Sealed single-dose break-open package, device, and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sealed single-dose tear-open package (1) comprising a first sheet (2) of semi-rigid plastic material and a second sheet (3) of flexible plastic material overlaid and sealed to the first sheet (2) to define a sealed pocket (4) for containing a single dose of product (5), wherein the first sheet (2) of semi-rigid plastic material comprises at least one substantially linear first notch (6) located at a first edge (9) of the first sheet (2) and at least one shaped notch (7) located at a central portion (10) of the first sheet (2) a fixed distance laterally from the linear first notch (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealed single - dose break - open package, an apparatus, and a method of forming a weakened area, which includes a pre - weakened area.

Background Art

[0002] WO 2008 / 038074 describes a sealed single - dose break - open package. The sealed package includes a sheet of semi - rigid plastic material and a sheet of flexible plastic material that is placed on and welded to the first sheet of semi - rigid plastic material to define a sealed pocket containing a single - dose fluid product. The sheet of semi - rigid plastic material has a pre - weakened area at its center to induce a controlled break of the sheet of semi - rigid plastic material to form an outlet opening for the product that passes through the sheet of semi - rigid plastic material itself. In other words, to open the sealed package, the user has to grasp the sealed package with the fingers of one hand and bend the sealed package into a "V" shape until the sheet of semi - rigid plastic material breaks at the pre - weakened area. The pre - weakened area includes an internal cut formed through the inner surface of the sheet of semi - rigid plastic material (i.e., the surface facing the pocket) and an external cut formed through the outer surface of the sheet of semi - rigid plastic material and aligned with the internal cut.

[0003] In WO 2008 / 038074, when the sealed package is bent into a "V" shape, the depth of the cut changes to gradually break the sheet of semi - rigid plastic material. However, forming a cut with a varying depth requires a very high accuracy of the movement of the knife of the cutting unit, which is relatively complex. In particular, the accuracy of the movement of the knife of the cutting unit tends to decrease as the operating speed increases. As a result, it is impossible to reach a particularly high operating speed in order to obtain a very high accuracy of the movement of the knife of the cutting unit.

[0004] Also, in the sealed single-dose package described in WO 2008 / 038074, since the product contained inside the package itself cannot be accurately and intuitively applied (diffused) onto the surface, this package is not suitable for containing a diffusible product (or a product diffusible on the surface).

[0005] To fabricate the package, WO 2008 / 038074 describes the use of an apparatus including a reel for supplying a strip of semi-rigid material, a reel for supplying a strip of flexible material, a cutting unit, and a package forming unit including a fluid supply device and a sealing device. The cutting unit has two parallel and opposing plates that support a knife and are movable towards each other to grip a strip of semi-rigid plastic material. Each plate is pushed towards the other by a corresponding linear actuator to hold the strip of semi-rigid material and form cuts in each part thereof.

[0006] Furthermore, a sealed single-dose break-open package is known in which an Ω-shaped cut is formed in the central region of a sheet of semi-rigid plastic material. This cut enables control of the breaking of the package and the discharge of the product. When opened, due to the Ω shape of the cut, the fluid product can be directly diffused and applied onto the surface.

[0007] These packages also have drawbacks. When opening, the product tends to ooze out from the side segments of the cut, so its distribution is not sufficiently controlled.

[0008] Also, the known packages are not suitable for the administration of granular or powdered products. When the product is granular, it tends to spray out of the package immediately upon opening. When the product is powdered, a certain amount of residual product often remains in the package.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a sealed single - dose break - open package capable of controlling the distribution of a product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealed single - dose break - open package having the features described in claim 1.

[0012] Opening induced by forming a lateral cut in the edge becomes possible, and further, the sheet breaks at the formed central cut to complete the opening. Thus, the product exits from the central region rather than from the lateral segments that only serve to indicate the folding of the package.

[0013] To form a pre - weakening portion, there is provided an apparatus having the features described in claim 13.

