unit quantity 24 has a substantially circular shape in plan view. Alternatively, the unit quantity 24 may have a polygonal shape, such as a quadrilateral, or other shapes in plan view depending on the object to be obtained. The unit quantity 24 has a thickness smaller than the line dimension in plan view.

[0118] The unit quantity 24 may have a substantially flat shape, or a non-flat shape, such as a concave shape or a shape with localized compression regions.

[0119] The unit quantity 24 may be obtained, for example, by cutting a cellulose-based material such as airlaid from its initial sheet-like form unwound from a reel.

[0120] The sheet material 20 that can be unfurled from the reel includes a plurality of holes 21, as described in relation to Figures 7 and 8.

[0121] The unit quantity 24 undergoes a pressing process while in contact with the sheet material 20, and a container dispensing section 25 is directly molded onto the sheet material 20, as shown in Figure 12. At this time, the molding is performed particularly near the corresponding holes 21.

[0122] The container dispensing section 25 after molding is similar to the container dispensing section described in relation to Figures 6 to 8.

[0123] To press the unit quantity 24, a mold can be used that includes a male mold portion 26 and a female mold portion 27 arranged to face each other.

[0124] The male mold section 26 includes a punch 28 for molding the container dispensing section 25 from the inside. Furthermore, the male mold section 26 includes a cylindrical member 29 surrounding the punch 28. The female mold section 27 includes a base 30 schematically shown in Figure 11 and a plurality of fan-shaped sections 31 for molding the neck portion of the container dispensing section 25 from the outside. The fan-shaped sections 31 are movable between the molding start configuration C1 shown in Figure 9 and the molding end configuration C2 shown in Figure 11. In order to move from the molding start configuration C1 to the molding end configuration C2, the fan-shaped sections 31 move closer to each other, and the space defined between the fan-shaped sections 31 is reduced.

[0125] The male mold section 26 and the female mold section 27 are aligned with each other along the casting direction D.

[0126] A drive device (not shown) moves either the male mold part 26 or the female mold part 27 toward the other mold member along the molding direction D, or moves at least one of the mold members away from the other. This makes it possible to mold the container dispensing part 25 and then remove the dispensing part 25 from the mold.

[0127] In the initial stage (see Figure 1), the male part 26 and the female part 27 are separated from each other.

[0128] The sheet material 20 is defined by an inner surface 32 that is intended to be oriented inward toward the inside of the container being formed. The sheet material 20 is also defined by an outer surface 33 that is intended to be oriented outward toward the outside of the container.

[0129] The female mold portion 27 is positioned in a first half-space defined by the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20. The cylindrical member 29 engages with the inner surface 32 of the sheet material 20. Therefore, the cylindrical member 29 is positioned in the half-space opposite to the half-space where the female mold portion 27 is located, i.e., the half-space defined by the sheet material 20.

[0130] The punch 28 engages within the hole 21 and is positioned near the unit quantity 24, but has not yet begun interacting with the unit quantity 24. The unit quantity 24 rests on the female mold 27, for example, on the fan-shaped portion 31, and is substantially undeformed.

[0131] The unit quantity 24 is still spaced apart from the sheet material 20. More specifically, the fixed surface 222 that defines the sheet material 20 side of the unit quantity 24 faces the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20, but does not come into contact with the sheet material 20. At this stage, the female mold portion 27 that supports the unit quantity 24 is actually positioned at a distance greater than the thickness of the unit quantity 24 from the sheet material 20.

[0132] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 10, the punch 28 moves toward the female mold portion 27 and begins to penetrate between the fan-shaped portions 31 in the mold starting arrangement C1. The unit quantity 24 begins to deform due to the punch 28, and its central region becomes concave.

[0133] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the fan-shaped portion 31 moves to the mold end position C2, and the neck portion 3 of the container dispensing portion 25 is formed between the fan-shaped portion 31 and the punch 28. A membrane 13 is also formed to close the end of the neck portion 3 on the side opposite to the sheet material 30. As a result, the base portion 30 and the punch 28 are brought closer to each other by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the membrane 13.

[0134] At least at this stage, the base 30 is fixed to the fan-shaped portion 31 along the mold direction D and moves toward the sheet material 20 until a unit amount 24 contacts the outer surface 33. Simultaneously, the punch 28 retracts in accordance with the movement of the female mold portion 27 in the mold direction D.

