EP1357047B1 - Tube for the packaging of a product with associated sample - Google Patents

Abstract

The product sample is a flexible tube (1), containing two components to be mixed together to give the product, has an outflow opening at one end and is sealed at the other end with an intermediate lateral sealing zone (20) between them to give at least two separated compartments (22,24) which are isolated from each other. The lateral sealing zone has a weakened line or a partially cut line (21) for the two compartments to be separated easily by pulling them apart. The separation zone has a structured edge (28) with an opening (29) where the product component in the second compartment can be squeezed out.

Description

The present invention relates to a tube for packaging a product and a sample associated with the product. The invention is particularly suitable for the packaging of cosmetic products, in particular hair products, especially styling, cleaning, care, or coloring, or personal care products, skin care, or protection products. against the harmful radiation of the sun.

Document US-A-2002/0029985 discloses a tube corresponding to the preamble of claim 1, comprising two chambers for packaging two products separately and then being able to mix these products by putting the two chambers in communication.

In the cosmetic field in particular, the distribution of samples, associated with the sale of one or more products, is frequent. In particular, it allows the consumer (or the consumer) to discover other products than the one he or she buys, with a view, of course, to a future purchase of the sampled product.

• i) d'une part à leur coût, lequel doit être aussi faible que possible ; et
• ii) d'autre part, à la façon dont ils sont présentés relativement au produit acheté.

One of the problems related to the packaging in the form of samples holds:

• (i) on the one hand at their cost, which must be as low as possible; and
• and (ii) the manner in which they are presented in respect of the product purchased.

Regarding the last point, the sample can be given by the cashier at the time of payment of the purchased product. This method of presentation does not lend itself well to mass distribution, in which, it would be desirable that the product purchased be presented directly with the sample product, and without significantly modifying the cost or the presentation of the purchased product.

Then there is the problem of the tubes, which can be presented without any other form of external packaging. One solution would of course be to glue, or fix by any other means, the sample on the tube. In addition to aesthetics, this solution is detrimental from the point of view of cost insofar as it adds a conditioning operation that is otherwise difficult automate. In addition, the risk is high that, especially during transport, the sample separates from the product with which it is associated.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a tube for packaging a product and a sample associated with the product, and which solves all or part of the problems discussed above.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide such a packaging which is economical to produce, and whose presentation of the sample relative to the product with which it is associated, is improved relative to the conventional presentations.

Still other objects will appear in the following detailed description.

• i) un premier compartiment communiquant avec ledit orifice de sortie, et contenant un premier produit ; et
• ii) un second compartiment formé entre lesdites zones de fermeture, et contenant un second produit, identique ou différent du premier.

According to the invention, these objects are attained by producing an X-axis flexible tube, a first end of which delimits an outlet orifice, a second end opposite the first end being closed according to an end closure zone obtained by fastening. on itself, in particular by welding or gluing, an end edge of said tube, the tube further comprising at least one intermediate closure zone formed between the first and second ends, at a non-zero distance from the latter, and obtained by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a wall of said tube, so as to define at least two compartments isolated from one another:

• i) a first compartment communicating with said outlet port, and containing a first product; and
• ii) a second compartment formed between said closure zones, and containing a second product, identical or different from the first one.

According to the invention, the intermediate closure zone comprises means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a precut, to facilitate the separation of the two compartments.

Thus, with the same body tube, are delimited two compartments, one containing a product, the other containing a sample of a product identical to or different from the product contained in the first compartment. As a result, no operation of fixing one to the other is required. The risk of seeing the sample, especially during transport, dissociating itself from the product is reduced substantial compared to the same risk associated with conventional systems discussed previously.

Advantageously, the means for facilitating the separation break under the effect of manual traction exerted on each of the two compartments. The traction is for example exercised by holding in one hand one of the compartments, and in the other hand the other compartment, the separation being obtained by a gesture of separation of the hands from one another.

The intermediate closure zone is preferably rectilinear, and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube. However, this is not an obligation, said area may be in particular curved, inclined relative to the axis, or extend in a zigzag.

