FR3119608A1 - Tube head and tube including said tube head - Google Patents

Abstract

Head for manufacturing a flexible tube intended to contain a liquid or pasty product, comprising an upper wall and an annular side wall, the lower distal end of which defines a plane (A), said head comprising a dispensing orifice extended by a protuberance of which a portion protrudes from said plane (A), said protruding portion being eccentric with respect to the center of the tube head. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Tube head and tube including said tube head

The invention relates to a tube head as well as a tube comprising said tube head.

Flexible tubes are known comprising a tube head provided with a dispensing orifice, a stopper mounted on the tube head and reversibly closing the dispensing orifice and a flexible skirt fixed to the tube head. A first aspect of the invention relates to the ability of the tube to use as little plastic material as possible so as in particular to reduce the carbon footprint of the tube. Indeed, today the global production of plastic represents one of the largest sources of waste. The consumption and recycling of these plastic products is a major concern of national and regional organizations. Non-recycled plastics are currently disposed of through a variety of processes ranging from landfill to energy recovery to thermal and chemical treatments. To reduce plastic consumption, tubes have been proposed whose tube head includes a cover in order to reversibly close the dispensing orifice. Thus, the tube head and the cap are now one and the same component, thus reducing the amount of plastic used to provide the same functionality. In addition, it has also already been considered to replace a certain proportion of plastics with paper. The use of paper / cardboard makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact, measured in particular by a life cycle analysis, and to decouple the packaging from materials of fossil origin and therefore non-renewable. Paper / cardboard, in addition to being of renewable origin, is a material that can be recycled well today and tomorrow.

A second aspect of the invention relates to the orientation or alignment of the various components of the tube with each other. The skirt can be decorated and can include in particular a longitudinal weld. The orientation of the decoration, with or without the longitudinal weld, and therefore the orientation of the skirt in relation to the tube head and the cap, constitutes an important aesthetic aspect for the consumer. The tube heads according to the prior art comprise a positioning lug on the outside diameter of the tube head cooperating with a complementary lug on the stopper, the said lugs cooperating with each other in order to position the stopper in an adequate manner, in particular with respect to the decoration and/or the longitudinal weld of the skirt, during the manufacture of the tube. Such a solution requires many separate components and therefore an overconsumption of plastic material.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a tube head comprising positioning means while minimizing the amount of plastic in order to promote the recyclability of the tube comprising said tube head. To this end, the present invention relates to a head for the manufacture of a flexible tube intended to contain a liquid or pasty product, comprising an upper wall and an annular side wall, the lower distal end of which defines a plane (A), said tube head comprising a dispensing orifice extended by a protuberance of which a portion protrudes from said plane (A), said protruding portion being eccentric with respect to the center of the tube head.

The eccentric protruding portion of the protrusion extending the dispensing orifice constitutes a positioning means making it possible to orient the tube head in particular with respect to the decoration and/or to the longitudinal weld of the skirt during manufacture of the tube so that the skirt is subsequently fixed in a suitable position. This positioning means allows a high manufacturing rate. In addition, such a tube head is compatible with existing flexible tube production lines. Finally, this solution makes it possible to obtain a positioning means while limiting the addition of plastic material, thus promoting the recyclability of the tube comprising such a tube head.

The invention may also include any of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

- the entire tube head is formed in continuity of material,

- the tube head has at least two ribs at the level of the internal face of the upper wall,

- at least part of the protrusion extending the dispensing orifice has the shape of a half-cylinder,

- the dispensing orifice is offset from the center of the tube head,

- the tube head comprises a folding cover connected to the tube head by a hinge and movable between an open position and a closed position,

- the tube head and the hinged cover and the hinge are made of a single piece,

- the hinged lid includes a lug allowing the opening to be sealed tightly when said lid is in the closed position,

- the hinge is flush with the upper face of the tube head,

- the tube head is configured so that, when the cover is in the closed position, said cover forms with the first upper wall a substantially flat surface,

