Plastic tube with a base closed by an external component and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the packaging sector and relates more specifically to a plastic tube comprising an injection-moulded disc coupled to the body of the tube. As a result, the package is filled via the orifice in the shoulder rather than being filled via the base and then sealed. This construction allows the tube to be stored with the cap facing upward and permits the use of dispensing valves with the package supported on a surface, features that were previously limited to bottles. Eliminating the sealed base portion further increases the filling capacity of the package.

Description

[0001] Plastic tube with closed bottom, consisting of an external component and manufacturing process.

[0002] Technological sector of invention

[0003]

[0001] The present invention pertains to the packaging sector and refers, more specifically, to a plastic tube that incorporates the manufacture of an injected disc that will be attached to its body. This allows the tube to be filled through the orifice in the shoulder, instead of through the bottom followed by sealing. This design allows the tube to be stored with the cap facing upwards and enables the use of dispensing valves with the tube resting on a surface, features previously limited to bottles. Furthermore, by eliminating the sealing area, the filling capacity of the tube is increased.

[0004] State of the art

[0005]

[0002] The extruded plastic tube consists of a cap, a shoulder, and a cylindrical body. After the product is filled, the open end of the packaging is closed, creating a sealing area. This sealing process is crucial, but it also presents a significant technical problem: the impossibility of reopening it for refilling. As a result, the packaging must be used with the cap facing downwards, which, while functional for daily use, limits its versatility and prevents its use as a refill.

[0006]

[0003] Furthermore, the inverted position required to keep the packaging upright can be inconvenient for the user and hinders the integration of dispensing valves, a feature that is generally restricted to bottles. These technical challenges, coupled with the impossibility of refilling due to the permanent seal, make the plastic tube a single-use packaging. This aspect not only limits its functionality but also contributes to environmental issues related to the disposal of plastic packaging.

[0007]

[0004] Some technical solutions are known in patent documents, such as EP1179484 which discloses a tubular plastic container with an inserted bottom, where the cylindrical plastic structure is produced from a length of tubular material of the required size, and a plastic base inserted at one end and joined to the body by known methods.

[0008]

[0005] Document US4851062 discloses a method of manufacturing and decorating a container, in which the tubular body is injection molded with one end open (upper or lower) and is fitted into a mandrel through the open end to provide support during the printing of decoration on it. The neck component, base, or both, can then be applied.

[0009]

[0006] And document W02024009216 deals with a tubular body obtained by an extrusion and labeling process comprising: forming a partially or fully tubular label from a film composed mainly of a resin, continuous introduction of the label into a calibration element, continuous extrusion or co-extrusion of a layer on the concave face of the label, this layer being composed mainly of a resin, the resin of the extruded layer and the resin of the label being of the same type, continuously bringing the layer into contact with the concave face of the label, the step being carried out in the calibration element while the label is passing through the calibration element.

[0010] New Invention Details

[0011]

[0007] Plastic squeeze bottles were designed to be discarded after the product inside is used up, as their shape and method of use are not suitable for refilling. In the present invention, the possibility of supporting the bottom, with the attached disc, on a flat surface allows for refilling through the shoulder hole by unscrewing the valve at the top, as is the case with some bottles. The major difference lies in the use of a smaller quantity of raw material in the proposed invention, due to the thinner walls.

[0012]

[0008] The disclosed invention involves changes in the construction and production process. After the body, shoulder and decoration manufacturing stages (common to current tubes), a plastic disc made by injection, in a separate process, is attached to the bottom of the tube, either by welding (ultrasound, thermal or laser) or through the use of special adhesives.

[0013]

[0009] The invention presents several significant advantages. Firstly, the reduction in the use of raw materials is achieved thanks to the thinner walls of the tube, compared to traditional bottles. This not only saves resources but also reduces the environmental impact.

[0010] The use of dispensing valves in tubes, similar to what is done in bottles, expands the versatility and functionality of the packaging, offering consumers a more practical and controlled experience in dispensing the product.

