EP1601581A1

EP1601581A1 - Container for dirty products

Info

Publication number: EP1601581A1
Application number: EP03789514A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raphael Caldas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-04
Filing date: 2003-11-27
Publication date: 2005-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-27
Also published as: ATE444237T1; FR2848189A1; FR2848189B1; WO2004052740A1; DE60329531D1; EP1601581B1; AU2003294096A1

Abstract

The container (1) includes a frame (2) covered by an overlay (3) of membranes (4,4a,4b....4m,4n), such as fluid resistant plastic, metallic or tissue sheets. Each of the membranes includes adhering elements for coupling contact faces (A,B) of contiguous membranes with one another, and the sheets can be separated by peeling one from another. Adhering of the membranes to one another can be carried out by adhesive, electrostatic polarisation of the membranes, or e.g. use of mechanical fastening elements. An Independent claim is included for a method of using the above container.

Description

"Container for messy products"

The present invention relates to a container for dirty products which includes means for easily ensuring its own cleaning.

Such a container can be used for example to temporarily receive products adhering more or less to the walls such as plaster, cement, glue, noumture, chemicals, paint, excrement, used in fields of activity such as the building industry, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, nuclear, medicine, agriculture, etc.

This container also makes it possible, if necessary, to mix together the components of these products, to knead them if they are pasty and to extract them by scraping the walls.

In this type of activity, where a container is used in successive work sequences, it is important that at the start of each sequence it is clean so as not to pollute new products, whereas in the previous sequence it contained dirtying or even polluting products or contaminants, the remains of which most often adhere to its wall.

In the current state of the art, two types of solution to this problem are used:

- or the container is cleaned by mechanical, thermal, chemical interventions etc. and this generates significant costs in terms of labor, tools and cleaning products and lengthens the duration of the work.

- or the container is discarded and replaced by a new container as is the case for example for plates or syringes, which is economically acceptable for small containers that are not mechanically stressed but becomes prohibitive for larger containers whose dimensions and solidity requirements considerably increase the manufacturing cost.

The container according to the invention provides a new, intermediate and particularly economical solution to this cleaning problem in that meaning that, to restore the state of cleanliness, only certain inexpensive elements of this container are disposable one by one while its framework which can be expensive will be reusable a large number of times.

The subject of the invention is therefore a container for dirtying or even polluting or contaminating products, incorporating means for ensuring its own cleaning and which is composed of a framework covered with a superposition of membranes.

Each of these membranes is equipped with means of assembly by adhesion of at least part of at least one of its contact faces with the contiguous membrane or membranes.

These assembly means nevertheless allow easy separation of said membranes by peeling effect.

According to other characteristics of the invention:

- Said membranes consist of at least one layer of at least one plastic.

- Said membranes are metallic sheets.

- Said membranes are sheets of paper or non-woven fibers.

- Said membranes are sheets of fabric. - Said membranes are sheets of fabric coated with plastic on at least one side.

- Said membranes are made of fluid-tight material.

- Said membranes are made of flexible materials. - Said adhesion assembly means consist of an adhesive substance covering at least partially at least one of the two contact faces of each of said membranes.

- only one of the two said contact faces is covered with an adhesive substance, while the other face has a slightly adherent glossy surface state. - Said means of adhesion assembly consist of the electrostatic polarization of said membranes.

- Said adhesion assembly means consist of a plurality of magnetized particles, incorporated in said membranes.

- Said adhesion assembly means consist of the heating under pressure of said superposition to a softening temperature of the material constituting said membranes which produces the adhesion of their said contact faces. - The adhesion of said contact faces by heating under pressure is associated with a stamping by thermoforming which gives said superposition a shape matching the trough shape of said frame.

- Said means of assembly by adhesion are constituted by a multitude of protuberances with mechanical attachment lining said contact faces of said membranes.

- Each of said membranes is equipped with at least one tongue, extending its surface towards the outside, the position of which is offset, in said superposition, from one membrane to another.

- Said frame comprises protuberances with mechanical latching cooperating with at least part of said multitude of protuberances lining the face of the lower membrane with the superposition contiguous to said frame to ensure the fixing on said frame, said superposition which covers it.

- One of the two faces of each of the membranes has a smooth surface of thermoplastic material while the other face is lined with a multitude of protrusions made of a material which remains solid at the softening temperature of said thermoplastic material.

A subject of the invention is also a method of using said container which consists, after each sequence of use, of tearing off by peeling effect and of disposing the upper membrane of the superposition which has been soiled by dirtying products, revealing the membrane it covered which is clean and ready for a new sequence of use.