- the hinge is offset from the center of the tube head,

- the hinged cover is offset from the center of the tube head,

- the annular side wall has a clearance facilitating the opening of the cover by a finger of a user,

- the lid includes a tab facilitating the gripping of said lid when opening said lid by a finger of a user,

- the tube head has a height h1 between 5 and 20mm,

- the tube head has a height h1 between 8 and 12mm,

- the protruding portion has a height h2 of between 1.5 and 6mm,

- the protruding portion has a height h2 of between 2 and 4mm,

- the tube head has a diameter d between 20 and 60mm,

- the tube head has a diameter d between 30 and 50mm,

- the ratio d/h1 is between 2 and 6,

- the ratio d/h1 is between 3 and 5,

- the thickness of material at the level of the upper wall and the annular side wall is between 0.3 and 2mm,

- the thickness of material at the level of the hinge is less than the thickness of material at the level of the upper wall and the annular side wall,

- the tube head is made of plastic.

The invention also relates to a tube comprising a tube head as described above and a flexible skirt, said tube comprising at least 50% by mass of paper.

The invention may also include any of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

- the skirt is fixed directly on the tube head,

- the skirt is fixed to the tube head by high temperature welding or by overmoulding.

The invention will be better understood and other details, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- there is a perspective view of a tube head according to the invention in a closed configuration,

- there is a perspective view of a tube head according to the invention in an open configuration,

- there is a side view of a tube head according to the invention in an open configuration,

- there is a side view of a tube head according to the invention in a closed configuration,

- there is a bottom perspective view of a tube head according to the invention in an open configuration,

- there is a bottom view of a tube head according to the invention,

- there is a side sectional view of a tube according to the invention in an open configuration,

- there is a perspective sectional view of a tube according to the invention in an open configuration,

- there is a perspective view of a tube according to the invention in an open configuration.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the present invention relates to a head 1 for the manufacture of a flexible tube intended to contain a liquid or pasty product. The head 1 according to the invention comprises an upper wall 10 and an annular side wall 20 whose lower distal end 21 defines a plane (A). Said plane (A) is shown in . The head 1 comprises a dispensing orifice 2 extended by a protrusion 3. The protrusion 3 is particularly visible at the . As visible in particular in Figures 3 and 4, a portion 4 of said protrusion 3 protrudes from said plane (A). In other words, if we consider that the tube head 1 defines an internal volume V by its upper wall 10 and its annular side wall 20, the projecting portion 4 of the protrusion 3 projects from said internal volume V. In addition, the projecting portion 4 is eccentric, that is to say it is offset radially with respect to the central axis X of the head 1 of the tube. By central axis X of the tube head is meant the straight line perpendicular to the plane A and passing through the point of the plane A located at an equal distance from the edges of the tube head.

As mentioned above, the eccentric projecting portion 4 of the protrusion 3 extending the dispensing orifice 2 constitutes a means of positioning. The positioning means makes it possible to orient the head 1 of the tube in particular with respect to the decoration and/or to a longitudinal weld 51 of the skirt during manufacture of the tube so that the skirt is subsequently fixed in an appropriate position. Advantageously, the projecting portion 4 cooperates directly with the tooling of the tube production line and not with a component of the tube as is the case in the state of the art.

Preferably, the entire head 1 of the tube according to the invention is formed in continuity of material. The head 1 is thus made up of a single piece. In the state of the art, a means of positioning a tube head portion cooperates with a complementary shape of another portion of the stopper. As the head 1 according to the invention is not divided into at least two separate parts but is on the contrary made in a single part combining the functionalities of these two components, the way of centering the head 1 according to the invention with respect to the skirt is a completely different approach.

