EP0593728A1

EP0593728A1 - Receptacle with an opening that can be repeatedly opened and closed and process for the manufacture of same.

Info

Publication number: EP0593728A1
Application number: EP93910088A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean Augustin Bodet
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-06
Filing date: 1993-05-05
Publication date: 1994-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2013-05-05
Also published as: EP0593728B1; ATE147345T1; FR2690896A1; MA22890A1; DE69307254D1; FR2690896B1; ES2098742T3; WO1993022201A1; DE69307254T2

Abstract

Receptacle (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190) having an opening (20; 70; 116; 140; 116'; 140'; 156; 222) with a projecting neck (26; 76; 118; 142; 118'; 142'; 158; 224), said receptacle being integral with a cap (18; 68; 108; 128; 108'; 128'; 162; 214) capable of repeated use located on a flexible tab (16; 66; 106; 126; 106'; 126'; 160; 212). The receptacle is characterized in that the cylindrical neck (26; 76; 118; 142; 118'; 142'; 158; 224) is inwardly and outwardly smooth and is distinct i.e. located on the container so as to be separated from any other shaped surface. The cap (18; 68; 108; 128; 108'; 128'; 162; 214) is attached to the container itself and not to the neck and has a cylindrical part (30; 82; 112; 130; 112'; 130'; 166; 218) of a height (h1; h2) at least equal to that (h'1; h'2) of the neck (26; 76; 118; 142; 118'; 142'; 158; 224), the contact between the cap and the neck being of the synthetic material against synthetic material type. The invention is especially suitable for the packaging of liquid, paste-like or powdery flow products.

Description

CONTAINING MDNI OF A POSSIBLE OPENING AND CLOSING ORIFICE AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

The present invention is in the field of packaging and relates more particularly to a container intended to be filled with a product in any form whatsoever (liquid, powder, paste, etc.) and which can, after filling, be closed and opened several times by the consumer so that he can withdraw the desired quantity of product according to his needs, this container allowing a tight closure each time.

We already know many types of packaging and in particular trays intended especially for foodstuffs. Generally, these trays consist of a body made of synthetic material, most often by thermoforming, provided with a cover. We can distinguish two kinds of trays:

Document FR-A-2 651 749 describes a hermetically sealed container, after filling with a liquid, with a cover. In this case, we certainly obtain the original seal and the necessary seal, but the container can only be used for a single use since, once removed, the cover cannot be replaced.

Document FR-A-2 656 590 describes, for its part, a tray comprising a body made of synthetic material and closed with a removable cover, also made of synthetic material, by fitting covering a groove provided around the perimeter of the cover, on a rib located around the perimeter of the body. In this case, the same tray can be opened and then closed several times, but the lid exceeds the outline of the body and can easily be opened by accident. In addition, the seal is very uncertain for liquid products. There are also embodiments in which the cover is secured to the body. .

These trays are very widespread, in particular for the sale of prepared meals, especially in supermarkets or other self-service shops. However, the level of tightness obtained is generally not sufficient for liquid products.

Generally, it is the entire surface of the container that is open or closed and not an orifice as in the case of containers of the vial type.

Finally, these trays are not intended for repetitive use but rather for single use.

Containers are also known which have a body and an orifice located at the end of a neck of smaller dimensions:

Document US-A-3,380,608 describes a completely molded plastic bottle with a body and a neck. It is made from a thermoformed sheet to present two shells integral and symmetrical with respect to a fold line, which each have a part of the neck, then which are folded towards one another and welded, the joint plane passing through the neck.

After welding, the neck is formed of two halves located on either side of the joint plane, so that this neck is not smooth and strictly circular:

Externally, it has margins welded in pairs diametrically opposite with respect to the axis of the neck. Internally, in line with these pairs of margins, it has two small grooves resulting from the inevitable existence of connecting leaves between the interior surface of the neck and the four margins.

These grooves are not seen on the drawing since it is a theoretical and abstract representation but the skilled person knows that in reality, such a discontinuity of the inner surface of the neck is a patent fact.

In addition, this bottle is integral with a stopper intended for closing the neck, by means of a tab which is attached not to the bottle itself but to the neck itself.

The presence of this tab arranged radially with respect to the neck inevitably creates tensions which tend to deform the neck, the latter therefore not being able to be perfectly circular.

Due to these irregularities, which come from two different and combined causes, such a bottle cannot be sealed.

Document WO-A-90 / 11.938 describes a bottle having a neck which has an external thread and which, therefore, is not smooth.

In addition, this neck is secured to a radial outer tab carrying a screw cap which can visibly be placed in the closed position only by covering the collar externally, by its pitch. Because this neck is not smooth and because the closure is done by simple screwing, it is impossible to guarantee the sealing of the closure.

