MXPA06012952A

MXPA06012952A - Liquid media breakaway package.

Info

Publication number: MXPA06012952A
Application number: MXPA06012952A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Keith E Antal Sr
Original assignee: Sonoco Dev Inc
Priority date: 2004-05-10
Filing date: 2005-03-21
Publication date: 2007-04-23
Also published as: CA2565449A1; US20050247768A1; BRPI0510182A; WO2005113348A1; EP1747149A1

Abstract

A container/package (10) for dispensing a liquid media which is environmentally advantageous for recycling and waste disposal purposes. The liquid media package (10) having a tubular body (12), an end cap (14) on the tubular body (12) for containing the liquid media, and a mechanism for inducing stress, such a score line (20) in the tubular body (12), responsive to pressure developed by a pressure generating device to cause failure and separation of at least a portion of tubular body. More specifically, a first pressure is developed to dispense liquid media through the orifices in the end cap. A second pressure, higher than the first pressure, is subsequently developed for effecting failure of the tubular body at the point of induced stress. The package may be fabricated from two materials, where at least one of which is recyclable.

Description

SEPARABLE PACKAGING FOR MEDIUM LIQUID Technical field The present invention relates to a container or package useful for dispensing a liquid medium, and more particularly, to a package that is to be separated for disposal for recycling and / or other environmental purposes.

Environment of the invention. Environmental considerations become increasingly integral factors in corporate / economic decision making. Practically in all industries, recycling considerations increase and the way they are handled can make the difference between profitability or loss. In addition, demonstrating environmental sensitivity in core business strategies serves as a basis for achieving sustained growth and sustainable competitiveness. Manufacturers are increasingly designing their products with recycling in mind. They recognize that making their products more suitable for recycling are increasing profitability for their customers and, of course, doing their part to reduce the consumption of increasingly scarce natural resources.

Frequently, products or consumables are made from two or more materials, some of which are recyclable and others are not. Alternatively, the materials may have different recycling requirements. For example, spiral-type paper or cardboard tubes are often used in conjunction with a metal end cap or plastic nozzle. The tubular paper body has certain recycling requirements while the plastic nozzle has other requirements. To recycle them economically these materials must be separated; however, it may not be practical or feasible to separate the recyclable material (s). That is, to the point where a cutting tool is required, p. ex. , a knife or serrated blade, or a special step of the procedure to separate the materials, the likelihood that the consumer will take the time or make the extra effort to separate these materials, is significantly reduced. In addition, the additional time required to perform this separation step may be worth more than the economic benefits derived from recycling. Therefore, it will be appreciated that in the production environment, where a particular consumable package is used in large volume, the separation step (s) required to recycle the materials must be insignificant to harvest the fiscal benefits of the recycling.

Lowry et al., In US Patent Nos. 6,558,306 and 6,460,759, disclose a multilayer cylindrical container having one or more marking lines through the layers thereof to permit separation of several segments of the container. As such, the size of the container can be reduced, commensurate with the amount of product consumed. In addition, the materials used in its manufacture can be separated to facilitate recycling. Although Lowry's '306 and' 759 Patents recognize the requirement to recycle materials having different requirements, the separation step can not be easily accomplished without the aid of a cutting device or other special tool. It will be appreciated that that (those) additional step (s) can mitigate the tax benefits of recycling.

Other environmental considerations refer to the total volume occupied by those containers when discarded. That is, when a package, which has empty or unoccupied space, is discarded, it is desirable that the space be ventilated, or open to ambient pressure, so that the package can be compacted or "crushed". As such, the empty container or packing will occupy a minimum volume in landfills or other waste disposal sites.

Therefore, there is a need for packaging that facilitates the separation of the materials used in its construction, materials that have different recycling requirements. In addition, there is a need for packaging that facilitates the separation of its residual parts for the reduction of the overall volume of waste when disposed of.

Description of the invention A package is provided for dispensing a liquid medium that is environmentally advantageous for the purposes of recycling and waste disposal. The package for liquid medium includes (a) a tubular body, (b) an end cap connected to the tubular portion for containing the liquid medium, and (c) a mechanism for inducing tension at a point of the tubular body and sensitive to pressure developed internally in the tubular body to cause failure and separation of the tubular body. In another embodiment, the package is made from two materials, at least one of which is recyclable, and a notch line is disposed therebetween.

