KR20120083282A - Opening and closing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an opening / closing device (1; 101) for packaging of a fluid product, which device is removably coupled to the body (3; 103) and the body (3; 103). 4; 104, which is a substantially flat and shaped base to be folded and sealed around the periphery 6; 106 of the desired outer profile of the body 3; (2; 102), wherein the base (2; 102) is adapted to be sealed to a predetermined portion of the flexible container (50; 150) at the bottom, the flexible container (50; 150) is the body A hole may be provided or perforated to allow (3; 103) to transfer fluid with the internal volume of the flexible container (50; 150). The invention also relates to a packaging for a fluid product comprising a flexible container and a device of the type described above for opening and closing the flexible container and a method for packaging a fluid product into such a package.

Description

Switchgear {OPENING AND CLOSING DEVICE}

In a more general embodiment, the present invention relates to the field of fluid product packaging.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an opening and closing device for a container in a flexible material, such as a bag, a container, for packaging an emulsion product such as, for example, a food product or a medical product.

The invention also relates to a package for a fluid product comprising such a flexible container and an opening and closing device and a method for packaging a fluid product in such a package.

Flexible materials for packaging fluid or semi-fluid food products, such as, for example, beverages or juices, and solid food products having suitable fluidity (or fluidity) characteristics, such as, for example, powdered or granular food products, In particular, the use for opening and closing devices on containers in bags, containers and the like is well known.

The container is generally obtained from one sheet (or several sheets) of suitable flexible material that is folded and sealed at least left and right to define a bottom and two opposite sidewalls defining an interior space for a food product, the opposite sidewall being required. Ends in the upper part of the entrance for insertion of the food product.

More specifically, the opening and closing device for a flexible container of the above-mentioned type is known to include a rigid body, a pourer body, and an opening and closing device provided in a neck for injecting food products. The device is usually a cap stopper which is removably assembled with the upper end of the neck, for example by means of screwing for rotational tightening or rotational opening of the cap stopper from / on the neck as required.

In addition, the furrer body is provided with an appropriate sealing surface, which is sealed by the sealing surface to the corresponding portion of the inlet of the flexible container in which the desired food is pre-filled by known techniques. Such a known technique may be, for example, a method of pressing against the sealing surface of the furrer body previously placed between each other and between the portions when the opposite portions of the inlet are at a high temperature.

However, according to the state of the art, even if the material constituting the container and the furrer body generally has a good suitability for sutures, the opening and closing device of the above-described type is more particularly In an area close to the end of the suture surface of the body, it is optimally, ie, fluid, to securely seal between the areas of the inlet of the container where opposing portions of the inlet do not engage with each other and try to spread along the suture surface of the flexible body. It is difficult.

As a result, the flexible container may not be sealed as much as necessary, so that the contained food may leak and air may enter the container and worsen the irritability of the food and threaten the shelf life indicated on the label. have.

It is known that the opening and closing device for a flexible container as described above is provided at the lower part of the neck with a blade or similar cutting means moveable between the maximum spacing position and the maximum approaching position in the body of the neck, the neck being irreversibly blocked and described above. One blade perforates the vessel and constitutes a fluid passageway with the food in the vessel.

As the opening and closing device for a flexible container as described above, for example, there may be an example disclosed in European Patent Application 08012211.2.

Fill the flexible container with the desired food first and close the container, then insert this switch into a special pocket obtained by folding the ends closed at the top of the flexible body wall of the puller body. The closure is sutured to each other with a corresponding sealing surface of the receiving portion in the pocket.

Such a switchgear is satisfactory from a functional point of view, but optimal attachment of the switchgear as described above into a special pocket of a flexible container can sometimes be difficult and difficult.

More specifically, due to the specific shape of the curved surface of the pocket, it may be difficult to insert the furrer body to the bottom of the pocket and also to position it essentially vertically.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to solve the above problems with respect to the prior art, to provide an opening and closing device for a flexible container for packaging of a fluid product such as food or medicine and a method for packaging such a fluid product.

The above technical problem is that in a switchgear for a container for the packaging of a fluid product made of a flexible material, the switchgear comprises a body and an opening and closing element removably coupled to the body. The device further includes a base that is substantially flat and conformed to be folded and sealed about the periphery of the outer profile of the flexible body, the base at the bottom of the flexible container. The flexible container is sealed by means of an opening or closing device that can be perforated or provided with a hole for the fluid body to deliver fluid with the internal volume of the flexible container.

As used herein, "fluid product" refers to a solid product having suitable fluid properties (or so-called flowability, called free-flowing), such as a fluid or semi-fluid product and, for example, a powder or granular food. Such products may be food, for example beverages or juices or drugs, for example physiological saline, various types of medicaments.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the furrer body comprises a neck having a predetermined axis for the treatment of the fluid product, the base being integrally formed with the furrer body below or below the neck, An opening and closing device having a hole coaxial with a neck of the body is provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the base is provided with an opening and closing device having at least one fold line for facilitating folding and sealing the base around a predetermined outer profile portion of the body.