[0014] The pre - weakening portion is formed according to the method having the features described in claim 19.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention provides a sealed single - dose break - open package, which includes a first sheet of semi - rigid plastic material and a second sheet of flexible plastic material placed on and welded to the first sheet to define a sealed pocket containing a single - dose product. The first sheet of semi - rigid plastic material includes a formed cut located at the central portion of the first sheet. The formed cut includes at least two inclined segments that are symmetrically located with respect to the center of the sheet and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposing sides of a triangle. With this package, a liquid product can be administered as droplets.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the notch includes a pair of a plurality of adjacent inclined segments, and the segments in each pair are symmetrically positioned with respect to each other and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposite sides of a triangle. With this package, granular and powdery products can be optimally administered.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention provides a notching tool for forming notches in a sheet, particularly a sheet of a semi-rigid plastic material, the notching tool including a plate-like object, particularly a rectangular object, and at least one protrusion attached to one side of the plate, preferably to the long side of the plate, the protrusion having a substantially "V"-shaped recess.

[0018] Using this notching tool, a "V"-shaped notch can be formed, whereby a liquid product can be dispensed as droplets.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the notching tool includes a plurality of protrusions, preferably adjacent protrusions, each having a substantially "V"-shaped recess. Using this notching tool, a "zigzag" notch can be formed, whereby the dispensing of granular and powdery products can be controlled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings showing several non-limiting examples.

[0021]

Figure 1

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fully sealed single-dose break-open package. The sealed single-dose package 1 includes a sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material and a sheet 3 of flexible plastic material that is placed on and welded to the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material to define a sealed pocket 4 (between sheets 2 and 3) containing a single-dose product 5.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material and the sheet 3 of flexible plastic material are substantially rectangular in shape. The sealed single-dose package 1 may be of various other shapes in addition to circular, oval, "bottle" shape, rhombus, pentagon, hexagon, triangle, quadrilateral, and bone shape. The sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material and the sheet 3 of flexible plastic material are substantially flat. The sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material is obtained from a strip of semi-rigid plastic material. The strip of semi-rigid plastic material preferably has a thickness of from about 200 microns to about 500 microns, particularly from about 200 microns to about 450 microns.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the present invention, the first sheet 2 of the package 1 includes at least one substantially linear pre-weakening cut 6 located at a first edge 9 of the first sheet 2 and at least one shaped cut 7 located in a central portion 10 of the first sheet 2 at a certain lateral distance from the substantially linear first cut 6.

[0026] In particular, the linear first cut 6 starts from the first edge 9 and extends towards the center of the package 1. The linear first cut 6 is substantially perpendicular to the first edge 9 of the package 1.

[0027] The cuts 6, 7 have the function of inducing a controlled break of the first sheet 2 according to the folding within the sealed package 1 so as to form an outlet opening for the product 5 through the first sheet 2 itself.

[0028] Preferably, the package 1 includes at least one substantially linear second cut 8 located at a certain lateral distance from the forming cut 7 on the second edge 11 of the first sheet 2 opposite to the first edge 9 of the first sheet 2.

[0029] In particular, the linear second cut 8 starts from the second edge 11 and extends towards the center of the package 1. The linear second cut 8 is substantially perpendicular to the second edge 11 of the package 1.

[0030] In particular, the two lateral cuts 6, 8 have the same size and consist of two corresponding linear segments aligned with each other. The two lateral cuts 6, 8 are not connected to the forming central cut 7 and are formed from segments spaced therefrom. In other words, the remaining part of the sheet 2 of the semi - rigid plastic material is interposed between the two linear lateral cuts 6, 8 and the forming central cut 7.

[0031] The forming cut 7 is not a through - cut, that is, it does not penetrate the first sheet 2 of the semi - rigid plastic material. In particular, the cut 7 is formed by the plastic deformation of the semi - rigid plastic material constituting the first sheet 2.

[0032] Preferably, the linear cut 6 and / or the linear cut 8 are not through cuts, that is, they do not penetrate the first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material. In particular, the linear cut 6 and / or the linear cut 8 are formed by plastic deformation of the semi-rigid plastic material constituting the first sheet 2.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the cuts 6, 7, 8 are not through cuts, that is, they do not penetrate the first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first sheet 2 includes a centrally formed cut 7 in the shape of a curve, a linear first cut 6 at the first edge 9, and a linear second cut 8 at the opposite edge 11.