This operation can be repeated as many times as there are membranes available in said superposition to allow several sequences of use until the appearance of the last membrane which covers said framework of the container.

When all of said membranes of said superposition have been discarded one by one after use in contact with dirtying products, said framework has been exposed. It can then be equipped again with a superposition of new membranes ready for use, so that the framework can thus be equipped with successive refills and serve a large number of times.

The invention also relates to a first method of obtaining said container which consists, to achieve the assembly between them of said membranes, to heat under pressure said superposition in order to produce the encrustation of said multitude of protuberances lining each membrane in the thermoplastic material. of the contiguous membrane.

The invention also relates to a second method for obtaining said container where the trough shape of said superposition is obtained from superimposed flat membranes which are formed together by the same thermoforming operation under pressure.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said superposition is equipped with at least one additional flat membrane which, made of thermosetting plastic, becomes rigid after shaping by thermoforming under pressure with all of the membranes of said superposition and constitutes then the framework of said container.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the description which follows and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the container according to the invention, part of which is cut transversely to reveal the superposition of the membranes:

- Fig. 2 is a partial schematic sectional view of a detail of a means for assembling the membranes shown in the attachment position.

- Fig. 3 is a partial schematic sectional view of the same detail as in FIG. 2 shown in the peeling separation position.

In Fig 1, there is shown schematically a container for dirty products (1), composed of a framework (2) which is covered with an overlay (3) of membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n ).

Assembly means which will be described below allow each of these membranes to adhere to at least part of at least one of its contact faces (A, B) with the contiguous membrane or membranes .

In Fig. 1, there is shown the upper face (A) of the membrane (4a) which adheres with the contiguous membrane (4) and the lower face (B) of the same membrane (4a) which adheres with the other contiguous membrane (4b ). These various assembly means allow the separation of said membranes by peeling effect.

To obtain this peeling effect, a local tearing-off force is exerted which initiates a separation which then spreads progressively over all of the assembled contact surfaces. Said membranes (4, 4a, 4b, ... 4m, 4n) can be made of flexible material and / or of fluid-tight material.

They can be inter alia sheets of plastic or metal, sheets of non-woven fibers or fabric which can be coated with plastic on at least one side. They can be made up of multiple layers of plastic material with different physical and chemical properties. Thus, for example, the upper face (A) and the lower face (B) of each membrane can be obtained from two different plastics which cannot be welded together under the effect of heat.

In the superimposition (3) of membranes shown in FIG. 1, the membrane (4) is arranged in the upper part and comes into contact with the dirty products contained in said container (1) during the first sequence of use. At the other end of this superposition, the membrane (4n) is in contact with the framework (2) and it can be fixed thereon.

The frame (2) is shown here by way of example in the shape of a trough with a central part (6) surrounded by inclined edges (7), but this frame can have any other shape suitable for its mode of use. It can be made compact and waterproof or perforated like a grid.

In the latter case, it is the membranes which alone ensure the sealing function of the container.

Fig. 1 illustrates two embodiments of the container according to the invention where the adhesion assembly means consist of the electrostatic polarization of said membranes or by the incorporation of a plurality of magnetic particles in said membranes.

In this case, this polarization or this magnetization allows the upper face (A) of each membrane to be attracted towards the lower face (B) of the contiguous membrane and kept in contact with the latter.

Of course in this case the adhesion between the membranes is limited and their separation will be easily obtained by peeling effect.

According to another embodiment of the container according to the invention, it is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2 and 3 how said membranes, for example (4) and (4a), can be joined using assembly means constituted by a multitude of protuberances (8, 8a) with mechanical latching lining their contact faces (A) and (B) , the shape and / or the arrangement of the protrusions (8) of the faces (A) being complementary to those of the protrusions (8a) of the faces (B).

It is also shown in FIG. 3, how these said membranes can be separated by peeling effect by exerting for example a pull on the tongue (5) which extends the membrane (4).

The local pull-out force applied in this way bends the membrane (4).

It is this curvature which allows the protrusions (8, 8a) to escape from their respective housings (9, 9a) by progressively releasing the assembly between the two membranes.

Of course, the assembly means by multiple protrusions shown in Fig. 2 and 3 is given only by way of example and to illustrate a possible method of separation by peeling.

Any other assembly system by mechanical attachment using multiple protuberances can be used to obtain adhesion between them of the membranes of the superposition, and for example a hook-and-loop brush system.

In these types of assembly, the entire contact surface between the membranes can be provided with protuberances, but it will readily be understood that it is economically advantageous for only part of this area to be fitted, for example in the form of fastening strips. reported opposite on the faces (A) and (B) of these membranes.

