US20080105698A1 - Flexible Container - Google Patents

Flexible Container Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080105698A1
US20080105698A1 US11/793,226 US79322605A US2008105698A1 US 20080105698 A1 US20080105698 A1 US 20080105698A1 US 79322605 A US79322605 A US 79322605A US 2008105698 A1 US2008105698 A1 US 2008105698A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
flexible container
stiffening element
container according
lateral wall
mandrel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/793,226
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English (en)
Inventor
Massimo Paradiso
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20080105698A1 publication Critical patent/US20080105698A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
    • B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/78—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
    • B29C65/7841—Holding or clamping means for handling purposes
    • B29C65/7847—Holding or clamping means for handling purposes using vacuum to hold at least one of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
    • B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
    • B29C66/432—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles for making tubular articles or closed loops, e.g. by joining several sheets ; for making hollow articles or hollow preforms
    • B29C66/4322—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles for making tubular articles or closed loops, e.g. by joining several sheets ; for making hollow articles or hollow preforms by joining a single sheet to itself
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/49—Internally supporting the, e.g. tubular, article during joining
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
    • B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
    • B29C66/5344—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially annular, i.e. of finite length, e.g. joining flanges to tube ends
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B29C66/542—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining hollow covers or hollow bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/61—Joining from or joining on the inside
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/61—Joining from or joining on the inside
    • B29C66/612—Making circumferential joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/63—Internally supporting the article during joining
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
    • B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8226—Cam mechanisms; Wedges; Eccentric mechanisms
    • B29C66/82261—Wedges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/851—Bag or container making machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
    • B65D3/10—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by form of integral or permanently secured end closure
    • B65D3/12—Flanged discs permanently secured, e.g. by adhesives or by heat-sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
    • B29C65/36—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction
    • B29C65/3604—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint
    • B29C65/3644—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" heated by induction characterised by the type of elements heated by induction which remain in the joint being a ribbon, band or strip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/4805—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the type of adhesives
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    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C65/48—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/50—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like
    • B29C65/5057—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding using adhesive tape, e.g. thermoplastic tape; using threads or the like positioned between the surfaces to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
    • B29C66/7232—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer
    • B29C66/72321—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer consisting of metals or their alloys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2105/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by assembling separate sheets, blanks or webs
    • B31B2105/002—Making boxes characterised by the shape of the blanks from which they are formed
    • B31B2105/0022—Making boxes from tubular webs or blanks, e.g. with separate bottoms, including tube or bottom forming operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/26—Folding sheets, blanks or webs
    • B31B50/28—Folding sheets, blanks or webs around mandrels, e.g. for forming bottoms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
    • B65D2251/0018—Upper closure of the 43-type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
    • B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
    • B65D2251/0093—Membrane
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00259—Materials used
    • B65D2543/00296—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00527—NO contact
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/0062—Groove or hollow bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00685—Totality
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722—Profiles
    • B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00796—Totality
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
    • B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
    • B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an expandable mandrel (or expansion chuck), a flexible container intended to contain products in either solid or liquid form, and a process for making this container by means of the said expandable mandrel (or expansion chuck), according to the precharacterizing clauses of Claims 1 , 12 and 17 .
  • Rigid, semi-rigid and flexible containers for containing liquids or solid substances are commonly used in large-scale distribution of food products. These containers are usually made from multi-layer materials.
  • containers for food products which consist of a single sheet of plastics material wrapped around the product. This sheet is heat-welded on its two opposing flaps in order to form a kind of tubular sachet to enclose the product.
  • a further drawback concerns the shape of the flexible container. This is because these flexible containers have a truncated conical shape which, while having various advantages, does not provide the maximum storage capacity for a given area used.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a sealed, flexible and reclosable cylindrical container for containing both solid and liquid products.
  • FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded and partially sectional view of a first embodiment of the flexible container according to the present invention
  • FIGS. 2 to 9 show schematically the steps of the process for producing the flexible container of the type shown in FIG. 4 , according to the present invention
  • FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the expandable mandrel, in the expanded configuration, used in the process shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 , according to the present invention
  • FIG. 11 shows a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of the expandable mandrel of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 12 shows a front view of the mandrel of FIG. 11 in the expanded configuration
  • FIG. 13 shows a front view of the mandrel of FIG. 11 in the retracted configuration.
  • the number 1 indicates the whole of a flexible container for containing either solid or liquid products, particularly food products, such as grains or ground coffee.
  • the container 1 comprises a containing part formed by a lateral wall of flexible material 2 creating a first opening 3 and a second opening 4 . These openings 3 and 4 are associated, respectively, with reclosable closing means 5 and a base 6 .
  • the reclosable closing means 5 comprise:
  • stiffening element 7 which can be associated with the said first opening 3 ;
  • a closing element 8 which can be joined by a positive connection to the said stiffening element 7 .
  • stiffening element 7 can stiffen the lateral wall 2 in the proximity of the first opening 3 and creates a passage which allows the exit of the product contained in the container 1 .
  • the stiffening element 7 consists of a tubular element (or sleeve or ring) having two opposing ends 7 A and 7 B and a side 7 C of predetermined height “H”.
  • the stiffening element 7 consists of an element with a circular cross section.
  • stiffening element 7 having a circular section is only preferred, mainly for aesthetic reasons; however, there is no reason why a stiffening element of elliptical or polygonal section should not be used as the stiffening element 7 .
  • the stiffening element 7 can comprise a lattice having a number of holes, to permit the measured extraction of the product contained in the container 1 .
  • This closing element 8 consists of a cap 8 A having a side 8 B.
  • both the stiffening element 7 and the cap 8 A can be made by a moulding operation and formed from a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene.
  • the first opening 3 of the container 1 is associated with the stiffening element 7 by a heat-sealing operation; in other words, the lateral wall 2 is joined to the side 7 C by the application of pressure and heat.
  • the lateral wall 2 can be joined to the stiffening element 7 on the outer wall of the side 7 C. This has the advantageous result that the lateral wall 2 conceals the stiffening element 7 (at least partially) from the view of a user.
  • the lateral wall 2 can be joined to the stiffening element 7 on the inner wall of the side 7 C.
  • This heat-sealing operation can be carried out with a heating iron of annular shape, or by ultrasound or induction.
  • the base 6 comprises a side 6 A on which the lower end of the lateral wall 2 bears.
  • the operation of heat sealing between the (inner or outer) side 6 A of the base 6 can be carried out with a heating iron of annular shape, or by ultrasound or by induction, so as to hermetically seal the opening 4 of the container 1 .
  • the base 6 can be of substantially discoid shape or can have any shape consisting of curved portions joined together.
  • the base 6 consists of an element with a circular cross section.
  • the use of the base 6 with a circular cross section is only preferred, mainly for aesthetic reasons: there is no reason why a base of elliptical or polygonal shape should not be used as the base.
  • thermoplastic material is mouldable and can be, for example, polyethylene.
  • the lateral wall 2 of the container 1 is closed on to itself and heat-sealed along a longitudinal profile 2 A seamlessly. This produces a containing part which can have a substantially cylindrical or tubular shape.
  • the lateral wall 2 consists of a polymer film comprising an inner layer which can be heat-sealed on to the inner or outer sides of the base 6 and of the stiffening element 7 , and an outer layer which can be heat-sealed along the longitudinal profile 2 A. If necessary, the lateral wall 2 also comprises an interposed joining film such as an aluminium (Al) film.
  • Al aluminium
  • the material forming the lateral wall 2 is a material compatible with the material forming the base 6 and the stiffening element 7 ; the term “compatible” denotes that the material forming the lateral wall 2 can be made to adhere, under the action of heat with a simultaneous pressing action, to the thermoplastic material forming the base 6 and the stiffening element 7 . Therefore, if the base 6 (and/or the stiffening element 7 ) consists of polyethylene, the wall 2 will be made from polyethylene, and similarly, if the base 6 (and/or the stiffening element 7 ) is made from polypropylene, the aforesaid lateral wall 2 will be also made from polypropylene.
