IT202100028115A1 - STRAW FOR FLEXIBLE THIN-WALLED PACKAGING AND METHOD FOR MUTUALLY ATTACHING THE STRAWS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention falls into the sector of thin-walled flexible packaging equipped with a straw, usually defined as "spouted pouch". In particular, the subject of the present invention is a straw for said flexible packaging. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is a transportable self-supporting assembly, a method of attachment and a method of disengagement of straws.

[0002] In particular, the aforementioned packaging is widely used for the containment of fruit juices and purees, yogurt, energy drinks and other drinks or foods.

[0003] ? It is known how, for technological reasons, containers, especially for food use, are produced by a first company, packaged and transported to a second company, for example the company producing the dense fluid, where they are filled and closed.

[0004] In the state of the art, the containers produced are positioned on tracks, i.e. rigid profiles, to be transported from the first to the second company so that they can be neatly inserted into the transport boxes and subsequently, in the second company, they can be loaded onto the filling machines. These tracks, once the containers are loaded on the filling machine, constitute waste to be disposed of, or must be sent back to the manufacturing company, which after having correctly sanitized them, can reuse them.

[0005] The transport of these tracks consequently involves an additional cost and a necessary logistical organisation.

[0006] Furthermore, the logistics costs of the containers significantly affect the overall cost of supplying the product.

[0007] Therefore, ? felt the need to design a straw solution in which the aforementioned problems are resolved. In other words, ? the need to minimize and eliminate the use of the well-known tracks is strongly felt.

[0008] Purpose of the present invention? that of creating a straw, a self-supporting transportable assembly, an attachment method and a disengagement method in which the aforementioned problems typical of the prior art are addressed and resolved. In particular, the purpose of the present invention? that of providing a straw that can be ordered, transported and loaded onto the machine without creating waste material, which must then be disposed of or managed and transported with consequent costs to be incurred.

[0009] This purpose? achieved by a straw in accordance with claim 1. This purpose is, furthermore, achieved by a self-supporting transportable assembly in accordance with claim 17. The purpose is, finally, achieved by an attachment method according to claim 21 and a method of disengagement according to claims 22 and 24.

[0010] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be evident from the description given below, given by way of example and not by way of limitation, in accordance with the attached figures, in which: - figures 1a and 1b are two perspective views of the straw object of the present invention in a first embodiment;

- figure 1c? a side view of the straw shown in figures 1a and 1b;

- figure 2a? a perspective view of a transportable self-supporting assembly object of the present invention in a first embodiment;

- figure 2b? a side view of the transportable self-supporting assembly shown in figure 2a;

- figure 3? a section of figure 2b according to the section plane A-A in figure 2b;

- figures 4a and 4b are two perspective views of the straw object of the present invention in a different configuration;

- figure 5? a section of figure 4a according to the section plane B-B in figure 4a;

- figure 6? a perspective view of the straw in a second embodiment;

- figure 7? a perspective view of a transportable self-supporting assembly object of the present invention in a second embodiment;

- figures 8a and 8b are two sections of the transportable self-supporting assembly shown in figure 7;

- figures 9a and 9b are perspective views of the straw in a third embodiment;

- figure 9c? a side view of the straw shown in Figure 9a;

- figure 10? a section of the straw shown in figure 9c;

- figure 11a? a perspective view of a self-supporting transportable assembly object of the present invention in a third embodiment;

- figure 11b? a side view of the transportable self-supporting assembly shown in figure 11a;

- figure 12? a section of figure 11b according to the section plane C-C in figure 11b.

[0011] In accordance with the attached figures, with 1 yes ? Overall, a straw suitable for application to a thin-walled flexible packaging bag is indicated.

[0012] In particular, the bag comprises at least one front wall and one rear wall, made of a thin film, joined together along peripheral edges by a weld. Above, between the upper edge of the anterior wall and the upper edge of the posterior wall ? apply the straw 1 to release the product contained in the packaging. Straw 1? then closed by a closure.

[0013] According to the invention, the straw 1 includes an internal duct 2 which extends along a straw axis X-X, between an internal opening 21, intended to remain inside the bag, and an opposite straw mouth 22, for the spillage of the product to be consumed.

[0014] Furthermore, the straw 1 includes a connection portion 3, generally called "welding boat", provided with said internal opening 21 and applicable as a seal between the thin walls of the bag. Preferably, the connecting portion 3? intended to be applied between the upper edges of the front wall and the rear wall of the bag.