The protrusions (8, 8a) lining these membranes can be asperities of all shapes and sizes and in particular be microscopic. They can be obtained by deformation on the surface of the material of said membranes or by deformation of the membrane itself. They can also be added on at least one of the faces of each membrane, for example in the form of short fibers lining the membrane to form a brush or velvet effect. This upholstery can be carried out under pressure under heat by embedding these fibers in the thermoplastic material of the membranes. These protuberances can also result from the very constitution of the membranes, in particular if the membranes consist of sheets of non-woven fibers or of fabric which are coated on one face with thermoplastic material. The non-woven fibers or the fibers of the fabric then constitute said multitude of protuberances. It is indeed possible to use membranes according to the invention, one face (A) of which has a surface of smooth theoplastic material, while the other face (B) has a multitude of protuberances made of a material which remains solid at the softening temperature. thermoplastic material. Heating under pressure will then produce the assembly of the membranes of the superposition by inlaying the protuberances lining the faces (B) of the membranes in the softened thermoplastic material of the faces (A). This method of mechanical attachment by hot inlaying of the membranes therebetween, which is neither bonding nor welding, is particularly economical to produce and has, on the one hand, sufficient adhesion of the membranes to each other during use. of the container and, on the other hand, very easy separation of the membranes from one another by the peeling effect.

A series of tabs (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) is also shown in FIG. 1 where it can be seen that, for example, the membrane (4) is equipped with at least one tongue (5, 5a) which extends its surface towards the outside and that the membrane (4a) is likewise equipped with at least one tab (5b, 5c).

At least one tab, not shown, also equips all the membranes of the overlay.

The position of these said tongues (5, 5a, 5b, 5c.) Is offset in the superposition (3) from one membrane to the other. Thus, we see in FIG. 1 by way of example that the tongues (5) and (5a) of the membrane (4) have a position offset with respect to that of the tongues (5b) and (5c) of the membrane (4a).

It will be understood that these tabs are used to grasp, between the thumb and the index finger for example, each of the membranes of the superposition to tear them off one by one after each sequence of use of the container.

The fact that they occupy a position offset from one membrane to another is intended to facilitate their gripping.

Fig. 1 also illustrates another embodiment of the container according to the invention where the adhesion assembly means consist of thermoforming of the entire superposition (3) of membranes (4, 4a, 4b .. .4m, 4n).

We see in this Fig. 1 that said superposition (3) has a trough shape which perfectly matches the trough shape of said frame (2) at the level of the lower face (B) of the lower membrane (4n).

This shape will be advantageously obtained from superimposed flat membranes, shaped together by the same thermoforming operation under pressure using suitable tools and at a temperature suitable for softening the material of said membranes. In addition, this operation completely expels the trapped air between the membranes, creating a suction cup effect which strengthens the adhesion between them. On the other hand, this technique allows easy separation of the membranes because the peeling effect creates an air penetration between the membranes which cancels the suction cup effect. The use of the container according to the invention for kneading products such as cement, plaster, glue etc ... then scraping its walls to extract them requires that perfect adhesion between the membranes is obtained over their entire surface without folds or air bubble. Only the shaping of the entire overlay in a single operation makes it possible to obtain this result at a low cost, compatible with the possible marketing price of such a container.

Thermoforming is only one of the techniques allowing the assembly by said pressure heating of said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) of the superposition (3).

It is also possible to soften the material constituting said membranes, which allows the adhesion of the contact faces (A) and (B), by any other method producing a thermal effect linked to compression such as for example hot rolling, high frequency press heating, hot air heating with compression wheel, etc.

It will be understood, however, that it is possible, and particularly advantageous from the point of view of saving production costs, to combine, in a single operation and using a thermoforming tool under pressure, the shaping of the 'all of the membranes of the superposition (3) and the assembly of the membranes therebetween, for example by hot inlaying of the multiple protuberances (8, 8a) as described above.

It is also advantageous to introduce into this tool a frame (2) according to the invention, perforated like a grid. Such a framework, permeable to air, does not constitute an obstacle to the application of a pressure difference between the superposition of the membranes and the model of the thermoforming tool on which this superposition comes to apply at the time of its shaping. It is thus possible to leave the tooling, in the course of a single operation, a finished product comprising a frame furnished with a superposition of membranes adhering to each other which follows the shape of this frame.

The same result can be obtained if said superposition is equipped with an additional flat membrane contiguous to said lower membrane (4n) on its lower face (B) and made of plastic material. theπnodurcissable. Thus this membrane which is shaped in a single operation by thermoforming under pressure with the other membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) of the superposition, on the one hand, conforms perfectly and adheres to said membranes which remain flexible and separable by peeling effect and, on the other hand, after cooling becomes rigid and then constitutes the framework (2) of said container.

