FR2778167A1 - MULTI-VOLUME FOLDABLE OR CLIPSABLE CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention enables to compress by stable stages single-piece containers produced by the modern blow forming technique, maintaining the reduction of volumes, defining as many useful volumes without requiring the containers to be altered, the latter capable of being mutually assembled, once they are compressed. The invention reduces the container (1) volume by collapsing and/or successive integration of its wall (4) segments or of the double accordion folds constituting it (10, 11, 12, 13), inside another rigidified part (5, 7, 9, 14, 16) connected to or comprising the base (16) or the opening (2, 3). The surface of the double folds comprise vertical folds and/or bellows (12, 13) whereof the temporary deformation enables one double fold to be force-folded into or onto another. The folds consists of deformable portions (10) with increasing cross-section and symmetrical orientations on either side of the folding axis (11), which is itself deformable. Their bases (9, 14, 15, 16) comprise self-locking raised parts (23, 24) and/or tabs (25). The invention is useful for manufacturers of plastic or deformable packages or containers of whatever type, whether the content is liquid, viscous, powdery, pasty or other, whatever the type of closing system, whether they are bottles, metal cans, drink cans, flasks, barrels, pots, tubes or others.

Description

Foldable or clip-on multi-volume container.

  The invention relates to manufacturers of plastic or deformed packaging or containers.

  Mable, whatever the family, the content, liquid, viscous, powdery, pasty or other, the system

  closure or type, bottles, cans, cans, flasks, barrels, jars, boxes, tubes or others.

  In the case of containers, for example, of plastic, for example, of the type of bottles, there are two types of manufacture.

  Classic bottles, at constant volume.

  Variable volume bottles, deformable by manual pressure.

  Indeed, for a whole series of reasons, notably linked to ecological and environmental needs,

  plastic bottles have given rise to a series of research aimed at reducing their

  congestion when empty and considered as waste.

  These bottles, called compressible or compactable, are then compressed manually by

  vertical sion, taking advantage of the fact that their bole or their body is made up of zones of least resistance

  tance with constrictions.

  Manual vertical pressure then compresses the bottle, the volume reduction of which is proportional-

  the pressure exerted, is maintained by its closure by replacing the cap, the most

  often screwing, preventing the air from returning to give it, or tend to give it, its initial volume.

  These bottles, which cannot be assembled together, can only be used at their maximum volume.

  the invention allows progressive compression of the container, by folding and blocking or by joining

  sation and clipping, in stable bearings, double "accordion" folds, each compression bearing allowing the use of the container (or its m ulti-volume or use) and each fold increasing the stability of the container, this one, one part, being assembled with another compressed container and

  on the other hand, no longer requiring its recapping to keep the volume reduction acquired.

  Containers with accordion folds have already been the subject of patent applications, such as

  requests FR-A 93 12945, DE-A-2 364 731, DE-A-3 807 019, GB-A-2 208 113, WO-A-8 805 014, FR-

  A-2 063 313 or US-A-4 456 134, but none of the devices described works by progressive compressions in stable bearings, without any element external to the container and none allows several

  volumes of use and practicality of comparable use.

  The technique according to the invention, in its application to the nonlimiting example of the bottle, reduces its volume by folding double accordion folds composed of frustoconical sections of symmetrical directions

  triques on either side of their folding axis, inside at least one other more rigid part.

  The same invention also works by successive joining of the double accordion folds by

  hanging their bases or rigid external folds between them.

  The dimensions and decreasing or progressive developments of these double folds allow them to be folded inside the double joined fold of greater size and development, the double folds being connected together by a fold or a retaining rib, ensuring, at the same time, the rigidity of the

  container and its seat when folded and allowing its manipulation by the user.

  Depending on the mechanical properties of the material used and in particular its elasticity, the surface of the double accordion folds is traversed by undulations whose depth is minimum at

  contact of the rib or of the external stiffening and maximum stiffening at the level of the median fold.

  These undulations, of appropriate shapes and depths, internal or external, perpendicular, horizontal,

  zontal or oblique, have a double role:

  on the one hand they participate in holding and maintaining the container of which they constitute the walls.

  on the other hand, by constituting deformable zones and of variable resistance, they allow the folding

  ge "by force" from one frustoconical surface to the other, by momentary deformation, under the effect of

  lateral pressure exerted during folding, of the average perimeter developed by the middle fold.

  This folding, or folding, of the double accordion folds one on the other is facilitated by pre-

  hension, integral with the stiffening rib and arranged regularly around it, the part

  collapsible connecting a rigid or non-deformable part of the container, central or not, at the ends

  carrying the bottom, provided with retention housings allowing an assembly, and / or the opening.

