EP1284905B1 - Packaging for fluid product with hinge closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging for fluid product such as a cream or a paste, has a flexible tube (1) provided with a dispensing neck (11), and a convenience closure system (2), including an annular base (20) fixed to the tube (1) on the neck side (11), and a top (21) mobile relative to the base (20). The neck (11) is formed by the wall (10) of the tube which converges towards the main axis (X) of the tube in the direction of the opening (100) with a relatively large radius with respect to its circumference, and the base (20) is engaged in the opening (100) of the tube, and causes the neck (11) to be radially stretched, and is locked relative to the opening along the main axis (X).

Description

The present invention relates generally to a package for containing a fluid, such as a cream or a paste.

More specifically, the invention relates to a type of packaging which comprises a hollow body and a closure means, the hollow body being a flexible tube defined by a wall adapted to undergo at least locally a reversible deformation and ending in a neck pierced with an opening centered on a main axis, and the closure means comprising an annular base fixed to the opening to define therein a dispensing orifice of the fluid product, and a stopper comprising a closing finger, this stopper being connected at the base by an articulated link and selectively movable relative to the base, by a rotation of amplitude greater than 90 degrees, between a first position for which the finger closes the dispensing orifice, and a second position for which the orifice is released.

These packages, which make it possible to contain potentially viscous products, ejected from the hollow body by pressure on the wall of the latter, are widely used in the fields of cosmetics, pharmacy, and food, the means of capping of these packages being known by the usual name of "capsule service".

In particular, packages are known whose closure means, or "capsule service", allows them to rest on the cap to cause a gravitational flow of the product to the dispensing orifice.

In spite of their general interest, these packages entail disadvantages of use which the present invention aims precisely to suppress.

To this end, the packaging of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the neck is formed by the wall of the tube which converges towards the main axis. in the direction of opening, in that the neck has, in a longitudinal plane containing the main axis, a determined minimum radius, in that the hollow body has, in a plane transverse to the main axis and located at mid -distance between the ends of this hollow body, a circumference determined, in that the ratio of the circumference determined at the minimum radius is at most equal to five, and in that the base is engaged in the opening, puts the neck in radial tension, and is immobilized relative to the opening along the main axis.

Thus, instead of wrapping the neck as is the case in the prior art, the base of the closure means according to the invention is inserted into the neck, this feature providing two sets of advantages.

Firstly, the base may have a diameter smaller than that which it has in the known packages, which results in a saving of material and an improved comfort of use resulting from the reduction of the surface of the base on which comes spread the product extracted from the packaging.

Moreover, the overall length of the packaging can be reduced, so that, in the case where the packaging can be placed on its cap, the center of gravity of the returned packaging is lowered, which, for a plug of the same perimeter, ensures a better stability of the packaging in this position.

Many packages have already been proposed in the prior art, as evidenced by the patent documents FR 2,655,948, US 3,948,422 and FR 1,513,468.

Although none of these packages corresponds to the generic definition of the invention given in the preamble above, each of these prior documents describes a packaging having at least some of the features of the invention.

However, none of these documents discloses the specific problem that the invention aims to solve, nor suggests the use of all the means that both define the context of this problem, and solve the latter.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base clamps the wall of the hollow body around the opening, this nip can be substantially parallel to the main axis, and the base can pinch the wall of the hollow body in its thickness. .

In a possible form of implementation, the wall of the hollow body, in the direction of the opening, converges gradually and monotonically towards the main axis.

In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the base comprises lugs through which the base is attached to the neck.

These lugs may be carried by resiliently flexible lugs integral with a collar surrounding the opening outside the hollow body, these lugs being engaged in the opening of the hollow body, and at least approximately parallel to the main axis .

Alternatively, these lugs may however be carried by a substantially cylindrical skirt, engaged in the opening of the hollow body and secured to a collar surrounding the opening, outside the hollow body.

The link connecting the cap to the base comprises for example a fastener matching the profile of the neck of the hollow body, and a joint connecting the fastener to the cap.

The end of the flexible tube which is opposite the neck and which is initially open can be closed, after filling the tube, by pinching and welding the wall of this tube, in a manner known per se.

The invention allows a packaging using a hollow body whose wall is deformable, including around the opening.

This last characteristic, which makes it possible to design a packaging with integral emptying and more precisely a tube with integral emptying, is particularly advantageous.