[0015] The straw 1 also includes a tube 4, coaxial to the straw axis X-X, which extends from the connection portion 3 up to the straw mouth 21.

[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the straw 1 includes a connection seat 5 and a connection element 6.

[0017] In accordance with one embodiment, the tube 4 comprises an external lateral surface 4?. Furthermore, the tube 4 includes externally, i.e. on the external lateral surface 4?, a thread 40 for engaging the straw 1 with the closure.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the straw 1? made in a single piece of plastic material, for example by injection moulding.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, the straw 1, in an engagement configuration, in which the connection element 6 of said straw 1 is housed in a connection seat 5 of a further straw 1?, ? held in a position proximal to the further straw 1?.

[0020] In particular, the further straw 1? includes the same characteristics as straw 1.

[0021] According to a first embodiment, the engagement between the connection seat 5 and the connection element 6 is a pressured commitment.

[0022] According to a second embodiment, the engagement between the connection seat 5 and the connection element 6 is a snap commitment.

[0023] According to a third embodiment, the engagement between the connection seat 5 and the connection element 6 is a form-matching commitment.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the connection seat 5 and the connection element 6 are diametrically opposed.

[0025] In accordance with one embodiment, the connection seat 5 has a complementary shape to the connection element 6.

[0026] In accordance with one embodiment, the straw 1 includes a lower plate 10 which delimits the connection portion 3 at the top and a lower flange 12 spaced axially from the lower plate 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the straw 1 includes an upper flange 14, axially spaced from the lower flange 12.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the lower plate 10, the lower flange 12 and the upper flange 14 extend substantially transversely with respect to the tube 4, and in particular they extend from the external lateral surface 4?. Preferably, they are orthogonal to the X-X straw axis.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the lower plate 10 includes an upper plate surface 10a and a lower plate surface 10b. Furthermore, it has two straight plate 10? edges, opposed and connected by two plate 10? head edges, for example curved.

[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, the lower flange 12 includes an upper flange surface 12a and a lower flange surface 12b. Furthermore, it has two straight flange edges 12?, opposed and connected by two flange head edges 12?, for example curved.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, between the lower plate 10 and the lower flange 12? including the connection site 5.

[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the connection seat 5 and the connection element 6 extend along a Y-Y coupling axis substantially transverse to the X-X straw axis, preferably orthogonal.

[0033] According to one embodiment, in the engagement configuration, the Y-Y coupling axis of a straw 1? aligned to the Y-Y coupling axis of the further straw 1?. In other words, straws 1, 1? are engaged with each other and are arranged in such a way that the Y-Y coupling axes of each straw 1, 1? are aligned.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection element 6 extends starting from the tube 4, preferably, from the external lateral surface 4?. In other words, the connection element 6? protruding externally with respect to said tube 4.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the connection element 6 is protruding with respect to the lower plate 10 and the lower flange 12, in particular ? protruding with respect to the straight edges 10?, 12?.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the straw 1 includes a support structure 16 included between the lower plate 10 and the lower flange 12. Preferably, the connection element 6? connected to and extends from said support structure 16. Preferably, moreover, the support structure 16 is also connected to tube 4.

[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the connection element 6 includes at least one slat 60 which extends along this Y-Y coupling axis.

[0038] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the connection element 6 comprises a pair of slats 60, substantially parallel to each other.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the at least one splint 60 has a longitudinal dimension L along the Y-Y coupling axis and a transversal dimension T along the X-X straw axis.

[0040] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension L? greater than the transverse dimension T, or vice versa; or the longitudinal dimension L? approximately equal to the transversal dimension T.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimension L? smaller than the size of the lower plate 10 along the Y-Y coupling axis.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the transverse dimension T ? equal to the axial distance between the lower plate 10 and the lower flange 12. Preferably, between the upper surface of the plate 10a and the lower surface of the flange 12b.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one stick 60 comprises a weakened breakable portion 61 suitable for breaking in such a way as to divide the stick 60 from the straw 1.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, said weakened breakable portion 61? proximal to said straight edges 10?, 12?.

[0045] According to one embodiment, said breakable weakened portion 61? proximal to the support structure 16.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the connection seat 5 includes at least one channel 50 suitable for hosting said at least one slat 60. This channel 50 preferably extends along the Y-Y coupling axis.

[0047] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the connection seat 5 comprises two channels 50, preferably parallel to each other.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one channel 50 is between the lower plate 10 and the lower flange 12.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the at least one channel 50 is delimited by the support structure 16.