Advantageously, at least one of said closure zones has a non-rectilinear edge so as to allow, when opening the second compartment, delimit a localized outlet passage for the product contained in the second compartment.

Thus, by cutting the closure zone having said non-rectilinear edge, in a rectilinear cut, preferably intercepting at at least two points said non-rectilinear edge, an opening is formed between said two points.

Preferably, said non-rectilinear edge is formed by the intermediate closing zone and delimits an outgrowth in communication with the second compartment, and turned towards the first. Thus, by a cut as described above, a passage of small width, preferably centered on the longitudinal axis of the tube, is defined to allow the localized distribution of the product.

Means, especially in the form of a cutting primer or tear or a line of weakness or precut are provided to promote the manual opening of the second compartment. Such means may be provided either at the end closure zone or at the intermediate closure zone. Again, for lack of such pre-existing means, the opening can be done by a simple cut with a pair of scissors.

Preferably, the tube comprises a tubular body obtained by extrusion of a layer of at least one thermoplastic material, in particular a polyethylene, high or low density, or a polypropylene, or by rolling or coextrusion of a multi-layer complex comprising at least one thermoplastic material.

The outer surface of the body, with the possible exception of the surface portions corresponding to the two closure zones, may comprise a varnish, intended in particular to promote the decor.

The outlet orifice of the tube may be defined by a head attached to the body of the tube, and mounted on the latter, in particular by welding or gluing. The head is preferably obtained by injection.

The end closure zone and the intermediate closure zone may be obtained by gluing or welding, particularly hot or with ultrasound.

Advantageously, the first end of the tube is equipped with a dispensing capsule comprising an orifice for the dispensing of the product, in communication, at least selectively, with said outlet orifice, and a closing element for reversibly sealing said orifice of distribution.

More specifically, the dispensing capsule may comprise a body fixedly mounted on the tube, in particular by breakdown or by screwing, and delimiting said dispensing orifice, said closure element being articulated on said body, in particular via a film hinge or spring hinge. The closure member may also be screwed or snapped onto the body of the capsule.

• i) par une extrémité ouverte du tube, opposée à une extrémité fermée, introduire ledit produit jusqu'à un niveau de remplissage situé à distance non nulle de l'extrémité ouverte ;
• ii) réaliser une zone de fermeture intermédiaire au dessus dudit niveau de remplissage, et à distance non nulle de ladite extrémité ouverte, en fixant sur elle même, selon au moins une ligne transversale audit axe X, une paroi latérale du tube, de manière à obturer un premier compartiment formé d'un premier côté de ladite zone de fermeture intermédiaire ;
• iii) par ladite extrémité ouverte, introduire le produit échantillon au dessus de ladite zone de fermeture intermédiaire ; et
• iv) réaliser une zone de fermeture d'extrémité en fixant sur lui même un bord d'extrémité dudit tube, de manière à former, du côté de la zone de fermeture intermédiaire opposé au premier compartiment, un second compartiment contenant le produit échantillon de manière isolée du produit contenu dans le premier compartiment, et
• v) réaliser des moyens, notamment sous forme d'une ligne de faiblesse ou d'une prédécoupe, pour faciliter la séparation ultérieure des deux compartiments.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of packaging within an X-axis flexible tube, a product and a sample product associated with said product, said method comprising:

• i) by an open end of the tube, opposite a closed end, introducing said product to a filling level located at a non-zero distance from the open end;
• ii) forming an intermediate closing zone above said filling level, and at a non-zero distance from said open end, by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a side wall of the tube, so as to closing a first compartment formed of a first side of said intermediate closure zone;
• iii) by said open end, introducing the sample product above said intermediate closing zone; and
• iv) forming an end closure zone by fixing on itself an end edge of said tube, so as to form, on the side of the intermediate closure zone opposite the first compartment, a second compartment containing the sample product so as to isolated from the product contained in the first compartment, and
• v) providing means, particularly in the form of a line of weakness or a precut, to facilitate the subsequent separation of the two compartments.