Indeed, in the case of prior art packages, in which the capping base caps the neck, the wall of the hollow body can not be made easily deformable until the opening, otherwise the neck could, by its simple deformation, dislocate spontaneously from the base.

To further increase the comfort of use of the packaging of the invention, it is advantageous to provide that the wall of the hollow body is, around the opening, defined by a generatrix inclined at an angle at most equal to 45 degrees, and preferably at most equal to 30 degrees, with respect to the main axis.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the circumference determined to the minimum radius is at most equal to two.

As indicated above, the cap may be shaped to provide, in its first position, a seat conditioning, which can be placed on the cap.

Finally, to improve the seat of the packaging when it is placed on its cap, while minimizing the height of the sidewall of the cap and while avoiding the presence of a space between the wall of the neck and the end of the flank of the cork, it is advantageous that the plug has, in its first position, a first edge relatively remote from the neck and relatively large perimeter, and a second edge relatively close to the neck and relatively small perimeter.

Thanks to the essential characteristics of the invention, the plug, in its first position, can completely cover the base of the closure means.

• La figure 1 est une vue en coupe partielle agrandie d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un conditionnement selon l'invention, conformé en tube et représenté à l'état fermé;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe partielle semblable à la figure 1, représentant le même conditionnement à l'état ouvert;
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté du conditionnement illustré à la figure 1, représenté en entier, à l'état fermé, à une plus petite échelle, et avant soudage de l'extrémité inférieure 120 du tube;
• la figure 4 est une vue de côté semblable à la figure 3, représentant le même conditionnement à l'état ouvert;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe représentant plus particulièrement le moyen de bouchage du conditionnement illustré à la figure 1, dans l'état fermé;
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe représentant plus particulièrement le moyen de bouchage du conditionnement illustré à la figure 2, dans l'état ouvert;
• la figure 7 est une vue en coupe partielle agrandie d'un second mode de réalisation possible d'un conditionnement conforme à l'invention;
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe partielle agrandie d'un troisième mode de réalisation possible d'un conditionnement conforme à l'invention;
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe partielle agrandie d'un quatrième mode de réalisation possible d'un conditionnement conforme à l'invention;
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe partielle agrandie d'un cinquième mode de réalisation possible d'un conditionnement conforme à l'invention; et
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe partielle agrandie d'un sixième mode de réalisation possible d'un conditionnement conforme à l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a first embodiment of a packaging according to the invention, shaped as a tube and shown in the closed state;
• Figure 2 is a partial sectional view similar to Figure 1, showing the same packaging in the open state;
• Figure 3 is a side view of the package illustrated in Figure 1, shown in its entirety, in the closed state, on a smaller scale, and before welding the lower end 120 of the tube;
• Figure 4 is a side view similar to Figure 3, showing the same packaging in the open state;
• Figure 5 is a sectional view showing more particularly the closure means of the packaging illustrated in Figure 1, in the closed state;
• Figure 6 is a sectional view showing more particularly the closure means of the packaging illustrated in Figure 2, in the open state;
• Figure 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a second possible embodiment of a packaging according to the invention;
• Figure 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a third possible embodiment of a packaging according to the invention;
• Figure 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a fourth possible embodiment of a packaging according to the invention;
• Figure 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a fifth possible embodiment of a package according to the invention; and
• Figure 11 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a sixth possible embodiment of a packaging according to the invention.

As shown in the figures, the invention relates to a packaging for containing a fluid product such as a cream or a paste, this packaging essentially comprising a hollow body 1 and a closure means 2.

The hollow body 1 is a tube defined by a flexible wall 10, elastic and deformable, and which can therefore be pressed reversibly by pressure, in particular in a readily gripping part, so as to allow the ejection of the product contained in this tube .

The opening 100 of this tube is centered on the main axis X of the latter, at the top of a neck 11 generally constituted by a convergence of the wall of the hollow body towards the axis X.

The closure means 2 essentially comprises an annular base 20 and a stopper 21, the latter being moved at will with respect to the base 20 to close the packaging (FIGS. 1 and 3) or to open it (FIGS. 2 and 4).

More specifically, the annular base 20 is fixed to the opening 100 of the hollow body 1, and is pierced with a channel which defines a dispensing orifice 200 of the fluid product, the stopper 21 comprising a finger 210 (FIG. stop the dispensing orifice 200 when the package is closed.