[0050] According to a first embodiment, the at least one channel 50 is substantially tangential to the external wall 4? of the tube 4.

[0051] In accordance with a second embodiment, the at least one channel 50, however, creates a narrowing 20 of the internal duct 2.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the at least one channel 50 includes a channel input 51 for the input of the at least one cue 60.

[0053] In accordance with one embodiment (represented, for example, in figure 3), the at least one slat 60 comprises a slat body 60? and a splint head 60?, preferably distal from the tube 4. Furthermore, the at least one channel 50 includes a abutment element 50?, preferably opposite the channel inlet 51. This abutment element 50? ? suitable to be engaged by said 60? cue head. Preferably, the cue head 60? ? protruding transversely with respect to the body of the slat 60? in such a way as to snap-engage said abutment element 50?.

[0054] In accordance with a preferred embodiment (represented, for example, in figure 6), the at least one slat 60 comprises an upper protrusion 61 and a lower protrusion 62, preferably arranged respectively on an upper side and a lower side of the splint 60. Preferably, said projections 61, 62 extend along the straw axis XX. Preferably, said projections have an arcuate shape.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one channel 50 is counter-shaped in such a way as to accommodate, in the engagement configuration, said projections 61, 62 by form coupling.

[0056] According to a first embodiment, following the breakage of the weakened breakable portion 61, the at least one stick 60 of the straw 1 lodges in the at least one channel 50 of the further straw 1?, i.e. the straw to which it was engaged in the commitment configuration.

[0057] In accordance with a second embodiment, said at least one stick 60 is extracted from at least one channel 50 of the further straw 1?, to which it was engaged, and is subsequently divided from said straw 1 by breaking the weakened breakable portion 61. In this case, at least one stick 60 must be correctly disposed of, however it constitutes limited waste material.

[0058] According to one embodiment (embodied, for example, in figures 9a and 9b), the connection element 6 comprises, instead, a pin 65 which extends along the Y-Y coupling axis. Preferably, such plug 65 ? a parallelepiped, preferably rectangle.

[0059] In accordance with one embodiment, the connection seat 5 includes a plug housing 55 suitable for hosting said plug 61. Preferably, this plug housing 55 has a box-like shape.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the straw 1 comprises a plurality of of thorns 65 and a plurality? of plug housings 55.

[0061] In accordance with one embodiment, the plug 65 comprises a plug body 65? and a crown 65? enlarged compared to the 65 plug body? in such a way that the pin 65 engages the pin housing 55 with an interlocking engagement.

[0062] In accordance with one embodiment, the plug 65 is extracted from the plug housing 55 to separate the straw 1 from the further straw 1?, engaged with each other. In particular, this plug 65 will remain? fixed to the straw 1.

[0063] is, as mentioned, also the object of the present invention a self-supporting transportable assembly 100 comprising a plurality of of straws 1, 1?. Such straws 1, 1? are placed side by side in such a way that the Y-Y coupling axes of each straw 1, 1? are aligned, and are configured in the commitment configuration.

[0064] In other words, the connection seat 5 of a straw 1? engaged to the connection element 6 of an adjacent straw 1, and the connection element 6 of said straw 1 is engaged in the connection seat 5 of the other adjacent straw 1.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the straight edges 10?, 12? of two adjacent straws 1, are placed side by side, preferably in contact.

[0066] Furthermore, the transportable self-supporting assembly 100 includes a head straw 1a and a tail straw 1b arranged at the ends of the transportable self-supporting assembly 100.

[0067] In one embodiment, the connection seat 5 of the head straw 1a? empty and the connection element 6 of the tail straw 1b is free.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the connection element 6 of the head straw 1a is free and the connection seat 5 of the tail tube 1b ? empty.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the transportable self-supporting assembly 100 includes a head terminal 110 suitable for engaging with the head straw 1a and a tail terminal 120 suitable for engaging with the tail straw 1b. This head terminal 110 and this tail terminal 120 facilitate the loading of the transportable self-supporting assembly 100 onto the filling machine.

[0070] In accordance with a first embodiment, the head terminal 110 includes a terminal connection element 116, suitable to be housed in the connection seat 5 of the head straw 1a.

[0071] In accordance with a second embodiment, the head terminal 110 includes a terminal connection seat 115. This terminal connection seat 115? suitable for hosting the connection element 6 of the head straw 1a.

[0072] In accordance with a first embodiment, the tail terminal 120 includes a terminal connection seat 125. This terminal connection seat 125? suitable for hosting the connection element 6 of the tail straw 1b.

