EP0290356A1 - Foldable goblet with a tamper-proof device - Google Patents

Abstract

Foldable goblet formed from two thin walls, of which the lower part comprises, once unfolded, a concave base (11) making it possible to keep the lateral walls (12) apart, of which the upper part comprises two tongues (22) which can be folded back and which are pressed on the lateral walls (12), and of which the ends (21) form a support polygon for the goblet. This goblet may be obtained from a tamper-proof closed bag, comprising a preliminary cutout enabling the bag to be opened whilst forming the tongue (22), capable of containing the ingredients and utensils whose implementation requires the use of the goblet. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a collapsible container for liquid provided with a tamper-evident device.

The use of disposable cups has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly with vending machines and fast food. The disposable cups, generally frustoconical in shape, are delivered stacked one inside the other to save space. They are made of thermoformed or injected plastic, or waxed cardboard. They are, most often stacked empty, and they are taken one by one to fill them with a liquid. There are also cups that contain a freeze-dried product in their bottom: just add cold or hot water, as the case may be, to obtain a specific drink. The lyophilized product is protected either by the upper cup or by a tamper-evident device produced by a peelable film fixed in the vicinity of the bottom of the cup. If these products are perfectly suited in distributors where the storage conditions are ideal and accessories such as sugar or teaspoon are available, it is not the same as soon as the packaging becomes ambulatory. The stacked cups form a bulky and fragile cylinder which fears shocks and stresses. Their protection against soiling is not easy and it is not possible to have it in your pocket. Their use implies having sugar and spoons apart because it is not easy to integrate them into the cup.

The container, object of the invention, which we will describe below, provides a solution to these problems, while remaining very economical for the user, because it uses continuous processes for its manufacture.

• La figure 1 représente le sachet avant fermeture avec ses rainages et ses prédécoupes.
• La figure 2 représente le même sachet après fermeture.
• La figure 3 représente le fond concave (11) du gobelet et ses liaisons avec les parois latérales (12).
• La figure 4 représente le même sachet après déchirage de la partie prédécoupée, pour former les languettes du gobelet. Cette figure représente aussi le gobelet prêt à être déplié.
• La figure 5 représente le gobelet avec les languettes rabattues, avant formage de la cavité.
• La figure 6 représente le même gobelet après formage de la cavité, en situation d'utilisation.
• La figure 7 représente un sachet avec les rainages correspondant à une courbe convexe (34) de fond dont la courbure comporte des discontinuités.
• La figure 8 représente un gobelet ouvert correspondant au sachet précédent , muni à titre indicatif d'une poignée de manutention.
• La Fig.10 représente le gobelet ouvert avec le système de verrouillage en place vu par dessous.
• La Fig.11 représente le gobelet en cours d'ouverture avec le fond non positionné.
• La Fig.12 représente le sachet-gobelet avant ouverture du sachet.

Before unfolding, it comes in the form of a rectangular bag, closed on its four sides. We will show later how to get the bag closed. We assume that the bag is empty, for explanations, but in fact, it may contain the ingredients necessary for making a drink or any other product such as toothpaste and toothbrush, which will be introduced before closing.

• Figure 1 shows the bag before closing with its creases and its precuts.
• Figure 2 shows the same bag after closing.
• Figure 3 shows the concave bottom (11) of the cup and its connections with the side walls (12).
• Figure 4 shows the same bag after tearing the pre-cut part, to form the tongues of the cup. This figure also shows the cup ready to be unfolded.
• Figure 5 shows the cup with the folded tabs, before forming the cavity.
• Figure 6 shows the same cup after forming the cavity, in use.
• FIG. 7 represents a bag with the grooves corresponding to a convex curve (34) at the bottom, the curvature of which comprises discontinuities.
• FIG. 8 represents an open cup corresponding to the preceding bag, provided for information with a handling handle.
• Fig. 10 shows the open cup with the locking system in place seen from below.
• Fig.11 shows the cup being opened with the bottom not positioned.
• Fig.12 shows the sachet-cup before opening the sachet.