[0135] As the female mold portion 27 moves toward the sheet material 20, the unit quantity 24 is pressed against the outer surface 33, thereby forming a joint portion 107 including a flange 108 similar to the flange 108 shown in Figures 6 to 8. By forming the flange 108 in contact with the outer surface 33, the flange 108 is stably fixed to the sheet material 20. This is due to the interaction between the fibers appearing on the fixing surface 222 and the low-density structure of the unit quantity 24, which allows these fibers to remain at least partially free.

[0136] In this way, the container dispensing section 25 is formed and simultaneously fixed to the sheet material 20.

[0137] Therefore, in this embodiment, the shape and density of the first component 101 change within the mold. In the initial state, the first component 101 is defined by a unit quantity 24. After the unit quantity 24 comes into contact with the sheet material 20 and is molded or pressed, the first component 101 is defined by the container dispensing section 25.

[0138] The bonding of the first component 101 to the sheet material 20 is further improved if the sheet material 20 further includes at least partially free fibers on an additional fixing surface 223 intended to be bonded to the flange 108. The additional fixing surface 223 is located around the hole 21 and is defined on the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20. On the additional fixing surface 223, scratching or rubbing treatments can be performed to locally remove any layers located outside the paper layer and to at least partially separate some fibers of the paper layer from the central part of that layer.

[0139] After the container dispensing section 25 is formed in contact with the sheet material 20, the female mold section 27 and the male mold section 26 are separated from the sheet material 20. The fan-shaped section 31 is returned to the mold starting position C1, thereby separating the sheet material 20 and the container dispensing section 25 formed thereon from the mold, and allowing the sheet material 20 to move, for example, along the direction of travel F1.

[0140] In the examples shown in Figures 9 to 12, the unit quantity 24 begins to deform while separated from the sheet material 20. That is, the unit quantity 24 comes into contact with the sheet material 20 after deformation has already begun.

[0141] In another embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 17, the unit quantity 24 is brought into contact with the sheet material 20 while remaining in an undeformed state. That is, the unit quantity 24 is brought into contact with the sheet material 20 before it is deformed by the female mold portion 27 and / or the male mold portion 26.

[0142] As shown in Figure 13, at this stage, the unit quantity 24 defining the first part 101 is in an undeformed state in its initial state and is separated from the sheet material 20. The unit quantity 24 faces the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20. More specifically, the unit quantity 24 is supported on the female mold portion 27, in particular on the fan-shaped portion 31 in the mold starting arrangement C1. The punch 28 does not protrude from the cylindrical member 29. The cylindrical member 29 is in contact with the inner surface 32 of the sheet material 20.

[0143] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the female mold portion 27 is moved toward the sheet material 20, thereby bringing the unit quantity 24 into contact with the outer surface 33, in particular the fixed surface 222 of the unit quantity 24. The punch 28 is also moved toward the unit quantity 24 to contact the central region of the unit quantity 24, but deformation of the unit quantity 24 has not yet begun at this point.

[0144] As shown in Figure 15, the female mold portion 27 is moved further toward the sheet material 20, and the joining portion 107 of the unit quantity 24 is pressed so as to come into contact with the outer surface 33. In this way, the formation of the flange 108 is initiated, and the first part 101 is fixed to the sheet material 20. The punch 28 protrudes from the cylindrical member 29, deforming the central region of the unit quantity 24 into a concave shape.

[0145] Next, the fan-shaped portion 31 is moved to the mold end position C2 as shown in Figure 16. The punch 28 and the base portion 31 are also positioned relative to each other at a distance equal to the thickness of the film 13. This allows for the formation of the neck portion 3 closed by the film 108.

[0146] The container dispensing section 25 is fully formed and stably fixed to the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20, as shown in Figure 17. The stable bonding between the container dispensing section 25 and the sheet material 20 is facilitated by at least partially freed fibers that were present on the fixing surface 222 before the unit volume 24 was pressed onto the sheet material 20. In this case as well, a rubbing or scratching surface treatment performed around the holes 21 of the outer surface 33 can at least partially free some of the fibers in the paper layer of the sheet material 20, improving the bonding between the first part 101 and the second part 200.

[0147] At this point, the mold can be opened and the container dispensing section 25 can be detached.

[0148] In both embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 12 and Figures 13 to 17, the container dispensing portion 25 is formed in contact with the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20.

[0149] In another embodiment shown in Figures 18 to 22, a unit quantity 24 can be brought into contact with the inner surface 32 of the sheet material 20 to form a mold, and a container dispensing section 25 fixed to the inner surface 32 can be manufactured.