• i) par une extrémité ouverte du tube, opposée à une extrémité fermée, introduire le produit dans ledit tube ;
• ii) réaliser une zone de fermeture d'extrémité en fixant sur lui même un bord d'extrémité dudit tube ; et
• iii) en fixant sur elle même, selon au moins une ligne transversale audit axe X, une paroi latérale du tube, réaliser une zone de fermeture intermédiaire à distance non nulle de ladite zone de fermeture d'extrémité, de manière à former, d'un côté de la zone de fermeture intermédiaire, un premier compartiment contenant une première partie du produit introduit en i) et de l'autre côté de la zone de fermeture intermédiaire, un second compartiment, isolé du premier, et contenant une seconde partie du produit introduit en i), et
• iv) réaliser des moyens, notamment sous forme d'une ligne de faiblesse ou d'une prédécoupe, pour faciliter la séparation ultérieure des deux compartiments.

Alternatively, in the case where the product packaged in the two compartments is the same, it is possible to proceed according to the following sequence:

• i) by an open end of the tube, opposite a closed end, introducing the product into said tube;
• ii) forming an end closure zone by fixing on itself an end edge of said tube; and
• iii) by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a side wall of the tube, providing an intermediate closure zone at a non-zero distance from said end closure zone, so as to form, one side of the intermediate closure zone, a first compartment containing a first part of the product introduced in i) and on the other side of the intermediate closure zone, a second compartment, isolated from the first, and containing a second part of the product introduced in i), and
• iv) provide means, particularly in the form of a line of weakness or a precut, to facilitate the subsequent separation of the two compartments.

A configuration according to which the product and the sample product are identical finds application in particular for a "nomadic" use of the second compartment. Thus, for the purposes of a weekend for example, the consumer may, in order to limit the volume of her toiletry bag, take with her only the sample.

The product and the sample product may be cosmetic products, in particular hair styling products, personal hygiene products or hair products, skincare or hair products, or products protecting against the harmful effects of solar radiation.

• les figures 1A-1C illustrent le conditionnement d'un produit et d'un échantillon associé au produit, dans un tube selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du tube dans sa configuration de la figure 1A ;
• les figures 3A-3D illustrent l'utilisation du tube représenté aux figures 1A-1C et 2;
• les figures 4A-4C illustrent le conditionnement d'un produit et d'un échantillon associé au produit, dans un tube selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• les figures 5A-5D illustrent l'utilisation du tube illustré aux figures 4A-4C.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements described above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the packaging of a product and a sample associated with the product, in a tube according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a sectional view of the tube in its configuration of Figure 1A;
• Figs. 3A-3D illustrate the use of the tube shown in Figs. 1A-1C and 2;
• FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the packaging of a product and a sample associated with the product, in a tube according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
• Figures 5A-5D illustrate the use of the tube shown in Figures 4A-4C.

The tube 1 shown in Figures 1A and 2, in its configuration before filling comprises a tubular body 2, one end 3 is open. The tubular body 2 is formed by extrusion of a polypropylene.

On the other end, is fixed by welding, a head 4, made by injection, in particular polypropylene. The head forms a neck 5 whose outer surface comprises a breakdown bead 6 and a free edge defines an opening 7 for the tube.

On the head 4 of the tube 1, is snapped a capsule 8 having a body 9 fixedly mounted on the tube head 4. For this purpose, the body 9 has a first skirt 10 whose inner surface has a groove 11 adapted to cooperate with the bead 6 so as to ensure the attachment of the capsule on the tube.

The body 9 of the capsule also comprises a second skirt 12 for sealing inside the neck of the tube.

It further comprises a third skirt 13, having mainly a dressing function.

A transverse wall 14 of the body 9 of the capsule has in its center an orifice 15 for dispensing the product.

On the body 9 of the capsule is hinged a "cap" 16 whose inner surface has a lug 17 which, in the closed position as shown in the sectional view of Figure 2, sealingly closes the dispensing orifice 15 .