  Depending on the type of container, these folds are either horizontal and symmetrical, or oblique and asymmetrical.

  triques, their dimensions being studied so that, once folded, they line up with the bottom,

  by increasing the lift surface, and / or with the upper rib retaining the neck.

  This alignment is facilitated and reinforced by suitable fastening elements, continuous or not, of male and female types, integral both with rigidified folds and with the base of the container, or vice versa,

  can be assembled directly or using a slight twist.

  In the application of the invention, for example, to a plastic bottle, the device comprises

  will carry, for example, a folding barrel composed of three double accordion pleats of developments

  decreasing from a stiffened collar, in whole or in part, by longitudinal reliefs, of cane type-

  lures or other, of progressive section and height starting from the base of the neck.

  In this case, the first vertical pressure causes the two lower segments to fold over one another inside the first segment of upper section where they remain blocked by pressure

  lateral. The bottle, whose interior volume is then reduced, can be used in this configuration.

  The second vertical pressure causes the folding of the two symmetrical segments already folded and of the two segments ensuring their blocking inside the first segment of upper section, the

  interior volume of the bottle is further reduced and it is still usable in this configuration.

  The third vertical pressure causes the folded segments to fold back inside the rigid neck, where they remain blocked by exerting lateral pressure on the walls. The bottle is then reduced to its minimum volume and there is no need to refill it so that it

keep this volume.

  A variant of the same device, as a function of different folding resistance, both deformable folds separating the symmetrical segments as well as retaining ribs, allows a volumetric reduction in reverse direction in which: The first vertical pressure causes the folding one on the other of the two contiguous segments of

  the non-deformable part inside the latter where they remain blocked by lateral pressure.

  The bottle, whose interior volume is then reduced, can be used in this configuration.

  The second vertical pressure causes the two symmetrical contiguous segments of the

  two segments already folded inside the latter where they remain blocked by lateral pressure.

  The volume of the bottle is further reduced and it is still usable in this configuration.

  The third vertical pressure causes the last two symmetrical segments to fold back to

  inside the segments already folded where they remain blocked.

  The bottle is then reduced to its minimum volume and there is no need to refill it so that it

keep this volume.

  Whatever the mode and the direction of folding of the double accordion segments, reducing by

  the internal volume of the bottle, its contents are in contact with a volume of air

  portionally reduced while the bottle is still usable.

  This is a very important asset in the conservation of content when it presents

  risks of oxidation or eventuality, which is the case for most products.

  This characteristic allows, in particular, a much better conservation of carbonated drinks,

  mineral waters, colas, sodas, lemonades, beers or others.

  Markers, located on the body of the bottle, indicate the advisability of successive folding.

  Depending on the production, a central part laterally stiffened by, at least, an additional thickness or a

  folded and longitudinally by suitable reliefs, is joined to two foldable parts, one comprising

  carrying or constituting the neck and the neck and the other the barrel and / or the bottom of the container.

  These reliefs support an attached collar, fixed by any means, identifying the product.

  The collar, rigidified in the same way and also supporting, or not, an identifying collar or promotion-

  nelle, has an external rigidifying fold, continuous or not, comprising or constituting retentions,

  this fold being connected or opposite a groove allowing folding by pressure on the neck.

  The reduction in stable steps allowing the multi-use of the packaging or the bottle is achievable.

  sand by another device folding the double accordion folds differently.

  In this device, these folds are then either of increasing or decreasing dimensions and developments

  health, as in the previous device, or of identical dimensions and developments.

  These folds, rigidified in the same way, have tabs of symmetrical or complementary shapes.

  from one fold to another, overlapped or offset, one having, for example, an element of

  male fixing and the other a female fixing element or any other fixing or blocking system.

  It is then enough to press on the joined tabs to bring them together, by

  penetration and blockage of one element in the other.

  In a variant of this device, blocking suppressed tabs of symmetrical or

  is obtained by using the push, or pull, exerted by the deformable folds to

  maintain pressure or traction, the fixing or blocking elements, male and female.

  The compression of the container is then done by crushing each accordion fold one after the other, in

  performing a slight twist taking advantage of the elasticity of the material constituting the container.

  This twist positions the male fastening element, for example, an appendage or a locking pin,

  in front of the female fastener, for example, a claw, a groove or a suitable housing.

  A variant includes folds "in screw thread" allowing crushing "in a spin" of the container.

  Another non-limiting possibility consists in using accordion folds of dimensions and development.

  decreasing loppings, provided with overlapping tabs of the same decreasing dimensions, the lower tab, constituting, or carrying, the male element, coming to be blocked, by pressure, inside a

  housing of its dimension formed in the base of the upper tab, constituting the female element.