The bag is therefore composed of two walls (1) and (2) Fig. 1, of symmetrical shape with respect to the plane (6), preferably rectangular, semi-rigid, superimposed, interconnected by their edge along the four sides Fig. 2. The connection is made in such a way that it is liquid tight. This can be achieved by using, for example, one of the many techniques available on the market for the manufacture of flexible bags. For example, we have shown the bottom link (9) Fig 1 and 2 as being obtained by folding the starting sheet. Depending on the technique of forming the bags, up to two connections can be obtained by folding. In this case we have a preference for this solution with regard to the bottom (9) because it facilitates its forming. For the rest of the presentation we will call the bond: "welding" whether it is composed of a folding, a welding or even a bonding. These two walls have grooves (3) Fig. 1, and (4) and pre-cuts (5) perfectly symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry (6) of the walls (1) and (2).

The lower part (7) Fig. 2, has a groove (3), formed mainly of a convex curve relative to the upper part of the bag, starting from one of the corners (8) of the base (9), of the bag, to go to the other corner (10) of the same base (9). The corners (8) and (10) are at the meeting point of the base (9) and the internal edge of the welds. This creasing (3) creates by folding a concave bottom (11) Fig.3 which, when formed, gives a convex shape to the side walls (12) and keeps them apart. The angle (13) Fig. 2, made by the tangent (14) to the convex curve (3) at its starting point (8) with the base (9) of the bag, is an angle between 25 and 45 degrees , while the tangent (15) to the convex curve (3) parallel to the base (9) is found at a distance between 0.23 and 0.40 times the width (16) of the bag excluding welds; the contact point (17) of the tangent (15) is also the point furthest from the base (9). In a preferred version of the invention, the convex curve (3) is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (23).

The upper part has a precut (5) extending substantially from the middle (18) on one side (19) to go to the other side (20) by describing a curve (5) constituting a tongue (22) of generally substantially trapezoidal shape, but the end (21) of which has a rectilinear part parallel to the lower side (9). The tongue (22) is preferably symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (23).

A median rectilinear groove (4) joins the starting point (18) and ending point (24) of the precut; it is parallel to the straight end part (21) of the tongue (22) and at a distance (25) equal to or greater than the distance (26) from the creasing at the angles (8) and (10) of the base d 'where the convex creasing (3) leaves optionally increased by the width of the bottom weld (9) when it is not obtained by folding.

Starting from a bag comprising the precut (5) and the grooves (3) and (4) described, it can be unfolded as follows:
The bag is opened by separating the pre-cut parts according to the pre-cut (5) Fig. 2, which constitutes inviolability. Having opened the bag Fig. 4, the two tabs (22) are folded outwards according to the arrows (27), making a folding along the middle grooves (4). The extreme rectilinear part (21) Fig. 5 of the tongues (22) is located substantially at height and parallel to the lower side (9), when the tongues (22) are completely folded down. Then the two walls (30) and (31) are moved aside, along the arrows (28), in line with the folding formed by the central creasing (4) and the arrows (29) are pressed simultaneously on the base (9). The walls (30) and (31) are curved Fig. 6 by taking a convex ruled shape resembling a channel tile on which are pressed the tabs (22) which take the same shape. When we press on the base (9), we gradually obtain a concave shape (11) Fig.3 which contributes to the spacing of the side walls (30) Fig.5 and (31) in the same way as described above, until reaching the locked position by obtaining a concave adjusted surface, the lines of intersection with the convex adjusted lateral faces are the grooves (3) of convex shape joining the angles of the base (8) and (10). When the concave bottom (32) Fig. 6 is locked, the angles (8) and (10) of the base are protruding and can constitute two support points, which is not enough to ensure balance; on their side, the lateral tabs (22), in the form of tiles, constitute, by their end (21) two support lines, perpendicular to the generatrices of the adjusted surface, situated in the same plane (33) substantially perpendicular to the 'axis of symmetry (44) of the container. The support lines define a stable support polygon for the container. The two support points formed by the base angles (8) and (10) can be in this plane (33), but it is preferable that they are slightly above so as not to disturb the support of the tongues ( 22). All of these supports, by their arrangement, constitute a stable base for the container. Given their number, it is obvious that the totality of the support points cannot bear simultaneously; on the other hand, when the container is full, the load causes deformations which make the supports effective.