The outer surface of the cap 16 is substantially flat so that the tube 1 can rest stably on the latter.

FIGS. 1A-1C, to which reference is now made, illustrate the steps of filling the tube according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 1A, the tube 1 is turned upside down. In this position, the capsule 8 is in the closed position, and the cap 16 rests stably on a flat surface. The end 3 of the tube is open.

By means of a filling rod 50, a first product is introduced into the tube via the open end 3 of the latter, and this up to a filling level located substantially two-thirds of the axial height of the tube.

After the filling step of FIG. 1A, a transverse welding zone 20 is made, in particular with ultrasound, and just above the filling level of FIG. 1A.

Substantially in the middle of this weld zone 20, a dotted pre-cut line 21 is produced, extending over the entire width of the tube 1. A first compartment 22 is thus produced, a first end of which is closed by a 20 and a second end of which is equipped with the capsule 8.

As it appears in FIG. 1B, the following step consists, by means of a filling rod 51, in introducing into the part of the tube 1 situated above the closing zone 20, via the open end 3, a sample product, preferably different from the first product, until the substantially maximum filling level of the tube 1 is reached.

In Figure 1C, the end 3 of the tube has been closed in a weld zone 23. There is thus defined between the closing zones 20 and 23, a second compartment 24, completely isolated from the first.

Then, in the closure zone 23, a notch or tearing primer 25 is made to promote the opening of the compartment 24.

FIGS. 3A-3D, to which reference is now made, illustrate a possible sequence of use of the tube discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2.

In FIG. 3A, the compartment 24 is separated from the compartment 22, along the precut line 21.

In FIG. 3B, the compartment 24 is open at the level of the tearing primer 25.

In FIG. 3C, the sample product contained in the compartment 24 is distributed via the opening 26 resulting from the rupture of the tearing primer 25.

In FIG. 3D, the contents of the compartment 22 are distributed in the same way as the product contained in a conventional tube is dispensed. Typically, the cap 16 is open, and the product exits via the orifice 15 of the capsule 8 in response to a pressure exerted on the deformable walls of the tube.

The embodiment of the tube 1, a filling sequence of which is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, differs from the previous embodiment, essentially in the design of the intermediate closing zone 20 separating the compartments 22 and 24.

According to this embodiment, the closure zone 20 comprises a straight edge 27 on the compartment 22 side and a non-rectilinear edge 28 on the compartment 24 side.

The non-rectilinear edge 28 is such that the compartment 24 forms an outgrowth 29 substantially in the axis of the tube 1, and turned toward the compartment 22.

The narrower end of the protuberance 29 is at a non-zero distance from a pre-cut line 21 along which the two compartments 22 and 24 are to be separated. The protrusion 29 extends on either side of a transverse line of lesser thickness 30 in which the weld zone 20 is to be cut or torn manually in order to allow the compartment 24 to open.

For the rest, the filling of the tube 1 according to this embodiment is identical to that of the previous embodiment, except for the end welding zone 23 which, unlike the previous embodiment, does not include a primer tearing.

FIGS. 5A-5D, to which reference is now made, illustrate a possible sequence of use of the tube discussed with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C.

In FIG. 5A, the compartment 24 is separated from the compartment 22, along the precut line 21.

In FIG. 5B, the compartment 24 is opened by cutting along the line of weakness 30, which intercepts at two points the non-rectilinear edge 28 of the closure zone 20. An opening 26 is formed and extends between both said points of the edge 28.

In FIG. 5C, the sample product contained in the compartment 24 is distributed via the opening 26.