[0150] The mold used in this embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 9 to 17, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0151] As shown in Figure 18, the unit quantity 24 is initially positioned in a half-space defined by the inner surface 32 of the sheet material 20. More specifically, the unit quantity 24 is initially positioned between the sheet material 20 and the male mold portion 26. Both the punch 28 and the cylindrical member 29 are initially spaced apart from the unit quantity 24.

[0152] The female mold portion 27 is positioned in the half-space opposite to the half-space where the unit quantity 24 is located, which is defined by the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20.

[0153] The female mold portion 27 is initially located at a distance from the sheet material 20.

[0154] The male mold portion 26 and the female mold portion 27 are moved toward the sheet material 20. In particular, as shown in Figure 19, the cylindrical member 29 and the punch 28 come into contact with the unit quantity 24, and the unit quantity 24 comes into contact with the inner surface 32 of the sheet material 20. On the other hand, the fan-shaped portion 31 comes into contact with the outer surface 33 of the sheet material 20.

[0155] The punch 28 begins to deform the unit quantity 24. In particular, the central region of the unit quantity 24 becomes concave, and the thickness of the fixed portion 107 decreases.

[0156] The fan-shaped portion 31 is moved to the mold end position C2 as shown in Figure 21, and the neck portion 3 is formed. The distance between the base portion 30 and the punch 28 is reduced and brought closer together until it is equal to the thickness of the film 13. This forms the film 13 that closes the neck portion 3.

[0157] The cylindrical member 29 compresses a peripheral region of unit quantity 24, compressing the material of the joint portion 107 to form the flange 108. In this way, the first part 101 is formed in a position already fixed to the sheet material 20, i.e., it is fixed to the sheet material 20.

[0158] In this case, the flange 108 is positioned inside the container made from the sheet material 20, and the neck portion 30 protrudes outside the container and engages with the cap in a removable manner.

[0159] In this embodiment as well, before the unit quantity 24 comes into contact with the sheet material 20 and is pressed, the fibers of the joining portion 107 of the unit quantity 24 are at least partially free due to the low density of the unit quantity 24.

[0160] The sheet material 20 may have its inner surface 32 around the holes 21 pre-treated by scratching or rubbing in order to obtain partially free fibers.

[0161] After casting, the mold is opened as shown in Figure 22, and the sheet material 20 having the container dispensing section 25 is separated from the male mold section 26 and the female mold section 27.

[0162] In the example shown, the mold direction D is vertical. This condition is not mandatory, and in embodiments not shown, the mold direction D may be horizontal or oblique to the horizontal.

[0163] Furthermore, the female mold portion 27 may be positioned not below the male mold portion 26, but below or to the side of the male mold portion 26, in a position opposite to the male mold portion 26.

[0164] Figures 23 and 24 show an embodiment in which the container is a crushable container 40. The crushable container 40 is suitable for containing high-viscosity fluid substances such as cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.

[0165] The crushable container 40 is constructed by joining a first part 110 having the shape of a container dispensing section and a second part 220 including the container body. The second part 220 may include a crushable tube in particular, one end 34 of which is closed, for example, by welding.

[0166] The first component 110 is made of a natural fiber material such as the aforementioned type of cellulose. The second component 220 may also be made of a material containing natural fibers. The second component 220 has a laminated structure and may include, for example, a synthetic polymer material layer and / or an aluminum layer to improve the weldability and barrier properties of the material.

[0167] In the example shown, the first part 110 is geometrically similar to the first part 1 shown in Figures 1 to 5. However, the first part 110 may have a different shape from that shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0168] The first part 110 is a mold part obtained by a substantially dry molding process using, for example, a cellulose-based starting material (with a moisture content of 20% or less by weight). The starting material may be in powder form. Alternatively, the starting material may be a fluffy material such as a clump of cotton or a unit amount of airlaid.

[0169] The first part 110 is a single-piece molded part.

[0170] The first part 110 and the second part 220 are formed separately and joined together in a pressing process that forms a joint 119. At the joint 119, a joint portion 117 of the first part 110 (e.g., a flange 118 shape) is joined to a further joint portion 217 of the second part 220. The further joint portion 217 may include a further flange 218.

[0171] Free fibers may be present, at least partially, on the fixed surface 322 that defines the joint portion 117 of the first component 110. Therefore, the joint portion 117 may contain uncompressed material, i.e., a natural fiber-based material with a density lower than the material density of the joint portion 117 in the finished container 40.