Note that the shape of the convex line (34) Fig. 7 of the creasing used to delimit the bottom (35) may have a curvature varying continuously or discontinuously (36). These discontinuities (36) cause discontinuities in the curvature of the side walls which should be favored by appropriate grooves (37), parallel to the lateral sides (19) and (20). Grooves (40) should also appear on the tabs (39). They have the advantage of forming on the side walls (43) Fig. 8 edges (41) on which the edges (42) of the tongues (39) come to rest, when they are folded down, which increases the resistance buckling under load of the assembly.

It goes without saying that, when the line is discontinuous, a creasing (38) of the bottom is also necessary to favor its concave shaping.

We have shown a convex curve (34) with two discontinuities, but it is possible, and in some cases, desirable, to do more.

The sachet is preferably made from a sheet of a complex comprising, in particular a layer of paper and one or more layers of plastic. The paper layer provides rigidity, while the plastic layer (s) seal through the wall and the welds. A layer of plastic is generally used to line the inside of the bag: it is usually polyethylene or polypropylene. In certain configurations, it is possible to have a central layer of paper and a layer of plastic material on each side, making it possible to make longitudinal welds of leather against flesh, of the type of those made on milk bricks. In some cases, more elaborate complexes can be used depending on the content and climatic distribution conditions, and the composition is not limiting. It is thus possible to use a complex comprising a metallized polish-ice sheet to limit heat loss by radiation. It will be noted that the fact of starting from a sheet for the realization of the Goblet opens up very wide possibilities for matching the performance to the needs.

To make the bag, we start by making the precuts, creasing and printing on the sheet which is in the form of sheets or a reel. We thus obtain blanks from which we are spoiled for choice to make the sachet from the machines on the market. it is obvious that the creases and the precut are to be adjusted according to the machine selected.

In a preferred version of the invention, the connection (9) Fig.2 is obtained by folding while the connections (19) (20) and (49) are flesh-to-flesh welds. This way of proceeding makes it possible to eliminate the extra thicknesses linked to the median welds, situated at the level of the axis (23) in order to obtain the connections (19) and (20) by folding, but often lead to leaks. , and allows to have a sachet bottom (9) without welding, which facilitates the shaping of the bottom. The side welds can be widened to make handles. Indeed, if we widen the transverse weld (51) Fig.8, we can obtain, at the side seals of the bag, a flat area with a double thickness of complex that can be cut to form a handle that will grip the container without getting burned if it contains a hot liquid. It is necessary to note that the tongues (22) Fig. 6, constitute gripping zones thermally insulated by the presence of a double wall separated by an air space with the possibility of adding metallized components to it as indicated above. , and that these areas are perfectly placed to naturally grasp the cup to drink its contents. The tongue (22) serves to guarantee the cleanliness of the edge of the container, since it is, before opening and folding, protected inside the bag. Finally, the edge being obtained by folding, it cannot be sharp for the lips and its regular profile makes it pleasant to use. The lateral welds (19) and (20) Fig. 6 have, when the container is unfolded, an upper edge (52) and (53) relatively rigid, obtained by the detachment of the pre-cut part external to the tongues. These edges (52) and (53) can serve as a guide for the container when it is presented under a source of liquid to fill it, in order to guarantee the correct positioning of the cup and allow triggering of the filling by action on one or more micro-contacts while the filling spout protruding inside the cup in alignment with the micro-contacts forms an obstacle to their accidental actuation, for example by a simple sheet of cardboard.