Document WO-A-89 / 07.555 describes a container which initially has a neckless orifice, which must receive different types of independent caps (that is to say not integral with the container), some of them requiring a female part. reported that we can not assimilate to a real collar.

Document FR-A-2,314,877 describes a container which does not have a neck and which cannot be opened and closed successively since it provides for the opening to be made by definitive tearing of a hollow appendage communicating with the interior of the container.

The object of the invention is to provide a container having a small orifice relative to the body of said container, originally sealed to guarantee that the content is intact, associated with a shutter for repetitive use with an excellent seal.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a container crossed by an interior orifice with a protruding neck and secured to a shutter for repetitive use situated on a tab articulated to said container, characterized in that the neck is cylindrical, smooth on the inside and externally and is insulated, that is to say located on the container far from any other relief, the shutter being connected to the container proper, and not to the neck, and having a cylindrical part of height at least equal to that , the shutter / neck contact being of the synthetic material versus synthetic material type.

According to other characteristics of this container:

- the shutter present over its entire periphery, a groove intended to cover the smooth neck projecting from the periphery of the orifice, said neck advantageously having, in the closed position, to be in abutment at the bottom of said groove; - the width is slightly less than the thickness of the neck;

- the container being made of synthetic material, the articulated tab and the obturator form a single piece with said container, in a region separate from the neck;

- The container consists of a body and a separate cover, the latter being traversed by said orifice and comprising the articulated tab provided with the shutter for said orifice;

- The cover being produced from a plastic film, the articulated tab and the shutter form a single piece with said film;

- The container comprises a body formed by two concave parts facing each other;

- The container comprises a body formed by a flat part and a concave part;

- The container comprises a body having at least one flat part intended to constitute a base by which said container can be placed in stable equilibrium;

- The articulated leg is provided with means for connecting to said container intended to be annihilated by breakage during the first opening of the shutter of said container;

- the container being formed from a plastic film in one piece, and comprising at least one outer part of cardboard or other similar material, the articulated tab is formed by a part of said film; the container being formed of two independent parts of cardboard or other similar material secured by a film of synthetic material applied, in one piece, over the entire inner surface of said parts and over the interval separating them to form a hinge between them, the articulated leg is formed by a part of said film;

- one of the parts made of cardboard or other similar material has a passage for the neck made of synthetic material;

- Each of the parts made of cardboard or other similar material has a flat part in the hinge area, intended to constitute, together, a base by which the container can be placed in stable equilibrium;

The subject of the invention is also a method for obtaining a container traversed by an internal orifice with a protruding neck and secured to a shutter for repetitive use located on a tab articulated to said container, characterized in that it consists at :

- producing said container by thermoforming a film of synthetic material,

- make an articulated tab integral with said container, in a separate area from the neck,

- producing a shutter on said articulated tab having a cylindrical part,

- drill a pilot hole in said container,

- Simultaneously form the orifice by calibrating the pilot hole and a smooth neck internally and externally, projecting around the entire periphery of said orifice, said neck having a height at least equal to that of the cylindrical part of the shutter.

According to other characteristics of this process:

- the container being formed of at least two parts facing each other, the orifice is made entirely on a part of said container and the tab articulated entirely on another constituent part, and not partially on one of these parts and partially on the other;

the container being formed of at least two parts facing each other, the orifice and the articulated tab are produced on the same constituent part of said container, and not partially on one of these parts, and partially on the other;

the container having at least one flat part, the orifice is entirely made in said flat part;

- The hole is made using a calibrated heating punch, engaged in the pilot hole;

- A groove is made around the entire periphery of the shutter, said groove being intended to cover the smooth neck projecting from the orifice;

- a groove with a width slightly less than the thickness of the neck is provided;

- the folding tab and the shutter came from forming with the container;

- to form the container:

* the body of said container is produced,

* a separate cover is made of said body, by thermoforming a film of synthetic material,

* said seal is secured to the body in a region separate from the smooth neck;

* the articulated leg and the shutter are produced in part of said film,

* the pilot hole is drilled in said cover;

- At least one flat part is provided on the container, intended to constitute a base by which it can be placed in stable equilibrium;

- Provision is made for connecting means between the articulated leg and the container, said connecting means being intended to be annihilated by breakage during the first opening of the shutter;

- To form the container, a film of synthetic material is applied by thermoforming to at least one cardboard or other similar material element and the articulated tab formed from said film is produced;

- to form the container:

* we juxtapose two cardboard or other elements analogous material,

* said elements are joined by thermoforming a film of synthetic material over the entire interior surface of said elements and over the interval remaining between them to constitute a hinge,

* the articulated leg and the shutter are produced in a part of said film; the plastic film is allowed to protrude at the periphery of the container, except at the hinge, to form margins intended to be assembled two by two by heat sealing or the like;

- An opening is made in one of the elements of cardboard or other similar material and in the film is made, through said opening, the orifice provided with a smooth neck (224) over its entire periphery;

- There is provided on each of the parts of cardboard or other similar material, a flat part in the region of the hinge intended to constitute, together, a base by which the container can be placed in stable equilibrium.