The plug is connected to the base 20 by an articulated link 25 and can thus perform, relative to the base 20, a rotation of amplitude greater than 90 degrees, between a closed position (Figure 1) for which the finger 210 closes the dispensing orifice 200, and an open position (Figure 2) for which the orifice 200 is released.

In the packaging of the invention, the neck 11 is formed by the wall 10 of the tube which converges towards the main axis X in the direction of the opening 100.

The minimum radius R that presents this neck 11 in a longitudinal plane L containing the main axis X, that is to say in this case in the plane of FIG. 4, is relatively large with respect to the circumference C that presents this tube in a plane T, transverse to the main axis X and located midway between the ends 110 and 120 of the tube.

Specifically, it is advisable to give the ratio C / R of this circumference C to this minimum radius R a value at most equal to five, or even a value at most equal to two.

Finally, the base 20 is engaged in the opening 100, is immobilized relative to the opening 100 along the main axis X, and puts the neck 11 in radial tension, that is to say exerts on the opening a force that tends to increase the diameter.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base 20 clamps the wall 10 of the tube 1 around the opening 100.

The base 20 can thus pinch the wall 10 of the tube 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis X, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, or in a radial direction, as shown in Figure 11, or both in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis X and in a radial direction, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the wall 10 may in particular be clamped in its thickness.

The immobilization of the base 20 with respect to the opening 100 along the main axis X may be obtained by means of lugs such as 231 and 232, carried by the base 20 and possibly serving to clamp the wall 10 of the tube 1 parallel to the main axis X.

These lugs, which are advantageously arranged inside the neck 11, may nevertheless be arranged outside the neck (Figure 9), and be resiliently movable radially relative to the main axis X.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the lugs 231 and 232, for example three in number and arranged at 120 degrees from each other as illustrated, can be carried by resiliently flexible tabs, such as 241 and 242, which are in equivalent number, which are integral with a collar 22 surrounding the opening 100 outside the tube 1, which are at least approximately parallel to the main axis X, and which are engaged in the opening 100 of the tube.

Under these conditions, the wall 10 of the tube 1, which may optionally have an excess thickness around the opening 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2), is pinched in its thickness between the flange 22 and the lugs such as 231 and 232.

To prevent any loss or leakage of the product contained in the packaging, the flange 22 is then for example applied sealingly to the opening 100 by means of an annular rib 220 surrounding the opening 100 and visible in particular in Figure 6.

According to a preferred variant illustrated in FIG. 7, the lugs 231 and 232 are carried by a substantially cylindrical skirt 240, engaged in the opening 100 of the tube and integral with a collar 22a surrounding the opening 100.

In this case, as in the case of the variants of FIGS. 8 to 14, the seal between the base 20 and the opening 100 can be obtained directly by the radial pressure exerted by the skirt 240 on the opening 100.

8 illustrates a variant in which the flange 22b has a peripheral fold 221 operating, in combination with the skirt 240, a nip of the wall 10 of the tube 1 in its thickness.

FIG. 9 illustrates another variant in which the collar 22c has a peripheral fold 222 which bears the lugs 231 and 232, these lugs being separated or formed in one piece, and cooperating with the skirt 240 to clamp the wall 10 of the tube 1 at a time in its thickness and along the X axis.

FIG. 10 illustrates another variant in which the flange 22d carries a skirt 240a provided with an external screw thread engaged in the opening 100, in this case threaded.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another variant, in which the flange 22e has both a peripheral taper 223 internally threaded, screwed on the outside of the opening 100, and a skirt 240 engaged in the opening 100, the wall 10 of the tube 1 being pinched between the fold 223 and the skirt 240.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the neck 11 is advantageously constituted by a particular conformation of the wall 10 of the hollow body which, towards the opening 100, converges towards the main axis X in a progressive and monotonous manner, c that is, without forming a point of inflection.

As shown more precisely in FIG. 4, this conformation makes it possible to define the wall 10 of the hollow body 1, around the opening 100, by a generatrix relatively little inclined with respect to the main axis, and for example inclined by a angle A at most equal to 45 degrees, or even at most equal to 30 degrees, but nevertheless not zero.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flange 22 can be connected to the cap 21 by an articulated link, this link 25 comprising, for example (FIG. 2) a fastener 250 possibly matching the external shape of the hollow body 1 and a hinge 251. connecting the fastener 250 to the cap 21.

In this embodiment, the plug may optionally be held in the closed position by clamping the finger 210 in the dispensing orifice of the collar 22.