  • This solution provides a container 1 , in which the base 6 and the stiffening element 7 and the containing part (in other words the lateral wall 2 ) form a single whole.
  • the reclosable closing means 5 additionally comprise a membrane seal 9 .
  • This seal 9 extends over the whole area of the first opening 3 ; in other words, it completely covers the opening 3 , thus preventing the exit of the product.
  • the membrane seal 9 is heat-sealed to the end 7 A of the stiffening element 7 by heating (with a heating iron, ultrasound or induction) so as to ensure the perfect adhesion of the seal 9 to the said stiffening element.
  • the seal 9 consists of a layered laminated sheet which comprises:
  • the membrane seal 9 is therefore associated with the stiffening element, thus providing effective hygienic protection of the product contained in the container 1 .
  • the membrane seal 9 is provided with a tab 10 to enable the container 1 to be opened for the first time.
  • This tab 10 is outside the heat-seal, thus providing the user with a convenient and particularly strong gripping point.
  • the tab 10 makes it possible to carry out the “stripping” operation, in other words the removal of the seal 9 .
  • the membrane seal 9 is therefore a security seal whose removal indicates that the container 1 has been opened.
  • the presence of the cap 8 enables the opening 3 of the container 1 to be closed when the membrane seal 9 has been removed by the user at the time of first use; the cap 8 then prevents the exit of the product contained in the container 1 and preserves the flavour of the product contained in it.
  • the positive connection between the stiffening element 7 and the cap 8 A takes the form of a pressure or snap-fitting engagement.
  • the stiffening element 7 has on its side 7 C a peripheral rim 7 D which can engage with a corresponding peripheral rim 8 C formed on the inner surface of the side 8 B of the cap 8 A.
  • a different kind of coupling between the stiffening element 7 and the cap 8 A is provided.
  • a coupling of the male and female thread type (not shown in the figures) can be provided in place of the aforesaid snap-fitting between the stiffening element 7 and the cap 8 A.
  • the stiffening element 7 would have a plurality of threads on its outer side for engagement with corresponding threads present on the inner surface of the side 8 B of the cap 8 A.
  • the diameter D 1 of the base 6 in the preferred embodiment, can be identical to the diameter D 2 of the stiffening element 7 .
  • the shape assumed by the container 1 is cylindrical.
  • a user wishing to dispense a quantity of product must initially remove the cap 8 A so as to uncover the membrane seal 9 .
  • the removal of the cap 8 A takes place in different ways, according to the type of engagement provided between the stiffening element 7 and the cap 8 A, in other words by exerting a tractive force or by unscrewing the cap respectively.
  • the user inclines the container 1 , to cause the product contained in the container to pass out through the passage delimited by the stiffening element 7 .
  • the user When the desired quantity of product has been dispensed, the user re-seals the container by fitting the cap 8 A.
  • the expandable mandrel 11 ( FIGS. 10 to 13 ) is of the type which can cause a circumferential expansion of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 , in other words of the type which can change from a first retracted or minimum diameter configuration ( FIG. 13 ) to a second expanded or maximum diameter configuration ( FIG. 12 ).
  • the base 6 and the stiffening element 7 can be made by a moulding process which is independent from (or outside the line of) the process for making the container 1 .
  • the inventive process includes an initial step during which the stiffening element 7 is positioned on the expandable mandrel 11 by means of suitable mechanical manipulators (not shown in the attached figures).
  • the expandable mandrel 11 advantageously comprises a first circumferential seat 12 for receiving this stiffening element 7 .
  • the expandable mandrel 11 is in the retracted configuration, in other words the minimum diameter configuration ( FIG. 13 ).
  • the mandrel 11 has a diameter D′ which is less than the diameter D 2 (or D 1 ) of the stiffening element 7 , to facilitate the fitting of the latter on to the mandrel 11 .
