MXPA98006462A - Release strip for tubular containers and methods and appliances to apply the mi - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tubular container (10) comprising: a tubular body (11) having axially opposite ends and internal and external surfaces, an end closure adjacent to at least one of the ends of said tubular body and has a flange (14) placed in adjacency separated with the outer surface of said tubular body adjacent said end, and a release strip (13) removably coupled between said flange and the outer surface of said tubular body for said flange to be released from said tubular body when said release strip is removed, said release strip has an elongated portion (15) which is coupled between said flange and said tubular body, and a tongue portion (16) extending laterally from said portion elongate generally adjacent to said tubular body, said tab portion defines an opening (17) having a dimension sufficient to receive a of a consumer through it and having a predetermined shape, said predetermined shape includes a coupling edge (18) opposite said elongated portion on which the consumer's finger is inserted and engaged to remove said release strip from the consumer. between said end closure and said tubular body, further characterized in that said elongated portion is releasably adhered to the outer surface of said tubular body with a first area of adhesive (20) between said elongated portion and said tubular body, and further wherein said portion of tab is releasably and separately adhered to said tubular body with a second area of adhesive (21) between said tab portion and said tubular body, and wherein said tab portion is generally ring-shaped and further comprises a separate distal section (22) of said elongated portion, wherein said ring-shaped tab portion further comprises sections the opposing surfaces (23a, 23b) between said distal section and said elongated portion, and further comprises third areas of adhesive (44) adhering each of said opposite side sections of said ring-shaped tab portion to the outer surface of said body tubul

Description

RELEASE STRIP FOR TUBULAR CONTAINERS AND METHODS AND APPLIANCES TO APPLY TO THEMSELVES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUEST This application is a continuation in part of the solitude of the US patent. Serial No. 29 / 051,092 »presented on March 4, 1996.