The invention will be better understood from the detailed description below. Of course, the description and the drawing are given for information only and are not limitative.

- Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a container according to the invention, showing said container after thermoforming in its manufacturing mold and before the completion of the filling and emptying orifice;

- Figures 2a, 2b. and 2ç_ are enlarged partial schematic views of a container according to the invention, showing the different stages of production of the filling and emptying orifice; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the container of Figure 1 provided with a filling and emptying orifice, showing said container before assembly of the body; - Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of the container of Figure 3 after forming the body, showing said container in the open position;

- Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the container of Figure 4 in the closed position;

- Figure 6 is a partial schematic sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Figure 5 and showing connecting means making integral, before use, the articulated leg and the container for warranty purposes;

- Figure 7 is a partial schematic sectional view showing the connecting means of Figure 6 after the first opening of the orifice;

- Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a container according to the invention, showing said container after thermoforming in its manufacturing mold and before making the filling and emptying orifice;

- Figure 9 is a schematic detail view of the area of the articulated leg of the container of Figure 8, showing the synthetic film before thermoforming; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the container of Figure 8 provided with a filling and emptying orifice, showing said container before assembly of the body;

- Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view of the container of Figure 10 after forming the body, showing said container in the open position;

- Figure 12 is a schematic detail view of the closure zone of the container of Figure 11, showing the positioning of the shutter and the filling and emptying orifice before closing;

- Figure 13 is a schematic sectional view of the container of Figure 11, showing the container in the closed position; - Figure 14 is a schematic detail view of the closure zone of the container of Figure 13, showing the positioning of the shutter and the filling and emptying orifice in the closed position;

- Figures 15 to 18 are schematic sectional views illustrating other embodiments of the container according to the invention;

- Figure 19 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a container formed of a body and a cover which is fixed to said body and which comprises an orifice and a shutter;

- Figure 20 is a schematic sectional view of a container according to the invention having outer cardboard shells, showing said container after thermoforming in its manufacturing mold and before the completion of the filling and emptying orifice;

- Figure 21 is a schematic sectional view of the container of Figure 20 provided with a filling and emptying orifice, showing said container in the open position;

- Figure 22 is a schematic sectional view of the container of Figure 21 in the closed position.

Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment of a container according to the invention as well as the different steps for obtaining said container.

According to this embodiment, a container 1 is produced in one piece, from a plastic film 2 by thermoforming in a mold 4 provided with suction channels 6, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1.

Also, in a first step, the body 10 of the container 1 is first produced by forming two concave parts 12 and 14 as well as an articulated tab 16 formed from the part 12 and provided with a shutter 18. The two concave parts 12 and 14 are joined by one of their edges and the film of synthetic material constitutes, in this area, a hinge 15. The shutter 18 comprises a cylindrical part 30 and a frustoconical end 32, the cylindrical part 30 contributing to the sealing of the shutter as explained below.

Then, in a step subsequent to demolding, a filling and emptying orifice 20 is produced on the body 10 in a zone distinct from the edges of the concave parts which form reliefs. To do this and as illustrated in FIG. 2a, a pilot hole 22 is drilled in the face 14a. from the part 14 of the body, in a zone facing the shutter 18 after folding the articulated tab 16 towards the part 14. The chosen surface is advantageously flat.

The orifice itself is then formed by passing a heating punch 24 through the pilot hole 22, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2b. The heating punch 24 is calibrated to the internal diameter which the orifice 20 must ultimately have.

Given the thermoplastic properties of film 2, the edges of said film 2 are deformed according to the passage of the punch 24 to create, simultaneously with the orifice 20, a neck 26 which is continuously smooth internally and externally (FIG. 2).

Figure 3 shows the part from the process described above. In the present case, margins 28 have been provided on the edges of each of the parts 12 and 14, during the thermoforming step. To constitute the body 10 of the container 1, the two parts 12 and 14 are assembled according to the arrow FI and the margins 28 are joined in pairs, for example by heat sealing, the parts 12 and 14 facing each other by their concavity. Note that the smooth neck 26 is located far from the margins 28 and, in particular, that it is not created partially on the part 12 and partially on the part 14, so that it is not crossed by the plane of seal margins 28. Depending on the demand and the type of product to be packaged, the product is introduced into the container either before parts 12 and 14 are joined, or after these parts are joined; through hole 20.

Figures 4 and 5 show the container 1 respectively in the open position and the closed position. It can be seen that in order to close the filling and emptying orifice 20, the articulated tab 16 secured to the part 12 is folded down towards the part 14 according to arrow F2. The frusto-conical end 32 of the obturator 18 is then introduced into the orifice 20 and pressure is exerted on it to push it in until the cylindrical part 30 comes into contact with the smooth neck 26.