  • the mandrel 11 When the stiffening element 7 has been positioned in the seat 12 , the mandrel 11 is radially expanded so as to change to the second configuration ( FIG. 12 ). This expansion causes the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 to expand circumferentially to a diameter D′′.
  • the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 bears on the surface of the inner wall 7 E of the stiffening element 7 so as to secure and retain it ( FIG. 3 ).
  • this second seat 13 is provided at the free end 11 B of the mandrel 11 , in other words is spaced longitudinally apart from the portion in which the stiffening element 7 is retained.
  • base 6 is also fitted on the mandrel by means of mechanical manipulators (not shown in the figures).
  • the base 6 is retained in the seat 13 provided at the free end 11 B of the mandrel 11 by means of a suction device (not shown in the figures).
  • such a suction device may be of the type which can create a fall in atmospheric pressure, in other words which can create a pneumatic vacuum.
  • the free end 11 B of the mandrel 11 comprises a plurality of holes 19 associated for operation with the suction device.
  • a step is provided, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , in which the containing wall 2 is created.
  • the film 14 forms the lateral wall 2 of the flexible container 1 .
  • the free flap 14 A of this film 14 is positioned on the body of the mandrel 11 by means of the aforementioned mechanical equipment and is retained in position there by the vacuum generation device ( FIG. 11 ).
  • this device can provide sufficient suction to retain the film 14 firmly on the body of the mandrel 11 .
  • the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 comprises a plurality of holes 16 positioned longitudinally along the axis X-X.
  • these holes 16 are associated for operation with the suction device.
  • the expandable mandrel 11 can be rotated about its own longitudinal axis X-X by suitable motor means (not shown in the figures).
  • the rotation of the mandrel 11 must be such that the portion unwound from the reel 15 is sufficient to form the lateral wall 2 of the container 1 .
  • the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 is substantially continuous, so as to provide an adequate support for the flap 14 A of the film 14 .
  • This configuration formed by the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 makes it possible to produce a flexible container of the type shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a second free flap 14 B is created, which is also retained on the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 by means of the pneumatic vacuum creation device.
  • the film 14 is wound around the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 in such a way that the two flaps 14 A and 14 B are overlapped ( FIG. 9 ).
  • FIG. 9 which shows a further step of the inventive process, it will be noted that there is a sealing unit 17 for carrying out a sealing operation on both flaps 14 A and 14 B of the film 14 to carry out the longitudinal sealing 2 A of the flexible container 1 .
  • the sealing operation consists of a heat-sealing operation which can be carried out by ultrasound or by induction.
  • a second sealing unit 18 preferably of the type with a sealing head in the form of an arc, for carrying out the operation of heat sealing the film 15 to the stiffening element 7 ( FIG. 5 ) and to the base 6 ( FIG. 6 ) respectively.
  • the mandrel 11 is retracted to the minimum diameter D′, enabling the container 1 formed in this way to be removed, for example by means of mechanical manipulators (not shown in the figures).
  • the step of making the containing part of the container 1 in other words the lateral wall 2 , can be carried out in one separate operation independently of the process of making the container 1 described herein.
  • This film 15 is then cut by suitable cutting means, so as to form the two free flaps. At this point, the free ends are heat-sealed together to form a containing part having a substantially tubular shape.
  • This containing part is then coupled by heat-sealing to the stiffening element 7 and the base 6 according to the steps described above.
  • the expandable mandrel 11 comprises:
  • the body 11 A extending along the predetermined longitudinal direction X-X having a lateral wall 20 ;
  • the lateral wall 20 being formed by a plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction X-X;
  • actuator means 22 associated for operation with the said plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 to cause a reversible radial expansion of the said plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 .
  • actuator means 22 enable the mandrel 11 to change between a first retracted configuration ( FIG. 16 ), in which the mandrel 11 has a minimum diameter D′, and a second expanded configuration ( FIG. 17 ), in which the mandrel 11 has a maximum diameter D′′.