[0035] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the central cut 7 and the side cut 6 are formed on the same surface of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material, preferably on the inner surface 12 facing the pocket 4.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the formed central cut 7 is formed on the inner surface 12 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material (i.e., the surface facing the pocket 4), and the linear side cut 6 is formed on the outer surface 13 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material (i.e., the surface opposite to the pocket 4).

[0037] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the formed central cut 7 is formed on the inner surface 12 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material, and the linear cuts 6, 8 are formed on the outer surface 13 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0038] In use, to open the sealed single - dose package 1, the user grasps the sealed package 1 itself with the fingers of one hand and folds the sealed package 1 into a "V" shape (as shown in FIG. 5) along the side cuts 6, 8 until the sheet 2 of semi - rigid plastic material breaks along the central cut 7. By breaking the sheet 2 of semi - rigid plastic material along the central cut 7, the portion surrounded by the curve separates from the semi - rigid sheet and forms a protrusion 14 shaped substantially as a circular or semi - elliptical arc in the product outlet area. Thereafter, the product 5 can be conveniently and cleanly discharged from the sealed single - dose package 1.

[0039] In the illustrations of FIGS. 6 - 9, the central cut 7 extends along a line consisting of a single dashed or zig - zag line, i.e., at least two segments 15, 16 that are continuously oriented and not aligned (i.e., the second end of one segment does not coincide with the first end of the next segment).

[0040] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the formed central cut 7 consists of a main segment 15 substantially parallel to the short side 18 of the rectangular package 1 and two segments 16, 17 that are substantially perpendicular to the main segment 15 and to the long side 19 of the rectangular package 1 and are substantially parallel to each other. In this embodiment, when the package 1 is opened, the portion surrounded by the segments 15, 16, 17 separates from the semi - rigid sheet 2 and forms a substantially rectangular protrusion in the product outlet area.

[0041] The packages shown in FIGS. 2 - 6 are particularly suitable for high - density fluid products such as creams, adhesives, etc. because the product can be dispersed over the surface by the protrusion after opening.

[0042] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 - 9, the formed cut 7 includes at least two inclined segments 15', 16' that are symmetrically located with respect to the center of the sheet 2 and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposite sides of a triangle, particularly an isosceles triangle.

[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the two inclined segments 15', 16' form two opposite sides of an isosceles triangle. In this embodiment, when the package 1 is opened, the portion surrounded by the segments 15', 16' separates from the semi-rigid sheet 2 and forms a substantially triangular protrusion 20 in the product outlet region (FIG. 8). Since the triangular protrusion 21 allows the liquid to slide along the triangle to the apex and separate therefrom to form droplets for administration, this configuration is particularly suitable for liquid products that must be dispensed as droplets.

[0044] In one embodiment, it is possible to form a "V"-shaped cut without forming side cuts while dispensing the product as droplets. In this way, a sealed single-dose break-open package is obtained that includes a first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material and a second sheet 3 of flexible plastic material that is placed on and welded to the first sheet 2 to define a sealed pocket 4 that contains a single-dose of product 5. The first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material includes at least one shaped cut 7 located at the central portion 10 of the first sheet 2, and the shaped cut 7 includes at least two inclined segments 15', 16' that are symmetrically located with respect to the center of the sheet 2 and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposite sides of a triangle.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a two-dose package in which two pockets are obtained. This package is suitable for two-component products that need to be mixed after opening. In these packages, the two shaped central cuts 7, 7' are formed spaced apart from each other. The central cuts can be of different shapes, for example, "V"-shaped, semi-elliptical, rectangular.

[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the forming cut 7 includes a pair 22 of a plurality of adjacent inclined segments 15', 16', and in each pair 22, the segments 15', 16' are symmetrically positioned with respect to each other and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposite sides of a triangle. In other words, the pair 22 of the inclined segments 15', 16' forms a "zigzag" shape extending into the central portion 10 of the package.