The obturation thus obtained is completely waterproof thanks on the one hand to the presence of the cylindrical part 30 of the obturator 18 whose height hl is at least equal to the height hl 'of the smooth neck 26. In addition , the outside diameter âl of the cylindrical part 30 is substantially equal to the inside diameter d2 of the smooth neck 26 and on the other hand, thanks to the contact between synthetic material and synthetic material that is created between said cylindrical part 30 and the neck 26.

Conversely, to open the container, the user lifts the articulated tab 16 in the direction of the arrow F3 to extract the shutter 18 from the orifice 20.

According to the invention, the consumer can take the product in small quantities from the container and close the latter with an excellent seal each time.

One can also provide a guarantee strip initially placed on the shutter 18 or a real seal thereof, so that the user, at the time of purchase, can see whether the content is intact or not. Sealing is called an operation which ensures that the container has not already been opened.

Here, this guarantee can be given by connection means initially making the articulated lug 16 provided with the shutter 18 integral with the body 10 of the container 1, these connection means then being annihilated during the first opening of the orifice 20, as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the free end 16a is made. of the articulated lug 16 secured to the face 14a. of the body 10 in which the orifice 20 has already been made, far from the latter and from the smooth neck 26. To do this, at least one weld point 40 is created which causes deformation towards the interior of the container 1 by relative to the face 14a./ by applying in a localized and relatively rapid manner, a sufficient source of heat, taking into account the characteristics of the material constituting the container. This operation, carried out after filling and closing the container with the shutter 18, fixes the end 16a. at face 14a ,.

Taking into account the characteristics of the film from which the container is made, when the consumer opens the orifice 20 for the first time (by exerting on the articulated tab 16, a movement according to the arrow F3), the tab 16 breaks around each weld spot 40 which remains on the face 14a, _/ as illustrated in FIG. 7. This results in a hole 42 in the free end 16a. of the articulated leg 16,

Thus, the presence of a hole 42 in the articulated lug 16 and the absence of breakage when the end 16a is raised _. show that the shutter 18 has already been removed from the orifice 20 and that the contents may therefore have been damaged or have already been removed.

It should be noted that the sealing is used here only for inviolability and does not participate in any way in the initial closure of the container as in subsequent closings. So this is completely different from certain known containers which are only leaktight by sealing, which means that the seal disappears as soon as it is opened for the first time.

Furthermore, it can be noted in FIGS. 4 and 5 that the shape of the constituent parts 12 and 14 chosen in the example given here is particularly advantageous. Indeed, these have flat parts 12b and 14b., In the region of the hinge 15, which together constitute a base allowing the container 1 to be placed in stable equilibrium.

In the example which has just been described, the articulated tab 16 provided with the shutter 18 and the filling and emptying orifice 20, are located on constituent parts 12 and 14 different from the body 10, and not partially on the two parts 12 and 14.

However, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, described below, provision can be made for the articulated lug and the orifice to be on the same constitutive part of the body of the container, since the orifice and its neck , at least, are not partially on two parts at the same time, crossed by the parting line because this arrangement would be opposed to obtaining a good seal of the successive obturations.

Also, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen that a container 50 is formed from a synthetic film 52 by thermoforming in a mold 54 having a plurality of suction channels 56.

The body 60 of the container 50 is formed by two concave parts 62 and 64 joined by one of their edges and the film 52 constitutes, in this zone, a hinge 65.

There is also produced with the body 60, an articulated lug 66 coming from the forming of the part 64 and provided with a shutter 68. FIG. 9 shows more precisely the position of the film 52 before thermoforming and the structure of the mold 54 in the area of the shutter. Thanks to the presence of the ring 58, there is obtained, after the thermoforming operation, a shutter 68 having on the one hand, a groove 80 defining a cylindrical part 82 and on the other hand, a bottom 84, as can be see it in more detail in Figure 12.

After demolding, a filling and emptying orifice 70 is made in the surface 64a. of the part 64 so that it is in front of the shutter 68 when the articulated tab 66 is folded towards the part 64. It can be noted that, as for the first embodiment described above, a surface is advantageously chosen plane to practice the orifice 70, in a zone separate from the joint plane.

The orifice 70 is produced in a manner analogous to the diagram of FIGS. 2a. _/ 2b and 2c. for the orifice 20, that is to say by first making a pilot hole of small diameter then by calibrating it and simultaneously forming a smooth neck 76 by passing a heating punch through this pilot hole.

Figure 8 shows the part obtained at the end of the above steps. Margins 78 have been provided during thermoforming, on each of the sides of parts 62 and 64, except of course, at the level of hinge 65. Parts 62 and 64 are joined together according to arrow F4 and margins 78 are secured two to two, for example by heat sealing, to form the body 60 of the container 50. A container is thus obtained as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13.