C? HPQ PE LA IN E TION The invention relates to tubular containers and more particularly relates to release strips for removably holding end closures on tubular containers and methods and apparatuses for applying the release strips to the containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Food products and other perishable items are commonly packaged using tubular containers that are sealed at both ends. Tubular containers typically include at least one structural body fold. which is advantageously formed of cardboard, a lining sheet on the inner surface of the body fold to provide a barrier impervious to liquids, moisture and some or all of the gases »and a label fold around the outside of the body fold for designate the product packed in it. The end closures are applied on both ends to close the container. At least one of the ends is preferably provided with a release strip that allows a quick and easy opening of the tubular container by the consumer. These release strips may have various shapes, although a common configuration is a release strip that is wrapped around one end of the tubular container before the respective end closure is applied. The end closure is then placed on the end adjacent to the release strip and a flange of the generally projecting radially bent fastener to the outer surface of the tubular container for securely coupling the release strip between the outer surface of the container tubular and the flange. A tab portion is typically provided at one end of the release strip so that a consumer can pull the tab portion and the release strip is decoupled from between the flange of the end closure and the outer surface of the tubular container. Consequently, a space will be provided between the end closure and the tubular container, and the end closure can then be easily removed. A typical apparatus for securing release strips to tubular container bodies is described in the US patent. No. 3,690,997 to Bofinger et al. A roll of plastic tape material for the strips is unwound and fed to a cutting member forming the individual strips. The strips are then advanced in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the plastic tape material towards a vacuum wheel where a complete surface of the tile (having a substantially constant width) is engaged against the peripheral surface of the strip. vacuum wheel. An adhesive is applied to the opposite surface of the release strip by means of a roll with adhesive. An applicator tower rotates the tubular containers against the surface of the release strip to adhere the release strips to the tubular containers. The adhesive applicator roll is provided with a narrow annular peripheral extension that applies a single strip of adhesive along the entire longitudinal length of the strip including the tab in an area that is disposed adjacent that edge of the strip that will be removed beyond the adjacent edge of the tubular body to which the strip will be applied. In one embodiment, the tongue is provided with a circular hole which "when adhered to the container" rests on the opposite end of the release strip. A similar configuration of release strip is illustrated in the design patent of E.U.A. No. 208 »222 of Slomski. However »a disadvantage of these types of containers is that the tongue portion provides a limited area to allow the consumer to begin and continue the removal of the release strip. It is possible for the tongue to slide off the grip of the consumer when the tongue portion is pulled. Furthermore, it has been determined that it is easier to open containers if the tongue portion can be twisted relative to the rest of the release strip during the removal of the same. However, the release strips of the prior art have a substantially constant width in the circumferential direction, making the twist of the tongue portion difficult during removal. An alternative configuration is described in the US patent. No. 3,409,200 to Balocca et al., In which a release strip having a slightly elongated pull tab extending in a direction away from the end closure is provided. An adhesive for adhering the elongated portion of the release strip can be extended to cover the tongue and adhere the tongue to the container body. This tongue configuration could also not provide an area that is sufficiently graspable to allow the release strip to be easily removed "and the tongue of this design can also slip out of the grip of the consumer. If the size of the tongue is increased to make a better grip »additional adhesive is required to adhere the enlarged tongue to the tubular container, thus adding to the cost of the container. Conversely, if the end portion of an enlarged tab is not adhered to the container, the free end of the tab can be accidentally detached during subsequent manufacturing or handling of the container, whereby a part of the release strip can be removed. prematurely An attempt to solve the problem of tongues extending outwardly during handling is described in the US patent. No. 3,330,436 of Slomski. An adhesive bond is provided between the inner surface of the tab and the underlying surface of the tubular container, and is in alignment with the adhesive strip on the elongated portion of the release strip. However, the container of this patent also suffers from having a small tab that can be difficult to grasp. Accordingly, there is a need for a release strip having an easily engaged tongue that facilitates removal and eliminates or greatly reduces the slippage of the user's grip tab. Said release strip would preferably also not extend outward to damage or cause premature and partial removal of the release strip during handling of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION These and other objects and advantages are satisfied by the release strip according to the present invention and the apparatus and methods associated therewith for applying the release strip to tubular containers. In particular, one aspect of the invention is a tubular container having a release strip with an opening in the portion of the tab that is large enough to receive and be coupled by a consumer's finger, thereby providing a capacity of Improved removal of the lightening strip. An advantageous form for the opening is also a part of the invention, and includes an arcuate section for receiving the consumer's finger and an opposite straight section that decreases the degree to which the position of the tab extends from the end closure and increases the Bonding area for the adhesive. Other embodiments of release strips according to the invention include reduced neck portions adjacent to the tongue portion to allow twisting of the tongue potion during removal of the release strip. In particular, the tubular container includes a tubular body having axially opposite ends and internal and external surfaces and an end closure adjacent to at least one of the ends of the tubular body. The end closure has a flange positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the tubular body and adjacent the end. A release strip is removably engaged between the rim and the outer surface of the tubular body. In particular, the release strip includes an elongated portion that is engaged between the rim and the tubular body whereby the rim will be removed from the tubular body when the release strip is removed. According to one embodiment, the tongue portion of the release strip defines an opening having a dimension sufficient to receive a user's finger therethrough, and having a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape of the opening includes a mating edge opposite the elongated portion on which the consumer's finger is inserted and engaged to easily and efficiently remove the release strip from between the end closure and the tubular body. In particular. the shape includes an arched section and a substantially straight section opposite the arched section. The arched section advantageously has a predetermined minimum radius of curvature which preferably measures around B.25 mm. to allow the finger of an average consumer to be engaged in the opening and against the arched section. The straight section is aligned in a circumferential direction with a side edge of the release strip such that a substantially constant minimum width is provided for the release strip through both the elongated portion and the tongue portion. As a result of this advantageous form, the opening has a radius sufficient to receive the finger of a consumer and allow easy removal of the release strip, but also prevents the tongue from debossing the portion of the tongue in the shape of ring adjacent to the extreme closure.

