EP1072527A1 - Package for viscous products with increased rate of emptying - Google Patents

Abstract

The container consists of a flexible tube (2) made from a thermoplastic, aluminium or tin, containing a product in liquid or paste form, surmounted by a shoulder (8) with a rigid threaded neck (10) closed by a cap (6). The neck has two or more slits along its whole length from the shoulder to its open end allowing the neck to open when a pressure is applied to opposite sides (8a, 8b) of the shoulder, so that remnants of the product can be extracted from beneath the shoulder. To facilitate bending, the shoulder has zones of reduced thickness lying in the same plane as the neck slits.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging for a product of liquid to pasty consistency contained in a compressible container allowing emptying almost all of the product it contains.

Indeed, frequently, the user wishing to use a consistency product more or less viscous contained in a compressible container of the vial type, vial-tube or tube, finds that at the end of use, there is still some product in the recipient. Such a residual product is impossible to remove by simple compression of the container. Generally, the rate of return of product packaged in a such container depends on the rheology of the product, and is about 85% to 90% of the whole product.

It has been found that some consumers try to open the container using a cutting tool, to access the product remaining inside, in particular when it is a cosmetic product, the price of which is often high.

Different solutions have already been proposed to minimize the rate of product remaining in the container at the end of use.

Thus, we know from document WO-A-96/26120, a flexible tube provided with a head distribution consisting of a concave shoulder. A distribution collar emerging from the center of the concavity is closable by a closure cap. However, this conditioning has the disadvantage that, in particular in the case of tubes, flasks or vials-tubes made of plastic material and having a non-deformable orifice, it remains inaccessible in the head of the tank, a relatively large amount of product. In addition, the configuration of the proposed tube head requires an excessively long neck, trapping more product and having an unattractive appearance. Such a configuration can hardly suit a tube for the packaging of product, in particular cosmetic, and is totally inappropriate for the realization of vials or vial-tubes.

We also know from document EP-A-0 845 421, a dispensing head mounted on a compressible container, this head comprising a plurality of thinner areas, allowing diametrical crushing of the head distribution. Although this distribution head makes it possible to compress the channel of distribution of the product, it cannot solve the problem of using almost all of the product. Indeed, residual product always remains trapped in the vicinity of the substantially rigid shoulder formed between the head of the tube and its side wall flexible.

Furthermore, document GB-A-830,695 describes a bottle provided with a mouthpiece. closable with a screw cap. The tip has two incisions parallel to a central axis of the tip, able to move apart in response to the push of the product to distribute. This device does not compress the channel distribution, and cannot solve the problem of using almost all of the product.

In addition, document NL-A-6 402 615 relates to a device making it possible to reduce an accidental internal overpressure of a bottle. To this end, shallow incisions, for example in the form of a "V ii" _, are made on the free edge of the bottle neck. An elastic washer is disposed at the bottom of a screw cap, so as to close said neck in the closed position of the bottle. When an overpressure occurs, the overpressure prevailing inside the bottle pushes the washer away from the incision area, allowing the overpressure to escape. These incisions are in no way capable of solving the problem posed by the present invention.

The invention aims to provide a new packaging which makes it possible to access the product retained at the end of use, especially under the shoulders which is provided with a compressible reservoir, and which, in particular, cannot be distributed by compression of the tank body.

• un réservoir pour le produit, formé par un corps compressible, surmonté d'un épaulement ;
• un col rigide présentant un axe longitudinal, raccordé audit épaulement, et pourvu d'un passage de distribution du produit, dont un bord libre délimite une ouverture communiquant avec l'intérieur du réservoir ; et
• un capuchon, apte à fermer ladite ouverture.

Also, the subject of the invention is a product packaging, in particular of liquid to pasty consistency, comprising:

• a reservoir for the product, formed by a compressible body, surmounted by a shoulder;
• a rigid neck having a longitudinal axis, connected to said shoulder, and provided with a product distribution passage, of which a free edge delimits an opening communicating with the interior of the reservoir; and
• a cap, capable of closing said opening.

According to the invention, said neck has at least two slots extending over substantially the entire height of the neck and opening onto said opening. So, when a radial compression is exerted on two diametrical zones of the shoulder, said slots move apart, so as to bring said areas closer together compression, and to favor the expulsion of the residual product located at the neighborhood of the shoulder.