To close the filling and emptying orifice 70, the articulated tab 66 is folded towards the part 64 of the body 60 of the container 50, in the direction of the arrow F5, and the part 82-84 of the shutter 68 is introduced. in said orifice 70. Referring to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the shape and dimensions of the shutter 68 are determined as a function of the orifice 70 so that the shutter 68 comes to cover the smooth neck 76 to ensure correct sealing. .

Indeed, the height h2 of the cylindrical part 82 defined by the groove 80 is substantially equal to the height h_2 'of the smooth neck 76.

In addition, to obtain the desired seal, the width 1. of the groove 80 is provided slightly less than the thickness e. of the film 52 forming the neck 76.

Finally, the part 82-84 of the shutter 68 intended to enter the filling and emptying orifice 70 has a slightly frustoconical shape and the outside diameter d3 of the bottom 84 is substantially equal to the inside diameter d4 of the neck 76. L adjustment of the diameters d3 and d4 facilitates the entry of the shutter 68 into the neck 76. Then, as it progresses, the shutter 68 exerts on the neck 76 an outward push of the orifice 70 which, taking into account in addition the elastic properties of the film 52, deforms radially.

The closed position is detailed in FIG. 14 and it can be seen that the neck 76 abuts in the bottom of the groove 80. In this case, the smooth neck 76 is forced into the groove 80 since the thickness e_ of the film is slightly greater than the width 1_ of the groove 80, which leads to a very good seal. The insertion of the neck 76 into the groove 80 is possible thanks to the fact that this neck 76 is smooth internally and externally, which allows it to slide against the two opposite faces of the groove 80.

In addition, there is a contact of synthetic material against synthetic material between the neck 76 and the cylindrical intermediate portion 82, which also contributes to the good sealing of the closure. As indicated in FIG. 13, to open the container, the shutter 68 is removed from the orifice 70 by exerting a movement according to arrow F6 on the articulated tab 66.

According to the invention, the closing and opening operations can be repeated as many times as necessary, each time obtaining a very good seal.

It is also possible to provide an initial guarantee strip placed on the shutter 68 or connecting means initially making the articulated lug 66 and the part 64 of the body 60 integral and annihilated during the first opening of the orifice 70, as described above. with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the same observations as those mentioned above being applicable here.

FIGS. 11 and 13 also show that the container 50 can be placed in stable equilibrium thanks to the presence of the flat surfaces 62b and 64b provided on the constituent parts of the body 60, in the region of the hinge 65.

In the two examples which have just been described, the body 10-60 of the container 1-50 is formed of two concave parts 12-14 and 62-64 joined together facing each other by their concavity. However, the invention is not limited to this type of container and it is, of course, possible to provide an articulated tab provided with a shutter as well as a filling and emptying orifice, on a container having a body. in a single game.

Likewise, the body of the container can take quite varied forms, but the presence of at least one flat surface to form a base allowing it to be placed in stable equilibrium is particularly advantageous.

Figures 15 to 18 illustrate other embodiments of the invention and we can see on these figures that the body of the container, produced as above from a thermoplastic film 100, is formed of a bottom 102 and a cover 104 joined by one of their edges, the film 100 constituting a hinge in this area assembly. The body is formed by securing the cover 104 to the bottom 102 (according to arrow F7), by any known means.

These figures show, moreover, the different possible positions on the one hand, of the filling and emptying orifice and on the other hand, of the articulated leg provided with a shutter for said orifice, for the same container.

Thus, in the case of FIGS. 15 and 16, the filling and emptying orifice, respectively 116 and 140, is made in the cover 104, after the thermoforming operation in the manner shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2a, 2b. and 2ç_, by forming a smooth neck 118 and 142 respectively located far from the fixing area of the cover 104 on the bottom 102.

The container 111 of FIG. 15 has an articulated lug 106 secured to the cover 104 while the container 113 of FIG. 16 is provided with an articulated lug 126 secured to the bottom 102.

In both cases, the articulated leg 106-126 is provided with a shutter 108-128 and it can be seen that the shape of the latter differs depending on whether the articulated leg 106 and the orifice 116 are located on the same constitutive part 104 of the body or depending on whether the articulated tab 126 and the orifice 140 are located on separate parts, respectively 102 and 104, of the same body.

Indeed, for the container 111 in FIG. 15, the shape and the dimensions of the shutter 108 are determined as in the case of the shutter 68, that is to say that it comprises a groove 110 defining a cylindrical part 112 and a bottom 114. When the articulated tab 106 is folded towards the cover 104 (according to arrow F8), the shutter 108 covers the smooth neck 118 which is finally in abutment in the bottom of the groove 110, as explained with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14.