The advantage of delivering the container in the form of a fully closed sachet lies in the fact that it can be stored there, either directly freeze-dried products to the extent that the precuts are sufficiently tight, or sachets which contain them; for example, you can simultaneously put a sachet of freeze-dried coffee, a sachet of sugar, a sachet of powdered or concentrated milk and a small spoon. Thus, the user can, as desired, use all or part of these sachets. In another case, you can put a dose of toothpaste in a sachet and a toothbrush or a toothpick. As we have already specified, the closed sachet can be kept individually sterile, which is a decisive advantage compared to the cup whose sterility can only be guaranteed at the grouping level.

The advantages that have just been described, do not prevent the manufacture of cups delivered flat, in which the tongue (22) is already cut, as shown in Fig 4. The upper half has the folding tabs (22), the lower half comprises the grooves (3) and (4), two lateral welds (45) and (46) connecting the two walls and a bottom weld (9) which is a simple folding in one of the preferred versions of the invention. They are easier to implement since there is no inviolability to remove and we can in some cases prefer this solution.

In use, we see that the edge (78) Fig.6 for drinking which is formed by the folded tongue (22), is located so that naturally we try to wear the cup to the lips by grabbing it at right tabs (22). This way of grasping the cup is not reassuring for the user because it tends to bring his walls (12) Fig.3 that we had moved apart thanks to the concave bottom (11). Thus, if you tighten the cup too much in your fingers, you risk seeing the bottom (11) unlock, the edges come closer, the volume decrease, and the liquid overflow. So we prefer to grasp the cup by leaning on the side edges (52) and (53) Fig.6 located on either side of the tabs (22), which has the advantage of causing when we tighten too much fingers increase in volume. But then the cup does not present itself, with a natural gesture, correctly to the lips because it presents itself opposite the lateral edges (52) and (53) which does not allow drinking. You have to turn your wrist ninety degrees to bring its edge (78) Fig.6 in the correct position, which is not very comfortable.

It is possible to provide a simple solution to the problem of locking the bottom of the cup so that you can grasp the cup naturally, without taking the risk of seeing it close.