B or that extends outwards far from the extreme closure. Advantageously, the release strip is configured in such a way that the tongue portion has a width (extending in the axial direction of the tubular container) that is at least 2.0 times the width of the elongated portion. Said configuration ensures a sufficient grip capacity of the tab portion for easy removal of the calibration strip. Most preferably, the ratio of the width of the tongue portion to the width of the elongated portion is at least approximately 3.0. Other modalities of the release strip include a neck portion connected to the elongated portion and an upper portion connected to the neck portion. Advantageously, the neck portion has a minimum width of less than about 75% the width of the elongated portion to facilitate twisting of the tongue portion relative to the elongated portion during removal of the release strip. In a particular modality, the tab portion is generally T-shaped and the upper portion has a longitudinal dimension extending perpendicularly to the elongated portion. In another embodiment, the upper portion has a longitudinal dimension extending at an acute angle relative to the elongated portion. The elongated portion of the stretching strip is preferably releasably adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body with a first area of adhesive.

The tongue portion extends laterally from the elongated portion and is releasably adhered separately and advantageously to the tubular body with a second area of adhesive, thus preventing the tongue portion from breaking off during manufacture and shipping of the tubular container. A third area of adhesive between the first and second adhesive areas can further adhere the tab portion to the outer surface of the tubular body. The apparatus according to the present invention includes first and second adhesive applicators that are offset from one another to apply a first adhesive area or an elongated portion of the binding strip and a second adhesive area to the tab portion that extends laterally of the release strip. As such, the release strips are advantageously adhered to the tubular container at two different places so that the tab portion is prevented from being torn off. The apparatus for applying release strips to tubular container bodies particularly includes a supply of release strips for supplying a succession of release strips in an end-to-end relationship. The supply source may include a supply reel of continuous release strip material and a punch press having a plurality of progressive dies. The release strip material is advantageously supplied at an angle relative to the punch press so that successive release strips can be accommodated and reduce waste even with the enlarged tongue portions according to the present invention. From the source of supply, the succession of calibration strips are received on a peripheral surface of a vacuum wheel. The vacuum wheel is rotatable about an axis and defines a plurality of vacuum openings in the peripheral surface that are aligned with the source of supply. Accordingly, the elongated portions of the release strips are held releasably against the peripheral surface of the vacuum wheel and the tab portions extend laterally therefrom in an axial direction. A first adhesive applicator is positioned adjacent the peripheral surface of the vacuum wheel to apply adhesive along the elongated portions of the release strips while the strips pass through the applicator. A second adhesive applicator is provided deviated from the first adhesive applicator in the direction of the axis of the vacuum wheel. The second adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the tongue portions extending laterally of the release strips. The release strips are then advanced adjacent to a carrier wheel carrying a succession of tubular container bodies in a tangent relationship to the release strips on the vacuum wheel. The elongated portion and the tongue portion of each release strip are thus adhered to a respective tubular container body. The apparatus may further advantageously include a third adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the tab portions of the release strips between the first and second adhesive applicators. Accordingly, great advantages are provided by means of the release strip according to the present invention, and the associated apparatus and methods for applying the release strip to the tubular containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PE PS PIBU PS Some of the objects and advantages of the invention have been established, and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. which are not necessarily drawn to scale: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tubular container according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a release strip according to the present invention;, which illustrates the placement of the first and second areas of adhesive »Figure 3 is a plan view of the opposite side of the release strip illustrated in Figure 2» Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the release strip and an end closure of the tubular container, taken along lines 4-4 of Fig. 1 »Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the tubular container» illustrating the removal of the calibration strip; Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of the release strip taken along lines 6-6 of Figure i; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention for applying the release strips to tubular containers. Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view of the first and second applicators of adhesive taken along the lines B-8 of figure 7; Figure 9 is a widely enlarged plan view of a portion of a release strip provided with three areas of adhesive; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the release strip; Figure 10A is an elongated plan view of a portion of the release strip embodiment illustrated in Figure 10; Figure 11 is a plan view of the pull strip embodiment illustrated in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the release strip; Figure 12A is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the release strip embodiment illustrated in Figure 12; Figure 13 is a plan view of the release strip embodiment illustrated in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a broadly enlarged plan view of a portion of a release strip, illustrating a foldable portion of the portion of tab adjacent to the opening thereof; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the tubular container, illustrating the removal of the release strip of Figure 14; Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the stretching strip taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 14; Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the release strip, illustrating how the collapsible engaging portion of the tab portion is bent when the release strip is engaged by the finger of a consumer; Figure IB is a plan view of a release strip having a different embodiment of the foldable coupling portion; Figure 19 is a plan view of a release strip having a different embodiment of the foldable coupling portion; and Figure 20 is a plan view of a release strip having another embodiment of the collapsible coupling portion.

