ES1299549U - HEAT-SEALABLE PLASTIC BASE AND CAP ASSEMBLY (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Assembly (1) of plug (T) and plug base (B), the assembly (1) being made of plastic, the plug (T) being made up of a body (T1), the base (B) being made up of a lower part (B1) for coupling to a container (EF) and an upper part (B2) for fitting the cap (T), characterized in that the cap (T) comprises, on the side for coupling to the base, at least one extension (LT), so that when the cap (T) is closed on the base (B), the extension (LT) comes into contact with the lower part (B1) for coupling to a container (EF). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

HEAT-SEALABLE PLASTIC BASE AND CAP ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention refers to a plastic cap and base assembly intended to be joined to a flexible container, the union being carried out by fusion.

BACKGROUND

Different products are known with a flexible container with a base plus a rigid plastic insert with a cap, which are usually used in the food sector for children and babies.

This system of incorporating a nozzle into a flexible container has been described in the patent literature since at least 1995 and since then numerous solutions have been proposed to improve its design as well as to facilitate its handling and assembly.

Among the documents that describe this type of packaging, mention can be made of ES 2926 846, ES 203879, ES 2175093, ES 2205828, ES 2221 228, ES 2288720, ES 2731 698 or ES 2 731 935.

One can also cite Poppelmann, manufacturer of caps and thermoformed trays, holder of a patent for nozzles such as US2014110433 A1, which describes a way to improve the welding of the nozzle in the bag, Scholle IPN holder of WO2021160675 which describes a structure of the sealing zone or Aptar, holder of different patents on caps, closures and seals such as those described in WO2021204360, WO2021089149, USD672654, PL3573901 or ES286075.

A drawback of the known assemblies is that they require numerous steps for their attachment to a flexible container, for closing the cap and for forming a seal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, a stopper assembly is proposed and cap base, the assembly being made of plastic, the cap being made up of a body, the base being made up of a lower part for coupling to a container and an upper part for fitting the cap, in which the cap comprises, for side for coupling to the base, at least one extension, so that when the cap is closed on the base, the extension comes into contact with the lower part for coupling to a container.

In other words, the invention consists of making a flexible plastic nozzle ( weld-spout) with a hinged cap that incorporates a first activation seal ( tamper evidence) where the first activation seal consists of the extension found on the the movable part with cap that breaks when the user uses the product for the first time by opening the cap, with the particularity that during the process of incorporation by sealing the nozzle in the bag, this strip is sealed together with the weldable part of the mouthpiece, leaving the closure inviolable, until its first activation by the user.

In some embodiments, the base includes a recess for housing the extension.

In some embodiments, the body of the plug comprises an engaging lip and the snap-on top of the plug comprises an engaging lip such that the engaging edges face or contact each other when the plug is closed on the base.

In some embodiments, the body comprises a nozzle plug and the top part a nozzle.

In some embodiments, the nozzle plug seals the nozzle when the mating edges contact.

The assembly may be made in one piece or may include at least two pieces, one being the cap and the other the base.

In some embodiments, the joint between the plug and the extension is frangible.

In some embodiments, the frangible joint is a notch, a transition step between tongue and stopper, some points of union, a weakened line or a perforated area.

In some embodiments, the lower part of the base comprises a lower layer for attachment to a flexible container, and an intermediate zone for fusion and sealing.

In some embodiments, the recess is partially disposed in the intermediate fusion and sealing zone.

In some embodiments, the intermediate fusion and sealing zone comprises fusion and sealing ribs arranged in planes perpendicular to the axis of the plug and/or upright vertical fins arranged at opposite ends.

In some embodiments, the upper part comprises a rim arranged between the nozzle and the engaging edge.

In some embodiments, the extension is a tab.

In some embodiments, the plug and the base are hinged.

In some embodiments, the extension is diametrically opposite the hinge.

In some embodiments, the cap comprises arms, and the top of the cap comprises arms, the ends of the arms being joined to form the hinge.

