EP1549563A2

EP1549563A2 - Apparatuses and methods for forming containers and relative containers

Info

Publication number: EP1549563A2
Application number: EP03762655A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Bartoli; Flavio Traldi
Original assignee: Sarong SpA
Current assignee: Sarong SpA
Priority date: 2002-07-09
Filing date: 2003-07-08
Publication date: 2005-07-06
Also published as: WO2004005158A2; WO2004005158A3; BR0305425A; AU2003250907A1

Abstract

A container comprises first wall means (2) connected to second wall means (3) along a sealing zone (8, 9) in such a way as to define cavity means (4) suitable for receiving contents (5), a grip portion (11) wherein said second wall means (3) is separated from said first wall means (2) in such a way as to enable a user to grip said second wall means (3) to cause said contents (5) to communicate with an external environment, in said grip portion (11) spacer means (12) is provided that is suitable for keeping said first wall means (2) spaced away from said second wall means (3). The second wall means (3) comprises internal layer means (6) facing said cavity means (4) and barrier layer means (7) associated with said internal layer means (6); preferential separation means (14) is furthermore provided that is suitable for encouraging separation of said barrier layer means (7) from said internal layer means (6) at a preset zone. The second wall means (3) comprises a stretched area (17) wherein said second wall means (3) is arranged in a substantially taut configuration.

Description

Apparatuses and methods for forming containers and relative containers

The invention concerns apparatuses and methods for forming containers and the relative containers, which. are particularly suitable for diffusing a volatile substance, such as a perfumed substance, in an environment through a permeable wall .

In the prior art, containers for volatile- substances exist, for example deodorant for environments, comprising a first transparent .wall in plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another thermσformable material, that is shaped in such a way as to define a cavity that is suitable for receiving the perfumed substance. Said cavity is closed at the back by a second wall made from a sheet material comprising a layer of aluminium superimposed on a layer of polyethylene (PE) . The latter faces the inside of the ^■ cavity in such a way as to come into contact with the perfumed substance whilst the layer of aluminium is arranged towards the outside of the container. When the container is used, the layer of aluminium has to be peeled off the layer of polyethylene PE, which, being permeable to the perfumed substance, enables the perfumed substance to . be diffused in the environment. To facilitate detachment of the layer of aluminium from the layer of PE, a container has been proposed that is provided with a grip portion comprising a perimeter portion in which the first wall is locally deformed so that it is positioned at a certain distance from the second wall. In this way, between the first wall and the second wall a free space is defined in which the consumer can insert a nail- to remove the layer of aluminium.

A drawback -of the containers described- above is that after application of a pressure force the first wall come into contact with the second wall also at the grip portion and the two walls may stick together, particularly ^• if relatively high temperatures occur; This situation occurs frequently- .when the containers are attached as free gifts to magazines. In this case in fact, as the magazines are stacked during transit and storage, pressure force may be generated that causes the two initially separate walls to stick together. This sticking ^• together is encouraged by the temperatures higher than ambient temperature that may occur in storage areas or in means of- transport. A similar situation, in which there is a combination of undesired- temperature and pressure, may also occur in the packaging machine,. for example during cutting -of the containers.

WO 01/49472 describes - apparatuses for forming .prior-art containers comprising a forming and sealing station in which a forming fluid is injected between, the two walls arranged, inside a mould provided with recesses shaped . as the corresponding container that is to be formed. A supply channel is provided through which the forming fluid can originate the cavity of the container intended to house the perfumed substance, and a further supply channel of the forming fluid through which grip means is formed. This causes a constructional complication of the .mould, inasmuch as relatively long and costly mechanical processing is required to create the different supply channels. A further drawback of the prior-art containers is that it is be difficult to separate the layer of aluminium from the layer of PE to .enable the diffusion of, the volatile substance in the surrounding environment. By exerting, peeling action on .the layer of aluminium the consumer may in fact simultaneously remove both the latter and the layer of PE, which causes the volatile substance to flow out of the cavity that initially

. contains it,- thereby making the container unusable.

The aluminium layer may also break during peeling, remaining partially attached to the PE layer underneath. In this case, .the surface of the container that is - able ^' to. diffuse the volatile substance is limited, thus - impairing the effectiveness of the container's action.^'

Furthermore, even in .cases in which the aluminium is^' separated from the PE layer, the separation zone between the aluminium and the PE is irregular, which gives the container an unpleasant appearance.

A yet -further drawback of the prior-art containers is that any deformations of the layer of aluminium may give the consumer the impression that . the container has not been completely filled with perfumed substance. If, for example, the layer of aluminium is swollen towards the outside^' of the ^: container the level of perfumed substance will be lower than if the layer of aluminium is protruding towards the inside of the container, although the quantity of perfumed substance is constant. Nevertheless, . the consumer prefers to .buy containers with an apparently greater quantity of perfumed substance and leave on the shelves of the sales outlets containers in which the filling level seems to be less. One object of this invention is to improve the production of -containers.

A further object of this invention is to- supply containers provided with a grip portion that may be effectively gripped even if it is subjected to crushing and possibly heating, and the relative production apparatus . A further object is to simplify • the methods and the apparatuses . for producing containers provided ■ ith more than one cavity. .

Another further object is to provide containers provided with a multilayered wall, in which one layer of said wall may be easily separated from the layer underneath, and provide the relative production apparatus and method.

Another object is to obtain containers, -together with an apparatus for producing them, in which, the potential purchaser' s perception of filling level of the containers is^' as constant as possible, in other words in which the level of contents is noticeably constant.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a container is provided that comprises first wall means connected to second wall means along a sealing zone in such a way as to define cavity means suitable for receiving contents, a grip portion in which said second wall means is detached from said first wall means in such a way as to enable a user to grip said second wall means to cause said contents to communicate with an external environment, characterised in that in said grip portion spacer means is provided that is suitable for keeping said first wall means spaced away from said second wall means. Owing to this aspect of the invention, in the grip portion the first wall means is kept separate from the second wall means even if forces are applied to the container that tend to crush them together, this enables the grip portion to keep its effectiveness and functionality. It is therefore easy for the user to remove all or part of the second wall means from the first wall means, in other words to cause the contents of the cavity means to communicate with the outside environment.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a container is provided that comprises first wall means connected to second wall means along a sealing zone in such a way as to define cavity means suitable for receiving contents, said second wall means comprising internal layer means facing said cavity means and barrier layer means associated with said internal layer means, characterised in that it further comprises preferential separation means suitable for encouraging separation of said barrier layer means from said internal layer means at a preset zone.

Owing to the preferential separation means, the barrier layer means can be removed from the internal layer means in a controlled manner, causing the barrier layer means to separate from the internal layer means in at least one of said preset zones and avoiding lacerations in undesired zones. Removing the ^' barrier . layer means from .- the internal .. layer means, when peeling affects the preferential separation means, the internal layer -means remains attached to the first wall means, whilst the barrier layer means is removed to make the container active.

According - to ^' a third -aspect of the invention,- a container^' is

^■provided that- comprises first wall means connected to second wall means along a sealing zone in such a way as to define cavity means suitable for receiving contents, characterised in that said second wall means comprises ^■ a stretched • area in which said second wall means is arranged in a substantially taut configuration.