Brief description of the drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, various forms are shown in the drawings that are currently preferable; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and constructions that are particularly shown.

Figure la is a separate sectional view taken along the line (la-la) of Figure lb, illustrating a liquid medium dispenser / package according to the present invention.

Figure lb is an end view of a terminal layer for a liquid medium package, illustrating an example of an orifice pattern.

Figure 2a is an enlarged side sectional view of one of the orifices having a preloaded flap against an edge of the orifice to releasably seal the flow of the liquid medium.

Figure 2b is an enlarged view of the same hole as shown in Figure 2a where the flap is displaced to an open position in response to internal pressure developed within the package.

Figure 3a is a side sectional view of the packing for liquid medium with the inner plunger assembly acting on the end cap to effect the failure of the notch line.

Figure 3b describes the same side sectional view of Figure 3a, where the package for liquid medium has been separated.

Figure 4a is an enlarged view of a side wall of the tubular body showing a notch line circumscribing an inner surface thereof.

Figure 4b is an alternate representation of the notch line circumscribing an outer surface of the tubular body.

Figure 4c is an alternate representation of the notch line circumscribing both of the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular body.

Detailed description of the drawings. Now with reference to the drawings, where like reference numbers identify similar elements, components, sub-assemblies, etc., the Figure shows a sectional view of a package (10) for liquid medium according to the present invention for dispensing a liquid medium (LM). In the depicted embodiment, the liquid medium (LM) is a viscous fluid or slurry, such as those used as seasonings in the food service industry, e.g. ex. , ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, etc. The package (10) for liquid medium includes a tubular body (12), a dispensing end cap (14) having a plurality of dispensing orifices (16), and a voltage induction marking line (20) disposed therebetween. tubular body (12) and dispensing lid (14). In addition, the package (10) for liquid medium will be used in combination with a pressure generating device to cause the failure of the tubular body (12) in the marking line (20). For example, a plunger assembly (18) can be used to develop the internally required pressures of the tubular body (12). The operation of the plunger assembly (18) will be discussed in more detail when the remaining Figures are described. Although the illustrated representation describes a package / dispenser for a food product, it will be appreciated that the teachings contained herein are applicable to any container for liquid medium dispensing a liquid product, e.g. ex. , caulking, adhesives, toothpaste, etc.

The package (10) for liquid medium can be manufactured from two or more materials each having unique recycling requirements. Although each of the materials described herein can be recyclable, the invention is useful for any packaging having at least one recyclable material or for one that produces a closed / sealed space after use. With respect to the latter, a closed or sealed space increases the volume of packaging waste and, as such, is environmentally inefficient and undesirable. In the exemplary embodiment, the tubular body (12) can be manufactured from, for example, a paper material, while the dispensing end cap (14) can be manufactured from a plastic or thermoplastic material. Therefore, it will be appreciated that these materials, i.e., paper and plastic, may need to be separated by disposing of them to recycle one or more materials. In the context used herein, the term recycled is defined as a process for restoring or returning, in whole or in part, a material previously used in the manufacture of a structure, element or component, to its original material properties, e.g. ex. , structural, mechanical, dielectric, etc.

In Figure lb, the dispensing holes (16) of the end cap (14) form a circular pattern to deliver / distribute the liquid medium (LM) over a predetermined circular area. For example, it may be desirable to dispense a seasoning in a circular pattern onto a food product having a substantially circular shape, such as a patty of ground meat, poultry or fish (not shown). Alternatively, the pattern of the holes may simply reflect or complement the shape of the element on which the material is to be dispensed or deposited, e.g. ex. , linear, polygonal, etc. As illustrated, each dispensing orifice (16) is defined by a substantially U-shaped cut (26) forming a three-sided f(28). In Figure 2a, the f(28) is pre-loaded towards a closed position against an opposite edge (32) of the cut (26), while in Figure 2b, the f(28) is shifted to an open position in response to a first threshold pressure (Pl) developed internally in the tubular body (12).

In Figure 2a, the preload configuration can be generated through a variety of methods and, in the illustrated representation, can be manufactured by forming a fthat can be formed against the inside edge (32) of the cut (26). The flexibility of the material allows the f(28) to be pre-loaded against the edge (32) outside of the cut (26). A low modulus of elasticity of the material allows a torsion spring to be formed with respect to an effective hinge (28H) to preload the flap (28) against the edge (32) to seal the cut (26).