Packaging has all its advantages when the flexible tube is filled with the product to be contained by its lower end 120 (FIGS. 3 and 4), this end 120 being open to manufacture of the tube and subsequently closed and sealed by clamping and welding of the wall 10, after filling the tube.

Whatever the shape given to the hollow body 1, the invention allows to provide that the wall 10 of the latter is flexible and deformable, including around the opening 100, the packaging can thus be completely emptied of the product it contains.

Furthermore, the cap 21 may be shaped to provide, in its closed position, a seat conditioning, which can be placed on the cap.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the stopper 21 may flare in a direction away from the neck 11, the edge 26 of the stopper which is farthest from the neck 11 thus having a perimeter greater than the perimeter of the neck. edge 27 of the cap which is closest to the neck.

Finally, as generally shown in Figure 1, the cap 1 can, when in the closed position, completely cover the base 20, the latter ceasing, in other words, to be visible when the package is closed.

Claims (16)

1. Packaging for a fluid such as a cream or a paste, the packaging comprising a hollow body (1) and stopper means (2), the hollow body (1) being a flexible tube defined by a wall (10) suitable for being subjected at least locally to reversible deformation and terminating in a neck (11) pierced by an opening (100) centered on a main axis (X), and the stopper means (2) comprising an annular base (20) fixed to the opening (100) in order to define therein a dispenser orifice (200) for the fluid, and a stopper (21) having a closure finger (210), said stopper being connected to the base (20) via a hinge link (25) and being selectively movable relative to the base (20) by turning through an angle of more than 90° between a first position in which the finger closes the dispenser orifice and a second position in which the orifice is released, the packaging being characterized in that the neck (11) is formed by the wall (10) of the tube which converges on the main axis (X) going towards the opening (100), in that the neck (11) presents a determined minimum radius (R) in a longitudinal plane (L) containing the main axis (X), in that the hollow body (1) presents a determined circumference (C) in a plane (T) extending across the main axis (X) and situated halfway between the ends (110, 120) of the hollow body (1), in that the ratio (C/R) of the determined circumference (C) over the minimum radius (R) is not greater than five, and in that the base (20) is engaged in the opening (100), putting the neck (11) under radial tension, and is prevented from moving relative to the opening along the main axis (X).
2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the base pinches the wall (10) of the hollow body (1) around the opening (100).
3. Packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the base (20) pinches the wall (10) of the hollow body (1) substantially parallel to the main axis (X).
4. Packaging according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the base (20) pinches the wall (10) of the hollow body (1) across its thickness.
5. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the base (20) has barbs (231, 232) whereby the base (20) is secured to the neck (11).
6. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the wall (10) of the hollow body converges progressively and monotonically towards the main axis (X) on going towards the opening (100).
7. Packaging according to any preceding claim in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the barbs (231, 232) are carried by elastically flexible tabs (241, 242) secured to a collar (22) surrounding the opening (100) outside the hollow body (1), said tabs (241, 242) being engaged in the opening (100) of the hollow body and extending at least approximately parallel to the main axis (X).
8. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the barbs (231, 232) are carried by a substantially cylindrical skirt (240) engaged in the opening (100) of the hollow body and secured to a collar (22) surrounding the opening (100) outside the hollow body (1).
9. Packaging according to claim 8, characterized in that the link (25) comprises a strap (250) matching the outline of the neck (10) of the hollow body (1), and a hinge (251) connecting the strap (250) to the stopper (21).
10. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible tube has an end (120) that is initially open, for being closed subsequently by pinching and heat-sealing the wall (10).
11. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the wall (10) of the hollow body (1) is flexible and deformable, including around the opening (100).
12. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the wall (10) of the hollow body (1) is defined around the opening (100) by a generator line inclined at a non-zero angle (A) that is not greater than 45°, and preferably not greater than 30°, relative to the main axis (X).
13. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the ratio (C/R) of the determined circumference (C) over the minimum radius (R) is not greater than two.
14. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the stopper (21) is shaped so as to offer in its first position a stand for the packaging which can thus be stood on the stopper.
15. Packaging according to claim 14, characterized in that, in its first position, the stopper (21) presents a first edge (26) that is relatively far from the neck and of relatively large perimeter, and a second edge (27) that is relatively close to the neck and of relatively small perimeter.
16. Packaging according to any preceding claim, characterized in that, in its first position, the stopper (21) completely covers the base (20) of the stopper means.

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