In some embodiments, the mating edges are arranged coplanar when the assembly is in its open configuration and when it is in its closed position, such that a mating plane is defined, the extension of this plane protruding toward the base in the closed configuration. .

In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises an opening of increasing section.

In some embodiments, the plug is substantially cylindrical, and the lower engaging portion is substantially diamond-shaped.

In some embodiments, the stopper comprises a gripping recess, preferably provided with ridges.

The invention also refers to a product, which comprises an assembly according to any of the variants of the invention and a flexible container.

The product can be used, among others, to contain oils, gels, compotes.

Finally, the flexible container and the assembly are joined by heat sealing, such that the extension is heat-sealed to the base of the assembly.

The different aspects and embodiments of the invention defined above can be combined with each other, as long as they are mutually compatible.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and will be pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to some examples of practical embodiment of the invention, an integral part of the description is accompanied by a set of figures in which, with illustrative and non-limiting character, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly as it emerges after it has been manufactured by molding.

Figure 2 is another perspective of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views from different sides but in a closed configuration, as it remains after joining the assembly to the flexible package.

Figure 5 is an elevation view of the assembly in its closed configuration.

Figure 6 is a section of the assembly in its open configuration, as extracted from the manufacturing mould.

Figures 7 and 8 are plan views of the assembly, from the two sides.

Figure 9 is a front elevation view showing the different parts of the assembly, and also the different areas of the base.

Figure 10 is a plan view of the cap in its closed configuration.

Figure 11 is a front elevational view of the cap, open.

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the plug in an open configuration in an embodiment provided with a spout with a small section spout.

Figure 13 is like figure 12, but in section according to the plane of symmetry of the assembly.

Figure 14 is a detail in perspective of the extension, in an embodiment in which it is a tab, after the base of the assembly has been attached.

Figure 15 is a section according to a plane of symmetry of an embodiment devoid of a nozzle, that is to say provided with a large diameter opening.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a product intended to contain gels, compotes or oils, which comprises the assembly joined by heat-sealing to the flexible container.

Figures 17 and 18 are two elevations, side and front, of a product according to the invention, in which the cap has a lever to help the user to open it, instead of the rough recess of the other embodiments.

Figures 19 and 20 show an embodiment of the assembly in which the cap includes a lever to facilitate opening.

Figure 21 is a plan view of an assembly according to the invention in which the extension consists of two legs.

Figure 22 is a bottom perspective of the embodiment shown in Figure 19.

Figure 23 is a perspective of an assembly according to another embodiment in which the extension is a flange of short extension, sufficient to reach the area where the heat for heat sealing reaches.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the description of the possible preferred embodiments of the invention, numerous details need to be given in order to promote a better understanding of the invention. Even so, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. On the other hand, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

As can be seen, for example, in figures 1 and 2, the invention refers to a set 1 of cap T and cap base B intended to be coupled to a container, such as the one shown in figure 16.

It is a plastic assembly 1, in which the stopper T is constituted by a body T1, generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapes could be conceived.

The base B is made up of a lower part B1 for coupling to a container EF and an upper part B2 for fitting the cap T. In the illustrated embodiments the cap T is substantially cylindrical, and the lower part B1 for coupling is substantially diamond-shaped. , to provide more heat-sealing surface to the EF container.

According to the invention, the plug T comprises, on the base coupling side, at least one extension LT, so that when the plug T is closed on the base B, the extension LT comes into contact with the lower part B1 of coupling to an EF container.

As explained above, the cap assembly is intended to be joined to a flexible container EF, and generally this union is made by melting the lower part B1 on the part of the flexible container EF that surrounds the opening through which it is attached. will extract its content. And thanks to the layout of the LT extension, it will remain, at the time of the melting of the base B1, in an area subjected to a temperature rise sufficient to melt the plastic from which the assembly is made, so that the end of the extension arranged adjacent or attached to the base B1 will also melt, so that at the same time that the assembly is attached to the container, the stopper will be sealed.