PESCRIPCIPN PETALLAPA PE IAS MQPALIPAPE5 Next, several modalities that relate to the invention are established. Although the invention is described with reference to specific preferred modalities. including those illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood that the invention is not designed to be so limited. Conversely. the invention includes numerous alternatives »modifications and equivalents which will become apparent from the consideration of the present description» including the drawings »the foregoing description and the following detailed description. The tubular container 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 and includes a tubular body 11, an end closure 12 and a release strip 13. The tubular body 11 is preferably formed of cardboard and may have one or more folds of structural bodies. The tubular body 11 may also include a liner fold on the inner surface of the body fold to provide a barrier impervious to liquids, moisture and gases, and a label fold around the outside of the body fold to designate the product packaged in the body. same. An end closure 12 can be adapted to one or both ends of the tubular body 11. The end closure 12 is preferably formed of metal and includes a flange 14 that extends over the end of the tubular body 11. The flange 14 includes one or more folds therein to create a stitched end closure 12 that is frictionally coupled to the tubular body. 11. In particular »the flange 14 is bent to couple the bending strip 13 against the tubular body 11» as can be seen in figure 4. The end closure 12 can then be removed from the body 11 by first removing the release strip 13. The release strip 13 is shown in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3 »and includes an elongated portion 15 and a tongue portion 16. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4» a first area of adhesive 20 it is provided along the length of the elongated portion 15 of the release strip 13. The first area of adhesive 20 may be substantially continuous as shown »or comprise intermittent segments of adhesive along the length of the release strip 13. The first area of adhesive 20 thus adheres the release strip 13 to the end of the tubular body 11 before the end closure 13 is applied, as will be described in more detail down. A highly beneficial feature of the present invention that can be employed with any of the release strip embodiments 13 described herein is a second area of adhesive 21 that is spaced apart in the axial direction of the container 10 of the first adhesive area 20. tab portion 16 extends laterally from elongate portion 15 at a distance that allows for proper grasping of the tab portion by a consumer. In particular, a distal section 22 of the anchor-shaped tongue portion 16 may extend 25.4 mm or more from the elongate portion 15. which provides improved grip for the consumer. Without the second adhesive area 21. said elongate tab portion 16 would be broken during manufacture and handling (either on the machinery or with an adjacent can). The tearing can be harmful to the release strip 13 and / or the container 10. and can cause costly and inefficient manufacturing delays. The second area of adhesive 21 causes the distal arcuate section 22 to releasably adhere to the tubular body 11 and prevents the tongue portion 16 from being torn off. The tubular container 10 is opened in the manner illustrated in Figure 5. Specifically, the consumer places a finger first through the ring-shaped tab portion 16 of the release strip 13. The tab portion 16 defines an opening 17 having a dimension large enough to receive a finger of a consumer through it. The opening 17 preferably has a predetermined shape that includes a coupling edge 18. The consumer's finger is inserted into the opening 17 on the coupling edge 18 and is then pulled against the coupling edge to remove the release strip 13. The consumer continues to pull the tongue portion 16 to uncouple the elongated portion 15 of the release strip 13 from between the rim 14 and the tubular body 11. Once the release strip 13 has been completely removed, it will be appreciated that it is created. a space between the flange 14 and the tubular body 11. Accordingly, the end closure 12 can be easily removed from the end of the tubular body 11 and the contents of the container 10 can be removed from that end of the container. The opening 17 can have any size and shape that facilitates insertion and engagement by a finger, although a particularly advantageous form can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. The tongue portion 16 includes the distal section 22 and opposite side sections 23a. 23b. The opening 17 in the tongue portion 16 includes an arcuate section 24 and a substantially straight section 25 opposite the arcuate section. The arcuate section 24 has a predetermined minimum radius of curvature that is preferably constant to receive a finger of an average consumer. It has been determined that a constant radius of between about 6.35 mm and 12.7 mm is suitable. and very particularly around 8.25 mm. The release strip 13 includes first and second side edges 26. 