[0047] In this embodiment, the package 1 can be opened in two steps. In the first step, the package 1 is bent along two linear side segments 6, 8, the central cut 7 is opened, a series of adjacent triangles appear, and the product slowly comes out therefrom (FIG. 11). In the second step, by acting perpendicular to the linear side segments 6, 8, a complete opening is formed at the central cut 7 so that the product completely comes out (FIG. 12). Since the product can be administered in the first step and, if necessary, the package can be completely emptied in the second step, this configuration is particularly suitable for granular or powdered products.

[0048] The dimensions of the cut depend on the dimensions of the package and / or the quantity and density of the product contained therein.

[0049] In one embodiment, a "zigzag" cut can be formed without forming side cuts, while the product can be dispensed in a controlled manner.

[0050] Advantageously, the forming cut 7 has a substantially constant depth (except for unavoidable structural tolerances) along its length.

[0051] Advantageously, the linear first cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 has a substantially constant depth (except for unavoidable structural tolerances) along its length.

[0052] Preferably, the depth of the forming cut 7 is greater than the depth of the linear first cut 6 or the linear second cut 8.

[0053] Advantageously, the depth of the linear first cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 is about 1 / 3 of the thickness of the first sheet 2. Preferably, the depth of the forming cut 7 is about 2 / 3 of the thickness of the first sheet 2.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the depth of the forming cut 7 is at least 70% of the thickness of the first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material. The forming cut 7 is not a through-cut, i.e., it does not penetrate the first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0055] The depth of the first forming cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 is 40% or less of the thickness of the first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material. In particular, the depth of the first forming cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 is 20% - 40% of the thickness of the first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0056] The first sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material is obtained from a single strip of material. The strip of material from which the sheet 2 is obtained is preferably formed from a laminate.

[0057] The laminate includes at least one support layer 22, one heat-sealable layer 25, and one insulating layer 24 interposed between the support layer 22 and the heat-sealable layer 25. The insulating layer or barrier layer 24 is intended to ensure impermeability to air and / or light. In the sheet 2 constituting the package 1, the support layer 22 is located on the outside (i.e., on the opposite side of the pocket 4 from the outer surface 13), and the heat-sealable layer 25 is located on the inside (i.e., on the same side as the pocket 4 on the inner surface 12).

[0058] As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material is a laminate and includes a support layer 22 located on the outside (i.e., on the opposite side of the pocket 4 from the outer surface 13) and a support layer 23 located on the inside (i.e., on the same side as the pocket 4 on the inner surface 12). An insulating layer or barrier layer 24 is provided between the two support layers 22, 23 to ensure impermeability to air and / or light. In other words, the barrier layer 24 is surrounded by the two support layers 22, 23 and separates the support layers 22, 23 from each other. Preferably, the support layer 23 is covered by a heat-sealable layer 25 disposed on the inside (i.e., on the same side as the pocket 4 and in contact with the sheet 3 of flexible plastic material, enabling heat-sealing with the sheet 3 of flexible plastic material).

[0059] According to some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the two support layers 22, 23 may have the same thickness, but in other embodiments, the two support layers 22, 23 may have different thicknesses, i.e., the thickness of the support layer 22 may be different from the thickness of the support layer 23.

[0060] As a non-limiting example, the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material may be composed of a support layer 22 of white polystyrene (PS) with a thickness of 100 to 200 microns (±10%), a barrier layer 24 of EVOH or dialuminum with a thickness of 10 microns (±10%), a support layer 23 of white polystyrene (PS) with a thickness of 100 to 200 microns (±10%), and a heat-sealable layer 25 of polyethylene (PE) with a thickness of 50 microns (±10%). Alternatively, the support layers 22, 23 may preferably be composed of biaxially oriented polylactic acid (PLA), and / or the heat-sealable layer 25 may be composed of polypropylene (PP). Since polylactic acid (PLA) is generally heat-sealable, when the support layers 22, 23 are formed of polylactic acid (PLA), the sheet 3 of flexible plastic material can be heat-sealed directly to the support layer 23 of polylactic acid (PLA), so the heat-sealable layer 25 may not be necessary. Further, when polylactic acid (PLA) or polypropylene (PP) is used to form the support layers 22, 23, the support layers 22, 23 with an appropriate thickness and sufficient firmness can be obtained by polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP), so the thickness of the support layers 22, 23 can be reduced. As an example, when the support layers 22, 23 are formed of polystyrene (PS), the total thickness of the support layers 22, 23 must be greater than 350 to 380 microns, while when the support layers 22, 23 are formed of polylactic acid (PLA) or polypropylene (PP), the total thickness of the support layers 22, 23 can be reduced to about 200 microns.