In FIG. 5D, the contents of the compartment 22 are distributed in the same way as the product contained in a conventional tube is dispensed. Typically, the cap 16 is open, and the product exits via the orifice 15 of the capsule 8 in response to a pressure exerted on the deformable walls of the tube.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (13)

1. Flexible tube (1) of axis X, a first end of which delimits an outlet orifice (7), a second end (3), opposite the first, being closed off along an end sealed zone (23) obtained by sealing, in particular by welding or bonding, an end edge of the said tube to itself, the tube also comprising at least one intermediate sealed zone (20) formed between the first and second ends, at a non-zero distance from the latter, and obtained by sealing, along at least one line transverse to the said axis X, a wall of the said tube to itself, so as to define at least two compartments (22, 24) isolated from one another:

   (i) a first compartment (22) in communication with the said outlet orifice, and containing a first product; and

   (ii) a second compartment (24) formed between the said sealed zones (20, 23), and containing a second product, identical to or different from the first,

   
   characterized in that the intermediate sealed zone (20) comprises means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a pre-cut (21) for facilitating the separation of the two compartments.
2. Tube (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means for facilitating separation tear under the effect of a manual tensile force exerted on each of the two compartments.
3. Tube (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the said sealed zones (20, 23) has an edge (28) which is not straight so as, when the second compartment (24) is opened, to delimit a local outlet passage (29) for the product contained in the second compartment.
4. Tube (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said non-straight edge is formed by the said intermediate sealed zone (20) and delimits a protuberance (29) in communication with the second compartment (24).
5. Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means, in particular in the form of a tear aid (25) or line of weakness (30), for facilitating manual opening of the second compartment (24).
6. Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tubular body (2) obtained by extrusion of a layer of at least one thermoplastic material, in particular a high- or low-density polyethylene or a polypropylene, or by laminating or co-extrusion of a composite with several layers comprising at least one thermoplastic material.
7. Tube (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the outlet orifice (7) is delimited by a head (4) mounted on the tubular body (2), in particular by welding or bonding, and obtained preferably by injection-moulding.
8. Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end sealed zone (23) and the intermediate sealed zone (20) are obtained by bonding or welding, in particular using heat or ultrasound.
9. Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end is equipped with a dispensing cap (8) comprising an orifice (15) for dispensing the product, in communication, at least selectively, with the said outlet orifice (7), and a closure element (16, 17) for closing off the said dispensing orifice reversibly.
10. Tube (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the dispensing cap (8) comprises a body (9) mounted fixedly on the tube, in particular by snapping or screwing, and delimiting the said dispensing orifice (15), the said closure element (16) being screwed onto the body (9) or hinged on the latter, in particular via a film hinge or a spring-effect hinge.
11. Method of packaging, inside a flexible tube (1) of axis X, a product and a product sample associated with the said product, the said method consisting in:

    (i) introducing the said product, via an open end (3) of the tube, opposite a closed end, up to a filling level at a non-zero distance from the open end (3);

    (ii) creating an intermediate sealed zone (20) above the said filling level, at a non-zero distance from the said open end (3), by sealing, along at least one line transverse to the said axis X, a side wall of the tube to itself, so as to close off a first compartment (22) formed on a first side of the said intermediate sealed zone (20);

    (iii) introducing the product sample, via the said open end (3), above the said intermediate sealed zone (20);

    (iv) creating an end sealed zone (23) by sealing an end edge of the said tube to itself, so as to form, on the side of the intermediate sealed zone (20) opposite the first compartment (22), a second compartment (24) containing the product sample, isolated from the product contained in the first compartment (22); and

    (v) creating means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a pre-cut (21), for facilitating the subsequent separation of the two compartments.
12. Method of packaging a product inside a flexible tube (1) of axis X, the said method consisting in:

    (i) introducing the product into the said tube, via an open end (3) of the tube, opposite a closed end;

    (ii) creating an end sealed zone (23) by sealing an end edge of the said tube to itself;

    (iii) creating an intermediate sealed zone (20) at a non-zero distance from the said end sealed zone (23), by sealing, along at least one line transverse to the said axis X, a side wall of the tube to itself, so as to form, on one side of the intermediate sealed zone, a first compartment (22) containing a first portion of the product introduced at (i) and, on the other side of the intermediate sealed zone, a second compartment (24), isolated from the first, and containing a second portion of the product introduced at (i); and

    (iv) creating means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a pre-cut (21), for facilitating the subsequent separation of the two compartments.
13. Method according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the product and the product sample are products for cosmetic use.

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