When the tongues (54) Fig.10 are folded back into position, to serve as a stabilizer for the cup, they are pressed against the wall (55) of the cup. The concave bottom (56) being formed, the lower zone (57) of the tongues (54), when it passes below the convex curve (58) which delimits the side wall (55) of that constituting the concave bottom ( 56), is no longer supported on the wall (55) and delimits a free zone which can be used to set up a locking mechanism for the bottom of the cup. To fully understand the mechanism, we will start with the description of the cup described in the said patent application. First, a substantially horizontal slot (59) is made in the tongue (54), starting from an edge of the tongue (54) situated below the highest point of the convex curve (58) delimiting the bottom. concave (56). This slit is continued until its end arrives at the level (60) of the said convex curve (58). Then folded, in a fold (61) substantially perpendicular to the edge (62) of the cup, a panel (63) delimited by the lower edge (64) of said slot (59) and the end (65) of the tongue (54), so that this panel (63) passes under the concave bottom (56) and allows it to be used support to the latter. One can thus fold two panels (63) by tab (54), or four panels for the two tabs, the substantially horizontal part (64) of which serves as a support for the concave bottom (56), and prevents it from unlocking. The shape of the slot (59) and its position, depends directly on the shape of the concave bottom (56), particularly the angle (66) that the panel (63) makes when folded as indicated above so that it effectively serve as support at the bottom. It is in fact important that the folded panel (63) conforms as well as possible to the shape of the bottom, and forms with it an angle as close as possible to the right angle so as to be able to bend over it when it is subjected a pressure, instead of sliding, which would cancel its action. It is obvious that this angle varies continuously or discontinuously depending on the shape of the concave bottom, as soon as the panel (63) once in place is not parallel to the straight generators of the bottom. It suffices that there is a sufficiently large area meeting this characteristic to perform the desired locking function. For each background shape, it will be necessary to experimentally adapt the shape of the panel cutout (63) to obtain optimum performance. In a preferred version of the invention, the bottom is obtained from a polygonal curve (67) Fig. 11, the highest part of which is a straight line (68) parallel to the edge (69) of the cup, the slot (70) is located at the height of this segment (68) when the tongue (54) is folded down, it is straight and parallel to the latter. It extends until the tongue (71) is creased, perpendicular to the edge (69) of the cup passing in the immediate vicinity of the end (72) of the segment (68) situated on the same side as that of the slot (70) . When the panel (63) Fig. 10 is folded under the concave bottom (56), it is placed at the level of the fold of the bottom (73) passing through said end (72) Fig. 11 of the segment (68), perpendicularly on the surface of the part (74) Fig.10 of the bottom of the cup located between the two said segments (68) parallel to the edge (69) of the cup. When the four panels (63) are in place, they are perpendicular to the central part (57) of the tongues (54). They form, with each of the corresponding tongues (54), a trihedron coming to consolidate the support on the ground of the tongue (54), by increasing its resistance to buckling. The area formed by these trihedrons is a very favorable area for gripping, because when the fingers are supported in this area (57), they tend to tilt the tongue (54) inward, and the panels (63) tend to tilt in turn to come and arch on the part (74) of the bottom (56) which is parallel to the edge (62) of the cup thus ensuring its locking. In addition, this zone is distant from the walls (55) of the cup by a sufficient distance to be insensitive to the heat transmitted by a hot and even boiling liquid. We have described a way of obtaining a panel from a slot made in the tongue. It is obvious that there are other means of releasing these panels (63), and in particular by appropriate cutting of the tongue (54).

When the cup is in the initial form of a sachet, it does not pose any particular problem to provide, at the time of the manufacture of the blank, the cutouts (75) Fig. 12 and the grooves (76) which will allow places the locking panels (77) after forming the concave bottom.

Claims (6)

1-The foldable cup is characterized in that it consists of two semi-rigid thin walls (1) and (2), the lower part of which has two lateral connections (45) and (46) and a bottom connection ( 9) leaktight obtainable by folding gluing or welding and a convex creasing (3) making it possible to form a concave bottom (11), the upper part of which is formed by two tongues (22) having their rectilinear upper end (21), having a height (25) greater than or equal to the height (26) of the lower part, which can be folded down by folding along the creasing (4) to form a support by pressing on the ends (21) which form a support polygon. 2-The foldable cup according to the preceding claim is characterized in that the tangents (14) to the convex curve constituting the creasing (3) passing through the corners (8) and (10) form with the edge (9) an angle ( 13) between 25 and 45 degrees, the most distant point (17) of the creasing (3) at the lower edge (9) being between 0.23 and 0.40 times the width (16) of the bag without welding. 3-The foldable cup according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized in that it is obtained from a closed tamper-evident sachet comprising a precut (5) allowing by tearing to form the tongues (22). 4-The foldable cup according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the bottom (9) is obtained by folding and that the other connections are flesh-to-flesh welds. 5-The foldable cup according to any one of the preceding claims is characterized in that each stabilization tab (54) has two substantially horizontal slots (64), the position and profile of which are defined as a function of the profile of the concave bottom ( 56), making it possible to form panels (63) which fold under the latter, constituting a lock. 6-The foldable cup according to the preceding claim is characterized in that in the case where the convex curve is polygonal with a segment (68) parallel to the edge (69) of the cup, the slot is rectilinear and parallel to the edge (69), and the upper part of the panels (63), when in place, bears perpendicularly on the bottom at the level of the fold (73) passing through the end (72) of the segment.

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