Advantageously, said base comprises a first fold line having an overall profile substantially equivalent to an outer profile of said portion of said body and a second fold line disposed outside of the profile defined by said first fold line. Include.

In addition, the base may further include a third fold line disposed inside the profile defined by the first fold.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first fold line is formed close to the outside of the vertical projection of the portion of the fairer body to the base.

According to the present invention, the fold line of the base may be made by a variety of conventional methods, preferably may be configured by weakening the line made by a conventional method, more specifically the incision process.

According to one embodiment according to the invention, the circumference of the poorer body comprises a flat flange having a predetermined outer profile and provided with a suture circumferential surface.

According to another embodiment according to the invention, the base is integrally formed at its lower end in the neck.

According to another embodiment according to the present invention, the furrer body includes a collar formed integrally with the base, the neck portion is provided with cutting means capable of drilling a predetermined portion of the flexible container, the neck portion Is a top stop position in the state in which the cutting means is spaced apart from the flexible container as far as possible within the collar and a bottom stop position in which the cutting means extends as far as possible and can puncture a predetermined portion of the flexible container. It is possible to move a currency between them.

The present invention relates to a package comprising a flexible container and a switchgear of the type described above.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible container having a first wall and a second wall facing each other and sealed around at least a portion of corresponding side edge edges, the flexible container having a space for receiving a fluid product therebetween; The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 9 to 9, wherein the opening and closing device is respectively sealed to the inner surface of the upper end of each of the first wall and the second wall, the base is folded to the blue Selectively sutured around a predetermined outer profile portion of the body, the ends of the first and second walls being folded together and selectively by the remaining portion of the base without being affected by engagement with the portion of the fairer body. Provided is a package for a fluid product that is sealed together in an affected area.

The present invention relates to a method for packaging a fluid product in a package as described above. The method,

A first wall and a second wall facing each other, sutured laterally except for an end ending at each of the top edges of the first and second walls; Providing a flexible container that opens along an inlet defined between the upper ends,

Providing a switchgear as described above;

Filling said flexible container with a fluid product through said inlet,

Laying the upper ends of the first and second walls apart along a substantially horizontal plane,

Sealing the base of the switchgear to an inner surface of the lying end of the first and second walls,

Folding the base and the lying end of the first wall and the second wall, suturing the folded base around a predetermined outer profile of the fairer body of the switchgear and / or the first wall And suturing the folded ends of the second wall to each other in an end region selectively affected by the remaining portion of the base without being affected by engagement with the portion of the fairer body.

It includes.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a flexible container having a first wall and a second wall facing each other and sealed around at least a portion of corresponding side edge edges, the flexible container having a space for receiving a fluid product therebetween. The opening and closing device according to any one of claims 9 to 9, wherein the opening and closing device is respectively sealed to the inner surface of the upper end of each of the first wall and the second wall, the base is folded to the blue Selectively sutured around a predetermined outer profile portion of the body, the ends of the first and second walls being folded together and selectively by the remaining portion of the base without being affected by engagement with the portion of the fairer body. Provided is a package for a fluid product that is sealed together in an affected area.

According to the invention there is provided a method for packaging a fluid product in a package as described above.

A first wall and a second wall facing each other, sutured laterally except for an end ending at each of the top edges of the first and second walls; and the top of the first and second walls. A gusset element extending between edges and sealing at least laterally with said first and second walls at each of said upper ends, said flexibility being opened along an inlet defined between said upper ends of said first and second walls; Providing a container,

Providing a switchgear as described above;

Filling said open flexible container with a fluid product through said inlet,

Sealing the flexible container by sealing the opposite ends of the inlet,

Laying the gusset elements along a substantially horizontal plane with the upper ends of the first and second walls apart from each other,

Sealing the base of the switchgear to the gusset element,

Folding the base and the ends of the first and second walls together with the gusset elements, suturing the folded base around a predetermined outer profile of the fairer body of the switchgear and / or Suturing the folded ends of the first wall and the second wall to each other in an end region that is selectively affected by the remaining portion of the base without being affected by engagement with the portion of the fairer body.

It includes.

In the above-described method according to the present invention, the sealing is done by conventional techniques such as heat-sealing, ultrasonic sealing, the use of adhesives, and the like, also known as heat-welding.

Other features and effects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description through non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in connection with a preferred embodiment.

According to the present invention, there is provided a flexible container capable of being tightly sealed in the packaging of a fluid product, and a flexible container and its opening and closing device for enabling the same.

1 and 2 show an overall perspective view and disassembled parts of an opening and closing device for a flexible container according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
3 is a cross-sectional view of the opening and closing device of FIGS. 1 and 2.
4 is a detailed view of the opening and closing device of FIGS. 1 and 2.
5 to 8 show each step of packaging for a fluid product in a package according to the invention comprising a flexible container and the opening and closing device of FIGS. 1 and 2.
8A and 8B schematically show detailed views of the packaging steps described in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.
9 shows a package according to the invention comprising a flexible container to which the opening and closing device of FIGS. 1 and 2 is attached.
10 shows a partial cross-sectional view in the open state of the package of FIG. 9.
11 is a perspective view of an opening and closing device for a flexible container according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a sectional view of the opening and closing device of FIG. 11.
13-15 illustrate each step of packaging for a fluid product in a package according to the present invention comprising a flexible container and the opening and closing device of FIG.
16 shows a package according to the invention comprising a flexible container to which the opening and closing device of FIG. 11 is attached.
17 shows a partial cross-sectional view in the open state of the package of FIG. 16.
18 and 19 show respective embodiments of the base of the opening and closing device according to the present invention.