As shown in particular in Figures 5 and 6, the tube head 1 advantageously has at least two ribs 5 at its internal face 10a of the upper wall. In the example illustrated, the head comprises two ribs 5 arranged one opposite the other. By internal face is meant the face oriented towards the internal volume V. The presence of the ribs 5 at the level of the internal face 10a of a tube head makes it possible to reinforce its structure. These ribs 5 extend radially with respect to the axis (X).

The protuberance 3 extending the dispensing orifice 2 has a proximal end linked to the orifice 2 and a distal end. The distal end is located at the protruding portion 4. According to a configuration particularly illustrated in Figures 5, 7 and 8, the proximal end of the protrusion 3 has the shape of a cylinder. Such a shape has the advantage of being particularly resistant. However, this shape limits access to the orifice 2 for the product contained in the tube fitted with the head 1. Advantageously, as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, at least part of the protrusion 3 extending the orifice 2 of distribution has the shape of a half-cylinder. This shape of half-cylinder makes it possible both to obtain a sufficiently resistant structure and also makes it possible to facilitate access to the orifice 2 for the product contained in the tube fitted with the head 1. The proportion of the protrusion 3 having the shape of a cylinder can vary according to the dimensions of the head. According to the configuration illustrated in Figures 5, 7 and 8, a large proportion of the protrusion 3 has the shape of a half-cylinder, and not only the protruding portion 4. According to a configuration not shown, the whole of the protrusion 3 has the shape of a half-cylinder.

Advantageously, the tube head comprises a folding cover 11. Said cover 11 is connected to the tube head by a hinge 12 and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

Advantageously, the head 1 of the tube, the folding cover 11 and the hinge 12 consist of a single piece. The whole of the head 1 of the tube is advantageously formed by injection of material, in particular of plastic material.

Preferably, the hinged cover 11 comprises a lug making it possible to close the dispensing orifice 2 in a sealed manner when said cover is in the closed position.

Advantageously, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the hinge 12 is flush with the upper face of the head 1 according to the invention. Advantageously, the head 1 of the tube is configured so that, when the cover 11 is in the closed position, the said cover 11 forms with the upper wall 10 a substantially planar external surface. In particular, the upper wall 10 advantageously has a recess 14 allowing the lid 11 to be accommodated when the latter is in the closed position, thus making it possible to form a substantially planar external surface. This substantially flat outer surface provides an appreciable aesthetic appearance and also allows the tube comprising the head 1 according to the invention to stand upright on its head.

As mentioned above, it is necessary for the protruding portion 4 to be off-center to obtain the desired positioning effect. Advantageously, the dispensing orifice 2 is eccentric with respect to the central axis X. Thus, the protuberance 3 extending the dispensing orifice 2 can form a right angle with the upper wall 10. According to an embodiment not shown, the dispensing orifice 2 can be located in the center of the head 1. However, in such a configuration, the protrusion 3 extending the dispensing orifice 2 must form an angle with the wall 10 upper so that the projecting portion 4 is eccentric with respect to the central axis X to thus obtain the desired positioning effect.

Preferably, the hinged lid 11 is off-center relative to the central axis X. This makes it possible in particular to reduce the size of the lid 11 and thus to limit the quantity of material necessary for the manufacture of the head 1 according to the invention. Hinge 12 can also be offset.

Preferably again, the folding cover 11 occupies less than 50% of the surface of the disc of diameter d, in particular less than 30%. This small size of the cover makes it possible to further reduce the quantity of plastic material necessary for the manufacture of the head 1 of the tube.

Advantageously, the annular side wall 20 has a clearance 22. Such a clearance 22 allows a user of the tube comprising the head 1 according to the invention to introduce his finger in order to lift the lid 11. Advantageously again, the lid 11 comprises a tab 13. Said tab 13 facilitates gripping of said cover 11 when said cover is opened by a user's finger. Thus, both the clearance 22 and the tab 13 facilitate the opening of the cover by a user's finger. The presence of clearance 22 and miter 13 is particularly appreciated for a head with reduced dimensions and low height.