For the container 113 of FIG. 16, the shutter 128 is of the type of the shutter 18 previously described, that is to say that it comprises a cylindrical part 130 and a frustoconical end 132. When the flap is folded the articulated tab 126 towards the cover 104 (according to the arrow F9), the frustoconical end 132 enters the orifice 140 and the cylindrical part 130 comes into contact with the smooth neck 142, as indicated for the container in FIGS. 4 and 5.

If one refers to FIGS. 17 and 18, one sees that this time, the filling and emptying orifice, respectively 116 ′ and 140 ′, is made (as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2a., 2b and 2ç_), in the bottom 102 of the container, respectively 115 and 117.

In the case of FIG. 17, the articulated leg 106 'is integral with the bottom 102 and is provided with a shutter 108' which has a groove 110 ', defining a cylindrical part 112', and a bottom 114 '. Thus, when the hinged leg 106 'is folded down towards the bottom 102 (according to arrow F10), the neck 116' abuts in the bottom of the groove 110 ', as explained above with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14.

In the case of FIG. 18, the articulated leg is, on the contrary, integral with the cover 104 and has a shutter 128 '(similar to the shutters 18 and 128) comprising a cylindrical part 130' and a frustoconical bottom 132 '. This time, to close the orifice 140 ', the articulated tab 128' is folded down towards the bottom 102 of the container 117 according to the arrow Wire and the cylindrical part 130 'comes into contact with the smooth neck 142'.

It should be noted that, in the examples given here, the containers are made in one piece by thermoforming and this is in particular for cost reasons molds and ease of molding that one chooses one or the other type of shutter (18-128-128 'or 68-108-108') according to its positioning relative to the filling orifice and emptying, as can be understood by referring to Figures 1 and 8.

FIG. 19 illustrates, for its part, a container 150 made up of two independent parts, namely a body 152 such as a tray and a cover 154.

This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the use of pre-existing and standardized bodies, made of synthetic or other material, by various methods. In this case, the cover 154 is secured to the body 152 by any known means, for example by heat sealing on margins 153 provided for this purpose, as illustrated by the arrows F12.

The cover 154 is produced by thermoforming a film of synthetic material and there is practiced in this, a filling and / or emptying orifice 156 having a smooth neck 158 projecting around its entire periphery, according to the diagram. Figures 2a., 2b _. and 2ç_.

An articulated tab 160 has come from forming with the cover 154. It is provided with a shutter 162 (similar to shutters 68, 108 and 108 ') which has a groove 164 defining a cylindrical part 166, and a bottom 168.

In this case, to close the orifice 156, the articulated tab 160 is folded towards the latter according to arrow F13, by pivoting around a hinge 170 provided on the cover 154. As a result, the groove 164 comes to cover the neck 158 which penetrates therein until it stops in its bottom and the cylindrical part 166 comes into contact with said neck 158.

The invention is not limited to containers produced solely from a film of synthetic material, as in the aforementioned cases. Figures 20 to 22 illustrate for example the manufacture of a container 190 from a synthetic film provided on its outer face with cardboard elements.

In this case, two cardboard shells 202 and 204 are placed in the bottom of a mold 200. Then, a synthetic film 206 is applied by thermoforming on these two shells. Also, the film 206 also forms two shells 208 and 210 covering the interior surfaces of the cardboard elements 202 and 204. The film 206 also covers the gap remaining between them, to constitute a hinge 205.

An articulated lug 212 is also provided integral with the part 204-210. In the case considered here, it came from forming in one piece with the film 206.

The articulated lug 212 comprises a shutter 214 similar to the shutters 68-108-108 ', that is to say that it has a groove 216 defining a cylindrical part 218 and a bottom 220.

After demolding, a filling and emptying orifice 222 is produced in one of the two constituent parts of the body of the container 190, here part 204-210. To do this, an opening 225 is optionally provided in the cardboard element 204 in the area where we want to practice the orifice, and we proceed as explained above with reference to Figures 2a, _/ 2b and 2ç_, through this passage. The orifice 222 is thus formed with a smooth neck 224 projecting around its entire periphery, beyond the cardboard shell 204.

The two parts 202-208 and 204-210 are then joined together to constitute the body proper and the container 190 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is obtained.

To close the filling and emptying orifice 222, the articulated tab 212 is folded towards the part 204-210 (according to arrow F14) and the shutter 214 is introduced into the orifice 222, the smooth neck 224 abutting in the bottom of the groove 216, as explained above. Figure 22 shows the container in the closed position.

The dimensions of the shutter 214 are adapted, as described above, to those of the orifice 222, and the absence of cardboard in the shutter zone makes it possible to obtain a very good seal, in a manner analogous to cases. already cited.

To open the container 190 again, it suffices to remove the articulated tab 212 in the direction of the arrow F15.