Owing to the stretched area, the formation of creas.es or bulges in the second wall means is substantially prevented, which, if the first- wall means is .in transparent material, enables a- perception of constant filling of the containers, according to this aspect of the invention, to be obtained.. In fact, all the containers belonging to a given production batch and which are therefore filled with the same quantity of products are filled to the same level.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for forming ' containers from strip means comprising first strip means and second strip means, which are intended to be joined along a sealing zone, provided with a forming station suitable ' for obtaining cavity means from said strip means, characterised in- that it further comprises protruding means arranged .to form on said strip -means spacer' means suitable for keeping said first strip means .-spaced from said second strip means -near a grip portion of said containers. . The protruding means advantageously enables containers provided with spacer means to be formed, which spacer means maintains the effectiveness of the grip, portion even when the latter is subjected to crushing. According to .a fifth aspect of the invention, an- apparatus is provided for forming containers from strip, means comprising first strip means' and -second strip means, intended to -be joined

.along a sealing zone, .provided with a forming station suitable for obtaining cavity means and further • cavity means from said strip mean^'s, said forming station being provided with inlet means for a forming ' fluid suitable for forming said' cavity means, and with passage means for enabling said forming fluid to form said -further cavity means, characterised- in that said

-passage means forms on said containers conduit means passing through a precursory section of said sealing zone. • According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for forming containers comprising advancing along a preset direction strip means provided with first strip means and second strip means, injecting a forming fluid between said first strip means_. and said second strip means to create cavity means and further cavity means, sealing said first strip means to said second strip means along a sealing zone-, characterised in that said injecting comprises sending said forming fluid coming from said cavity means to said further ^• cavity means through a precursory - section of said sealing zone. • Owing to the fifth ^~ and sixth - aspect of the invention, .it is possible to- form in sequence cavity means and further cavity means using .the same forming fluid, which passes through the cavity means to form the further cavity means.. This enables- the apparatuses and methods for forming containers to be simplified, eliminating the need for two distinct, supplies or for complicated conduits' that separately take a forming fluid coming from a common source towards the cavity means, and the further cavity means-. According to a .seventh aspect of the ^■ invention, .an- apparatus^'- is provided for forming containers from strip means having first strip means and second strip means, comprising a forming station suitable for obtaining cavity means from said- strip means and a sealing station in which the first strip means is sealed to said, second strip means along a sealing zone, characterised- in that it further comprises- weakening means arranged to obtain on said strip means preferential separation means suitable for encouraging the separation of said first strip means from at least part of said second- strip means. Preferably, said second strip means comprises internal layer means and barrier layer means .

The apparatus provided with weakening means according to this aspect of the invention enables containers to be formed in which the barrier layer means can be removed by separating it in a controlled manner from the internal layer means, without lacerations of the barrier . layer means and/or of the internal layer means occurring in undesired zones.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, an ^■ apparatus is .provided for forming containers from strip means comprising first strip means and second strip means intended to be joined along a sealing zone, provided with a forming station suitable for obtaining ^■ cavity means from said strip means, characterised in that it further comprises ^• stretching means suitable for stretching said second strip means over a preset area. The stretching means enables the second strip means to be arranged in a substantially flat configuration near the preset- area, preventing the formation of creases or bulges that could impair the consumer's perception of filling, particularly if the first strip means is transparent. According to a ninth -'aspect of the invention, a method is provided for obtaining containers from strip means having first strip means- and second strip means, comprising forming said strip means to obtain from it cavity means, and sealing said first -strip means to said second strip means .along a sealing zone, characterised in that it further comprises weakening said strip means to encourage the separation of. said- first strip- means from at least part of said second strip means. .

Owing to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to separate the first strip means from a^' desired zone- ^' of the second strip ^' means in an effective - manner, and .-without lacerations occurring in undesired zones.- .This is of great importance in containers suitable for receiving a volatile substance that can be diffused into an environment by means of an internal layer means of the second strip means, inasmuch as it is possible to separate the second layer means from the first layer means at a grip portion,^' causing- a part of the second strip means to remain associated with the first strip means in zones outside the grip portion, namely the internal layer .means associated. with the first strip means. ^•

In ' order that the invention may be clearly and completely disclosed," reference will now be made, by ^' way of examples that do -not limit • the scope of the invention, . to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a .front view of a container according to the first three aspects of the invention;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the container in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-section of the container in Figure 1, taken along the plane III-III of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-section like the ■ one in Figure 3, in a configuration . in which a substance placed in the container communicates with the outside environment; ^■

Figure 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of the container' in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a cross-section like the one of Figure 3 of the embodiment of the container in Figure 5; ^•

Figure 7 is a cross-section like the One in Figure 6, in . a configuration wherein .a substance in the container is caused to communicate with the outside environment; , . Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for forming the container in .Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a schematic and enlarged cross-section, taken along plane IX-IX in Figure 8, showing a forming station of- the apparatus in Figure 8.; Figure , 1:0 is - a front view of a half mould provided ^' in the^' forming station in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged - and interrupted cross-section like- the one in Figure 9, showing protruding- means provided in the forming station;

Figure 12 is a partially cross-sectioned view of a sealing station of the apparatus in Figure 8,- 'in- the direction indicated by the arrow F in Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a front view of a central sealing plate provided in the sealing station in Figure 12;

Figure 14 ^■ is a plan view of an insert that can- be fitted to the central .sealing plate in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is the cross-section taken along the plane XV-XV in

Figure 14; Figure 16 is a plan view of an inse,rt that can be fitted to the central sealing plate in Figure 13;

Figure 17 is the cross-section taken along the plane XVII-XVII - in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic side view, enlarged and interrupted, of a perforating portion of the insert in Figures -

16 and 17;

Figure 19 is a partially cross-sectioned view of advancing means of the apparatus in Figure 8, in the direction indicated by the arrow F in said figure, showing stretching means with which the advancing means is provided.

Figures 1 to 7 show a container 1, for example with a circular shape, that is suitable for containing a ^■ olatile substance, for .example' a - deodorant- for environments- or an insecticide designed to be diffused into an environment. The container 1 comprises a cavity 4, shaped according to a preset shape and suitable for receiving a substance 5 in flowing form, ^• the cavity 4 being made in a first wall 2 facing a second wall 3.

The first wall 2 can be made of thermoformable and heat- sealable material that is preferably transparent, whilst- the second wall 3 comprises an internal layer 6, suitable, for ^■ coming into contact with the substance.5, and a barrier layer

7. The internal layer 6 is preferably made of- heat-sealable material that -is permeable to the substance 5, for example PE, whilst the- barrier layer 7 is not permeable to the substance 5 and may- comprise an aluminium sheet.