In addition, said slots are capable of opening in the form of a "V". This provision allows the user to access the residual product, trapped, in particular, in the neck and below the shoulder. In this way, the user can, on the one hand, expel by compression of the reservoir part of the product remaining at inside the tank. On the other hand, it allows the neck to be opened such that the user can access the inside of the tank and collect the rest of the product, using a spatula or cotton swab, or using a finger. Of tests carried out by the applicant have shown that, in this way, the rate of product return can be increased. According to tests, the rate of refund is between about 95% and about 97% of the total amount of product, which is very satisfactory.

Furthermore, this arrangement allows the user to visually check, the rate tank emptying. This arrangement also makes it possible to reduce the volume occupied by the tank at the end of use, and therefore to compact it and minimize its size.

Advantageously, the present packaging is configured so that said radial compression can be carried out perpendicular to the orientation of minus one of the slots. This provision thus makes it possible to deliver the slots in contiguous position, and to favor the repositioning of the cap on the tank neck.

Preferably, the neck has at least two diametrically opposite slots.

Among the products intended to be packaged in the device, subject of the present invention, there may be mentioned, in particular, beauty creams, complexion, gels, adhesives or sealants, artist paints, products food such as mayonnaise, etc.

Preferably, the reservoir is shaped into a tube, a bottle-tube or a bottle. This tank can be made of one or more thermoplastic materials or, especially in the case of a tube, made of a flexible metal, such as aluminum or tin.

By the term "tube" is meant a container of generally cylindrical body a first end of which forms a bottom along a closing line, obtained in particular by pinching followed by folding or welding. The second end is integral with a dispensing head comprising a shoulder provided with a neck and provided with a closable dispensing orifice.

By the term "bottle-tube" is meant a container of cross section not cylindrical, the bottom of which is formed by a closing line, obtained in particular, molding or pinching followed by folding or welding. The side opposite bottom forms a dispensing head, comprising a shoulder provided with a neck and provided with a closable dispensing orifice.

By the term "bottle" is meant a container whose body has a upper end comprising a shoulder surmounted by a collar provided with a closable dispensing orifice. The opposite side consists of a flat bottom, allowing the bottle to stand upright on a support.

Advantageously, and this in particular for economic reasons, it is preferred the realization of the tank in a thermoplastic material such as high and low density polyethylenes, polypropene, polyesters thermoplastics (polypropene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc.) or polyvinyl chloride.

According to a variant, in particular when it is a tube, the shoulder can be made of a flexible material, overmolded with the neck, if necessary, on the body of the tank. This tank body can be made up of a multi-layer complex plastic or plastic / metal.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, said shoulder comprises at least a preferential folding zone, consisting in particular of at least one zone of less thickness. This preferential folding zone advantageously extends to from at least one of said slots, between said neck and a peripheral edge of the shoulder.

Preferably, said preferential folding zone extends over the entire width of the shoulder. More particularly, said preferential folding zone can be located in a plane containing two diametrically opposite slots of the neck.

According to another possibility, the preferential folding zone extends all around the base of neck.

Indeed, the realization of at least one preferential folding zone on the shoulder, promotes the diametrical compression of the upper portion of the container, at the end of use. Such a preferential folding zone can be produced straight, angled or curved. Advantageously, such an area of preferential folding can be achieved by weakening by a smaller portion thickness of the shoulder. In this case, the portion of lesser thickness can present in the form of a groove, produced on the external face and / or on the inside face of the shoulder.

Advantageously, a plurality of preferential folding zones are produced on the shoulder, possibly of a different type.

According to a preferred embodiment, the slots are obtained by cutting, using a blade, especially a thin one. In this case, the slots are substantially contiguous, in the mounted position of the cap on the neck. Advantageously, the slots have an axial orientation.

Alternatively, it is possible to make the slots during the molding of the neck, in which case the slots are not entirely contiguous. However, a tank with a neck with slightly open slits, may be suitable for packaging of a relatively viscous or pasty product.

Advantageously, the neck comprises fixing means, able to cooperate with complementary means formed on the cap. Generally, we prefers a screw closure with a helical thread, but a click system or any other suitable system may also be suitable.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the packaging can be designed to be reclosable, after opening the neck by spacing the edges delimiting the slots. This can happen when a high rate of product is retained below the shoulder, sufficient for several applications.