[0073] According to a second embodiment, the tail terminal 120 includes a terminal connection element 126, suitable to be housed in the connection seat 5 of the tail straw 1b.

[0074] In accordance with one embodiment, the terminal connection seat 115, 125 has the same structure as the connection seat 5 of the straw 1 so as to be able to engage the connection element 6.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the terminal connection element 116, 126 has the same structure as the connection element 6 of the straw 1 so as to be able to engage the connection seat 5.

[0076] Preferably, the head terminal 110 and the tail terminal 120 have the same structure to be able to be used as needed.

[0077] Finally, as mentioned, the object of the present invention is also a method of coupling and a method of disengagement of straws 1.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, the method of attaching straws 1, 1? includes the phases of:

a) provide for a plurality? of straws 1, 1?;

b) house the connection element 5 of a straw 1 in the connection seat 6 of a further straw 1? adjacent;

c) repeat phase b) for each straw 1, 1?, in such a way as to obtain the self-supporting transportable assembly 100.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the method also includes, following face c), the phase of: d) positioning the head terminal 110 and the tail terminal 120 respectively at the ends of the transportable self-supporting assembly 100.

[0080] In accordance with a first embodiment, the straw disengagement method 1 includes the steps of:

a) provide a transportable self-supporting assembly 100; b) extract the connection element 6 of a straw 1 from the connection seat 5 of the further straw 1? adjacent so as to divide it from the rest of the transportable self-supporting assembly 100;

c) repeat step b) for each straw 1, 1?.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the straw disengagement method 1 includes, following step c), a further step of:

d) break the weakened breakable portion 61 so as to remove the slats 60.

[0082] According to a second embodiment, the method of disengagement of straws 1 includes the steps of: a) providing a transportable self-supporting assembly 100; b) breaking the weakened breakable portion 61 of a straw 1 so as to separate it from the rest of the transportable self-supporting assembly 100;

c) repeat step b) for each straw 1.

[0083] In accordance with one embodiment, the disengagement method also includes a further step a0) preceding step a), which consists in unhooking the head terminal 110 and the tail terminal 120 respectively from the head straw 1a and from the tail straw 1b.

[0084] Innovatively, the straw object of the present invention fully fulfills the intended purpose, overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above. said with reference to the known art. Furthermore, the transportable self-supporting assembly, the attachment method and the object disengagement method of the present invention also fully fulfill the intended purpose.

[0085] Advantageously, the straw object of the present invention is? connectable to at least one other straw without using third-party elements, such as the tracks used in known solutions.

[0086] Advantageously, compared to the solutions of the known art, as it is no longer Once the tracks are used, the logistics and transport costs of the tracks themselves are completely reduced.

[0087] Advantageously, the straw therefore allows to reduce the consumption of materials, consequently reducing the environmental impact and overall costs.

[0088] Advantageously, the connection seat and the connection element being positioned between the lower plate and the lower flange do not hinder the user in any way during use of the packaging.

[0089] Advantageously, the self-supporting transportable assembly allows the straws to be neatly transported and easily loaded onto the filling machine.

[0090] Advantageously, the transportable self-supporting assembly can also include a large number of straws, for example 30-50 straws.

[0091] ? it is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent needs, could make variations to the straw, to the self-supporting transportable assembly, to the attachment method and to the disengagement method described above, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims . Furthermore, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment? achievable independently of the other variants described.

Claims (24)