Furthermore, to allow hooking between said frame (2) and said superimposition (3) of membranes which is easily separable by peeling effect, said frame may include protuberances with mechanical hooking (8a) which cooperate with the protuberances (8) lining the lower face (B) of the lower membrane (4n) with said superposition.

Referring to FIG. 1 we will describe the method of using the container according to the invention, in the case where it is used to temporarily store for example a certain amount of dirtying products such as plaster or glue, or even to mix together and knead various components of these products to perform several work sequences, for example consisting in applying these products to any support.

At the start of each work sequence it is necessary to have a clean container.

At the end of each sequence the container has been soiled with these products, part of which could not be used, has dried and sometimes adheres strongly to the wall of the container.

In the case of the container according to the invention, it is the upper face (A) of the upper membrane (4) which has been covered with dirtying products during a first use.

The container is then cleaned extremely quickly by removing this upper membrane (4) by tearing off.

A pull is exerted on the tongue (s) (5, 5a) so as to progressively move the lower face (B) away from this membrane (4) of the upper face (A) of the membrane (4b) which it covers.

This upper membrane (4) can then be discarded with the remains of products that it contains. We then have a container which is again ready for a new sequence of use, the clean upper face (A) of the new membrane (4a) having appeared in the upper part of the superposition

(3).

This operation can be repeated as many times as there are membranes in the superposition (3) equipping said container until the lower membrane (4n), once torn off, leaves said framework (2) bare.

We can then consider that the cost of this frame is financially amortized by the number of work sequences carried out and throw it away. It is also possible to re-equip said frame (2) with a new superposition (3) of new membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) to carry out a new cycle of use sequences.

This new equipment of said frame (2) will then be produced by clipping using said complementary protrusions (8, 8a) equipping, on the one hand, said frame and on the other hand, the underside (B) of the membrane. lower (4n) of the new superimposition (3).

Claims

1. Container (1) for dirtying products, incorporating means for ensuring its own cleaning, composed of a framework (2) covered with a superposition (3) of membranes (4, 4a, 4b, ... 4m, 4n ) and comprising means for adhering the membranes to each other which allow their separation by peeling effect, characterized in that said means for adhering the membranes to each other are constituted by a multitude of protuberances with mechanical attachment (8, 8a) lining the at least part of at least one of the contact faces (A, B) of each of said membranes with the contiguous membrane or membranes.

2. Container for dirty products, according to claim 1, characterized in that said multitude of protuberances with mechanical latching (8, 8a) is constituted by a self-gripping brush.

3. Container for dirty products, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) consist of at least one layer of at least one plastic.

4. Container for dirtying products, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) are sheets of non-woven fibers.

5. Container for dirtying products, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) are sheets of fabric.

6. Container for dirty products, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) are sheets of fabric coated with plastic on at least one side. ,

7. Container for dirtying products, according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) are electrostatically polarized.

8. Container for dirtying products, according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) incorporate a plurality of magnetic particles.

9. Container for dirtying products, according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that said superposition (3) has a trough shape which perfectly matches the trough-like concavity of said frame (2) at the lower face (B) of its lower membrane (4n).

10. Container for dirty products, according to claim 1 or 9 characterized in that said frame (2) is perforated like a grid.

11. A method of obtaining the container for dirty products according to claim 9 characterized in that the trough shape of said superposition (3) is obtained from membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) flat superimposed which are shaped together by the same pressurized thermoforming operation.

12. A method of obtaining the container for dirty products according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the assembly between them of said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) is obtained by heating under pressure of said superposition (3) which produces the encrustation of said multitude of protuberances (8, 8a) lining each membrane (4) in the plastic of the contiguous membrane (4a).

13. Container for dirty products according to claim 12 characterized in that one face (A) of each of said membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) has a smooth plastic surface while the other face (B) is lined with a said multitude of protrusions (8, 8a) made of a material which remains solid at the softening temperature of said plastic.

14. Container for dirtying products according to one of claims 9 to 13 characterized in that said overlay (3) is equipped with at least one additional flat membrane which, made of thermosetting plastic, becomes rigid after shaping by thermoforming under pressure with all of the membranes (4, 4a, 4b ... 4m, 4n) of said superposition (3) and then constitutes the framework (2) of said container.

15. Container for dirtying products according to one of claims 1, 10 or 14, characterized in that said frame (2) has protuberances with mechanical latching (8a) cooperating with at least part of said multitude of protuberances (8) lining the face (B) of the lower membrane (4n) with said superposition (3) contiguous to said frame to ensure the fixing, on said frame, of said superposition which covers it.