  • the change between the first retracted configuration ( FIG. 16 ) and the second expanded configuration ( FIG. 17 ) makes it possible to obtain a corresponding circumferential expansion of the lateral wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 .
  • the plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 into which the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 is divided consists of four longitudinal sectors 21 A- 21 D extending along the longitudinal axis X-X.
  • the longitudinal sides 23 of each sector of the said plurality of sectors 21 are comb-shaped.
  • each sector is interleaved in a comblike way with the corresponding longitudinal sides of the adjacent sectors, in such a way that the lateral wall 20 of the said body 11 A of the mandrel 11 is substantially continuous when the said plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 are in the said second expanded configuration ( FIG. 12 ).
  • the opposing sides 23 of the adjacent sectors 21 A and 21 B are consequently interleaved in a comblike way with each other.
  • the characteristic according to which the longitudinal sides 23 of each sector 21 A- 21 D are interleaved in a comblike way with the corresponding longitudinal sides of the adjacent sectors makes it possible for the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 to have a cylindrical shape.
  • the actuator means 22 enable the mandrel 11 to be changed between the first retracted configuration ( FIG. 13 ), in which it has a minimum diameter D′, and the second expanded configuration ( FIG. 12 ), in which it has a maximum diameter D′′.
  • the actuator means 22 comprise:
  • expander means 25 which can expand radially to cause the said radial expansion of the said plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 A- 21 D from the said first retracted configuration ( FIG. 13 ), in which it has a minimum diameter D′, to the second expanded configuration ( FIG. 12 ), in which it has a maximum diameter D′′, and vice versa.
  • the expander means 25 comprise at least one sliding block 25 A, while the pushing element 24 has a tapered profile 24 A at one of its ends.
  • the expander means 25 consist of two sliding blocks, each of which is fixed to the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 by suitable fixing means 28 .
  • each sliding block 25 A is coupled in sliding engagement to the tapered profile 24 A of the pushing element 24 .
  • the coupling between the sliding block 25 A and the tapered profile 24 A of the said pushing element 24 takes place along an inclined plane, so as to generate a wedge effect between the said sliding block 25 A and the said pushing element 24 .
  • the sliding block 25 A is interposed between the said plurality of sectors 21 A- 21 D and the said tapered profile 24 A of the said pushing element 24 .
  • the pushing element 24 consists of a piston which is actuated by actuating means (not shown in the figures).
  • actuating means are capable of actuating the said piston with a reciprocating motion between a bottom dead centre, corresponding to the retracted configuration of the mandrel, in other words the configuration in which the mandrel 11 has the minimum diameter D′, to an upper dead centre, corresponding to the expanded configuration of the mandrel 11 , in other words the configuration in which the mandrel 11 has the maximum diameter D′′.
  • the linear motion of the pushing element 24 is converted into a radial expansion motion of the plurality of longitudinal sectors 21 so as to provide, in the expanded configuration, a mandrel 11 having a substantially continuous lateral wall 20 , thus enabling a flexible container of the type shown in FIG. 1 to be produced by the process described above.
  • the expandable mandrel 11 additionally comprises:
  • a first circumferential seat 12 for housing the stiffening element 7 of the flexible container 1 ;
  • a second circumferential seat 13 opposite the said first seat 12 , the said second seat 13 being capable of receiving the base 6 of the said flexible container 1 .
  • a plurality of holes 16 associated for operation with the pneumatic vacuum generation device are positioned on the wall 20 of the body 11 A of the mandrel 11 .
  • FIG. 14 shows a channel 26 which can provide fluid communication between the holes 16 and the suction device.
  • the plurality of holes 16 are positioned longitudinally along the direction X-X so as to efficiently retain the flaps 14 A and 14 B of the flexible film 14 .
  • the free end 11 B of the mandrel 11 is the seat of a further plurality of holes 19 , also associated for operation with the suction device by means of another channel 27 .