1 to 4, there is shown an opening and closing device for a flexible container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Such an opening and closing device is generally indicated by the reference numeral "1".

The opening and closing device 1 is a main component, a flat and bendable base 2 assembled coaxially with each other along the longitudinal axis XX, a pourer body 3 generally represented by "3", and A cap stopper 4.

The body 4 is formed integrally with the base 2 and extends thereon and is a passageway for a fluid product, for example a food or a medical product, inwardly coaxially with the channel 8 about the axis XX described above. And a substantially cylindrical collar 5 defined by < RTI ID = 0.0 > and < / RTI > .

The collar 5 has on its outer surface a flat flange 6 having a predetermined thickness and a predetermined external profile in the longitudinal axis X-X direction, at a predetermined distance from the base 2. The flange 6 extends along the entire circumference of the collar 5. More specifically, the flange 6 is formed substantially integrally with the collar 5 and has a surface 6 along its entire circumference, defined by the thickness for sealing to the base 2, and with an adjunct 6a opposite each other. It has a hexagonal circumference (or outer surface) profile, which will be described later in more detail.

The collar 5 further includes an annular band 9, which is formed integrally with the flange 6 and located close to the flange 6, on the outer surface. The annular band 9 has a plurality of teeth 10 continuous in the circumferential direction. The function of the tooth 10 will be described later.

Instead of the annular band 9, a separate ring may be provided which is integrally formed such that the teeth continue in the circumferential direction. This ring is strained to the collar 5 by a suitable bridge.

The flat, collapsible base 2 is sealed in a manner as described below in more detail in the flexible container described below. The base 2 has a substantially centrally located first portion 2a and a second portion 2b, ie periphery. The second part 2b may be sealed to the flange 6 of the fairer body 3. Base 2 may have a through hole 11 coaxial with channel 8 in collar 5 and a number of fold lines. The multiple fold lines are intended to facilitate folding the base 2 around the sealing surface 7 of the flange 6 and suturing it to the flange 6 after the same treatment is applied to the flexible container.

More specifically, the base 2 is substantially rectangular. The base 2 is formed around the through hole 11 while forming a boundary of the center portion 2a of the base 2 and its overall profile is substantially equivalent to the outer profile of the flange 6 of the furrer body 3 ( Or a base 2 disposed outside of the profile defined by the first fold line 12 and the first fold line 12 and correspondingly sewn along a corresponding seam 7 of the flange 6. It has a second fold line 13 in part 2b.

Preferably, as specifically shown in FIG. 4, the first fold line 12 is closer to the outside of the vertical projection of the flange 6 on the base 102, and the first fold line 12 is the vertical fold line. It is formed to be located in the central portion 2a of the base 2 bounded by 12).

In this non-limiting embodiment, the second fold line 13 extends from the first fold line 12 to reach substantially the end of the base 2 in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction.

The base 2 further includes a third fold line 14 disposed in the base 2 portion 2a into the interior of the profile defined by the first fold line 12. In this embodiment, the third fold line extends substantially across the first fold line 12 facing each other.

The channel 8 in the collar 5 has a screwdriver 28 over a short portion in the axial direction so as to rotationally lock the neck 22, which will be described later. An annular pair, more specifically, an upper annular ridge 29a and a lower annular projection 29b are further provided in the collar 5. The annular pair ends the movement of the neck 22 at the top and interacts with the corresponding annular projection (ring) 29c formed in the neck 22 over the screwing portion 28, which will be described later. Shall be.

More specifically, in the upper closed position, the ring 29c of the neck 22 is located between the upper annular projection 29a and the lower annular projection 29b of the collar 5. In addition, the neck 22 ring 29c interacts appropriately with the inner wall of the channel 8 such that fluid is leaked through the channel 8 when the flexible container is opened (perforated) and the switchgear 1 is attached. Effectively prevents that.

The neck portion 22 includes a substantially cylindrical body 30 coaxial with respect to the above-described X axis, the cylindrical body 30 has an upper end portion 31 screwed 32 outward along an axial portion thereof, It also includes a lower end 33 screwed to the outer surface along the axial portion 34 and an unthreaded intermediate portion 35 between the upper end 31 and the lower end 33.

The cylindrical body 30 has a channel 40 therein for the passage of a liquid product coaxial with the channel 8 of the color 5. The channel 40 extends axially along the entirety of the upper end 31, the lower end 33 and the intermediate part 35, and is open at the top and bottom of the neck 22.

The lower end 33 of the cylindrical body 30 is finished with a blade 42 eccentric about the X-X axis to open the flexible container. The blade portion 42 is formed by cutting the bottom of the cylindrical body 30 along a cutting plane inclined with respect to the X-X axis.