27 which are parallel to each other and. when they are adhered to the container 10. they are diverted to the IB address of the axis of the container. The straight section 25 of the opening in the ring-shaped tab portion 16 and the second side edge 27 are advantageously aligned (in a circumferential direction relative to their positions on the container 10) whereby the release strip 13 has a predetermined minimum width along the entire length of the release strip 13. The straight section 25 increases the strength of the ring-shaped tab portion 16 and provides an increased joint surface area corresponding to the underlying opposite end of the release strip 13. In addition »the straight section 25 allows the opening 17 to have an arcuate section 24 of predetermined minimum radius of curvature without causing the tongue portion 16 to extend as much as it would if the opening were a circle complete of the same radio. The outer contour of the release strip 13 includes a generally convex arcuate section 28 that extends around the ring-shaped tab portion 16. The outer contour also includes a concave arcuate section 29 that bends the convex arcuate section 2B in the second side edge 27 of the elongate portion 15 to prevent tearing of the release strip 13. In this way the novel shape of the opening of the ring-shaped tab portion 16 successfully balances certain design considerations to create a strip of highly advantageous release. The arcuate section 24 has a predetermined minimum radius that has been determined to adequately receive the finger of an average consumer, but which does not extend far from the end closure 12 in the axial direction of the container 10. However, as will be appreciated, they can use other forms of aperture including full circles, ovals, ellipses or any other shapes that a consumer's finger can receive. Alternative modes of the release strip 13 are illustrated in Figures 10-13. Figures 10-10A and 11 illustrate a first alternative embodiment having a tab portion 16 generally in the form of a T. A first area of adhesive 20 extends along the elongated portion 15 of the release strip 13 and a second. adhesive area 21 is provided on a distal portion of the T-shaped portion 16 in form T. A second alternative embodiment is illustrated in Figures 12 »12A and 13. and includes an inclined tab portion 16. A first area of adhesive 20 is provided on the elongate portion 15 and a second area of adhesive 21 is provided on a distal portion of the inclined tab portion 16. These alternative embodiments may be manufactured with the apparatus and in accordance with the methods described above. An important consideration for the release strips is that the tab portion must extend far enough in the axial direction to allow a consumer to hold and firmly remove the release strip. These release strips 13 in accordance with the present invention provide excellent grip and it has been determined that the width of the tongue portion 16 in the axial direction of the container (designated W in Figures 3 and 10a) is preferably greater than the width of the container. the elongated portion w by a multiple of at least about 2.0. For example, the release strip embodiment of Figures 10-11 can have a tongue width of W = 19.05 mm and an elongated portion width of w = 7.92 mm for a W / w ratio of 2.4. Even preferably, the release strip has a W / w ratio of at least 3.0. The release strip embodiment of Figures 1-5 may have a size such that W = 26.82 mm and w = 7.92 mm for a W / w ratio of 3.4. It has also been determined that, for the removal of the stretching strip 13, a preferred technique is to twist the tongue portion 16 in relation to the elongated position 15. The action The twist portion can increase the grip on the part of the consumer and the leverage to remove the release strip 13. Accordingly, the tab portions of the release strip embodiments of Figs. 10-13 provide an improved twist and preferably include a portion. of reduced neck 46 and an upper portion 47 that can be easily bent in relation to the elongated portion 15 during removal. It has been determined that the minimum width n of the neck portion 47 is preferably less than about 75% of the width W of the elongated portion 15 for an improved twist. For example, the modality of Figure 10-11 can be of such a size that n = 3.96 mm and W = 7.92 mm and the width of the neck is 50% the width of the elongated portion. The embodiment of Figures 12-13 can have n = 6.60 mm and w = 10.87 mm for the ratio to be approximately 61%. The reduced neck portion 46 of Figures 10-13 is also preferably sunken in relation to the first side edge 26 of the elongated portion 15. In particular, the first lateral edge 