If the user wishes to close a container whose neck has been opened by prior separation of the edges of the slots, it is then sufficient to bring these edges together by pinching. Due to the mechanical properties of the material constituting the neck, as a rule, the slots do not close completely. However, after fitting the closure cap, the slots resume their shape initial contiguous or almost contiguous, because they are tightened by the thread of the cap.

To facilitate the replacement of the closure cap, advantageously, the neck has a free end, provided with an external chamfer. In addition, the means for complementary fixing of the cap intended to be mounted on said neck, may have a flared free end, favoring the engagement of the thread of the cap on the thread of the neck.

To further facilitate the replacement of the closure cap, the collar can present a frustoconical external profile, of increasing section in the direction of the tank, the cap having a complementary interior profile. When a screw system is envisaged, in this configuration, the thread of the neck and that of the corresponding cap, have a propeller whose diameter of the turns decreases towards the opening.

In the case of a tube or a bottle-tube, the reservoir has a bottom, obtained for example by molding or pinching, then heat sealing, from one end free from the body on the side opposite the neck.

In the case of a tube bottle, advantageously at least one of the slots in the neck is oriented along a bottom closing line.

In the case of a non-cylindrical container, for example oval, whose cross-section right to its longitudinal axis has a major axis and a minor axis, advantageously, one in the month of the slots is oriented along the major axis of said section.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en élévation d'un ensemble de conditionnement selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, représentant un tube souple ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue de dessus selon la direction II-II de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en perspective de l'ensemble conforme à la figure 1, en fin d'utilisation ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique de dessus, selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 5 est une coupe longitudinale suivant la ligne V-V de la figure 4 ;
• les figures 6 à 8 sont des vues schématiques de dessus, selon d'autres modes de réalisation ;
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique, en élévation d'un ensemble de conditionnement, selon encore un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, représentant un flacon-tube souple.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, of several illustrative and nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view, in elevation of a packaging assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing a flexible tube;
• 2 shows a top view in the direction II-II of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the assembly according to Figure 1, at the end of use;
• Figure 4 is a schematic top view, according to another embodiment;
• Figure 5 is a longitudinal section along the line VV of Figure 4;
• Figures 6 to 8 are schematic views from above, according to other embodiments;
• Figure 9 is a schematic view, in elevation of a packaging assembly, according to yet another embodiment of the invention, showing a flexible bottle-tube.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a packaging unit 1, consisting of a reservoir formed by a tube 2 and a cap 6. The tube 2 comprises a body 4, substantially cylindrical in its upper portion. This upper portion is connected to a frustoconical shoulder 8, which shoulder is surmounted by a neck 10. The neck 10 is provided with an external thread, suitable for cooperate, in the closed position of the assembly, with a complementary thread 13 of the cap 6. The free end of the neck 10 has a chamfer 10a, the role of which is will be explained later. The neck is crossed by a central distribution channel 12, of which a free edge delimits a dispensing opening.

The thread 13 of the cap is produced inside a first cylindrical skirt 15, integral with a cylindrical plate 17, forming the upper face of the cap. The free end 13a of the skirt 15 is flared. The edge of the plate 17 is connected, in turn, to a second skirt 19, concentric with the first, and the diameter corresponds substantially to the diameter of the tube at the shoulder. An annular bead 21, located inside the first skirt 15 serves as a seal when screwing the cap onto the tube.

The tube 4 is closed by a straight bottom 3, along a closing line obtained by pinching, then welding or by folding the lower end 4a of the body 4.

The tube 2 is flexible, that is to say compressible in the area of the body 4, while that the shoulder and the neck are substantially rigid, due to a thicker significant material compared to the thickness of the material forming the body 4. The difference in rigidity between the body and the neck (or shoulder) can result, also, the choice of the nature of the materials, when making a tube complex in two different materials. Preferably, the tube is made of polyethylene or other similar thermoplastic material. More classic, it can be made of aluminum or tin. Body 4, if applicable, can be achieved by a multilayer structure, for example, plastic / metal / plastic.

It follows from the structure which has just been described, that the expulsion of a product, packaged in such a tube, cannot be performed 100%. Indeed, after successive compression of the tube, at the end of use, there remains a relatively important product in the neck, so below the shoulder 8, in general hardly deformable, or only partially deformable. Because of this, up to 15% of the product can remain trapped in the tube.