  Variants, the bottom of which has, in hollow, or a recess comprising a corresponding screw pitch-

  that of the neck, either semicircular flanges or housings retaining retentions, of the same shape, located on or formed by the stiffeners or horizontal folds of the neck, allow

  using a rotary pressure movement, assembling the compressed containers together.

  The containers according to the invention use the techniques of metal "blowforming", injection or

  extrusion blow molding of plain or multilayer plastics or composite materials of any kind.

  A priori, it does not require a quantity of material greater than that used, for example, for the manufacture by extrusion-blowing of conventional bottles or that of cans made of material.

  injected plastic, the excess material necessary for folding, thickening and stiffening ribs

  tion being compensated for by the reduced thickness of the surfaces subjected to deformation.

  In manufacturing by "blow-forming" or by extrusion-blowing, techniques in which the shape is obtained by blowing in a mold of a preform, the necessary thickness differences are obtained, for example, by a directive, combined blowing or not with selective heating, of a preform already comprising zones of different thicknesses, some coming to form the stiffened folds inside the grooves and folds of the mold and the others, the folds and the deformable areas. The rigidity will possibly be reinforced by a vertical crushing of the grooves of the mold, the latter

  then comprising as many movable and / or deformable parts by any means or articulated.

  The material used for the manufacture of containers according to the invention is also likely to be rigid.

  regardless of the family, ceramic, metallic, composite or other, the mechanical characteristics

  of this material being locally modified, either by emission or by appropriate radiation.

  prayed, whatever its nature, including thermal, either by another means, known or known.

  Foldable and assemblable packaging allows new concepts. Among these:

  1. Sorting is facilitated, allowing highly selective recycling.

  2. Users no longer throw away their packaging but assemble and bring it back: 15. either as part of a deposit at the checkout or through automatic collectors

  of packaging delivering a redeemable or exchangeable receipt.

  either as part of a product exchange, for example, a certain number of folded packaging and

  assemblies being exchanged, by post or in store, for an identical product.

  3. It allows a commercial and marketing policy focused on exchange, building customer loyalty.

  Drawing 1 shows the application to a bottle-type container.

  Figure 1: Sectional view of the container (1) comprising a neck (2) and its thread (3), connected to the neck

  (4) by a flange (5) supporting the screw cap (6).

  The folding part, made up of deformable segments (7), stiffened folds (8) and middle folds

  deformable (9), connects the neck (4), the base of which is stiffened by an external fold (10), at the bottom (11).

  Figure 2: Sectional view of the same container (1) during the first level of its compression, the two lower segments (7), making up the first double accordion fold, folded over each other, are in

  pressure inside the first segment (7) of the upper double accordion fold.

  Figure 3: Sectional view of the same container (1) during the last stage of its compression, all

  double accordion folds are pressed against each other, inside the neck (4).

  Figure 4: Plan view of a non-limiting mechanical principle, constructing the barrel of a cylindrical bottle

  drique, the middle fold (9) is connected to the rib of the non-deformable fold (8), by the deformable surface (7).

  Figure 5: Same plan view of a mechanical principle of different geometry, the middle fold deforms

  table (9) is connected to the rib of the non-deformable fold (8), by the deformable surface (7).

  Figure 6: Same plan view of a non-limiting mechanical principle, constructing the barrel of a square bottle with rounded corners, non-limiting, the deformable median fold (9) is connected to the rib of the

  non-deformable fold (8), provided with gripping tabs (12), by the deformable surface (7).

  Figure 7: Sectional view of a different mechanical principle, the deformable middle fold (9) is connected to the rib of the non-deformable fold (8), by a deformable surface (7) wavy or horizontally pleated.

  Drawing 2 represents variants of application to a bottle-type container.

  Figure 8: Sectional view of the same container (1) as that shown in Figure 3, the neck (4) is stiffened laterally by an external fold or an extra thickness (13), located opposite a groove

  internal (14) and longitudinally by reliefs or grooves (15).

  Figure 9: Same sectional view of two containers (1) assembled, the neck (4) being partially folded by

  vertical pressure and the hollow housings (16) of the bottom (11) retaining the retentions of the fold (13).

  Figure 10: Sectional view of the same container (1) as that shown in Figure 3, the bottom (11) includes

  carries an axial housing (17) provided with a thread (18) corresponding to that (3) of its neck (2).

  Figure 11: Same sectional view of two assembled containers (1), the bottom (11) of which contains either

  an axial housing (17) provided with a screw thread (18), or returns (19) blocking a flange (5).

  Figure 12: Sectional view of another container (1) comprising a neck (2) and its thread (3),

  connected to the neck (4) by a flange (5) supporting the screw cap (6).