26 ends in a shoulder 4B. The neck portion 46 defines an axially sunken contour 49 that faces the end closure 12. The sunken contour 49 begins at the shoulder 48 and ends at the upper portion 47 whereby at least a portion of the upper portion eßtá closer to the end closure 12 than to the sunken contour 49. A generally convex contour 50 opposite the sunken contour 49 is advantageously provided so that the release strip 13 can be accommodated during the formation thereof, as will be mentioned below. The upper portion 47 is preferably as close as possible to the end closure 12 (without being coupled between the end closure and the tubular body 11) to improve the removal capacity of the release strip 13. In particular »the portion of the upper portion 47 closest to the end closure 12 is preferably within about 2.54 mm of an imaginary line extending circumferentially from the first side edge 26. This distance is indicated by d in Figures 10A and 12A. The distance d is most preferably about 1.52 mm. An advantage of this configuration is that the shoulder 48 can be positioned closely adjacent the opposite end of the elongated portion 15 as can be seen in Figures 10 and 12. It is preferable for a proper seal of tubular containers of this type, the coupling only a thickness of release strip material between the end closure 12 and the tubular body 11 around substantially the entire periphery of the tubular body. In this manner, if the neck portion 46 was not depressed, the shoulder 48 would be closer to the adjacent end of the release strip 13 and the amount of release strip that would extend cipferencially beyond the opposite end of the release strip. release would be greatly reduced. As such. the adhesive would also extend much closer to the free end of the release strip 13 and the release strip 13 would be much more difficult to remove. The release strip 13 preferably has a thickness of at least about 0.381 mm. which has been determined a thickness sufficient to present little risk of cutting a consumer's finger "although other thicknesses may be used depending on the specific application. An advantageous feature related to the invention is illustrated in Figures 14-20. wherein the coupling edge IB defines an edge of a foldable coupling portion 19 extending at least partially from the distal section 22. Advantageously, the coupling portion 19 is collapsible and bent in the manner illustrated in FIG. Figures 15 and 17 when a finger of the consumer is adhered to the coupling edge 18. The fold of the foldable coupling portion 19 provides a larger surface area for engagement with the finger and ensures that the coupling edge 18 does not cut the consumer's finger. The embodiment of the foldable coupling portion 19 illustrated in FIGS. 14-17 includes an arcuate slot 51 or groove that reduces the großorr of the release strip 13 and increases flexibility along that slot 51. The embodiment of the figure IB includes a pair of arcuate cuts 52 defining the collapsible engaging portion 19. The embodiment of Figure 19 includes a collapsible projection 53 extending from the distal section 22 of the tongue portion 16. The embodiment of Figure 20 it includes a foldable coupling portion 19 extending outwardly from the distal section 22 and a plurality of slots 54 to reduce the rigidity of the material and increase the foldability. Various other ways of forming a folding engaging portion 19 would be apparent to one skilled in the art. including coining or pressing part of the release strip 13 adjacent the coupling edge 18 to reduce the original thickness of the material. An apparatus 30 and method according to another aspect of the invention for forming and applying release strips 13 is illustrated in Figures 7 and B. The apparatus includes many components that are common with the apparatus described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,690,997 to Bofinger et al. (Which is incorporated herein by reference), but also includes several modifications that provide advantages over conventional appliances. The apparatus includes a supply source of a continuous strip of release strip material 31. It has been determined that a suitable release strip material 31 is high density polyethylene (HDPE), although other materials such as polyester or other suitable polymers and laminates thereof. The release strip material 31 is advanced in a feed direction by servo-driven feed rollers 3B to a punch press 32 which forms the individual release strips 13. Preferably, the punch press 32 includes a plurality of progressive dies 33 a. 33b to create the advantageous shape of the release strip 13 according to the invention. To improve the operation of the progressive dice 33a »33b, the release strips 13 may include several small deviations 39 in the outer contour. A driving bar 34 advances the individual release strips in end-to-end relationship toward a vacuum wheel 35 along a