Preferably, the base B includes a recess LH for housing the extension LT, which allows the extension, tab or tabs to be better positioned with a view to their heat sealing.

The body T1 of the plug T comprises an engagement edge T3 and the upper part B2 of the plug T comprises an engagement edge B3 so that the engagement edges T3, B3 face each other or come into contact when the plug T is closed on base B, so that the configuration to carry out the welding process is perfectly defined.

According to one embodiment, as shown in figure 13, the body T1 comprises a nozzle plug T5 and the upper part B2 a nozzle B5, so that the nozzle plug T5 plugs the nozzle when the mating edges T3, B3 they come into contact. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in figure 15, the nozzle is dispensed with, so that the opening diameter is much larger.

In the illustrated embodiments, the junction UF between plug T and extension LT is frangible. This UF frangible joint can be a notch, a transition step between tongue and stopper, some points of union, a weakened line or a perforated area.

The lower part B1 of the base B comprises a lower layer B11 intended to be attached to a flexible container EF, and an intermediate zone B12 for melting and sealing. The recess LH is partly arranged in the intermediate melting and sealing area B12. The intermediate fusion and sealing zone B12 comprises fusion and sealing ribs FS arranged in planes perpendicular to the plug axis ET and/or vertical fins AF arranged at opposite ends. These fins and ribs have a reduced thickness, so that they are exposed to heat and melt easily, to, on the one hand, contribute to sealing the inventive extension LT and, on the other hand, to help the union of the base with the flexible container.

The upper part B2 comprises a rim B4 arranged between the nozzle B5 and the edge of coupling B3, so that a double seal is formed to prevent content leaks.

As regards the LT extension(s), several solutions can be conceived. In a preferred embodiment, it is a single tab. In another solution, illustrated in figures 17 and 18, it involves two legs, so that two frangible joining points UF are formed.

In the illustrated embodiments, the plug T and the base B are articulated by means of one hinge or more hinges H. The hinge can be unique, but in the illustrated embodiments, the set comprises two hinges, with different hinge axes, so that they constitute bistables that assist the user in opening and closing. In all the illustrated embodiments, the plug T comprises arms T4, and the upper part B2 of the plug comprises arms B7, the ends of the arms T4, B7 being joined to form the hinge H or hinges.

In the embodiments, the extension LT is diametrically opposite to the hinge H, but it could also be located at angles other than 180, or, in the case of two legs, these can be located at a range of angles, for example at 135 °.

As illustrated for example at 12 and 13, the mating edges T3, B3 are arranged coplanar when the assembly is in its open configuration and when it is in its closed position, so as to define a mating plane PT3B3, protruding the LT extension of this PT3B3 plane towards the base B in the closed configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 13, the nozzle B5 comprises an opening O of increasing section.

As shown, for example, in Figure 22, to facilitate opening for the user, the stopper comprises a grip recess T2, preferably provided with roughness. In another embodiment illustrated in figures 17 to 20, a lever T12 is proposed for this purpose.

Also described here is a process in which an assembly according to any of claims 1 to 20 is used, to obtain a product with content according to claims 21 to 22.

The method firstly comprises molding the base plug assembly, which is obtained in the open configuration. It is closed, to leave it in the configuration shown, for example, in figure 3. In parallel with this, the bag is manufactured and it is provided with an opening in an upper portion. The assembly is then placed so that its dispensing channel coincides with the opening of the EF flexible container. Next, the assembly is heat-sealed with the container, so that simultaneously it remains attached to the EF container and the extension remains in its closure and seal configuration. It should be noted that filling the container with compote, gel or oil can be done before heat sealing, or it can be done with a different opening.