The - cavity 4 is externally delimited by a sealing zone comprising a .peripheral seal 8 and a further seal 9, arranged to close a feeding channel 10 through which the substance 5 was inserted into the cavity 4. In a zone of the container 1 almost diametrically opposite the further sealing 9, a grip portion 11 is provided comprising a further cavity 59 made in the first wall 2 and delimited by a line in the form of an upturned "V" in a region adjacent to the peripheral seal 8. At the grip portion 11, the first wall 2 is positioned at a distance D from the second wall. 3, in such a way that a consumer can easily grip the second wall 3 to separate it -with a peeling movement from the first .wall 2. During this movement the barrier layer 7, which is initially joined in a peelable manner to the internal layer 6, separates from the latter and. can be removed. The ^• -internal layer 6 remains jointly connected with the^' first wall 2 along the peripheral seal 8 and the further seal 9 and its permeable properties enable the substance 5 to exit from the cavity 4 and spread through the external environment. On the grip portion 11, spacer means is preferably obtained that comprises a tooth 12 protruding from _..the . first wall 2 towards the ^• second wall 3 and arranged in - contact with the latter at a contact, surface 13, in a configuration in . which the container 1 is closed by the barrier layer 7, such .as the one shown in Figure 3.

The tooth 12. prevents any crushing of the container 1 causing the first wall 2. to stick to the second wall 3 and make the- grip portion 11 ineffective. In fact, if the container 1 is subjected to a -pressing action, the first wall 2 and the second wall 3 can stick together only at the contact surface 13 of the tooth 12, -but' not .in the surrounding zones. In said zones, the- first wall 2 remains at a distance from the second wall 3 in such a- way that the consumer can easily grasp the barrier layer 7 to remove it. The tooth 12 may be arranged in a central region of the grip portion 11, as shown in Figure 1. With reference to Figure 2 to 4, on the ^' second wall 3 preferential separation means is made that comprises -a scoring line 14, shaped in' the form of an upturned "V", which affects both the barrier layer 7 and the internal layer 6. The scoring line 14 is positioned at the border between the peripheral- seal 8 and the grip portion 11. If peeling is carried out on the second wall 3 to make the cavity 4 communicate with the outside environment, - at the scoring line 14 the internal layer. 6 breaks and divides into two parts. As Figure .4 shows, a first part 15 remains stuck to the barrier layer 7 with which said first part 15 ^"is removed, whereas a second part 16 remains joined to the container 1 near the peripheral seal 8 and the further seal 9. The scoring line 14 reduces the risk that the internal layer 6 and/or the barrier layer 7 tear at undesired points.

With reference to the embodiment of the container 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7, on the-.second wall 3 preferential separation means comprises continuity interruption means- provided with a first continuity interruption line 14' and a second continuity interruption line 14' ' that are arranged in such a way as to form an upturned "V" and engage both the barrier layer ' 7 and the internal layer 6. The first continuity interruption line 14' and the second continuity interruption line 14'' have..a plurality of interruption sections arranged to interrupt .the material continuity of the second wall 3, separated at intervals by a plurality of joining sections.

Near the top of the "V defined by the- first continuity interruption line 14' and by the second continuity interruption line 14'', a cutting - line 60 is provided- that crosses both the barrier layer 7 and the internal layer -6 of the second -wall 3. The' length of the cutting line 60 is ^•significantly ^' greater than the length, of the interruption sections provided in the first continuity interruption line 14' and in the second continuity interruption line 14''. The continuity interruption means are positioned at the border between the peripheral seal 8 and the grip portion 11. When the second wall 3 is subjected to peeling action . to make the cavity 4 communicate with the outside environment, ^■ near the first continuity interruption line 14' , the second continuity interruption line .14'' and the cutting line 60 the -internal- layer 6 breaks and divides into the first part 15 of the internal layer 6 and the second part- 16. As disclosed, in Figure 7, - the first part 15 is removed together with the barrier layer 7, whereas the second part 16 remains joined to the container 1 near the peripheral seal 8 and the further seal 9. The first continuity interruption line 14' and the second continuity interruption line 14'' weaken the second wall 3 in a desired region and reduce the risk of the internal layer 6 and/or the barrier layer 7 tearing at undesirable points. The cutting line 60 also ensures decisive separation of the barrier layer 7 from the internal layer 6 even if the barrier layer 7 and the internal layer 6 are made of material that is particularly tough and difficult to tear, so they might, after correctly separating along the first continuity interruption line 14' ' and the second continuity interruption line 14'', ^• tend to remain joined at the top of. the "V" delimiting the grip portion 11. . . - ,

As shown in Figure 2, on the second wall 3 a stretched area 17 can be furthermore provided, shaped according to a form corresponding to the form of the cavity 4 and arranged in a region of the second wall 3 that is inside the peripheral seal 8, that is 'to. say surrounded by the peripheral -seal 8. The stretched area^' 17 protrudes in the direction of the inside of the container 1. In the stretched area ^'17 the material of the second wall 3, and particularly the - barrier layer 7,- is arranged in a configuration that gives the container • a pleasant appearance, being substantially taut^' and free of bulges or creases, and that ensures that a user perceives, through the first preferably transparent wall 2 a constant and repetitive initial level of several^' containers 1 of the substance 5 in the cavity 4. -

Certainly, the stretched area 17 can be also provided in ^• the embodiment of the container 1 shown in Figures 5 to 7. Figure 8 diagrammatically shows an apparatus 18 for producing containers 1 of the. previously described type. -.In ^■ the apparatus 18, a first strip 19 that is suitable for. creating the first wall 2 and is therefore preferably made of a transparent thermoformable material, can advance stepwise in the direction of the arrow F together with a second strip 20, shown in Figure 11, designed to form, the second wall 3 of the containers 1. The second- strip 20 has a coupled structure in which the internal layer 6' , preferably in PE, is superimposed on the barrier layer 7' , which can be made of aluminium. The first strip 19 and the second strip 20 are advanced stepwise through a heating station 21, in which heat is supplied to^' take the first strip 19 to a temperature at which it acquires ^• a certain deformability, and- subsequently a forming station 22, shown in detail in Figure- 9, in which a forming fluid is injected through the feeding channel 10 to shape the first strip 19 and the second strip 20 according to a desired geometry.

Downstream of the forming station 22, a sealing station 32 is provided, disclosed in detail in Figure 12, in. "Which the peripheral seal 8 is obtained that delimits the- cavity 4 of each container ^' 1.

The embodiment of the apparatus 18 disclosed in Figure 9 ^' is- suitable for processing in addition to the first strip 19 and the second strip 20., a further first strip 23 and a further second strip 24 that are arranged to form two rows of containers 1 positioned on opposite sides ^• in relation to a central division plate -25. The containers 1 belonging to - a first row: of the two said rows may have the same form as, or a ^• different form from, -the containers 1 belonging to the second row. On the two sides of the central division plate 25 two forming half moulds 26 are arranged, each one of which is provided with a hollow 27 that is suitable for originating the cavity 4 of a container 1. On each forming half mould -26 a recess 28 is furthermore provided that is arranged to form the further cavity 59 placed in the grip portion 11 of the containers 1. As shown in Figures 10 and' 11, the recess 28 communicates with the hollow 27 by a passage 29, in such a- way that a forming fluid, for example heated compressed air, that enters between- the forming half mould 26 and the central division plate 25 through an inlet 30 in order to form the cavity 4, can reach the recess 28. and origin the further cavity 59 of the grip portion 11. The passage 29 is created by machining the forming half mould 26 for- a depth X,- which- is preferably 0.2 mm, in such a way as to form on the first strip 19 and on the further ' first strip 23 a connecting conduit 45 that can be easily closed during the sealing phase to ^• insulate the cavity 4 from the grip portion 11.