The neck 22 further includes a cylindrical shell 36 integrally formed on the intermediate portion 35 of the cylindrical body 30. The upper part of the cylindrical shell 36 is provided with a plurality of teeth 38 continuous and protruding in the circumferential direction along the annular band 37. Under the cylindrical shell 36 an inner annular recess 39 for substantially engaging by engaging with the collar 5 teeth 10 of the base at the first opening of the flexible container to which the opening and closing device 1 will be attached. ) Is provided.

The stopper 4 comprises a head 45 and an annular shell 46 provided with a ridge 47 on the outer surface and a threaded portion 48 on the inner surface. The thread cutting part 48 forms a screwing relationship with the upper part 31 of the neck part 22 and the external thread cutting part 32, so that the stopper 4 may be pulled from the neck body 22 of the puller body 3 as necessary. And to lock and loosen the neck.

The closure 4 further comprises a guarantee band of ring 49 fitted to the annular shell 46 and secured by a suitable (not shown) bridge. The ring 49 is provided with a number of teeth on its inner surface, which is not typically shown as a whole. A plurality of teeth are engaged between the teeth 38 of the cylindrical shell 36 of the middle part 35 of the neck 22 which substantially corresponds to the tooth engagement.

As such, the stopper 4 is integrally rotatable with the neck 22 of the furrer body 3.

The neck 22 is rotatably coupled with the collar 5 at the bottom by a tooth engagement between the outer tooth 34 of the lower end 33 and the inner tooth 28 of the channel 5 of the collar 5. More specifically, the tooth 22 is located in such a position that the eccentric blade 42 of the lower end 31 is maximally separated from the flexible container to which the opening and closing device 1 is attached in the channel 8. Allow rotational movement from the top stop position to the bottom stop position. The lower stop position is the position where the annular recess 39 and the collar 5 teeth 10 are toothed, and the eccentric blade 42 penetrates the flexible container past the hole 11 of the base 2 to form the interior of the container. Fluid can be transferred between the space and the furor body 3, more specifically the neck 22, channel 40.

Preferably, the upper end 31 of the neck 22 and the threaded part 31 of the lower end 33 are in substantially opposite directions. As will be described later, accordingly, the user can effectively unwind the stopper 4 from the neck 22 by rotating in one direction through the flexible container to which the opening and closing device 1 is attached upon opening for the first time.

5 to 8 show the main steps of a method for producing a package according to the invention by attaching the switch 1 to a flexible container and packaging the fluid product in the flexible container.

More specifically, with reference to FIG. 5, the method according to the invention is, among other things, generally referred to as a container formed of a single, multi-layer (composite) sheet or a single layer of flexible sheet of material suitable for food. Enable the production of a flexible container, denoted 50). The container may for example be a sheet of metal material, in particular an aluminum sheet, or may be formed of a composite sheet comprising metal and food plastic materials and / or boards or card boards, but not limited thereto. Alternatively, the container 50 may consist of a plurality of sheets of flexible material as described above.

More specifically, the container 50 preferably has a gusset-shaped bottom 51 substantially opposite each other and each of the first side edges 52a and 53b and the respective second side edges ( Accept liquid or solid fluid products in the first wall 52 and the second wall 53, and the first wall 52 and the second wall 53, which are sealed around at 52b and 53b). It includes space for.

Side closure between the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 extends from the bottom 51 along the first side edges 52a and 53a and the second side edges 52b and 52b to extend the first wall 52. Top edge 52c of the second wall 53 and the top edge 52d of the first wall 52 and the top edge 53d of the second wall 53 finishing at the corresponding top end 52c of the second wall 53 At each end.

At each of the two ends 52c and 53c, the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 are laterally, i.e. each of the first side edges 52a and 53a and the second side edges 52b and 53b. In the gusset element 55 disposed at the top of the container 50 and extending between the top edge 52d of the first wall 52 and the top edge 53d of the second wall 53.

The gusset element 55 is preferably formed by folding the end of either one of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53.

Otherwise, gusset element 55 is attached (ie joined) to a flexible sheet or a plurality of flexible sheets forming first wall 53 and second wall 54 (eg, separate Separate elements (such as flexible sheets). Alternatively, the gusset element 55 may be formed by joining the folded portions of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 to each other.

According to the method according to the invention, the flexible container 50 is opened along an inlet 56 defined between the upper ends 52c and 53c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53. More specifically, in this embodiment, this inlet is defined between the free (ie unsealed) top edge 53d of the second wall 53 and the free end 55a of the gusset element.

Here, a step is provided in which the quantity of fluid product 58 is filled through the inlet 56 by any suitable batcher while the above-described flexible container 50 is still open.

In the case of sterile or sterile packaging, the step of sterilizing the flexible container 50 in a conventional manner, for example hydrogen peroxide, before the filling step is carried out.

When the filling step is completed, the inlet is closed so that the flexible container 5 is hermetically sealed. As indicated by arrow A in FIG. 6, this process involves closing the free end 55a of the gusset element 55 to the free top edge 53d of the second wall 53, thereby closing the inlet 56. Is done.