Therefore, a procedure is also described here comprising the steps of:

a) molding an assembly 1 of cap T and cap base B, the assembly 1 being made of plastic, the cap T being made up of a body T1, the base B being made up of a lower part B1 for coupling to a container EF and a upper part B2 for fitting the plug T, wherein the plug T comprises, on the side for coupling to the base, at least one extension LT;

b) closing the assembly so that when the cap T is closed on the base B, the extension LT comes into contact with the lower part B1 for coupling to a container EF;

c) arrange the assembly on a flexible container;

d) heat-sealing the lower coupling part B1 to join it with the container EF, so that part of the extension LT remains heat-sealed with the lower part B1.

This procedure can be carried out with any of the variants of the kit claimed and described herein.

In view of this description and figures, the person skilled in the art will be able to understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments, without departing from the object of the invention as such. and as it has been claimed.

In this text, the term "comprises" and its derivations (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense. That is, these terms should not

1

interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include more elements, stages, etc.

Claims (22)

1. - Assembly (1) of plug (T) and base (B) of the plug, the assembly (1) being made of plastic, the plug (T) being made up of a body (T1), the base (B) being made up of by a lower part (B1) for coupling to a container (EF) and an upper part (B2) for fitting the cap (T), characterized in that the cap (T) comprises, on the side for coupling to the base, at least an extension (LT), so that when the plug (T) is closed on the base (B), the extension (LT) comes into contact with the lower part (B1) for coupling to a container (EF). 2. - Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base (B) comprises a recess (LH) for housing the extension (LT). 3. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the body (T1) of the stopper (T) comprises a coupling edge (T3) and the upper part (B2) of the plug (T) includes a fitting edge coupling (B3) so that the coupling edges (T3, B3) face each other or come into contact when the plug (T) closes on the base (B). 4. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body (T1) comprises a nozzle plug (T5) and the upper part (B2) a nozzle (B5). 5. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle shutter (T5) closes the nozzle when the coupling edges (T3, B3) come into contact. 6. - Set according to the preceding claims, in which set: - it is made in one piece; either - includes at least two pieces, one being the stopper (T) and the other base (B). 7. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the connection (UF) between the plug (T) and the extension (LT) is frangible. 8. - Assembly according to claim 7, in which the frangible joint (UF) is a notch, a transition step between tongue and stopper, some points of union, a weakened line or a perforated area. 9. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower part (B1) of the base (B) comprises a lower layer (B11) intended for attachment to a flexible container (EF), and an intermediate area ( B12) melting and sealing. 10. - Assembly according to claim 2 and any that depend on it, in which the recess (LH) is partially arranged in the intermediate zone (B12) of fusion and sealing. 11. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate zone (B12) of fusion and sealing comprises ribs of fusion and sealing (FS) arranged in planes perpendicular to the axis of the cap (ET) and/or vertical fins ( AF) verticals arranged at opposite ends. 12. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper part (B2) comprises a fence (B4) arranged between the nozzle (B5) and the coupling edge (B3). 13. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the extension (LT) is a tab. 14. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the plug (T) and the base (B) are articulated by means of a hinge (H). 15. - Set according to claim 14, in which the extension (LT) is diametrically opposed to the hinge (H). 16. - Assembly according to any of claims 14 or 15, in which the cap (T) comprises arms (T4), and the upper part (B2) of the cap comprises arms (B7), the ends of the arms being (T4, B7) united to form the hinge (H). 17. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling edges (T3, B3) are arranged coplanar when the assembly is in its open configuration and when it is in its closed position, so that a plane of coupling (PT3B3), protruding the extension (LT) of this plane (PT3B3) 1 towards the base (B) in the closed configuration. 18. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle (B5) comprises an opening O of increasing section. 19. - Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the plug (T) is substantially cylindrical, and the lower coupling part (B1) is substantially diamond-shaped. 20. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, in which the stopper comprises a grip recess (T2), preferably provided with roughness. 21. - Product (3), comprising a set (1) according to any of the preceding claims and a flexible container (EF). 22. - Product (3) according to claim 21, the flexible container (EF) and the assembly (1) being joined by heat sealing, so that the extension (LT) is heat welded to the base (B) of the assembly (1) .