Each forming half mould 26 is furthermore provided with protruding means 31 that protrudes in relation to the recess 28 and is shaped in such a way as to form the . tooth 12 of the containers 1.

To form the containers 1 in the forming station 22,. the two facing forming . half' moulds 26 press .against the- central division plate 25, moving in the direction, .of the arrows FI, in such a way as to tighten the first, strip 19 and the .second strip 2.0 against the central division plate 25 on one side and to . tighten the further first strip 23.and the further second strip 24 against the central division plate 25 on - the other side. At this point heated compressed air is injected into the forming half moulds 26 through the inlets.30, as shown by the- arrows F2.- Said compressed air forms, the feeding channel 10 and furthermore pushes the material of the first strip 19.and of the further first strip 23, which have already been heated and can therefore be easily deformed, against the walls of the hollow 27 to create cavities 4. The connecting conduits 45 are furthermore formed, through which the compressed air. passes inside the recesses.28 .in such a way as to origin .the. grip portions 11, provided with the relative teeth 12; The two forming half moulds 26 and the central division plate 25 are usually cooled so ^' that the shape given by the forming fluid on the first strip 19 and. on the further first strip 23 is. maintained. At the end of the forming phase, the compressed- air supply is interrupted, and the forming half moulds 26 are removed from the -central division plate.25, in such a- way as to enable the strips 1,9, 20, 23 and 24- to move towards a sealing -station 32;

The latter, shown in detail in Figure 12, comprises a central sealing plate 33 cooperating with two sealing half moulds 34 arranged on opposite sides from said central sealing plate 33. Each sealing half mould 34 is provided with a further hollow 35, suitable for receiving the cavity 4 of the container 1 being newly formed, and with a further recess- 36, suitable for receiving the grip' portion 11. Each sealing half mould. 34 is supported by a pair of shanks 37, that move in translation in the direction of the arrows F3 inside guide. bushes 38. When the first strip 19, the second strip 20, the -further first strip 23 and the further second strip 24 reach the sealing station 32 and stop there, actuating means, that is not shown, causes the sealing half moulds 34.to press . against the central sealing plate 33. In this way, ^' projections 39 made in the sealing half moulds 34, enable respectively the first' strip 19 to be sealed to the second strip 20 and the further first strip -23 to be sealed to the further second strip 24, in such a way as to origin the peripheral seal 8 of the containers 1. A heating system that is not shown enables the sealing half moulds 34, and possibly the . central sealing plate 33 to be maintained at a temperature that allows sealing of the materials -that form the containers 1. - It should be noted that, during this operation and at the end of- the sealing operation, the feeding channel 10 of the containers 1 remains open, so as to - allow subsequent filling of the^' containers 1. The connecting conduit- 45, on the contrary, is closed by the projections 39. of the sealing half mould 34, isolating the cavity 4 of each container 1 from the relative grip portion 11. In other words, -the connecting conduit 45 is obtained in a precursory section for the peripheral seal 8, i.e. ^' in a - section designed to be closed at the moment that the sealing is carried out.

The .central sealing plate 33 is shown in detail in Figure 13, in an embodiment that enables two containers 1 to be created simultaneously on each side of the central sealing plate 33, up to a total of four containers 1 at a time. In the central sealing plate 33, seats 40 are obtained- that are suitable for receiving in. a movable manner weakening means comprising inserts 41, shown in Figures 14 to 18, which enable the scoring .line 14 and/or the first continuity interruption line 14', the second continuity- interruption line 14'' and the cutting line 60 to be^' obtained on the second strip 20 and on the further second strip 24. The embodiment of the^' insert 41' shown in Figures 14 and 15 comprises a base body 42, provided with a fixing hole 43 that enables fixing .to the central sealing plate 33, and a scoring profile 4.4 protruding from the. base body 42. The scoring profile 44 can be shaped as an upturned •^■ "V", or according to the geometry of the scoring lines 14 required. Naturally, it is also possible' to envisage scoring lines 14 with different shapes, depending on the type of containers 1 required. .

In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 18, a perforation profile 44' is provided which protrudes from the -base body 42 of the insert 41.- On the perforation profile 44' a first perforating portion 65,.. a second perforating portion 66 and a cutting portion 67 can be identified that are arranged to form on- the second strip 20, and on any further second strip 24, the first continuity interruption- line 14',- the second continuity interruption line 14'' and the . cutting -line 60 respectively. As ^' disclosed in detail in Figure 18, the first perforating portion 65 and the second perforating portion 66 comprise a plurality of protruding elements 68 separated at intervals by hollow zones 69 which follow one another at a pitch P, which is preferably regular. The protruding elements 68 protrude by a height H in relation to an ideal base line. The pitch P can, for example, have the value 0.8 mm whereas the height H may be near to 0.3 mm. Nevertheless, these values are merely by ^■ way of example inasmuch as they can be modified, according to the type of material of the second^' wall 3 or the type of interruption to continuity that is required.

The protruding elements 68 enable the interruption sections to be obtained on the second strip 20 and on any further second strip 24, .interruption sections are separated at intervals with joining sections that are formed at the hollow zones 69 of the perforation profile 44' . The perforation profile 44' can be shaped as a "V" or as any desired form, according to the geometry of the continuity interruption means required and to the type .of the container 1 needed.

If scoring lines 14 or continuity interruption means with, a different shape from, the one previously described are required or which belong to another dimensional range, it is sufficient to replace the inserts 41 without having to modify the central sealing plate 33.

At the end of the sealing phase, an advancing gripper 46, shown in detail in Figure 19, grips on one side the first strip 19, which is sealed to the second strip 2-0, and on the other side the further first strip 23, sealed to- the -further second strip 24, advancing them in the direction of arrow F. The advancing gripper 46 comprises a central- .advancing plate 47, which^* acts' as a fixed jaw, on the two sides, of- which advancing half moulds 4.8 are arranged, which act as. mobile jaws. In particular, -the advancing half moulds 48 can translate in- . the direction of the arrows F4,- as they can be actuated by actuators _.49 that- are connected to support plates 50. The latter are provided with further guide bushes 51 inside which shafts 52 run that are fixed to- the- advancing half moulds 48. Furthermore, the advancing gripper 46 can translate in the direction of the arrow F along guide columns

53 through drive means that is not shown, in- such a way as to pick up the strips 19, 20, 23 and 24 from the sealing station

. 32 to take -them to- the stations in which ^■ the subsequent operations will take place, and take them back periodically to the start position to. initiate a new cycle, as shown by the arrows F5 in Figure 8. It is also possible to .use other prior- art moving systems to move the advancing gripper 46. On the advancing half moulds 48 yet further hollows 54 are made that are suitable for housing the cavities 4 of the containers 1, and yet further recesses 55 are. made that are suitable for housing the grip portions 11. The central- advancing plate 47 is provided with stretching means comprising a stretching member 56 housed in a suitable housing and provided with a raised portion delimited by an outline corresponding to the outline of the - cavity 4. When the advancing half -moulds 48- press against the . central advancing,

.plate.- 47, on one side the first strip 19 and the second strip.