[0172] Alternatively, the joint portion 117 of the first part 110 and / or the further joint portion 217 of the second part 220 may contain at least partially free natural fibers by scratching and / or rubbing surface treatments applied before joining the first part 110 and the second part 220.

[0173] Figures 26 and 27 show a seal 50 for a container. The seal 50 is obtained by joining a first component 51 and a second component 52 during a pressing process. The first component 51 is made of a natural fiber material such as cellulose of the type described above. The second component 52 also contains natural fibers, particularly cellulose, and may be made of the same material as the material constituting the first component 51.

[0174] The first component 51 includes a side wall 53 extending around the axis Z1 and a transverse wall 54 positioned particularly perpendicular to the axis Z1. When in use, the side wall 53 is fixed to the neck of the container, for example, by screw coupling or other fastening means. The transverse wall 54 may be provided with a dispensing opening 55 for dispensing the substance inside the container, which is intended to be closed by the seal 50.

[0175] Therefore, the first component 51 has the shape of a mounting portion for attaching the sealant 50 to the neck of the container.

[0176] The second component 52 is a sealing body suitable for detachably engaging with the first component 51 to close the dispensing opening 55. The second component 52 may include an end wall 56 that extends particularly perpendicular to the axis Z1 when the sealing body 50 is in the closed position. The second component 52 further includes a skirt 57 projecting from the end wall 56. In the closed position, the skirt 57 is coaxial with the side wall 53.

[0177] A projection 58, for example, in the shape of a hollow cylinder, may extend from the end wall 56, which is suitable for engaging with the dispensing opening 55 and holding the seal 50 in the closed position by mechanical interference.

[0178] The skirt 57 may be provided with a tab 59 that the user can grip to move the second part 52 from a closed position to an open position. The tab 59 may protrude from the edge of the skirt 57 in the vicinity of the first part 51 in the closed position.

[0179] The sealing body 50 further includes a hinge structure 60 to which the first component 51 is joined to the second component 52. The second component 52 can be moved to an open position or a closed position by rotating it around the hinge structure 60 relative to the first component 51.

[0180] The hinge structure 60 may have a strip-like shape that joins the first part 51 and the second part 52. The hinge structure 60 may be positioned opposite the tab 59.

[0181] The first part 51 and the second part 52 are both mold parts obtained by a substantially dry molding process using, for example, a cellulose-based starting material (with a moisture content of 20% or less by weight). The starting material may be in powder form. Alternatively, the starting material may be a fluffy material such as a clump of cotton or a unit amount of airlaid.

[0182] Both the first part 51 and the second part 52 are integrally molded parts.

[0183] The first part 51 and the second part 52 are formed separately and joined together in a pressing process to form a joint 69. At the joint 69, the joint portion 67 of the first part 51 is joined to a further joint portion 77 of the second part 52 by pressing.

[0184] The joint portion 67 includes an appendage that protrudes outward from the area of ​​the side wall 53. The joint portion 67 is defined by a substantially flat fixed surface 62. The fixed surface 62 may be located in a plane parallel to a further plane defined by the side wall 54.

[0185] The further joint portion 77 includes an additional portion that projects outward from the area of ​​the skirt 57. The further joint portion 77 is substantially flat and is defined by a further fixed surface 63 located in a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the end wall 56.

[0186] The density of the first part 51 is not uniform before it is joined to the second part 52. In fact, at the joint 67, the first part 51 has a lower density than other parts, particularly the side walls 53 and transverse walls 54. The joint 67 is the part of the first part 52 that is to be compressed. This means that the side walls 53 and transverse walls 54 have reached their final shape and density when the mold for the first part 51 is completed, but the material forming the joint 67 has not yet been compressed. On the fixed surface 62 of the first part 51, before it is joined to the second part 52, there are still partially free fibers, i.e., fibers that are not completely bonded to adjacent fibers and therefore have a large degree of freedom due to the low density of the joint 67.

[0187] Similarly, before being joined with the first part 51, the second part 52 has a higher density in its end wall 56 and skirt 57 than the density of the further joining portion 77. By the time the mold for the second part 52 is completed, the end wall 56 and skirt 57 have reached their final shape and final density. On the other hand, the further joining portion 77 has a lower density than the density of the hinge structure 60 of the completed seal 50. Therefore, the further joining portion 77 also needs to be compressed. At least partially free fibers are present on the further fixed surface 63 that defines the further joining portion 77.