These opening and closing operations can be repeated as many times as desired, always obtaining a very good seal.

The fact that the container has an outer cardboard surface has advantages in indicating the characteristics of the content, its mode of use, its applications, the precautions for use, etc.

The film 206 may, at the level of the body of the container, be only partially covered with cardboard.

Whatever the embodiment chosen, the invention is particularly suitable for the packaging of flowable products such as liquids, powders, granules, etc. because it ^" allows to reach an excellent level of tightness in parallel with the possibility of successive openings and closings. It therefore allows to take the contents in small quantities and to close the container tightly, after each use.

The invention is also particularly advantageous with regard to the concern for preserving the environment because, not only is it possible to adopt a recyclable material but also, the manufacturing process by thermoforming allows obtaining single-material articles with reduced thickness walls, which saves material.

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Claims

R E VE ND I C A T I O N S

1 / Container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190) crossed by an orifice (20; 70; 116; 140; 116 '; 140'; 156; 222) inside a protruding neck ( 26; 76; 118; 142; 118 '; 142'; 158; 224) and integral with a shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108 *; 128 '; 162; 214) for repetitive use located on a leg articulated (16; 66; 106; 126; 106 '; 126'; 160; 212) to said container, characterized in that the neck is cylindrical, smooth internally and externally and is isolated, that is to say located on the containing far from any other relief, the shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108 '; 128'; 162; 214) being connected to the container proper, and not to the neck, and having a cylindrical part (30; 82 ; 112; 130; 112 '; 130'; 166; 218) of height (hl; h2) at least equal to that (h'1; h'2) of the neck (26; 76; 118; 142; 118 '; 142 '; 158; 224), the shutter / neck contact being of the synthetic material versus synthetic material type.

2 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that the shutter (68; 108; 108 '; 162; 214) has around its entire periphery, a groove (80; 110; 110'; 164; 216) intended to cap the smooth neck (76; 118; 118 '; 158; 224) projecting around the periphery of the orifice (70; 116; 116'; 156; 222), said neck (76; 118; 118 '; 158; 224 ) Advantageously in the closed position, to be in abutment at the bottom of said groove (80; 110; 110 '; 164; 216).

3 / container according to claim 2, characterized in that the width (2.) of the groove (80; 110; 110 ';164; 216) is slightly less than the thickness (e.) Of the neck (76; 118 ; 118 ';158; 224). 4 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that said container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 190) being made of synthetic material, the articulated leg (16; 66; 106; 126; 106 *; 126 '; 212) and the shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108'; 128 '; 214) form a single piece with the said container, in a zone separate from the neck.

5 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of a body (152) and a separate cover (154), the latter being traversed by said orifice (156) and comprising the articulated tab (160 ) provided with the shutter (162) for said orifice (156).

6 / container according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover (154) being produced from a plastic film, the articulated tab (160) and the shutter (162) form a single piece with said film .

7 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a body (10; 60) formed of two concave parts (12-14; 62-64) facing each other.

8 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a body formed by a flat part (104; 154) and a concave part (102; 152).

9 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a body (10; 60) having at least one flat part (12b-14b; 62b-64b) intended to constitute a base by which said container (1; 50 ) can be placed in stable equilibrium.

10 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated leg (16) is provided with connecting means (40) to said container (1) intended to be annihilated by breakage (according to arrow F3) during the first opening of the shutter (18) of said container

11 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that said container (190) being formed at from a plastic film (206) in one piece, and comprising at least one outer part of cardboard (202-204) or other similar material, the articulated tab (212) consists of a part of said film (206 ).

12 / container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (190) being formed of two independent parts of cardboard (202-204) or other similar material secured by a film (206) of synthetic material applied, in one piece , over the entire inner surface (208-210) of said parts and over the interval separating them to form a hinge (205) therebetween, the articulated tab (212) consists of a part of said film (206).

13 / container according to any one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that one of the cardboard parts (204) or other similar material has a passage (225) for the neck (224) of synthetic material.

14 / container according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the cardboard parts (202-204) or other similar material has a flat part in the region of the hinge (205), intended to constitute, together, a base by which the container (190) can be placed in stable equilibrium.