- .20,: on the other side the further first .strip 23 ■ and the further second strip 24 and the stretching members 56 interact with the second strip 20 and with the further second strip 24, on preset .areas of said strips to form. the stretched areas 17 of the containers 1, by applying pressure to that preset areas. . - . When the form and/or the dimensions of -the stretched areas 17 need to be changed, because, for example, the shapes ^' and/or the dimensions of the containers 1 that -are to.be produced have changed, it- is sufficient to replace the previously used- stretching .members 56 with stretching members 56 with new shapes and/or dimensions, without changing the central advancing plate 47.

The advancing gripper 46 can be equipped with a prior-art cooling system in such a way as to lower the temperature ^• of the containers 1, which have been previously heated, and to bring about a stabilisation of their form. The containers 1 are subsequently . conveyed towards a filling station 57, in which a filling device 58 inserts the substance 5 into the cavities 4_. through the feeding- channels 10 that are still open. At further stations that are not shown, - the further seals- 9 are. then carried out to close the. f.eeding channels 10 by sealing the containers 1, which are subsequently separated by shearing. ^•

In an embodiment that is not shown, the apparatus according to the invention enables only the first strip 19 and the second strip 20 to be processed in such a way as to form -a single row of containers 1 rather then two rows of facing .containers. It should be noted that the spacer means aήd/or the stretched area 17 can also be provided in containers that are different from those described above, for example in containers in. which no barrier^' layer is provided that can be peeled off an internal layer but in which the second wall acts as a single sheet of material.

It should also be noted that it is not .necessary- to arrange the. perforating, means^' at' the sealing station 32 according to the - above description. For example, the perforating .means could^' be provided in the forming station - 22, .or on the advancing gripper 46, or in a cooling and stabilisation region that is not necessarily obtained in the advancing gripper 46, or in any other positions.. ^■ Finally, whereas Figures 1 to 7 show containers- 1 in -which only the first wall :2 is shaped, it is also possible to envisage containers 1 in which both the first wall 2 and the second wall 3 were shaped during the forming phase.

Claims

.. . . . ' CLAIMS

1. Container comprising first wall means . (2) connected .to' second wall means (3) along a sealing zone (8, 9) in such a way as to define cavity means (4) suitable for receiving contents (5), a grip portion (11) in which said, second wall means (3) is detached from said first wall means (2) in such a way as to enable a user to grip said second wall means (3) to cause said contents (5) to communicate with an external environment, characterised in that in said. grip portion (11) spacer means is provided (12) that is suitable for keeping said first wall means (2) spaced away from said second wall means (3) .

2. Container according to claim 1, wherein said second wall means (3) comprises internal layer means (6) facing said cavity means (4) and barrier layer means (7) associated with said internal layer means (6).

3. Container according to claim 2, and. further comprising preferential separation means (14; 14',. 14'', 60) suitable for encouraging separation of said barrier layer means (7) from said internal layer means (6) at a preset zone.

4. Container comprising first wall means (2) connected to second wall means (3) along a sealing zone (8, 9) in such a way as to define cavity means (4) suitable for receiving contents (5), said second wall means (3) comprising internal layer means (6) facing said cavity means (4) .and barrier layer means (7) associated with said internal layer means (6), characterised in that it further comprises preferential separation means.. (14; 14',- 14'', 60) suitable for encouraging separation of said barrier layer means (7) from said internal layer • means (6) at a preset zone.

5. Container according to claim 4, and further comprising spacer means (12) suitable for keeping said, first wall means (2) spaced from said second wall means (3) in a grip portion (11) of said container (1) .

6. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or according to claim 5, wherein said spacer means comprises jutting out means (12) jutting out from said first wall means (2) towards said second wall means (3) .

7. Container according to claim 6, wherein said first wall means (2) is in contact with said second wall means (3) at said jutting out means (12) .

8. Container according to claim 6, or 7, wherein said jutting out means (12) is arranged in a central region of said grip portion (11) .

9. Container according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said jutting out means comprises a spacer tooth (12) .

10. Container according to claim 9, wherein said spacer tooth

(12) juts out from further cavity means (59) obtained in said first wall means (2) .

11. Container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, or according to any one of claims 6 to 10 as claim 6 is appended to claim 3 or to claim 5, wherein said preferential separation means comprises scored means (14) obtained in said second wall means (3) .

12. Container according to claim 11, wherein said scored means comprises a scoring line (14).

13. Container according to claim 12, wherein said scoring line

(14) is shaped according to an upturned "V". 14. Container according to claim 3, or 5, or according to any one of claims from 6 to 13 as claim 6 is appended to claim

3 or claim 5, wherein said preferential separation means

(14; 14',

14'', 60) delimits said grip portion (11).

15. Container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, or according to any one of claims from 6 to 14 as claim 6 is appended to claim 3 or to claim 5, wherein said preferential separation means (14; 14', 14'', 60) comprises continuity interruption means (14', 14'', 60).

16. Container according to claim 15., wherein said continuity interruption means (14', 14'', 60) is obtained on- said second wall means (3) .

17. Container according to claim 15, or 16, wherein said continuity interruption means (14', 14'', 60) interacts with said internal layer means (6) .

18. Container according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein ' said -continuity interruption means (14', 14'-', 60) comprises continuity interruption line .means (14', 14'').

19. Container according to claim 18, wherein said continuity . interruption line means (14', 14'') comprises interruption sections- that . are^' separated from one another by joining ^■ sections.

20. Container according to claim 18, or 19, wherein said continuity interruption line means (14', 14'') comprises a first continuity interruption line means (14) and a second continuity interruption line means (14') converging into a convergence region.

21. Container according to claim 20, wherein said first continuity interruption line means (14' ) and said second continuity interruption line means (14'') extend according to a geometry having the form of an upturned "V".

22. Container according to any one of claims 19 to'21> wherein said continuity interruption means (14, 14', 17) comprises cutting line means (60) that interrupts the material . continuity of said second wall means (3) along sections having a. length that is substantially greater than said interruption sections.

23. Container according to claim 22, as appended to claim 20, or 21, wherein . said cutting line means (60) is arranged in said convergence region.

24. Container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, or according to. any one of claims 6 to 23 as claim -6 is appended to claim 3 or to claim 5, wherein said barrier

. layer means (7)- is- peelably united with said- internal layer means (6) .

25. Container according to any one of claims 3 to 5, ^• or according to any one of the claims from 6 to 24 as claim 6 is appended to claim 3 or to claim 5, wherein said internal layer means comprises a membrane ^'(6.) that is permeable to said contents (5) .

26. Container according to any one of the previous claims-, wherein said second wall means (3) comprises .a stretched area (17) in which said second wall means (3) is arranged in a substantially taut configuration.

27. Container, according to claim 26, wherein in .said stretched area (17) said second wall means (3) is protruding towards the inside of said cavity means (4) by a preset amount;

28. Container according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said stretched area (17) is shaped according to a planfόrm matching the planform of said cavity means (4).

29. Container according to any one of claims 2.6 to 28, wherein said stretched area (17) is internally arranged with ' respect to said sealing zone (8, 9) .

30. Container according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein said stretched area (17) defines a rear wall of said cavity means (4) .

31. Container comprising first wall means (2) connected to second wall means (3) along a sealing zone (8, 9) in such a way^' as to_.define cavity means (4) suitable for receiving contents (5) , characterised in that said second wall means

(3) comprises a stretched area (17) wherein said second wall means (3) is arranged in a substantially taut configuration.