Here, the method according to the invention (FIG. 7) provides for sealing the switchgear 1 with the corresponding base 2 on the gusset element 55 of the flexible container 50. This step reciprocally diverts the upper end 52c of the first wall 52 and the upper end 53c of the second wall 53 to substantially lay down the gusset element 55 completely. And (ie substantially along the horizontal plane) and then suture the base 2 to the gusset element 55 (FIG. 7).

Preferably, in this embodiment, sealing the base 2 to the gusset element 55 is performed using two rigid blocks 60 that are substantially wedge shaped, each block 60 being From the upper end 52c of the first wall 52 and the upper end 53c of the second wall 53 in a mutually approaching direction so as to approach the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 slightly below (FIG. 7). Arrows B and C are placed to move.

Each of these blocks 60 has a substantially horizontal top surface 61, on which the top end 52c of the first wall 52 and the top end 53c of the second wall 53 are effectively fixed and supported. And reciprocally spaced apart from each other (arrow D in FIG. 7) while attaching the base 2 to the gusset element 55 (for example by pressing). 55) to facilitate the closure and to be more effective thereby.

Here, the method according to the invention moves the rigid block 60 away from the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 (arrow E in FIG. 8), and then the base 2 is moved to the first wall ( Folding with the upper end 52c of the 52, the upper end 53c of the second wall 53, and the gusset element 55, at least a part of the folded base 2 being the body 4 of the apparatus 1. The lead of the base 2 is selectively affected from the part without being affected by the sealing step 7 of the flange 6 of FIG. 8 (arrow F of FIG. 8) and the engagement with the flange 6. By providing a step of sealing the aforementioned folded ends 52c and 53c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 at one end region of the receiving gusset element 55 (arrow G in FIG. 8), FIG. A package 70 according to the invention as shown in FIG. 9 is obtained.

Preferably, folding the base 2 around the sealing surface 7 of the flange 6 is facilitated by the fold lines 12, 13, and 14 described above. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, after the flattened base 2 is attached to the gusset element 55 as shown schematically in FIG. 8A (see FIG. 7). Folding with a portion of the body 4, as described above, may be a slight portion of the portions at opposite peripheries that are not affected by the through-holes 11 of the central portion 2a of the base 2. Along with the lowering is accompanied by lowering the site of the gusset element 55 sutured to this site. This lowering is facilitated by the third fold line 14 (arrow H in FIG. 8B).

In addition, the base 2 folds the periphery 2b of the base 2 to the upper end 52c of the first wall 52, the upper end 53c of the second wall 53, and the rest of the gusset element 55. Raising with the part is involved. This raising is facilitated by at least part of the first fold line 12 and the second fold line 13 (more specifically, the line 13 extending in the longitudinal direction).

In addition, due to the specific shape of the fold line, the base 2 is folded to form a pocket having an inner profile substantially complementary to the outer profile of the flange 6, whereby the base 2 is formed of the flange 6. The first wall 52 of the end region, which is sutured to the sealing surface 7 and selectively affected by the remaining portion of the base 2 without being affected by engagement with the flange 6 of the gusset element 55. ) And the closed ends 52c and 53c of the second wall 53 are made easier and more accurate.

In order to open the package 60 according to the invention (first opening), the consumer preferably grasps the ridge 47 of the cylindrical shell 46 and the stopper 4 in a predetermined direction (eg arrow H). In the counterclockwise direction shown), it is sufficient to rotate the eccentric blade 42 until the lowest stop position corresponding to the maximum advance into the container 50 is reached. In this rotation, the neck 22 having the mating blade 42 and the stopper 16 rotatably coupled thereto are lowered so that the blade 42 passes through the hole 11 of the base 2 and then the gusset element 55. Perforation of the container 50 is involved. More specifically, the operation of lowering the neck 22 from the top stop position is such that the annular projection 29c is formed of the collar 5 (due to the rotational force and the annular projections 29a and 29b being materials having moderate elasticity). It proceeds under the lower annular projection 29b, and reaches the lower stop position so that the inner annular recess 39 of the cylindrical shell 36 is toothed with the teeth 10 of the annular band 9 so that the neck ( 22 ends with blocking the collar 5.

Due to the lowering of the end region of the center portion 2a of the base 2 during packaging, the portion of the gusset element 55 located in the through hole 11 of the base 2 is sufficiently positioned while being slightly higher than these end regions. It should be noted that because of the firmness, the blade 42 facilitates puncturing the container 50.

Here, the continuous rotation of the stopper 4 in the same direction causes the ring 149 constituting the guarantee band to rupture, and the stopper 4 can be rotated from the neck 22 so as to provide a container 50. The contents of the) can be accessed. The final result after loosening the plug 4 of the initial opening of the package 60 is shown in FIG. 10.

Each time the fluid product contained in the container 50 is taken out by the desired amount, the package 1 can be easily locked again if the consumer can easily lock it by rotating the stopper 4 to the upper end 31 of the neck 22. It should be noted that it can. Rotating the stopper 4 to the upper end 31 of the neck 22 is secured by the toothed coupling of the cylindrical shell 36 with the teeth 10 of the annular band 9 in the inner annular recess 39. Location is limited.