  The foldable part, composed of the deformable frustoconical segments (7), the folds stiffened by the ribs or the folds (8) and the deformable middle folds (9), connects the neck (4) whose base is stiffened

  by an external fold (10), at the bottom (11).

  Figure 13: Sectional view of the same container (1) during the first level of its compression, the first two upper segments (7), making up the first double accordion fold, folded over each other,

  are under pressure inside the first segment (7) of the double accordion fold.

  Figure 14: Sectional view of the same container (1) during the last stage of its compression, all the double accordion folds are in pressure on each other, inside the segment (7) connected to the

  bottom (11) and the neck (4) is folded at its external fold (10).

  Drawing 3 represents variants of application to a container of the bottle or canister type.

  Figure 15: Sectional view of another container (1) of bottle type, comprising a goult (2) and its

  no screw (3), connected to the neck (4) by a flange (5).

  The folding part, composed of the deformable frustoconical segments (7), folds stiffened by the

  ribs (8) and deformable middle folds (9), connects a rigid central part (20) to the bottom (11).

  The neck (4), the base of which is stiffened (10), comprises a grooved part (15) surmounting an excess thickness.

  sor (13) opposite a groove (14).

  Figure 16: Sectional view of the same container (1) during its compression, its neck (4) is folded at the lower level of the grooves (15), thanks to the internal groove (14). Figure 17: Sectional view of the same container (1) during the last stage of its compression, its neck

  (4) is folded at the joint (10) with the rigid central part (20).

  Figure 18: Detail in section of the fixing of the rigid fold (8) on the base (11) of the container (1), thanks to

  the male type element (21) of one and the female type element (22) of the other.

  Figure 19: Sectional view of another container (1) of the canister type, comprising a poi-type element

  gnea (21), a neck (2) and its thread (3), connected to the neck (4) by a flange (5).

  The foldable part is composed of oblique and deformable frustoconical segments (7) of which the first two, forming the first double accordion fold, are folded one on the other, inside the first

  segment (7) of the lower accordion double fold.

  Rigid folds (8) and deformable folds and surfaces (9) (7), connect the neck (4), stiffened by rods-

lures (15), at the bottom (11).

  Drawing 4 shows the device acting by joining and blocking the folds.

  Figure 20: Sectional view of a container (1) of bottle type, comprising a neck (2) and its pitch

  screw (3), connected to the neck (4) by a flange (5).

  The rigid pleats (8) have tabs (12) provided with male (24) and female (25) elements

  limping. The first lower double fold is folded.

  Figure 21: Sectional view of the same container (1), at maximum compression.

  Figure 22: Front view of a non-limiting type of assembly or blocking device for a double

accordion fold.

  The rigid plies (8) have tabs (12) provided with male (24) and female (25) elements of complementary shape, the assembly of which, using the traction of the plies (7), requires a slight twist

  around the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

  Figure 23: Front view of the same device, the tabs being assembled (24) (25).

  The invention relates to manufacturers of plastic or deformed packaging or containers.

  Mable, whatever the family, the content, liquid, viscous, powdery, pasty or other, the system

  closure or type, bottles, cans, cans, flasks, barrels, jars, boxes, tubes or others.

Claims (5)

Claims   1. Method of progressive compression and by stable stages allowing its use, of a volume, and   of assembling compressed volumes therebetween, characterized, on the one hand, in that it is folded and soli-   darise, at least, a part (4) (7) (8) (9) of the container (1) inside I "of at least one other part (4) (7) (20) which is stiffened ( 5) (10) (13) (15), in that its stability is increased (8) (10) (11) at each level, in that there is no need to close this container to maintain the reduction of   volume and secondly, in that its folding allows its assembly.   2. Device for implementing claim 1, adaptable to packaging or containers (1) made of deformable material, characterized in that it comprises, at least, a surface (7) or a fold (9) to   variable geometry superposed or alternated with, at least, a surface (7) or a fold (8) of development   and of different mechanical characteristics, at least one of them being connected to a rigid surface.   of (4) having an opening (2) or at a bottom (11) provided with housings (16) (17) (19) and / or a step screws (18).   3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises, at least, two volumes (7) of rigid bases (8) and of symmetrical and increasing sections from a median fold (9), these volumes   having a corrugated or folded surface (7), this fold and this surface being deformable in a manner conch.   4. Device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two folds suc-   stops of different perimeters and of different developments (8) (9), or "in pitch" of which, at   less, one of them (8) (11) is stiffened and comprises grips (12), built-in or provided with ele locking elements (24) (25).   5. Device according to claims 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that it comprises, at least, a surface   (4) comprising, at least, a stiffener (5) (10) (13) and a longitudinal relief (15), this surface supports   both, on one side, an insert and on the other, the lateral pressure of at least, another surface (7) to which it is linked.