[0061] In different embodiments (not shown), the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material does not have a support layer 23 (i.e., the barrier layer 24 is in direct contact with the heat-sealable layer 25). The support layer 22 has twice the thickness (i.e., the support layer 23 is "incorporated" within the support layer 22).

[0062] The linear cuts 6, 8 formed in the outer surface 13 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material can advantageously be formed by locally deforming the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material, in particular the support layer 22 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material. Preferably, the linear cuts 6, 8 end in front of the barrier layer 24, so as not to affect the barrier layer 24 itself.

[0063] The shaped cut 7 formed in the inner surface 12 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material can advantageously be formed by locally deforming the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material, in particular the support layer 23 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material. Preferably, the shaped cut 7 ends in front of the barrier layer 24, so as not to affect the barrier layer 24 itself.

[0064] In the case of the shaped central cut 7, the heat-sealable layer 25 may (partially or completely) deform or be torn. In either case, in the shaped cut 7 formed in the inner surface 12, since there is no kind of welding between the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material and the sheet 3 of flexible plastic material, even if there is some local damage to the heat-sealable layer 25, no result will be brought about.

[0065] In some embodiments, the barrier layer 24 can be disposed between two support layers 22, 23 to form a barrier for the product housed in the sealed pocket 4. In some embodiments, the cuts 6, 7, 8 cannot affect the barrier layer 24. In some embodiments, the barrier layer 24 may have a thickness and robustness sufficient to allow for partial penetration of the above-described cuts as long as the barrier layer 24 can maintain its function as a barrier. In some embodiments, since the barrier is ensured by the integrity of the barrier layer 24 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material, seals against the contents of the sealed pocket 4 are ensured even at the cuts 6, 7, 8. Thus, the sealed pocket 4 is also suitable for housing perishable products such as food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics and / or controlled bacterial products. When opening the single-dose sealed package 1 by folding the single-dose sealed package 1 itself into a "V" shape, all the support layers 22, 23, the barrier layer 24 and the heat-sealable layer 25 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material must be broken at the central cut.

[0066] In a further embodiment, the formed cut 7 is formed on the inner surface 12 of the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material on the same side as the pocket 4 so as to cut the barrier layer 24. The formed cut 7 then penetrates the heat-sealable layer 25, the inner support layer 23 if present, and the barrier layer 24 to reach the outer support layer 22.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material is composed of a support layer 22, a barrier layer 24 and a heat-sealable layer 25. The formed cut 7 penetrates the heat-sealable layer 25 and the barrier layer 24 to reach the outer support layer 22.

[0068] The support layer 22 preferably consists of polystyrene (PS) or polylactic acid (PLA) or polypropylene (PP). The support layer 22 preferably has a thickness of from about 100 microns to about 500 microns (±10%), in particular from about 150 microns to about 400 microns. The support layer 22 forms a barrier even when the barrier layer 24 is cut by the forming cut 7 when forming the cut itself.

[0069] Preferably, the depth of the forming cut 7 is at least 70% of the thickness of the first sheet 2 of the semi-rigid plastic material. The forming cut 7 is not a through cut, i.e., it does not penetrate the first sheet 2 of the semi-rigid plastic material.

[0070] The linear first cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 are formed on the outer surface 13 of the sheet 2 of the semi-rigid plastic material on the same side as the pocket 4.

[0071] The depth of the linear first cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 is at most 40% of the thickness of the first sheet 2 of the semi-rigid plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the linear first cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 is from 20% to 40% of the thickness of the first sheet 2 of the semi-rigid plastic material.

[0072] Advantageously, the depth of the linear first cut 6 and / or the linear second cut 8 is less than the thickness of the support layer 22.

[0073] Advantageously, the cuts 6, 7, 8 have a substantially constant depth along their length (except for unavoidable structural tolerances).