In Figure 2b, a first pressure (denoted by vertical arrows (Pl)) developed internally in the tubular body (12) by the plunger assembly (18) causes each f(28) to open. That is, once the pressure (Pl) (over the area of the f exceeds the preload spring force, the f(28) will rotate with respect to its hinge (28H) effective to dispense the liquid medium (LM). ). Conversely, when the plunger assembly (18) stops acting on the liquid medium (LM), the pressure is reduced, causing the f(28) to close. Consequently, the f(28) is fully sensitive, e.g. ex. , it opens and closes, at the pressure (PI) developed internally in the package (10).

In Figures la and 3a, in piston assembly (18) includes a piston (44) that slides axially within a cylindrical bore (12B) of the tubular body (12) and a lifting bar (46) having a disc or plate (48) fixed to one end thereof. In the illustrated illustration, the axial movement of the piston (44) is made through an activation assembly (not shown) to join the tooth (46t) of the bar (46) to move the bar (46) and the plate in an increased manner (48), and therefore the piston (44), with each stroke of the activation assembly.

A variety of mechanisms can be employed to displace the piston within the perforation of the package, and those skilled in the art will recognize those that best integrate into a particular application. For example, if a tubular package is supported within a device (not shown), a lever arm may be sufficient to displace the piston. Alternatively, or additionally, a conventional piston rod having a spherical ball connection can be employed to impart movement to the piston.

In Figures 3a and 3b, the package (10) for liquid medium is empty, and is separated in the marking line (20) to facilitate recycling. More specifically, in Figure 3a the piston assembly (18) is shown acting on or resting on the surface (56) of the rear side of the dispensing end cap (14) and applying a constant mechanical pressure (P2) sufficient to separate the materials. That is, as a final step / operation, the operator activates the plunger assembly (18) so that a second pressure (P2), greater than the first pressure (Pl), is developed to cause the tubular body (12) to fail. . Generally, this operation effects the separation in the marking line (20) with respect to the circumference of the tubular body (12). Although in Figure 3a the piston head (44) is shown substantially parallel to the rear side surface (56) of the end cap (14), the piston head can have an angle (not shown) to apply greater force in one area of the tubular body (12) to effect the failure in only one region of the body. In Figure 3b, the plunger assembly (not shown) has been removed and the waste materials are separated to be recycled or otherwise disposed of.

In Figures 4a to 4c, the tubular body (12) may be marked in a variety of ways to locally reduce the strength produced by tension of the material and effect separation at a predetermined operating pressure. In Figure 4a the marking line (20) is arranged around an internal circumferential surface of the tubular body (12). In Figure 4b the marking line (20 ') is arranged around an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body (12). In Figure 4c the tubular body (12) is used with a pair of marking lines (20") aligned on both inner and outer circumferential surfaces thereof. It should be appreciated that the notch line must leave a sufficient thickness of material in the side wall so as to support the normal operating pressure, since the material must fail at a second predefined pressure, which is higher than the normal operating pressure. Specifically, the thickness of the wall in the notch line should be designed to withstand the pressures incurred during routine operation, i.e., through the pressure (Pl) when the liquid medium (LM) is dispensed. However, the thickness of the wall must also fail at the higher pressure (P2). It is contemplated that the pressure (P2) is a stress load that exceeds the tensile strength of the material over the cross-sectional area in the notch line or at a point in the induced voltage.

In sum, the package of the present invention employs a pressure generating device that acts at an induced or concentrated voltage point, thereby separating the package as may be required to facilitate recycling. In addition, the invention can additionally serve to separate the materials to prevent the formation of empty / vacant spaces. By separating or ventilating the unoccupied region, the remaining packaging can be easily compacted to minimize the volume of waste. In addition, the invention employs synergistically the same pressure generating device used to dispense the liquid medium, i.e., in its routine or daily operation, and to develop a second pressure (greater than the first pressure) to make the packing fail / separate. Consequently, the operator only needs to press or activate the dispensing apparatus, e.g. ex. , the plunger assembly, a final time to separate the materials. Therefore, it is contemplated that the separation step be integrated with the same apparatus used in its daily operation. Accordingly, the time / effort involved in disposing of the materials (in a manner suitable for recycling or for other environmental purposes) is negligible.