32. Container according to claim 31, wherein in said. stretched area (17) said second wall means (3) is protruding towards the inside of said cavity means (4) by a preset amount.

33. Container according to claim 31, or. 32, . wherein said stretched .area (17) is shaped according to a planform matching the- planform of said cavity means (4) .

34. Container according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein said stretched area (17) is internally arranged with respect.-to said sealing zone (8, 9) .

35. Container according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein said stretched area (17) defines a rear wall of said cavity means (4) .

36. Container according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein said second wall means (3) comprises internal layer means

(6) facing said cavity means (4) and -a barrier, layer means

(7) associated with said internal layer means (6) .^'

37. Container according to claim 36,- wherein said- barrier . layer means (7) is peelably united with said internal layer means (6) ..

38. Container according to claim 36, ^• or 37, wherein- said^' internal layer means comprises a membrane (6) that is permeable to said contents (5) .

39. Apparatus for forming containers (1) from strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) comprising first strip means (19, 23) and second strip- means (20, 24) intended to be joined along a sealing zone (8, 9) , provided with a forming station (22) suitable for obtaining cavity means (4) from said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24), characterised in that it further comprises protruding means (31) arranged to form on said strip means (19, 20, -23, 24) ^'spacer means (12) suitable for keeping said first strip means (19, 23) spaced from said second. strip means (20, 24) near a grip portion (11) . of said containers (1) .

40. Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said- forming station' (22)- is .provided with inlet^' means (30)- for a forming fluid forming said cavity means (4) and passage means (29) to enable said forming fluid to -form^' .further cavity means (59) from said strip means (19, .20, 23, 24),

.. said passage means (29) forming on said containers (1) conduit means (45) passing through a precursory section of said sealing zone (8, 9) .

41. Apparatus for forming containers (1) from strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) comprising first strip means (19, 23) and second strip means (20, 24) intended to be joined along a sealing zone (8, 9), provided with a forming station (22) suitable for obtaining cavity means (4) and further cavity, means (59) from said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24), said forming station (22) -being provided with inlet means (30) for a forming fluid forming said cavity means (4) and passage means (29) to enable said forming fluid to form said further cavity means (59), characterised in that said passage means (29) forms on said containers (1) a conduit means (45) passing through a precursory section of said sealing zone (8, 9) .

42. Apparatus according to claim 41, and further comprising protruding means (31) arranged to form on said. strip means

(19, 20, 23, -24) spacer means (12) suitable for keeping said first strip means (19, 23) spaced from said' second strip means (20, 24). near a grip portion (11) of said containers (1) .

43. Apparatus according to claim 39, or 40, or 42, wherein said protruding means (31) is arranged in said forming station (22) .

44. Apparatus according to claim 40, or 42-, or 43 as appended to claim 40 or to .42, wherein said protruding means (31). protrude from: recess means (28) provided in said forming station (22)..- to .form said further cavity means (59) .

45. Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said recess means

(28) is obtained on half-mould forming means (26) provided with hollow means (27) arranged to form said cavity means

(4).

46. Apparatus according to claim 45, wherein said half-mould forming means ^• comprises two forming half moulds (26) cooperating with central division plate means (25), in such a way as to simultaneously form at least two rows of said containers (1), arranged on opposite sides of said central division plate means (25) .

47. Apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein said protruding means (31) is arranged in a central zone of said recess means (28).

48. Apparatus according to claim 39, or 40, or according to any one of the laims 42 to 47, wherein said protruding means (31) . is provided with a -geometry such as to form a^' spacer tooth (12) on each container (1) .

49. Apparatus according to. any one of claims 40 to 42, or according to- any one of claims from 43 to 48, as claim 43 is appended to claim 40 or claim 42, wherein said passage means (29) enables a portion of . said cavity means (4) to communicate with an adjacent portion of said further cavity means (59) .

50. Apparatus according to any one of claims 39. to 49, and further comprising sealing means (34, 39) suitable for sealing said first strip means (19, 23) and said second strip means (20, 24) along at least one portion (8) of said sealing zone (8, 9)..

51. Apparatus according to claim 50, as appended to any one of claims 40 to 42, or to claim 49, or even to any one of claims 43 to 48 as claim 43 is- appended to a y one of the claims 40 to 42, wherein said sealing means (34, 39) is- configured in such a way as to close each- connection between said cavity means (4) and said further cavity means (59) determined by said passage means (29) .

52. Apparatus according to claim 50, or 51, wherein- said, sealing means (34, 39) comprises two sealing half moulds (34) cooperating with central sealing plate means (33) -in- such a way as to simultaneously seal at least two rows of said containers (1) , arranged on opposite sides of said central sealing plate means (33) .

53. Apparatus according to claim 45, or ^'46, as claim 43.- is appended to claim 40, or to claim 42, wherein said passage means (29) can- be. obtained by removing a preset thickness

(X) of material making up said half-mould forming means (26) . ^■ .

54. Apparatus according "to any one of claims 39 to 53, and further comprising a sealing station (32) in which .said first strip means ' (19, 23) is sealed to said second strip means (20, 24) along said sealing zone (8, 9), and weakening means (41) arranged to obtain on said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) preferential separation means ^' (14; 14', 14'', 60) suitable for encouraging the separation of said' first strip- means (19, 23) from at- least^' part of said second strip means (20, 24) .

55. Apparatus according to claim -54, wherein said weakening- means (14) is arranged at an operating station selected between said sealing station (32) and said forming station (22).

56. Apparatus according to claim 54, or 55 wherein said weakening ^• means comprises scoring means-- (41) arranged to score said second strip means (20, 24) .

57. Apparatus according- , to claim 56, wherein said scoring means (41) is suitable for obtaining on said second strip means (20, 24) at least one scoring line.

58. Apparatus according ' to claim 56, or 57, wherein said scoring means comprises a scoring profile (44) shaped in the form of an upturned "V".

59. Apparatus according to any. one of -claims 54. to- 58, wherein said weakening means comprises perforating means (65, 66, 67) configured in such a way as to obtain on said strip means (19,.20, 23, 24) continuity interruption .means (14'., 14", 60).

60. Apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said perforating means (65, 66, 67) is arranged to obtain on said second strip means (20, 24) continuity interruption line means (14', 14") .

61. Apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said perforating means (65, 66, 67) comprises a first perforating portion (65) and a second perforating portion (66) respectively arranged to obtain on said second strip means (20, 24) first continuity .interruption line means (14') and second continuity interruption line means (14") of ^■ said continuity interruption line means (14', 14'')-.

62. Apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said- first perforating portion (65) and said second perforating portion (66) have a substantially straight geometry.

63. Apparatus according to claim 61, or 62, wherein said first perforating portion (65) and said second perforating portion (.66) converge towards an .area of convergence.

64. Apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said first perforating portion (65) and said second perforating portion (26) are arranged according to a geometry having the form of an upturned "V" .

65. Apparatus according to any one- of claims 59 to 64, wherein said perforating means (65, 66, 67) is provided with protruding elements (68) arranged to obtain on said second strip means (20, 24) interruption sections that are separated from one another by joining, sections formed at hollow zones (69) of said perforating means (65, 66, 67).