According to the invention, means are provided for improving the rate of emptying of the tube. Indeed, by slitting the neck 10 in the manner described below, two objectives can be achieved. First, we can make the shoulder more flexible and, thus further compressing the tube in its upper portion. Second, we can widen the dispensing orifice, so as to withdraw, either with a finger or using a spatula or cotton swab, a major part of the product trap. In addition, this provision makes it possible to visually check the rate of emptying. Furthermore, it makes it possible to compact the tube at the end of its life, and therefore to minimize its size.

According to the invention, to improve the emptying rate of the tube, at least one practices two slots in the neck, extending substantially over the entire height of the neck and leading to the opening of the container. Advantageously, the number of slots is 2, 3 or 4, distributed evenly over the cervix. Preferably, we makes at least two diametrically opposite slots.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, two slots 14a, 14b, diametrically opposite, were carried out. Thus, two compression zones 8a, 8b are defined in the vicinity of the shoulder 8 by a plane P (Figure 2), passing through the axis X and perpendicular to a plane passing through the slots 14a, 14b.

The effect of the compression of the tube at the zones 8a and 8b is illustrated on the Figure 3. We see that a compression of the shoulder, symbolized by the arrows F, causes the walls of the body to come together in zones 4b and 4c, or even putting them in contact. Simultaneously, bosses 8c, 8d are formed (see also Figure 2) on the shoulder and a concave depression 4d in the wall of the body 4. During compression, the neck 10 folds into two parts 10b, 10c by opening "V" shaped slots. In this way, the opening 12 of the neck widens, facilitating access to the interior of the tube, in order to withdraw trapped residual product.

At this point, when the tube still contains enough product for several applications, it is desirable to close the tube. To this end, by pressing the zones 8c, 8d, and / or 10b and 10c, the two parts 10b, 10c come together noticeably. By placing the flared end 13a of the cap with a slight axial pressure on the chamfered edge 10a of the neck, the thread 11 of the neck engages in the thread 13 of the cap 6. After screwing it completely onto the tube, the slots are tight, so as to obtain a tight closure of the assembly.

Advantageously, the slits are produced by vertical cutting, for example at using a thin blade. Alternatively, the slot can be obtained by molding and has, in this case, a small width, sufficient to ensure an acceptable seal for the packaging of a pasty product.

To improve the deformation capacity of the shoulder 8, one or more thinner zones may be provided on the shoulder. These areas of less thickness may be in the form of a groove more or less wide and of appropriate depth. This area can be provided on the face lower and / or on the upper face of the shoulder. Figures 4 to 8 in represent several embodiments.

Thus, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate zones of reduced thickness 16a, 16b, forming an internal groove (see Figure 5). These gorges are found in the radial extension of the slots 14a, 14b.

Figure 6 shows a neck 10 having three slots 14c-14e spaced 120 °. The slots extend on the shoulder by three radial zones of lesser thickness 16c-16th.

According to Figure 7, at each slot 14a; 14b, are associated three divergent zones between them, of lesser thickness 16g-16i; 16k-16m. Two additional zones 16f, 16j, are arranged perpendicular to the orientation of the slots 14a, 14b.

FIG. 8 shows a neck 10 surrounded, on the shoulder 8, by an annular zone 16n of lesser thickness. The neck 10 has four spaced apart slots 14a-14d from each other by 90 °.

It is understood that the different configurations of the slots, as well as the different thin areas can be combined as desired.

FIG. 9 shows a tube bottle 101. The different parts of this figure bear the references of the corresponding parts of figure 1, increased of 100. Their description will be repeated only succinctly.

The tube bottle 101 comprises a reservoir 102 formed by a body 104 and provided with a neck 110, a closure cap 106 being provided, so as to adapt to the collar. The body 104 has a closed bottom 103, along a closing line.

The body 104 has a substantially oval cross section, having a small axis and a major axis. According to Figure 9, the body 104 is presented along the minor axis.

On the side opposite the bottom, the body 104 forms a shoulder 108, on which is located at neck 10. This neck has a generally frustoconical external shape, provided a thread bead 111 in the form of a helix, capable of cooperating with a thread complementary 113 provided inside the cap 106. It will be noted that this effect, the cap has a generally frustoconical shape, too. The neck 110 includes a distribution channel 112 communicating with the interior volume of the tank 102.