[0188] To obtain the seal 50, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are arranged such that the joint portion 67 is in contact with a further joint portion 77. In particular, the fixed surface 62 and the further fixed surface 63 are arranged to be in contact with each other. A pressing force, indicated by P in Figure 27, is applied to the joint portion 67 and the further joint portion 77. The application of the pressing force P reduces the thickness of the joint portion 67 and the further joint portion 77. The density of the joint portion 67 and the further joint portion 77 increases and eventually becomes approximately equal to the density of the other parts of the first part 51 and the second part 52. In this way, the hinge structure 60 is formed and the joint portion 67 is joined to the further joint portion 77. This makes it possible to obtain a seal 50 in which the first part 51 is securely joined to the second part 52.

[0189] Therefore, the first part 51 has a pre-molded body defined by a side wall 53 and a transverse wall 54. In this example, this is the pre-molded body. The first part 51 further includes a joint portion 67 adjacent to the pre-molded body.

[0190] The second part 52 also has a pre-molded body including a skirt 57 and an end wall 56. The second part 52 further includes an additional joint portion 77 adjacent to the pre-molded body.

[0191] The pre-molded bodies of the first part 51 and the second part 52 are molded before the pressing process. Subsequently, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are joined to each other during the pressing process. The joining portion 76 and further joining portion 77 are molded at least during the pressing process.

[0192] In another embodiment, either the first part 51 or the second part 52 may have a lower density than the final density at the joint 67 and / or further joint 77. The entire volume of the other part may be compressed. In this case, the uncompressed part can be subjected to a scratching or rubbing surface treatment to expose free fibers at the joint 67 and / or further joint 77. Furthermore, even if the first part 51 and the second part 52 are formed with substantially uniform density over their entire volume, the joining of the first part 51 and the second part 52 can be made possible by subjecting at least one of the parts to a scratching or rubbing surface treatment, thereby creating at least partially free fibers on the corresponding fixed surface.

[0193] In summary, the following is a list of several embodiments of a method for joining two parts in a pressing process to form an object. In its initial state, one component, representing a unit quantity of the air raid, comes into contact with other compression components and is molded (the unit quantity is directly overmolded onto the compression components). One part having a joint with a lower density than the rest of the part is joined to another compression part by pressing that joint, and is thus compressed and molded into its final shape (overmolding with the joint in contact with the compression part). One compression component having a joint portion with at least partially free fibers as a result of scratching or rubbing surface treatment is joined to another compression component by bringing the joint portion into contact and pressing it.

[0194] In any of the three embodiments described above, the other compression component may optionally have further joining portions having at least partially free fibers as a result of scratching or rubbing surface treatment, or the other compression component may optionally have further joining portions with a lower density than the other portion, which are compressed in the pressing step to join the two components.

[0195] In conclusion, the method includes having the characteristics defined by the following statement.

[0196] Wording 1 A step of providing the sheet material (20), A step of providing a container dispensing section (25) made of a natural fiber material containing at least 80% cellulose by weight on the sheet material (20), The process of bending and welding the aforementioned sheet material (20) to obtain a container. A method of having.

[0197] Wording 2 A method according to statement 1, wherein at least the container dispensing portion (25) is at least partially formed by a molding process in contact with the sheet material (20).

[0198] Wording 3 A method according to the description in 2, wherein the container dispensing portion (25) includes a pre-molded body and a flange (8) surrounding the pre-molded body, the flange (8) having a lower density than the density of the pre-molded body in an initial state, the flange (8) increasing in density by contacting the sheet material (20) and being molded, and the method of joining the container dispensing portion (25) to the sheet material (20).

[0199] Wording 4 A method according to statement 1 or 2, wherein the container dispensing section (25) is manufactured by molding a unit amount (24) of the cellulosic material and bringing it into contact with the sheet material (20).

[0200] Wording 5 A method according to the description in 4, wherein the sheet material (20) has an inner surface (32) intended to define the internal space of the container and an outer surface (33) opposite to the inner surface (32), the unit quantity (24) is positioned near a hole (21) in the sheet material (20) and opposite to the inner surface (32), and during molding, the unit quantity (24) is compressed and molded to form the container dispensing portion (25), and the neck of the container dispensing portion (25) protrudes from the outer surface (33) through the hole (21).