15 / Method for obtaining a container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190) through which an orifice (20; 70; 116; 140; 116 '; 140'; 156; 222 ) inside a protruding neck (26; 76; 118; 142; 118 '; 142'; 158; 224) and integral with a shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108 '; 128'; 162; 214 ) for repetitive use located on an articulated leg (16; 66; 106; 126; 106 '; 126'; 160; 212) said container characterized in that it consists of:

- making said container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190), by thermoforming a film (2; 52; 206) of synthetic material, - make an articulated leg (16; 66; 106; 126; 106 *; 126 ';160; 212) integral with said container, in a zone separate from the neck,

- Make on said articulated leg (16; 66; 106; 126; 106 '; 126'; 160; 212), a shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108 '; 128'; 162; 214) having .a cylindrical part (30; 82; 112; 130; 112 '; 130'; 166; 218),

- drill a pilot hole (22) in said container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190),

- simultaneously form the orifice (20; 70; 116; 140; 116 ';140';156; 222) by calibrating the pilot hole (22) and a neck (26; 76; 118; 142; 118 '; 142 ^” ; 158; 224) smooth internally and externally, projecting around the entire periphery of said orifice (20; 70; 116; 140; 116 ';140';156; 222), said collar (26; 76; 118; 142; 118 ';142';158; 224) having a height (h * l; h'2) at least equal to that (hl; h2) of the cylindrical part (30; 82; 112; 130; 112 '; 130 ';166; 218) of the shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108'; 128 ';162; 214).

16 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the container (1; 113; 117) being formed of at least two parts (12-14; 102-104) facing each other, the orifice (20; 140; 140 ') entirely on a part (14; 104; 102) of said container (1; 113; 117) and the articulated leg (16; 126; 126') entirely on another constituent part (12; 102; 104) , and not partially on one of these parts and partially on the other.

17 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the container (50; 111; 115; 150; 190) being formed of at least two parts (62-64; 102-104; 152-154; 202, 208- 204, 210) facing each other, the orifice (70; 116; 116 ';162; 214) and the articulated tab (66; 106; 106';160; 212) are produced on the same component part (64; 104 ; 102; 154; 204-210) of said container (50; 111; 115; 150; 190), and not partially on one of these parts and partially on the other.

18 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190) having at least one flat part (14a ,; 64a .; 104; 154), practice the orifice (20; 70; 116; 140; 116 '; 140'; 156; 222) entirely in said flat part.

19 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the orifice (20; 70; 116; 140; 116 '; 140'; 156; 222) is produced by means of a calibrated heating punch (24), engaged in the pilot hole (22).

20 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that there is provided a groove (80; 110; 110 ';164; 216) around the entire periphery of the shutter (68; 108; 108';162; 214) , said groove (80; 110; 110 ^" ; 164; 216) being intended to cover the smooth neck (76; 118; 118 ';158; 224) projecting from the orifice (70; 116; 116';156; 222).

21 / A method according to claim 20, characterized in that there is provided a groove (80; 110; 110 '; 164; 216) of width (1.) slightly less than the thickness (e) of the neck (76; 118; 118 '; 158; 224).

22 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the folding tab (16; 66; 106; 126; 106 '; 126'; 160; 212) and the shutter (18; 68; 108; 128; 108 '; 128 '; 162; 214) came from the container (1; 50; 111; 113; 115; 117; 150; 190).

23 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that to form the container (150):

- the body (152) of said container (150) is produced,

a seal (154) separate from said body (152) is produced, by thermoforming a film of synthetic material,

- said cover (154) is secured to the body (152) in a region separate from the smooth neck (76; 118; 118 ';158; 224), the articulated leg (160) and the obτ.?. -rator (162) are produced in a part of said. "ilm,

- The pilot hole is drilled in said cover (154).

24 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that flood is provided at least. a flat part (12b_-14b; 62b-64b_) on the container (1; 50), intended to constitute a base by which it can be placed in stable equilibrium.

25 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that there is provided connecting means (40) between the articulated leg (16) and the container (1), said connecting means (40) being intended to be annihilated by breakage when the shutter (18) is opened for the first time.

26 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that to form the container (190) is applied by thermoforming a film (208-210) of synthetic material on at least one cardboard element (202-204) or other similar material and the articulated tab (212) formed from said film (208-210) is produced.

27 / A method according to claim 15, characterized in that to form the container (190):

- two elements made of cardboard (202-204) or other similar material are juxtaposed,

- Said elements (202-204) are joined by thermoforming a film (208-210) of synthetic material over the entire inner surface of said elements (202-204) and over the interval between them to form a hinge (205 ), the articulated tab (212) and the shutter (214) are produced in a part of said film (208-210).

28 / A method according to claim 27, characterized in that the film (2; 52) made of synthetic material is allowed to protrude at the periphery of the container (1; 50), except at the level of the hinge (15; 65), for constitute margins (28; 78) intended to be assembled two by two by heat sealing or the like.

29 / A method according to claim 27, characterized in that an opening (225) is made in one of the elements of cardboard (204) or other similar material and produced in the film (210), through said opening (225), the orifice (222) provided with a smooth neck (224) over its entire periphery.

30 / A method according to claim 27, characterized in that there is provided on each of the cardboard parts (202-204) or other similar material, a flat part in the area of the hinge (205) intended to constitute, together, a base by which the container (190) can be placed in stable equilibrium.

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