The neck 110 is provided with two axial slots 114a, 114b, diametrically opposite and extending over the entire height H of the neck, thus defining two halves 10a and 10b.

The shoulder 108 can be provided with several zones of reduced thickness 116a, 116b, of the kind described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

The operation of the packaging 101 is similar to the operation of the conditioning of figure 1. By pressing on the shoulder in the direction of arrows F along the minor axis of the oval section, the user causes the approximation of the support zones 108a, 108b. Simultaneously, the two halves 110a, 110b of the neck deviate in “V” to enlarge the opening section of the neck 110, similarly to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. The product residual trapped in distribution channel 112 and below the shoulder 108 can then be removed by the user, as described previously.

When the user wishes to close the reservoir 102, he reconciles the two halves 110a, 110b of the neck. Thanks to the taper of the neck 110 and the cap 106, the engagement of the thread 111 in the thread 113 is carried out easily. In end of screwing on the cap, the slots become contiguous and a filling is obtained waterproof tank. Compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the conical configuration of the neck and the cap, according to FIG. 9, facilitates the setting in engagement of the cap on the neck and minimizes the screwing effort, especially in cap screwing limit switch.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (20)

Packaging (1, 101) of product, in particular liquid to pasty comprising: a reservoir (2, 102) for the product, formed by a compressible body (4, 104), surmounted by a shoulder (8, 108); a rigid neck (10, 110) of axis (X), connected to said shoulder, and provided with a distribution passage (12), a free edge of which delimits an opening communicating with the interior of the reservoir (2, 102); a cap (6, 106), capable of closing said opening; characterized in that said neck comprises at least two slots (14a-14i; 114a, 114b) extending over substantially the entire height (H) of the neck (10, 110) and opening onto said opening. Packaging (1, 101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the neck (10, 110) has at least two diametrically opposite slots (14a, 14b). Packaging (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reservoir is a bottle, a tube bottle (102) or a tube (2). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reservoir (2, 102) is made of a material thermoplastic or flexible metal, such as aluminum or tin. Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reservoir (2, 102) is made of high polyethylene or low-density, polypropene, thermoplastic polyester (polypropene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc.) or polyvinyl chloride. Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said shoulder (8, 108) comprises at least one zone of preferential folding, consisting in particular of at least one zone of least thickness (16a-16n; 116b). Packaging (1, 101) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one preferential folding zone (16a-16m; 116a, 116b) extends from at least at least one of said slots, between said neck (10, 110) and a peripheral edge of the shoulder (8, 108). Packaging (1, 101) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said preferential folding zone (16a-16m) extends over the entire width of the shoulder (8, 108). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said preferential folding zone (16a, 16b; 16h, 16l) is located in a plane containing two diametrically opposite slots (14a-14d; 114a, 114b; 116a, 116b) of said neck (10, 110). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a preferential folding zone (16n) extends all around the base of neck (10, 110). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims above, characterized in that the slots are obtained by molding or by cutting, in particular using a blade. Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims previous, characterized in that the slots are contiguous, in the mounted position of the cap (6, 106) on the neck (10,110). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims above, characterized in that the neck (10, 110) includes means for fixing (11, 111), able to cooperate with complementary means (13, 113) formed on the cap (6, 106). Packaging (101) according to claim 13, characterized in that the neck fixing means (10, 110) consist of a helical thread (11, 111). Packaging (1, 101) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in the neck (110) has a frustoconical external profile, of increasing section in direction of the reservoir (102), the cap (106) having an internal profile complementary. Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims previous, characterized in that the tank (2, 102) has a bottom (3, 103), obtained by pinching, then heat sealing, of a free end of the body (4, 104). Packaging (1, 101) according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one of the slots (114a, 114b) is oriented along a closing line (103) of the body (104). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims previous, characterized in that the container has an oval section, having a major axis and a minor axis, one of the slits being oriented in the month along the major axis of said section. Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims previous, characterized in that the neck (10, 110) has a free end provided with an external chamfer (10a). Packaging (1, 101) according to any one of claims above, characterized in that the complementary means (13, 113) of the cap have a flared free end (13a).

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