11 and 12, there is shown an opening and closing device for a flexible container according to another embodiment of the present invention. An opening and closing device according to the present embodiment is referred to as 101.

The configuration of the switchgear 101 structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the corresponding element of the switchgear 1 described above is assigned a reference number plus 100 to the configuration of the switchgear 1.

Opening and closing device 101 includes, as main components, a flat, collapsible base 102, a furrer body 103 and a stopper 104 associated coaxially with each other along longitudinal axis X-X.

The furrer body 103 includes a substantially cylindrical neck 122 formed integrally with the base 102 and extending upwards. Neck 122 defines a channel 140 on the inside that is coaxial to axis X-X described above for the fluid product to pass through.

The neck 122 includes a flat flange 106 having a predetermined thickness along the outer profile and the longitudinal axis X-X a predetermined distance away from the base 102 on the outer surface. The flange 106 extends along the entire circumference of the neck 122.

More specifically, the flange 106 is formed substantially integrally with the neck 122 and has a substantially defined surface 107 having opposing appendages 106a and a thickness defined for sealing with the base 102 throughout the circumferential direction. With a hexagonal circumferential (or outer) profile. This will be described later in detail.

The neck further includes a plurality of teeth 138 that are circumferentially continuous over the flange 106 and an outer threaded portion 132 over the teeth 138.

The stopper includes a head 145 and an annular shell 146 on which the ridges 147 are provided on the outer surface with a chamfer 148 on the inner surface. The threaded portion 148, together with the external threaded portion 132 of the neck 122, is a screw for screwing and unscrewing as needed from and above the neck 122 of the puller body 103. Configure the bond.

The stopper 104 further includes a ring 149 fitted to the annular shell 146 and secured by a suitable bridge (not shown). Ring 149 is generally provided on its inner surface with a plurality of teeth, not shown. A plurality of teeth is coupled between the teeth 138 of the neck 22 to substantially correspond to the tooth coupling.

The flat, collapsible base 102 is intended to be sealed in a manner described below in more detail in a flexible container described below, and substantially sutured to the flange 106 of the central first portion 102a and the pureer body 103. A second portion 102b or a periphery that may be. In addition, the base 102 is attached to the through hole 111 and the flexible container 150 coaxial with the channel 140 in the neck 122, and then the base 102 suture surface 107 of the flange 106. A plurality of fold lines are included to facilitate folding and suturing around.

More specifically, base 102 is substantially rectangular. The base 102 is formed around the through hole 111 while forming a boundary of the central portion 102a of the base 102 and has an overall profile substantially equal to the outer profile of the flange 106 of the fairer body 103. Within a portion 102b of the base 102 that is disposed outside of the profile defined by the first fold line 112 and the first fold line 12 and can be sealed along a corresponding seam 107 of the flange 106. It has a second folding line 113.

Preferably, the first fold line 112 is closer to the outside of the vertical projection of the flange 106 on the base 102, such that the vertical projection is bounded by the first fold line 112. Is formed in the central portion 102a.

In this non-limiting embodiment, the second fold line 113 extends from the first fold line 112 to reach the end of the base 102 substantially in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction.

Base 102 further includes a third fold line 114 disposed in base 102 portion 102a into the interior of the profile defined by first fold line 112. In this embodiment, the third fold line extends substantially across the first fold line 112 facing each other.

13-18 illustrate the main steps of a method for producing a package according to the present invention by attaching the switch 101 to a flexible container and packaging the fluid product in the flexible container.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 15, the method according to the invention is referred to, as a whole, by reference numeral 150 as a whole, preferably a container formed of a single, multi-layer (composite) sheet or a single layer of flexible sheet of material suitable for food. Enables the manufacture of the flexible container as indicated. The container may for example be a sheet of metal material, in particular an aluminum sheet, or may be formed of a composite sheet comprising metal and food plastic materials and / or boards or card boards, but not limited thereto. Alternatively, the container 150 may be a plurality of sheets of flexible material as described above.

More specifically, the container 150 preferably has a gusset-shaped bottom 151 substantially opposite each other and each of the first side edges 152a and 153b and the respective second side edges ( Receive liquid or (flowable) solid fluid products within the first wall 152 and the second wall 153, and the first wall 152 and the second wall 153, which are sutured around at 152b and 153b. It includes space for.

Side seals between the first wall 152 and the second wall 153 extend from the bottom 151 along the first side edges 152a and 153a and the second side edges 152b and 152b to extend the first wall 152. Top edge 152c of the second wall 153 and top edge 153d of the second wall 53 and the top edge 153d of the second wall 153 At each end.

According to the method according to the invention, the flexible container 150 is opened along the inlet 156 defined between the upper ends 152c and 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153. Through the inlet 156 the flexible container 150 is filled with the desired fluid product in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the flexible container 50.