predetermined travel path. The feeding direction of the tape material 31 is preferably deviated from the travel path of the release strips 13 by an obtuse angle a. The obtuse angle is preferably that of the previous apparatus wherein the tape material 31 was fed perpendicularly to the release strip 13 because it allows the release strip to be formed from a narrower tape of material without generating excessive waste. In particular, the angled approach for the tape material 31 allows the release strips 13 to be housed efficiently, even though the release strips include generally large tab portions 16. This housing can be seen in the figure 7 and allows the punch press 32 to create both the trailing edge of the elongated portion of a release strip and the leading edge of the elongated portion of the next successive release strip with a single cut and minimal waste. Increasing the obtuse angle generally increases the size of the tongue portion 16 that can be made while maintaining the accommodation capacity of the legend strips 13. It has been determined that an obtuse angle a of at least about 135 ° it is preferred, and very particularly an angle a of approximately 15B °. The vacuum wheel 35 includes a peripheral surface 36 that defines a plurality of vacuum openings 37 therein, each of which is connected to a vacuum source. Accordingly, the elongated portions 15 of the legend strips 13 are held releasably against the peripheral surface 36 by the vacuum opening 37. The laterally extending tongue portions 16 preferably extend laterally in an axial direction beyond of the edge of the peripheral surface 36 of the vacuum wheel 35. As can be seen in Figure 8. A first adhesive applicator 40 is placed adjacent the peripheral surface 36 of the vacuum wheel 35 to apply adhesive along the the elongated portions 15 of the release strips 13 while the strips pass beyond the applicator. As mentioned above, the first adhesive area 20 may be substantially continuous along the length of the release strip 13 or may comprise a succession of intermittent segments. Advantageously, a second adhesive applicator 41 is provided in a deviated position in the direction of the axis of the vacuum wheel 35 of the first adhesive applicator 40. As shown in Figure 7. the adhesive applicators 40. 41 can also be deviated in a cipferencial direction relative to the vacuum wheel 35. The second adhesive applicator 41 is preferably an adhesive gun which is activated by passing the release strips 13 below it so that adhesive is released intermittently on the tongue portion 16. In this way, only requires a small amount of additional adhesive for the second area of adhesive 21. After the first and second adhesive applicators 40. 41. The strips are passed to a carrier wheel 42 which carries a succession of container bodies tubulareß 11 in one. tangent relation to the release strip 13 ßon the vacuum wheel 35. The body ß containing 11 are rotated against the release strip 13 so that each release strip will adhere to one end of a referential tubular body 11. Of the carrier wheel 42, the body tubulareß and the adhesive release strip 13 are advanced towards a conventional sewing apparatus for applying end seals 12 on the release strip 13 of each tubular body 11. The container 10 is then filled with product and the opposite end The container is sealed with a suitable end closure. With reference to Figure 6, the first and second areas of adhesive 20, 21, in combination with the rigidity of the release strip material »cause a side section 23a of the release strip to extend slightly outward from the cylindrical surface of the body 11 to thereby create a slight separation 34 from the body. The separation 43 may be preferable to allow the consumer to place a fingernail or tip of the finger under the tab portion 16 and initiate removal of the release strip. However, in certain applications, the separation 43 may not be desirable, and a third area of adhesive 44 is applied to the side sections 23a, 23b of the tongue portion 16 between the first and second adhesive areas 20, 21, as shown in Figure 9, by a third adhesive applicator 45, as shown in Figure 8. The third area of adhesive 44 ensures substantial compliance of the tongue portion 16 with the cylindrical outer surface of the tubular body 11. In In certain cases, it may also be desirable to remove the second area of adhesive 21 so that the distal arcuate section 22 can extend only slightly outwardly from the third area of adhesive 44. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention having the benefit of the teachings presented in the above descriptions and in the associated drawings will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described and that the modifications and other embodiments are designed to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used here, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for limitation purposes.