As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described in the context of a dispenser for a food product, it will be appreciated that the teachings contained herein are applicable to any packaging for liquid medium dispensing a liquid type product or slurry, p. ex. , a caulking, adhesives, toothpaste, etc. Generally, the liquid will be sufficiently viscous so that the space between the flap and the cut of each orifice, particularly along the sides of the flap, does not result in the flow of the liquid medium therethrough.

Although the package (10) for liquid medium is shown including a cylindrical bore (12B) to accept a circular piston head (44), this combination is merely illustrative. For example, the body may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes (including square, elliptical or polygonal), provided that the pressurizing device includes a piston or piston head assembly having a complementary shape. In addition, although a marking line (20) is shown to circumscribe the tubular body (12), the mark may extend over a small portion of the tubular body (12) to initiate a tear to separate the recyclable elements. In addition, the stress induction means may include a tear strip or other means to structurally weaken the sidewall of the package.

Although the illustrations show the head of the piston resting on a rear side surface of the end cap, the second pressure (P2) can be developed with a portion of the liquid medium (LM) still remaining. That is, a terminal closure (not shown) can be employed to seal the holes so that the second pressure (P2) can develop through the plunger assembly (18) when it acts on the medium and / or the end cap.

A variety of other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein provided. Therefore, the present invention may be represented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the above specification, for indicate the competence of the invention.

Claims

1. Packaging for liquid medium that facilitates the recycling / disposal of the waste of one or more materials used in its manufacture and adapted to be used in combination with a pressure generating device, the package comprising: a tubular body; an end cap connected to the tubular body, the tubular body and the end cap containing a liquid medium, the end cap having at least one hole for dispensing the liquid medium therethrough; and a pressure sensitive mechanism developed internally in the tubular body through the pressure generating device to cause failure and separation of the tubular body.

2. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 1, further comprising a piston disposed within an internal bore of the tubular body, the piston being attached to the pressure generating device to cause a first pressure to dispense the liquid medium through the liquid. orifice and to develop a second pressure, greater than the first pressure, to effect the failure.

3. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 1, wherein each of the tubular body and the end cap are made of the same material and the mechanism for causing the failure is disposed at a point on the tubular body.

4. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body and the end cap are made of different materials.

5. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for causing the failure is a notch line disposed around a circumference of the tubular body.

6. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 5, wherein the notch line is arranged around an internal circumferential surface of the tubular body.

7. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 6, wherein the notch line is arranged around an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body.

8. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 6, wherein the notch line is arranged around both internal and external circumferential surfaces of the tubular body.

9. Liquid medium package according to claim 1, wherein each of the holes includes a cut defining a multi-sided flap, the flap defining a hinge to resiliently open and close the flap relative to an opposite edge of the cut.

10. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 9, wherein each of the flaps is preloaded to a closed position against the opposite edge and moved to an open position in response to a first pressure created within the tubular body on the liquid medium detained.

11. Packaging for liquid medium that facilitates the recycling / disposal of waste for one or more materials used in its manufacture, and adapted to be used in combination with a pressure generating device, comprising the package for liquid medium: a tubular portion made of a first material; a terminal portion made of a second material; the tubular or terminal portion defining an orifice for dispensing a liquid medium therethrough, and at least one of the first or second materials being recyclable; and a notch line disposed within any of the first and second materials for inducing tension, the notch line being sensitive to the internal pressure developed by the pressure generating device to cause the failure of the material and the separation of the tubular body. of the terminal portion.

12. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, further comprising an internal piston acting on the liquid medium, the piston assembly developing a first pressure to dispense the liquid medium through the orifice and a second pressure, greater than the first pressure, to effect -the failure at the voltage point induced on the notch line.

13. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, where the first and the second materials are the same.

14. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, wherein the first and second materials are different materials.

15. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, wherein the notch line is disposed around the circumference of the tubular body.

16. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, wherein the notch line is disposed about an internal circumferential surface of the tubular body.

17. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, wherein the notch line is arranged around an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body.

18. Packet for liquid medium according to claim 11, wherein the notch line is disposed around both internal and external circumferential surfaces of the tubular body.

19. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 11, wherein each of the holes includes a cut defining a multi-sided flap, the flap defining a hinge to resiliently open and close the flap relative to an opposite edge of the cut.

20. Packing for liquid medium according to claim 19, wherein each flap is preloaded to a closed position against the opposite edge and moved to an open position in response to a first pressure that is less than the pressure causing the failure to length of the notch line.