When the filling is completed, the suture treatment is performed on the opening and closing device 101 with the corresponding base 102 on the upper end portions 152c and 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153. This allows the top end 152c of the first wall 152 and the top end 153c of the second wall 153 to be reciprocally diverted to each other and to lay down along a substantially horizontal plane (i.e., The base 102 is then attached and sealed to the inner surface (now visible) of the upper ends 152c and 153c (toward a substantially flat angle to each other) (arrow L in FIGS. 13 and 14).

Preferably, in this embodiment, sealing the base 102 to the upper ends 152c and 153c is performed using two rigid blocks 160 (shown in dashed lines) that are substantially wedge shaped. 160 are mutually approached to approach the first wall 152 and the second wall 153 slightly below from the upper end 152c of the first wall 152 and the upper end 153c of the second wall 153, respectively. Are placed to move.

Each of these blocks 160 has a substantially horizontal top surface 161, on which the top end 152c of the first wall 152 and the top end 153c of the second wall 153 are effectively fixed and supported. And reciprocally spaced from one another during attachment of the base 102 thereon (eg by pressing), thereby facilitating and making the suture of the base 102 easier and more effective.

Here, the method according to the present invention moves the rigid block 160 away from the first wall 152 and the second wall 153, and then moves the base 102 to the upper end 152c of the first wall 152. And folding with the upper end 153c of the second wall 153 (arrow M in FIG. 15), at least a portion of the folded base 102 is sealed to the sealing surface 107 of the flange 106 of the pureer body 103. The lead of the base 102 is first and second walls 152 and 153 in each end region that is selectively affected from the portion without being affected by the step of suture to and engagement with the flange 106. By providing a step of sealing the above-described folded ends 152c and 153c to each other, a package 170 according to the invention as shown in FIG. 16 is obtained.

Preferably, folding the base 102 around the suture surface 107 of the flange 106 is associated with the folding of the base 2 of the device 1 by the fold lines 112, 113, and 114 described above. Thereby facilitating in a manner similar to that described above. In addition, the specific shape of these fold lines causes the base 102 to fold and form pockets having an inner profile substantially complementary to the outer profile of the flange 106, thereby causing the base 102 to be flange 106. The first wall 152 and the second wall of the end region, which are sutured to the suture surface 107 of the end region and selectively affected by the remaining portion of the base 102 without being affected by engagement with the flange 106. The closure of the folded ends 152c and 153c of 153 is easier and more accurate.

In order to open the package 170 according to the invention (first opening), the consumer preferably ruptures the ring 149 constituting the guarantee band by rotating the stopper 104 in a predetermined direction and then the stopper 104. It is sufficient to disengage from the neck 122, thereby accessing the contents of the container 150. The final result after loosening the stopper 104 of the initial opening of the package 170 is shown in FIG. 17.

Note that each time the fluid product contained in the container 150 is removed by the desired amount, the package 170 can be easily locked again if the consumer can easily lock it by rotating the stopper 104 to the neck 22. Should be.

18 and 19, some of the many possible embodiments of the base of the switchgear according to the invention are shown.

Specifically, FIG. 18 illustrates a substantially different flat and collapsible base 200 due to its overall similarity to the base 2 described above and having a substantially octagonal shape.

In FIG. 19, the hole 11, which is generally similar to the base 2 described above, lacks a third fold line 14, wherein the first fold line 12 is substantially elliptical instead of the hexagon of the base 2. Substantially different flat and collapsible bases 300 are shown due to the defining profile around.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the switching device according to the present invention described above, but all fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

1: switchgear
2: base
3: softer body
4: cap stopper
5: color
6: flange
7: suture surface
9: illusion band
10: tooth

Claims (14)