Claims (8)

NQVEPAP PE THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A tubular container (10) comprising: a tubular body (11) having axially opueßtoß and internal and external surfaces; an end closure adjacent to at least one of the ends of said tubular body and having a flange (14) positioned in adjacency spaced apart from the outer surface of said tubular body adjacent said end; and a release strip (13) removably coupled between said flange and the outer surface of said tubular body so that said flange is released from said tubular body when said release strip is removed; said release strip has an elongated portion (15) which is coupled between said flange and said tubular body "and a tongue portion (16) extending laterally from said elongate portion generally adjacent said tubular body, said tongue portion defining an opening (17) having a sufficient dimension as to receive a finger from a consumer through it and that has a predetermined shape. said predetermined shape includes a coupling edge (IB) opposite said elongated portion on which the consumer's finger is inserted and engaged to remove said release strip from between said end closure and said tubular body; further characterized in that said elongated portion is adhesively adhered to the outer surface of said tubular body with a first area of adhesive (20) between said elongated portion and said tubular body, and further wherein said tongue portion is adhesively and releasably adhered to said tubular body with a second area of adhesive (21) between said tab portion and said tubular body, and wherein said tongue portion is generally ring-shaped and further comprises a distal section (22) spaced from said elongated portion »in wherein said ring-shaped tab portion further comprises opposite side sections (23a, 23b) between said digester section and said elongated portion, and further comprises third areas of adhesive (44) adhering to each of said opposite side sections of said portion. of ring-shaped tongue to the outer surface of said tubular body.

2. A tubular container according to claim 1, further characterized in that said coupling edge defines an edge of a foldable coupling portion (19) extending from said distal section.

3. A tubular container according to claim 1, further characterized in that the predetermined shape of said tab portion includes a substantially straight section (25) adjacent said elongated portion and an opposite arched section (24) having a radius of minimum predetermined curvature.

4. - A tubular container according to claim 3. further characterized in that said elongated portion of said release strip has a first lateral edge (26) adjacent to said one end of said tubular body and a second lateral edge (27) axially deviated from said first lateral edge; and wherein said straight section of the opening in said tab portion is aligned in a circumferential direction with said second lateral edge of said release strip.

5. A tubular container according to claim 3 »further characterized in that said arcuate section of the opening of said tab portion has a constant radius of curvature of between approximately 6.35 mm and 12.7 mm.

6. A tubular container according to claim 5, further characterized in that said arcuate section of the opening of said tab portion has a constant radius of curvature of about 8.255 mm.

7. A tubular container according to claim 1, further characterized in that said release strip comprises a polymeric material.

8. A tubular container according to claim 7. further characterized in that said release strip is a laminar unit comprising at least one layer of a polymeric material.