  • This plurality of holes 19 enables the base 6 to be retained during the process of making the flexible container 1 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
US11/793,226 2004-12-21 2005-12-16 Flexible Container Abandoned US20080105698A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04425930 2004-12-21
EP04425930.7 2004-12-21
PCT/IB2005/003836 WO2006082473A2 (fr) 2004-12-21 2005-12-16 Mandrin extensible, contenant souple et procede de production dudit contenant au moyen dudit mandrin extensible

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080105698A1 true US20080105698A1 (en) 2008-05-08

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US11/793,226 Abandoned US20080105698A1 (en) 2004-12-21 2005-12-16 Flexible Container

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US (1) US20080105698A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1833664A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006082473A2 (fr)

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EP2428355A1 (fr) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-14 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Procédé et machine de production d'un conteneur, particulièrement un conteneur pour produits alimentaires versables
ITUD20120085A1 (it) * 2012-05-11 2013-11-12 Illycaffe S P A Con Unico Socio Contenitore per alimenti, in particolare caffe', procedimento per la sua produzione e per il confezionamento
US20160159004A1 (en) * 2013-07-12 2016-06-09 Sig Technology Ag Device and Method for the Liquid-Tight Sealing of Two Partially Overlapping Packaging Parts and Containers Produced Therewith/Thereby
CN105936138A (zh) * 2016-06-24 2016-09-14 福建天汇实业股份有限公司 一种纸筒卷边装置用抱夹装置
JP2018122919A (ja) * 2017-02-03 2018-08-09 藤森工業株式会社 合成樹脂製缶状体
USD1005845S1 (en) * 2021-08-19 2023-11-28 Alchemy Jars Llc Canister insert

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EP1862392A1 (fr) * 2006-06-01 2007-12-05 Aisapack Holding SA Emballage flexible en matière plastique
US8051982B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2011-11-08 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Container for holding a stack of premoistened wipes
US8205415B2 (en) * 2009-01-16 2012-06-26 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Method of packaging and shipping roast and ground coffee
US7954640B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2011-06-07 Ellery West Paper jar packaging with coated walls
USD722885S1 (en) 2012-06-22 2015-02-24 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Container
US8783515B2 (en) 2012-10-25 2014-07-22 Sonoco Development, Inc. Dispenser with fitment

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EP2428355A1 (fr) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-14 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Procédé et machine de production d'un conteneur, particulièrement un conteneur pour produits alimentaires versables
WO2012034833A1 (fr) * 2010-09-14 2012-03-22 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Procédé et machine permettant de produire un récipient, en particulier un récipient destiné à des produits alimentaires versables
ITUD20120085A1 (it) * 2012-05-11 2013-11-12 Illycaffe S P A Con Unico Socio Contenitore per alimenti, in particolare caffe', procedimento per la sua produzione e per il confezionamento
WO2013167958A1 (fr) 2012-05-11 2013-11-14 Illycaffe' Spa Con Unico Socio Récipient pour produits alimentaires, en particulier du café, procédé pour sa production et procédé pour emballer un produit alimentaire
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US20160159004A1 (en) * 2013-07-12 2016-06-09 Sig Technology Ag Device and Method for the Liquid-Tight Sealing of Two Partially Overlapping Packaging Parts and Containers Produced Therewith/Thereby
US10377088B2 (en) * 2013-07-12 2019-08-13 Sig Technology Ag Device and method for liquid-tight sealing of two partially overlapping packaging parts and containers Produced therewith/thereby
CN105936138A (zh) * 2016-06-24 2016-09-14 福建天汇实业股份有限公司 一种纸筒卷边装置用抱夹装置
JP2018122919A (ja) * 2017-02-03 2018-08-09 藤森工業株式会社 合成樹脂製缶状体
USD1005845S1 (en) * 2021-08-19 2023-11-28 Alchemy Jars Llc Canister insert

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006082473A2 (fr) 2006-08-10
EP1833664A2 (fr) 2007-09-19
WO2006082473A3 (fr) 2006-11-30

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