[0014]

[0011] Another important advantage is the increased filling capacity. By eliminating the need for a traditional sealing area, the new tube allows for a greater volume of product to be stored, making it more efficient than conventional tubes.

[0015]

[0012] The refillability feature is an innovation that transforms the tube into a reusable solution. With a base that can be placed on a flat surface and the ease of unscrewing the cap, the consumer can refill the packaging themselves, extending its shelf life and reducing waste.

[0016]

[0013] In addition, tubes are highly versatile in printing processes, eliminating the need for additional components such as labels, shrink sleeves and secondary packaging. This simplifies the production process and reduces costs.

[0017]

[0014] The new design, with an injected plastic disc attached to the bottom of the tube, not only allows for refilling but also keeps the packaging stable on flat surfaces. This stability is crucial for the efficient use of dispensing valves.

[0018]

[0015] Compared to a bottle, the new tube offers all these advantages with less raw material usage, due to the thinner walls. This material efficiency makes the tube a superior choice from both a functional and environmental point of view.

[0019] Description of the attached figures

[0020]

[0016] In order for the present invention to be fully understood and put into practice by any technician in this technological sector, it will be described in a clear, concise and sufficient manner, based on the attached figures, which illustrate and support it, listed below:

[0021] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the plastic tube manufacturing process;

[0022] Figure 2 represents a photograph comparing the conventional model and the tube of the invention.

[0023] Detailed description of the invention.

[0024]

[0017] The invention comprises a tube where the shoulder position is on the upper part of the body, while the plastic disc is attached to the lower part, as shown in Figure 1.

[0025]

[0018] The invention provides for changes in the construction and manufacturing process. In a standard tube, the process is sequenced as follows: extrusion (body manufacturing), thermoforming or injection (shoulder manufacturing), decoration, injection and cap application, filling and bottom sealing.

[0026]

[0019] In the case of this invention, after the body, shoulder and decoration manufacturing steps (common to current tubes), a plastic disc made by injection (in a separate process) is attached to the bottom of the tube, preferably by welding, but not limited to this process, and may also be done using special glues.

[0027]

[0020] Figure 2 shows a conventional tube on the left and the proposed invention on the right. In a conventional tube, the shoulder is inserted at the bottom so that the text is oriented upside down when the cap is placed upside down. In the proposed invention, the shoulder is positioned at the top of the body, while the plastic disc is attached at the bottom.

[0028]

[0021] An extruded plastic tube is commonly composed of a cap, a shoulder, and a body. To reach the end consumer, after being filled with the product, the packaging has its end closed, forming a sealing area. Thus, the use of the product and the ability to keep the packaging upright occur with the cap facing downwards. The current shape and method of use make the plastic tube unsuitable for receiving a refill, configuring it as a single-use package.

[0029]

[0022] The present invention consists of changes in the construction and manufacturing processes of extruded plastic tubes, bringing new functionalities to the packaging, such as: expanding the possibility of using valves and applicators, reusing the packaging, increasing the quantity of product packaged and improving print quality.

[0030]

[0023] It is important to emphasize that the figures and descriptions provided do not limit the ways in which the inventive concept now proposed can be implemented, but rather illustrate and make understandable the conceptual innovations revealed in this solution. Thus, the descriptions and images should be interpreted in an illustrative and not limiting way, and there may be other equivalent or analogous ways of implementing the inventive concept now revealed that do not fall outside the scope of protection outlined in the proposed solution.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- A plastic tube with a closed bottom, consisting of an external component and manufacturing process, characterized by having a shoulder at the top of the body and a plastic disc attached at the bottom. 2- MANUFACTURING PROCESS of the tube described in claim 1, comprising the manufacturing steps of the body, shoulder and decoration, characterized by the injection-molded plastic disc being attached to the bottom of the tube, preferably by welding, although another process may be used, including the application of special adhesives; and a filler that receives the packaging and uses the bottle line to fill the new packaging.

Images