[0201] Wording 6 A method according to statement 4, wherein the sheet material (20) has an inner surface (32) intended to define the internal space of the container and an outer surface (33) opposite to the inner surface (32), and a unit quantity (24) is positioned opposite the outer surface (33) to form the container dispensing portion (25) which is joined to the outer surface (33), and the unit quantity (24) is in contact with the outer surface (33) before molding.

[0202] Wording 7 A method according to Statement 4, wherein the sheet material (20) has an inner surface (32) intended to define the internal space of a container and an outer surface (33) opposite to the inner surface (32), the unit quantity (24) is positioned opposite the outer surface (33) to form the container dispensing portion (25) which is joined to the outer surface (33), and the molding is initiated before the unit quantity (24) comes into contact with the outer surface (33).

[0203] Wording 8 A method according to any of statements 1 to 7, wherein the sheet material (20) and / or the container dispensing portion (25) are subjected to scratching or rubbing surface treatment in areas intended to be joined to each other.

Claims

1. A method for forming an object by joining a first part and a second part, wherein both the first part and the second part are made of a fiber-containing material including corresponding natural fibers, at least one part selected from the first part or the second part is subjected to mold forming, the first part and the second part are joined during a pressing step in which the joining portion of the first part is pressed so as to contact the second part, the joining portion is defined by a fixed surface intended to be joined to the second part, and prior to the pressing step, the fixed surface has at least some free fibers to facilitate the joining of the first part and the second part.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least the joint portion of the first component undergoes mold forming during the pressing step.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component has a pre-molded body adjacent to the joint portion, and is generated by a molding process before the pressing step, the molding process either leaves the joint portion unchanged or compresses the joint portion to less than the density of the pre-molded body before the pressing step, such that the density of the joint portion is less than the density of the pre-molded body.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entire mass of the first component is subjected to mold forming during the pressing step.

5. A method according to claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the first component comprises a unit amount of cellulosic material that is molded simultaneously with the pressing step so that the first component is integrally molded on the second component.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least partially free fibers are generated on the fixed surface during scratching or rubbing surface treatment.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the scratching or rubbing surface treatment is performed on a pre-cast part manufactured by the mold forming process before the pressing step.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first component comprises a container dispensing portion having a peripheral flange, and the joint portion is defined by the peripheral flange.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the object is a container obtained by joining the first part to the second part which has a cup-like shape.

10. A method according to claim 8, wherein the object is a crushable container obtained by joining a first part to a second part obtained from a tube closed at one end.

11. A method according to claim 8, wherein the object is a sheet material intended to be at least bent and welded in order to obtain the container.

12. A method according to claim 5, wherein the second component is a sheet material intended to be at least bent and welded to obtain a container, and the unit amount is molded to obtain a container dispensing portion that is joined to the sheet material by contact with the sheet material.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the sheet material has an inner surface intended to define the internal space of the container and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the unit quantity is positioned near a hole in the sheet material opposite to the inner surface, and during molding, the unit quantity is compressed and molded to form the container dispensing portion, the neck of the container dispensing portion protrudes from the outer surface through the hole.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the sheet material has an inner surface intended to define the internal space of the container and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the unit amount is positioned opposite the outer surface to form the container dispensing portion to be joined to the outer surface, and the unit amount is in contact with the outer surface before molding.

15. A method according to claim 12, wherein the sheet material has an inner surface intended to define the internal space of the container and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the unit quantity is positioned opposite the outer surface to form the container dispensing portion to be joined to the outer surface, and the unit quantity is formed before it comes into contact with the outer surface before molding.

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the object is a seal for a container, and the seal further comprises a hinge structure for connecting the first component to the second component.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the joining portion of the first component has a projection projecting laterally from the wall of the first component, and the second component has another joining portion projecting laterally from another wall of the second component, the joining portion being joined to the other joining portion during the pressing step.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the joint portion has a density less than the density of the wall on which the joint portion protrudes, and optionally the other joint portion also has a density less than the density of the other wall on which the other joint portion protrudes, and the joint portion and optionally the other joint portion are compressed during the pressing step to increase the density of the joint portion and the other joint portion and to change the shape of the joint portion and the other joint portion in order to obtain the hinge structure.

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first component is a mounting portion for attaching the sealing body to the neck of the container, and the second component is a sealing body that is detachably engaged with the first component to open and close the container.

20. The process of supplying sheet material, A step of providing a container dispensing section on the sheet material, A process to obtain a container by bending and welding the aforementioned sheet material. A method having, The method wherein the dispensing portion of the container is made of a natural fiber material containing at least 80% by weight of cellulose.

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