1. Straw (1) for a thin-walled flexible package comprising a bag, wherein said straw (1) comprises: - an internal duct (2) which extends along a straw axis (X-X), between an internal opening (21), intended to remain inside the bag, and an opposite straw mouth (22), for the exit of the product to consume; - a connection portion (3) provided with said internal opening (21) and applicable as a seal between the thin walls of the bag; - a straw tube (4), which extends from the connection portion (3) to the straw mouth (21); - a connection seat (5) and a connection element (6); in which said straw (1), in an engagement configuration, in which the connection element (6) of said straw (1) is housed in a connection seat (5) of a further straw (1?), ? held in a position proximal to the further straw (1?). 2. Straw (1) according to claim 1, in which the connection seat (5) and the connection element (6) are diametrically opposed. 3. Straw (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said tube (4) comprises an external lateral surface (4?), wherein said connection element (6) extends from said external lateral surface (4?). 4. Straw (1) according to any of the previous claims, in which the tube (4) includes a lower plate (10) which delimits the connection portion (3) above and a lower flange (12) spaced axially from said bottom plate (10), where between the bottom plate (10) and the bottom flange (12) ? including said connection seat (5). 5. Straw (1) in accordance with any of the previous claims, in which the connection seat (5) and the connection element (6) extend along a coupling axis (Y-Y) substantially transversal to the straw axis (X-X) . 6. Straw (1) according to claim 5, wherein in the engagement configuration, the coupling axis (Y-Y) of the straw (1) is aligned with the attachment axis (Y-Y) of the additional straw (1?). 7. Straw (1) according to claim 4, comprising a support structure (16) included between the lower plate (10) and the lower flange (12), and in which the connection element (6) is connected and extends from said support structure (16). 8. Straw (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the connection element (6) includes at least one splint (60) which extends along the coupling axis (Y-Y). The straw (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one stick (60) comprises a weakened breakable portion (61) adapted to break so as to separate each stick (60) from the straw (1). 10. Straw (1) according to claim 8, wherein the connection seat (5) includes at least one channel (50) suitable for hosting said at least one splint (60). 11. Straw (1) according to claims 4 and 10, wherein the at least one channel (50) is between the lower plate (10) and the lower flange (12). 12. Straw (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one cue (60) comprises a cue body (60?) and a cue head (60?), and wherein the at least one channel (50 ) includes a matching element (50?) suitable to be engaged, preferably snap-on, by said splint head (60?). 13. Straw (1) according to claim 10, wherein each slat (60) includes an upper projection (61) and a lower projection (62) extending along the straw axis (X-X), and wherein each channel (50) ? counter-shaped in such a way as to accommodate, in the engagement configuration, said protrusions (61, 62) through form coupling. 14. Straw (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting element (6) includes a plug (65) extending along the (Y-Y) axis. 15. Straw (1) according to claim 14, wherein the connection seat (6) includes a plug housing (55) which extends along the (Y-Y) axis, and is? suitable for housing said plug (65). 16. Straw (1) according to claim 15, wherein the plug (65) comprises a plug body (65?) and a crown (65?) enlarged with respect to the plug body (65?) such that the plug (65) engages the plug housing (55) with an interlocking engagement. 17. Self-supporting transportable assembly (100) comprising a plurality? of straws (1, 1?) in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said straws (1, 1?) are placed side by side in such a way that the coupling axes (Y-Y) of each straw (1, 1?) are aligned , and are configured in the commitment configuration. 18. Self-supporting transportable assembly (100) in accordance with claim 17, comprising a head straw (1a) and tail straw (1b) arranged at the ends of the self-supporting transportable assembly (100), wherein the self-supporting transportable assembly ( 100) includes a head terminal (110) suitable for engaging the head straw (1a) and a tail terminal (120) suitable for engaging the tail straw (1b). 19. Self-supporting transportable assembly (100) according to claim 18, wherein the head terminal (110) and the tail terminal (120) comprise an end connection seat (115, 125) and an end connection element ( 116, 126) suitable to be engaged with the connection element (5) or the connection seat (6) of the head straw (1a) or the tail straw (1b). 20. Packaging including a straw (1) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 16. 21. Method of attaching straws (1, 1?), wherein said method includes the steps of: a) provide for a plurality? of straws (1, 1?) according to any of claims 1 to 16; b) house the connection element (5) of a straw (1) in the connection seat (6) of a further adjacent straw (1?); c) repeat step b) for each straw (1, 1?), so as to obtain a self-supporting transportable assembly (100). 22. A method of disengagement of a transportable self-supporting assembly (100), wherein said method includes the steps of: a) provide a transportable self-supporting assembly (100) in accordance with one of claims 17 to 19; b) extract the connection element (6) of a straw (1) from the connection seat (5) of the further adjacent straw (1?) so as to divide it from the rest of the self-supporting transportable assembly (100); c) repeat step b) for each straw (1, 1?); 23. Method of disengagement of a transportable self-supporting assembly (100) in accordance with claims 9 and 22, comprising, following phase c), a further phase of: d) break the weakened breakable portion (61) so as to remove the slats (60). 24. Method of disengagement of a transportable self-supporting assembly (100), wherein said method includes the steps of: a) provide a transportable self-supporting assembly (100) in accordance with one of claims 17 to 19 and with claim 9; b) breaking the weakened breakable portion (61) of a straw (1) so as to separate this straw (1) from the rest of the self-supporting transportable assembly (100); c) repeat step b) for each straw (1).