[0074] Advantageously, the cuts 6, 7, 8 are formed by plastically deforming the material using a corresponding cutting tool with a rounded and non-sharp tip in order to deform the semi-rigid plastic material of the sheet 2 without cutting the support layers 22, 23.

[0075] According to one aspect of the present invention, there are provided cutting tools 26, 27 for forming cuts in a sheet, particularly a sheet 2 of a semi-rigid plastic material.

[0076] The cutting tools 26, 27 include plate-shaped bodies 28, particularly substantially rectangular bodies, and at least one protrusion 29 attached to one side 30 of the plate 28, preferably the long side. The protrusion 29 has a substantially "V"-shaped recess 31.

[0077] Figs. 14 to 15 show an embodiment of the cutting tool 26 for forming a "V"-shaped cut.

[0078] The protrusion 29 of the cutting tool 26 has a substantially triangular bottom wall 32. On each side of the triangle, the side walls 33, 34 of the triangle extend towards the top of the protrusion 29 and slope outwards to form a substantially "V"-shaped recess. From the edges of each side wall 33, 34, substantially triangular portions 35, 36 extend parallel to the bottom wall 32 of the protrusion 29.

[0079] Fig. 16 shows an embodiment of the cutting tool 27 for forming a "zigzag" cut. This tool includes a plurality of protrusions 29' each having a substantially "V"-shaped recess 31'. Each protrusion 29' is formed in the same manner as a single protrusion 29 that forms a "V"-shaped cut. Preferably, the protrusions 29' are adjacent to each other.

[0080] Fig. 17 shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus 40 for forming a weakened portion in a sheet 2 of a semi-rigid plastic material. Figs. 18 to 22 show details of the apparatus 40.

[0081] In the present invention, the apparatus 40 includes at least one first plate 41 connected to a first cutting tool 51 having at least one linear protrusion 53 for forming a substantially linear first cut in a sheet of semi-rigid plastic material, and at least one second plate 42 connected to a second cutting tool 52 having at least one forming protrusion for forming a formed cut in a sheet of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0082] Advantageously, the first plate 41 is attached to a cutting tool 51 having two linear protrusions 53, 53' spaced apart from each other to form two linear cuts spaced apart from each other. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the cutting tool 51 has a plurality of linear protrusions 53, 53' for forming one or more cuts in a strip of semi-rigid plastic material in order to produce more packages later.

[0083] The second plate 42 is attached to a cutting tool having two linear protrusions spaced apart from each other for producing a double-dose package.

[0084] Preferably, the linear protrusions 53, 53' of the first cutting tool 51 have a constant length in order to form a cut having a constant depth in the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0085] The forming protrusions of the second cutting tool 52 have a constant length in order to form a formed cut having a constant depth in the sheet 2 of semi-rigid plastic material.

[0086] The apparatus 40 is insertable into a facility for manufacturing a sealed single-dose break-open package 1, and preferably, a strip of semi-rigid plastic material having a thickness of about 200 microns to about 500 microns, particularly about 200 microns to about 450 microns, is collected by a supply unit (not shown).

[0087] Advantageously, the apparatus 40 includes a first cutting station 61 that forms linear cuts 6, 8 and a second cutting station 62 that forms a shaped cut 7.

[0088] The first cutting station 61 (FIG. 21) includes a plate 43 that faces the first plate 41. The first plate 41 is movable from a first position away from the opposing plate 43 to a predetermined position close to the opposing plate 43 in order to form substantially linear cuts 6, 8 in a strip of semi-rigid material interposed between the first plate 41 and the opposing plate 43, thereby deforming the strip without cutting it.

[0089] The second cutting station 62 (FIG. 22) includes a plate 44 that faces the second plate 42. The second plate 42 is movable from a first position away from the opposing plate 44 to a predetermined position close to the opposing plate 44 in order to form a shaped cut 7 in a strip of semi-rigid material interposed between the second plate 42 and the opposing plate 44, thereby deforming the strip without cutting it.