In the opening and closing device (1; 101) for the container (50; 150), which is made of a flexible material and for the packaging of a fluid product,
The opening and closing device comprises a four body (3; 103) and an opening and closing element (4; 104) removably coupled to the four body (3; 103),
The opening and closing device is a substantially flat and shaped base (2; 102) that can be folded and sewn about a perimeter (6; 106) of a predetermined outer profile of the body (3; 103). More,
The base (2; 102) is to be sealed at the bottom to the predetermined portion (55, 152c, 153c) of the flexible container (50; 150),
The flexible container (50; 150) may be provided with a hole or perforated to allow the body (3; 103) to transfer fluid and the internal volume of the flexible container (50; 150),
Switchgear (1; 101). The method of claim 1,
The body 3 (103) comprises a neck (22; 122) having a predetermined axis for the treatment of the fluid product,
The base 2; 102 is formed integrally with the fairer body 3; 103 under or below the necks 22, 122, and the neck 22; 122 of the fairer body 3; 103. And an opening and closing device having a hole (11; 111) coaxial with. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The base (2; 102) is at least one fold to facilitate folding and sealing the base (2; 102) about a predetermined outer profile portion (6; 106) of the fairer body (3; 103). Switchgear with wire. The method of claim 3,
The base 2; 102 has a first fold line 12; 112 and the first fold having an overall profile substantially equal to the outer profile of the portion 6; 106 of the fairer body 3; 103. And a second folding line (13; 113) disposed outside of the profile defined by lines (12; 112). The method of claim 4, wherein
The first fold line 12; 112 defines a substantially central portion 2a; 102a of the base 2; 102, in which the coaxial hole 11; 111 is provided,
The second fold line 13; 113 is formed at the periphery 2b; 102b of the base 2; 102, the periphery 2b; 102b of the predetermined body of the fairer body 3; 103. Switchgear, which may be sewn to the outer profile (6; 106). The method according to claim 4 or 5,
The base (2; 102) further includes a third fold line disposed inside the profile defined by the first fold (12; 112). The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The first folding line (12; 112) is formed close to the outside of the vertical projection of the portion (6; 106) of the fairer body (3; 103) onto the base (2; 102). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The perimeter of the fairer body (3; 103) comprises a flat flange (6; 106) having a predetermined external profile and provided with a suture perimeter (7; 107). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The base 102 is integrally formed at the bottom of the neck 122, opening and closing device. 9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
The four body 3 includes a collar 5 formed integrally with the base 2,
The neck is provided with cutting means 42 capable of drilling a predetermined portion of the flexible container 50,
The neck portion 22 has a top stop position and the cutting means 42 in a state in which the cutting means 42 is as far as possible from the flexible container 50 in the collar 5 in the collar 5. A switchgear, which is located in the most advanced position and movable between the lower stop positions capable of drilling a predetermined portion of the flexible container (50). A first wall 152 and a second wall 153, spaced between the walls, facing each other and sealing around at least a portion of corresponding side edges 152a, 152b, 153a, and 153b. Having a flexible container 150, and
It includes a switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The opening and closing device is the base 102 is sealed to the inner surface of the upper end portion (152c, 153c) of each of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153,
The base is folded and selectively sewn about a predetermined outer profile portion 106 of the body body 103,
The end portions 152c, 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153 are folded together so that the base 102 is unaffected by engagement with the portion 106 of the fairer body 103. A package for a fluid product, sutured to each other in a region selectively affected by the remaining portion of the. First and second walls facing each other and sutured around at least a portion of each side edge 52a, 53a; 52b, 53b,
A space between the walls containing the fluid product,
The first wall 52 and the second wall extending between the upper ends 52d and 53d of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53, respectively, to the first wall 52 and the second wall 53; Gusset elements 55 joined at least laterally at each upper end 52c; 53c of the two walls 53, and
Switchgear according to claim 10
In the package comprising:
The switchgear is sealed with the corresponding base 2 and the gusset element 55
The base is folded and selectively closed around the perimeter 6 of the desired outer profile of the body 3,
The ends 52c and 53c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 fold together with the gusset element 55 and have defects in the peripheral part 6 of the fairer body 3. A package (70) for a fluid product, which is sealed together in an area which is not affected by and which is selectively affected by the rest of the base (2). A method for packaging a fluid product in a package according to claim 11, the method comprising:
A first wall 152 and a second wall 153 facing each other and laterally except for ends 152c and 153c which terminate at each of the top edges of the first and second walls 152 and 153. Sealed-providing a flexible container 150 that is opened along an inlet 156 defined between the top portions 152c and 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153. step,
Providing an opening and closing device 101 according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Filling the flexible container with a fluid product through the inlet 156,
Spreading the upper ends 152c; 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153 along one another in a substantially horizontal plane,
Sealing the base 102 of the opening and closing device 101 to the inner surface of the lying ends 152c; 153c of the first wall 152 and the second wall 153,
Folding the lying down ends 152c and 153c of the base 102 and the first wall 152 and the second wall 153, and folding the folded base 102 into the opening and closing device 101. Suture around a predetermined outer profile portion 106 of the fairer body 103 and / or the folded ends 152c, 153c of the first and second walls 152 and 153 Suturing each other in an end region not affected by engagement with the portion (106) of the body (103) and optionally affected by the remaining portion of the base (102). A method for packaging a fluid product in a package according to claim 12, the method comprising:
A first wall 52 and a second wall 53 facing each other; ends 52c; 153c ending at each of the top edges 52d; 53d of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53; Sewn laterally except for-extending between the top edges 52d; 53d of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 and at the first wall 52c; 53c, respectively. An inlet defined between the first wall 52 and the upper end 52c; 53c of the second wall 53 and at least laterally sealed with the second wall 53 and the second wall 53. Providing a flexible container 52 that opens along 56,
Providing a switchgear (1) according to claim 10,
Filling the open flexible container 50 with the fluid product through the inlet 56,
Sealing the flexible container by sealing the opposite ends of the inlet 56,
Laying the gusset element 55 along a substantially horizontal plane by spreading the upper ends 52c; 53c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 apart from each other,
Sealing the base 2 of the opening and closing device 1 to the gusset element 55,
Folding the end portions 52c; 53c of the base 2 and the first wall 52 and the second wall 53 together with the gusset element 55 and opening and closing the folded base 2 Sutured around a predetermined outer profile 6 of the fairer body 3 of the device 1 and / or the folded end 52c of the first wall 52 and the second wall 53, 53c) suturing each other in an end region not affected by engagement with the portion (6) of the body (3) and optionally affected by the remaining portion of the base (2).

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