66. Apparatus- according to claim 65, wherein said perforating means (65, 66, 67) comprises a cutting portion (67) that is arranged to obtain, on said second strip means (20, 24) cutting line means (60) that interrupts the material continuity of said second strip means (20, 24) along sections that have a length that is substantially greater than the length of said interruption sections.

67. Apparatus according to claim 66, as claim • 65 is appended to claim 63. or 64, wherein said cutting portion- (67) is arranged near said convergence area.

68. Apparatus according to any one of claims 59 to 67 as claim 59 is appended to claim 54 or to any one of claims 56 to

58 as claim 56 is appended to claim 54, wherein said perforating means (25, 26, 27) is arranged in a cooling and stabilisation region (46) for said containers (1) provided in said apparatus (18) .

69. Apparatus according to any one of claims 59 to 67 as claim

59 is appended to claim 54 or to any one of claims 56 to 58 as claim 56 is appended to claim 54, wherein said perforating means (25, 26, 27) is associated with advancing means (46) suitable for advancing said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) in a preset direction (F) .

70. Apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 58, or to any one of claims 59 to 69 as claim 59 is appended to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein -said scoring means and/or said perforating means (65, 66, 67) are obtained on insert means (41) that is movably fixed to support plate means (25; 33).

71. Apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said insert means (41) is associated to two opposite sides of said support plate means (25; 33) in such a way as to obtain two facing rows of said containers (1) arranged on said opposite sides .

72. Apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 71, and further comprising stretching means (56) suitable for stretching said second strip means (20, 24) on a preset area (17) .

73. Apparatus according to claim 72, wherein said stretching means (56) interacts with said second strip means (20, 24) on an area with a planform matching the planform of said containers (1) .

74. Apparatus according to claim 72, or 73, wherein said stretching means comprises presser means (56) suitable for applying pressure to said area (17) .

75. Apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said presser means (56) is movably fixed to further support plate means

(47) .

76. Apparatus according to any one of claims 72 to 75, wherein said stretching means (56) is arranged in a cooling and stabilisation region (46) provided in said apparatus (1) .

77. Apparatus according to any one of claims 72 to 76, wherein said stretching means (56) is associated with advancing means (46) suitable for advancing said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) in a preset direction (F) .

78. Apparatus according to claim 77, wherein said advancing means comprises an advancing gripper (46) suitable for gripping and releasing said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) to move it in said preset direction (F) .

79. Apparatus according to claim 78, wherein said advancing means (46) comprises two movable jaws (48) cooperating with fixed jaw means (47), in such a way as to simultaneously advance at least two rows of said containers (1), arranged on opposite sides of said fixed jaw means (47) .

80. Apparatus for forming containers (1) from strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) having first strip means (19, 23) and second strip means (20, 24), comprising a forming station (22) suitable for obtaining cavity means (4) from said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) and a sealing station (32) wherein said first strip means (19, 23) is sealed to said second strip means (20, 24) along a sealing zone (8, 9), characterised in that it further comprises weakening means (41) arranged to obtain on said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) preferential separation means (14; 14', 14", 60) suitable for encouraging the separation of said first strip means (19, 23) from at least part of said second strip means (20, 24) .

81. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said weakening means (41) is arranged at an operating station selected between, said sealing station (32) and said forming station (22).

82. Apparatus according to claim 80, or 81, and further comprising stretching means (41) suitable for stretching said second strip means (20, 24) on a preset area (17) .

83. Apparatus for forming containers (1) from strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) comprising first strip means (19, 23) and second strip means (20, 24) intended to be joined along a sealing zone (8, 9), provided with a forming station (22) .suitable for obtaining cavity . means (4) from said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24), characterised in that it further comprises' stretching • means (56) suitable for .stretching said second strip means (20, 24) on a preset area (17) .

84. Apparatus according to claim 83, and further comprising a sealing station (32) wherein said first strip means (19,

23) is sealed to said second strip means- (20, 24) along said sealing zone (8, 9).

85. Apparatus according to claim 84, and further comprising weakening means (41) arranged to obtain on said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) preferential separation means (14; 14', 14", 60) suitable for encouraging the separation of said first strip means (19, 23) from at' least part of said second strip means (20, 24) .

86. Apparatus according to claim 85, wherein said weakening - means (41) is arranged at an operating station selected between said sealing, station (32) and said forming station (22).

87. Apparatus according to any one of claims 80 to 82, or according to claim 85, or 86, wherein said weakening, means comprises scoring means (41) arranged to score said second strip means (20, 24) .

88. Apparatus according to claim 87, wherein said scoring means (41) is suitable for obtaining on said second strip means (20, 24) at least one scoring line.

89. Apparatus according to claim 87, or 88 -wherein said scoring means (41) comprises a scoring profile (44) shaped in the form of an upturned "V.

90. Apparatus according to any one of claims 80 to 82, or according- to any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein said weakening means. (41) comprises perforating means (65, ,66, 67) configured in such a way as to obtain on said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) continuity interruption means (14', 14'', 60) arranged to encourage the separation of. said first strip means (19, 23) from at least part of said second strip means (20, 24) .

91. Apparatus according. to claim 90, wherein .said perforating means (65, 66, 67) is arranged to obtain on said second strip means (20, 24) continuity interruption- line means (14' , 14") .

92. Apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said perforating means (65, 66, 67) comprises a first perforating portion

(65) and a second perforating portion (66) respectively arranged to obtain on said second strip means (20,- 24) first continuity interruption line means (14') and second continuity interruption line means (14^'' ' ) of said continuity, interruption line means (14', 14").

93. Apparatus according to claim 92, wherein said first perforating portion (65) and said second, perforating portion (66) have a substantially straight geometry.

94. Apparatus according to claim 92, or 93, wherein said first perforating portion (25) and said second perforating portion (26) converge towards an area of ^• convergence.

95. Apparatus according to claim 94, ^' wherein said first , perforating portion (25) and said second- perforating portion (26) are arranged according to a geometry having the form of an upturned "V" .

96. Apparatus according to any one of the claims 90 to 95, wherein said perforating means (65, 66, 67) is provided with protruding elements (68) arranged, to obtain on said second strip means (20, 24) interruption . sections that are^'- separated from one another by joining sections formed at hollow zones (69) of said perforating means (65, 66, 67).

97. Apparatus according to claim 96, wherein said perforating means' (65, 66, 67) comprises _. a cutting portion (67) that

^• is arranged to obtain on said second- strip means (20, 24) cutting line means (60) that interrupts the .material continuity of said second strip means (20, 24) along sections that have a length that is substantially greater than the length .of said interruption sections.

98. Apparatus according to claim 97, as claim 96 is appended to claim 94- or 95, wherein said cutting portion (67) is arranged near said convergence area.

99. Apparatus according to any one of claims 90 to 98,. wherein said perforating means (25, .26-, 27) is arranged in a cooling and stabilisation region (46) for^' said- containers (1) provided in said apparatus (18) .

100. Apparatus according to any one of claims 90 to 98, wherein said perforating means (25, 26, 27) is associated with advancing means (46) suitable for advancing said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) in a preset direction (F) .