[0090] Advantageously, the second plate 42 has at least one micrometer measuring tool 45 located on the opposite side of the opposing plate 43, and the micrometer measuring tool 45 regulates the stroke of the cutting tool 52 that forms the shaped cut. The micrometer measuring tool 45 can be manual or electric. Preferably, the stroke of the cutting tool 52 is regulated with respect to the second plate 42, and the second plate 42 is movable with respect to the fixed opposing plate 43.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the strip of semi-rigid material passes through the first cutting station 61 and forms lateral cuts 6, 8 on the surface of the strip that forms the outer surface 13 of the package sheet, i.e., on the surface opposite the pocket 4 that houses the product 5. The strip passes between the first plate 41 and the opposing plate 43 in a direction substantially perpendicular from low to high.

[0092] By means of at least one linear actuator or motor, the first support plate 41 of the cutting tool 51 moves towards the opposing plate 43 such that one end of the cutting tool 51 moves a predetermined distance towards the opposing support plate 43, deforming the strip of semi-rigid material. In this way, the deformation is carried out to a constant depth.

[0093] The strip moves upwards within the second cutting station 62, and the forming central cut 7 is formed on the opposite surface of the semi-rigid sheet, i.e., the inner surface 12 of the sheet, and on the surface facing the pocket 4 that houses the product 5.

[0094] During cutting at the first station 61 and / or the second station 62, the strip is placed on the opposing plates 43, 44.

[0095] Preferably, the second plate 42 has a plurality of cutting tools 52 arranged in a row, and each cutting tool 52 is attached to a corresponding manual or electric micrometer measuring tool 45.

[0096] The unwinding of the strip is controlled by an electric unwinding device disposed above the cutting device and including two rollers 71, 72, and the rollers 71, 72 also have the function of tensioning the strip and holding it in place at the mechanical stop stage where cutting occurs.

[0097] Subsequently, the strip of semi-rigid plastic material with the cut formed thereon moves to a welding and filling station (not shown), where the strip of semi-rigid plastic material is connected to a strip of flexible plastic material and then filled as required.

[0098] According to the present invention, one way to form a weakened portion in a sheet 2 of a semi-rigid plastic material is to form at least one substantially linear first cut 6 located at a first edge 7 of the sheet 2, and to form at least one shaped cut 7 in a central portion 10 of the sheet 2, laterally spaced a certain distance from the linear first cut 6, the cuts 6, 7 being formed by plastic deformation of the material of this sheet 2.

[0099] Preferably, in the above-described method, at least one substantially linear second cut 8 is formed in a second edge 11 of the first sheet 2 opposite to the first edge 9, laterally spaced a certain distance from the shaped cut 7, the second cut 8 being formed by plastic deformation of the material of this sheet 2.

[0100] The above-described sealed single-dose package 1 has many advantages.

[0101] First, the sealed single-dose package 1 is easier and cheaper to manufacture than known similar packages 1 (for example, the type described in WO 2008 / 038074) because the cuts 6, 7, 8 have a constant depth and can therefore be easily produced even when operating at a high operating speed.

[0102] Opening induced by forming lateral cuts at the edges becomes possible, and further the sheet breaks at the shaped central cut to complete the opening. Thus, the product exits from the central region rather than from a lateral segment that only serves to indicate folding of the package.

[0103] Also, due to the shaped central cut, the user can control so that the administered product comes out accurately.

[0104] In the case of a high-density fluid product, due to the rectangular or semi-elliptical structure separated from the remaining portion of the sheet after opening, the product can be diffused on the surface.

[0105] In the case of liquid products, due to the triangular structure formed after opening, the product can be administered as droplets. In the case of powdered or granular products, the "zigzag" structure enables control of the product release and complete distribution of the product.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 1 Sealed single-dose package 2 Sheet of semi-rigid plastic material 3 Sheet of flexible plastic material 4 Sealed pocket 5 Product 6 First cut 7 Forming cut 8 Second cut 9 First edge 10 Central part 11 Second edge 12 Inner surface 13 Outer surface 14, 20, 21, 29, 29', 53, 53' Protrusion 15, 16, 17, 15’, 16’ Segment 18 Short side of the package 19 Long side of the package 22, 23 Support layer 24 Barrier layer 25 Heat-sealable layer 26, 27, 51, 52 Cutting tool 28 Plate 30 One side of the plate 31, 31' "V"-shaped recess 32 Bottom wall 33, 34 Side wall 35, 36 Substantially triangular part 40 Device 41 First plate 42 Second plate 43, 44 Opposing plates 45 Micrometer measuring tool 61 First cutting station 62 Second cutting station Rollers 71 and 72