The configuration of the head 1 according to the present invention allows the formation of a tube head 1 with reduced dimensions.

The tube head has a height h1 represented in particular at . By height h1 is meant the length of the straight line perpendicular to plane A measured between plane A and the external face of the upper wall 10. Advantageously, the height h1 of the head 1 of the tube is between 5 and 20 mm. Advantageously again, the height h1 of the tube head 1 is between 8 and 12 mm. Advantageously again, the height h1 of the tube head 1 is between 9.3 and 10.3 mm.

The protruding portion 4 has a height h2 represented in particular at . By height h2 is meant the length of the straight line perpendicular to the plane A measured between the plane A and the end of the protruding portion 4. It is preferable that said protruding portion 4 has a height h2 in order to cooperate well with the tooling , in particular a rail, of the tube production line. Advantageously, the height h2 of the protruding portion 4 is between 1.5 and 6mm. Advantageously again, the height h2 of the projecting portion 4 is between 2 and 4 mm. Advantageously again, the height h2 of the projecting portion 4 is between 2.5 and 3.5 mm. Such a height h2 of the protruding portion 4 allows reliable positioning of the head 1 according to the invention.

Preferably, the h1/h2 ratio is between 1.5 and 5.5. Preferably again, the h1/h2 ratio is between 2.5 and 4.5, in particular between 3 and 4.

The head 1 of the tube has a diameter d shown in particular at . Advantageously, the diameter d of the head 1 is between 20 and 60mm. Advantageously again, the diameter d of the head 1 is between 30 and 50 mm. Advantageously again, the diameter d of the head 1 is between 35 and 45mm.

The design of the head 1 according to the present invention is characterized in particular by a substantially reduced height h1, in particular with respect to the diameter d of the head 1. This substantially flat design makes it possible to limit the quantity of material for the manufacture of the head 1 of tube, in particular of plastic material. Advantageously, the ratio d/h1 is between 2 and 6. Advantageously again, the ratio d/h1 is between 3 and 5. A ratio d/h1 as described previously characterizes the substantially flat design of the head 1 according to the present invention.

The head 1 according to the present invention has walls of substantially reduced thickness compared to the heads of the state of the art. This small wall thickness makes it possible to limit the quantity of material for the manufacture of the head 1 of the tube, in particular of plastic material. Advantageously, the thickness of material at the level of the upper wall 10 and of the annular side wall 20 is between 0.3 and 2 mm. Advantageously again, the thickness of material at the level of the upper wall 10 and of the annular side wall 20 is between 0.5 and 1 mm. Such a wall thickness makes it possible to substantially reduce the quantity of material, in particular of plastic, for the manufacture of the head 1 of the tube. Preferably, the thickness of material at the level of the hinge 12 is less than the thickness of material at the level of the upper wall 10 and of the annular side wall 20.

Advantageously, the tube head 1 according to the invention is made of plastic. Advantageously, said head 1 is formed by injection of plastic material.

According to another aspect of the invention illustrated in particular in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the present invention also relates to a tube 100 comprising a tube head 1 as described above and a flexible skirt 50.

Advantageously, the flexible skirt 50 is formed from a sheet of laminated material. Said sheet has two opposite edges and is rolled up on itself so that the opposite edges overlap. Said opposite edges are then welded together to form a longitudinal weld 51.

Advantageously again, the longitudinal weld 51 of the skirt 50 of the tube 100 is positioned on the side opposite the dispensing orifice 2. Thus, as shown in , when a user looks at the tube 100 with the dispensing orifice 2 facing it, the longitudinal weld 51 is located at the rear of the skirt 50. This configuration is particularly advantageous as regards the aesthetic appearance of the tube . Indeed, the longitudinal weld 51 is an element of the skirt considered unsightly, in particular because this region of the skirt is often devoid of decoration. It is therefore advantageous to position this longitudinal weld 51 at the rear of the skirt, that is to say on the side opposite the dispensing orifice 2. In addition, according to this configuration, the decoration of the skirt 50 is advantageously oriented so as to be on the same side as the dispensing orifice 2, thus facing the user.