101. Apparatus according to any one of claims 87 to 89, or to any one of claims 90 to 100 as claim 90 is appended to any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein said scoring means and/or said perforating means are obtained on scoring means (41) that is movably fixed to support plate means (25; 33) .

102. Apparatus according to claim 101, wherein said scoring means (41) is associated to two opposite sides of said support plate means (25; 33) in such a .way as to obtain two facing rows of said containers (1) arranged on said opposite sides.

103. Apparatus according to any one of claims 82 to 86, or according to any one of claims 87 to 89, as claim 87 is appended to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 90 to 102, as claim 90 is appended to any one of claims 82 to 89 being claim 87 appended- to claim 82, or. 85, or 86, wherein said stretching means (56) interacts with said second strip means (20, 24) on an area with a planform matching the planform of said containers (1).

104. Apparatus according to any one of- claims 82 to -86, or according to any one of claims 87 to 89, as claim 87 is appended to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 90 to 102, as claim 90 is appended to any one of claims 82 to 89, being claim 87 appended to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to claim 103, wherein said stretching means- comprises presser means ^' (56) , suitable- for applying pressure to said area (17).

105. Apparatus according to claim 104, wherein- said presser means (56) is movably fixed to further support^' plate means

(47).

106. Apparatus according to any one of . claims 82 to 86, or according to any one of claims 87 to 89, as claim 87 is appended to claim 82, or 85, or 8.6, or according to any one of claims 90 to 102, as claim 90 is appended to any one of claims 82 to 89, being claim 87 appended -to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 103 to

105, wherein said stretching means (56) is arranged in a cooling and. stabilisation region (46) provided in said apparatus (1) .

107. Apparatus according to any one of claims- .82 to 86, or according to any one of claims 87 to 89, as claim 87 is appended to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 90 to 102, as claim 90^' is appended to any one of claims 82 to- 89, being claim 87 appended to claim^' 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 103 to

106, wherein said stretching means (56) is associated with advancing means (46) suitable for advancing said strip means (19, -20, 23, 24) in a preset direction (F) .

108. Apparatus according to claim 107, wherein said advancing means comprises an advancing gripper (46) suitable for gripping and releasing said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) to move it in said preset direction (F) .

109. Apparatus according to claim 108, wherein said advancing means (46) comprises two movable jaws (48) cooperating with fixed jaw means (47) , in such a way as to simultaneously advance at least two rows of said containers (1), said rows being arranged on opposite sides ^' of said fixed jaw means (47) .

110. Apparatus according to any one of claims 82. to 86, or according to any one of claims 87 to 89, as claim 87 is appended to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 90 to 102, as claim 90 is appended to any one of claims 82 to 89, being claim 87 appended to claim 82, or 85, or 86, or according to any one of claims 103 to 110, wherein said sealing station (32) is provided with two sealing half moulds (34) cooperating with central sealing plate means (33) , in such a way as to simultaneously seal at least two rows of said containers (1), arranged on opposite sides of said central sealing plate means (33) .

111. Apparatus according to any one of claims 80 to 110, wherein said forming station (22) comprises two forming half moulds (26) cooperating with central division plate means (25), in such a way as to simultaneously form at least two rows of said containers (1), arranged on opposite sides of said central division plate means (25) .

112. Method for forming containers (1) comprising advancing strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) provided with first strip means (19, 23) and second strip means (20, 24) in a preset direction (F) , injecting a forming fluid between the first strip means (19, 23) and said second strip means (20, 24) to create a cavity means (4) and further cavity means (5), sealing said first strip means (19, 23) and said second strip means (20, 24) along a sealing zone (8, 9), characterised in that said injecting comprises sending said forming fluid coming from said cavity means (4) to said further cavity means (59) through a precursory section of said sealing zone (8, 9) .

113. Method according to claim 112, wherein said sending comprises causing said forming fluid to enter said cavity means (4) through feeding channel means (10) .

114. Method according to claim 113, wherein said sending further comprises causing said forming fluid to flow out from said cavity means (4) towards said further cavity means (59) through conduit means (45) arranged in a region that is substantially opposite said feeding channel means (10) .

115. Method according to claim 114, -wherein said causing to flow out comprises directing said forming fluid from an outlet portion of said cavity means (4) towards an inlet portion of said further cavity means (59), said outlet portion being adjacent to said inlet portion.

116. Method according to any one of claims 112 to 115, wherein said sealing comprises separating said cavity means (4) from said further cavity means (59) .

117. Method according to any one of claims 112 to 116, and further comprising obtaining on said further cavity means (59) spacer means (12) suitable for keeping said first strip means (19, 23) spaced from said second strip means (20, 24) near said further cavity means (59) .

118. Method according to claim 117, wherein said obtaining comprises deforming said first strip means (19, 23) in the direction of said second first strip means (20, 24) in a central region of said further cavity means (59) .

119. Method according to any one of claims 112 to 118, and further comprising creating on said second strip means (20, 24) preferential separation means (14; 14', 14'', 60) suitable for encouraging the separation of said first strip means (19, 23) from at least part of sa-id second strip means (20,- 24) ;

120. Method according to claim 119, wherein said creating comprises scoring said second strip means (20, 24) .

121. Method according to claim 120, wherein said scoring comprises interrupting the continuity of said strip means

(19, 20, 23,- 24) . .

122. Method according to any one of claims' 120 to 126,- wherein said scoring^' occurs during said sealing..

123. Method according to one of previous claims, and further comprising stretching said second strip means (20, 24) on a preset area (17) .. - ' ^• .

124; Method according to claim 128, wherein said stretching comprises pressing said second strip means (20, 24) in such a way as to cause the second strip means (20, 24) to protrude towards the, inside of said cavity means (4) by a preset amount.

125. Method for obtaining containers (1) from strip means (19,

20, 23, 24) having first strip means (19, 23) and second strip means (20, 24), comprising forming said strip^' means

(19, 20, 23, 24) to obtain cavity means (4) therefrom, and seal said first strip means (19, 23) to said second strip means (20, 24) along a sealing zone (8,.9), characterised in that it further comprises weakening said strip means (19, 20, 23, 24) to encourage the separation of said first strip means (19, 23) from at least part of said second strip means (20, 24).

126. Method according .to claim 125, wherein .said weakening comprises .interrupting the continuity of said strip- means (19, 20, 23, 24).

127. Method according to claim 126, wherein s.aid interrupting comprises interacting with said second strip means (20, 24). .

128. Method according to claim 126, or 127, wherein said interrupting comprises obtaining on said . second strip- ^•means (20, 24) interruption sections -. that are separated from one another. by joining sections.

129. Method according to claim 128, wherein ^• said -interrupting comprises obtaining on said strip means (20> 24) cutting line means (60). that is substantially longer than said joining sections.

130. Method according to any one of claims 126. to 129, wherein said interrupting occurs during said sealing.

131. Method according to any one of claims 126 to 129 wherein said interrupting occurs during said forming.

132. Method according to any one of claims 126 to 129, wherein said interrupting occurs during cooling and • stabilising said containers (1) that are being formed.

133. Method according to any one of claims 126 to 129, wherein said, interrupting occurs during -advancing, said containers

(1) in a preset direction (F) .