Claims

1. a first sheet (2) of semi-rigid plastic material, a second sheet (3) of flexible plastic material, which is superimposed on and sealed to the first sheet (2) and defines a sealed pocket (4) for containing a single-dose product (5), in a sealed single-dose break-open package (1), the first sheet (2) of the semi-rigid plastic material includes at least one substantially linear first cut (6) located at a first edge (9) of the first sheet (2), and at least one formed cut (7) located in a central portion (10) of the first sheet (2) at a certain lateral distance from the linear first cut (6), the first sheet (2) of the semi-rigid plastic material is a laminate including at least one support layer (22), a heat-sealable layer (25), and a barrier layer (24) disposed between the support layer (22) and the heat-sealable layer (25), the first sheet (2) has a plastically deformed portion of the semi-rigid plastic material, the plastically deformed portion is the formed cut (7), the formed cut (7) is formed in the support layer (22), and in the formed cut (7), the heat-sealable layer (25) can be partially or completely torn, characterized in that it is a sealed single-dose break-open package (1).

2. The first sheet (2) includes at least one substantially linear second cut (8) located at a certain lateral distance from the formed cut (7) at a second edge (11) of the first sheet (2) opposite to the first edge (9) of the first sheet (2), characterized in that it is the sealed single-dose break-open package (1) according to Claim 1.

3. The formed cut (7) is formed on an inner surface (12) of the first sheet (2) which is a surface facing the second sheet (3), characterized in that it is the sealed single-dose break-open package (1) according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The linear first cut (6) and / or the linear second cut (8) are formed on an outer surface (13) of the first sheet (2) which is a surface opposite to the second sheet (3), characterized in that it is the sealed single-dose break-open package (1) according to Claim 2, or Claim 3 which cites Claim 2.

5. The sealed single - dose break - open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the formed cut (7) includes a curve.

6. The sealed single - dose break - open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the formed cut (7) includes a line formed by at least two segments (15, 16) that are continuously oriented and not aligned.

7. The sealed single - dose break - open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the formed cut (7) includes at least two inclined segments (15', 16') that are symmetrically located with respect to the center of the first sheet (2) and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposite sides of a triangle.

8. The sealed single - dose break - open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the formed cut (7) includes pairs (21) of a plurality of adjacent inclined segments (15', 16'), and the segments (15', 16') in each pair (21) are symmetrically located with respect to each other and are connected to each other at one end so as to form two opposite sides of a triangle.

9. The first sheet (2) of the semi - rigid plastic material is a laminate, including an outer first support layer (22) located on the opposite side of the pocket (4), a heat - sealable layer (25) as an inner layer located on the side of the pocket (4) of the first support layer (22), and a barrier layer (24) located between the first support layer (22) and the heat - sealable layer (25), and the formed cut (7) is formed in the heat - sealable layer (25). The sealed single - dose break - open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is characterized by this.

10. The first sheet (2) of the semi - rigid plastic material is a laminate, An outer first support layer (22) located on the opposite side of the pocket (4), the heat-sealable layer (25) as an inner layer located on the pocket (4) side of the first support layer (22), and the barrier layer (24) located between the first support layer (22) and the heat-sealable layer (25), wherein the linear first cut (6) and / or the linear second cut (8) are formed in the first support layer (22). The sealed single-dose break-open package (1) according to any one of claims 2, claim 3 citing claim 2, claim 4, claims 5 to 9 citing claim 2 or 4, and claims 5 to 9 citing claim 3 citing claim 2.

11. The sealed single-dose break-open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the depth of the linear first cut (6) and / or the linear second cut (8) is about 1 / 3 of the thickness of the first sheet (2).

12. The sealed single-dose break-open package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the depth of the formed cut (7) is about 2 / 3 of the thickness of the first sheet (2).

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