Preferably, the laminated material forming the skirt 50 is a multilayer comprising at least one layer of plastic material. Preferably, the laminate comprises at least one layer of PE (polyethylene). Preferably again, the laminate comprises at least one layer of PP (polypropylene).

Advantageously, the laminated material forming the skirt 50 comprises at least one barrier layer. Also advantageously, the barrier layer is a plastic barrier layer of the EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) type.

Preferably, the laminated material forming the skirt 50 is a multilayer comprising at least one layer of paper. Preferably again, the paper represents at least 60% by mass of the skirt 50 of the tube 100, in particular 70% by mass. Such a composition of the skirt 50 of the tube 100 makes it possible to further improve the capacity of said tube 100 to be recycled.

Advantageously, said tube 100 comprises biosourced and/or recycled material. Advantageously again, the tube 100 according to the invention comprises at least 50% by mass of paper. Advantageously, the tube 100 according to the invention comprises at least 70% by mass of paper. Advantageously again, the tube 100 according to the invention comprises at least 80% by mass of paper.

Preferably, the skirt 50 is fixed directly to the head 1 of the tube. No additional part is necessary for the fixing of the skirt 50 on the head 1. This makes it possible to limit the number of parts and thus to limit the quantity of plastic material necessary for the manufacture of the tube 100 according to the invention, thus improving the ability of said tube 100 to be recycled.

Preferably again, the skirt 50 is fixed to the head 1 of the tube by high temperature welding or by overmoulding.

Claims (14)

Head (1) for manufacturing a flexible tube intended to contain a liquid or pasty product, comprising an upper wall (10) and an annular side wall (20) whose lower distal end (21) defines a plane (A ), said head (1) comprising a dispensing orifice (2) extended by a protuberance (3) of which a portion (4) protrudes from said plane (A), said protruding portion (4) being eccentric with respect to the center of the tube head (1). Head (1) according to Claim 1, in which the tube head (1) has at least two ribs (5) at the level of the internal face (10a) of the upper wall (10). Head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least part of the protrusion (3) extending the dispensing orifice (2) has the shape of a half-cylinder. Head (1) according to Claim 3, in which the dispensing orifice (2) is eccentric with respect to the center of the head (1) of the tube. Head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, said tube head (1) comprising a hinged lid (11) connected to the tube head (1) by a hinge (12) and movable between an open position and an open position. closed, said tube head (1), the hinged lid (11) and the hinge (12) being made of a single piece. Head (1) according to Claim 5, in which the tube head (1) is configured so that, when the lid (11) is in the closed position, the said lid (11) forms with the first upper wall (10) a substantially flat surface. Head (1) according to one of Claims 5 and 6, in which the annular side wall (20) has a clearance (22) and the cover (11) comprises a tab (13), said clearance (22) and said tab (13) to facilitate the opening of the cover by a user's finger. Head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, said tube head (1) having a height h1 of between 5 and 20mm, in particular between 8 and 12mm. Head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the diameter d of the tube head (1) is between 20 and 60mm, in particular between 30 and 50mm. 10. Head (1) according to claims 8 and 9, in which the ratio d/h1 is between 2 and 6, in particular between 3 and 5. 11. Head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the projecting portion (4) has a height h2 of between 1.5 and 6mm, in particular between 2 and 4mm. 12. Head (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thickness of material at the level of the first upper wall and of the second annular side wall is between 0.3 and 2 mm, in particular between 0.5 and 1mm. 3 Tube (100) comprising a tube head (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a flexible skirt (50), said tube (100) comprising at least 50% by mass of paper. 4 Tube (100) according to claim 13, wherein the skirt (50) is fixed directly to the head (1) of the tube.