US20080236110A1 - Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers - Google Patents

Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080236110A1
US20080236110A1 US11/729,067 US72906707A US2008236110A1 US 20080236110 A1 US20080236110 A1 US 20080236110A1 US 72906707 A US72906707 A US 72906707A US 2008236110 A1 US2008236110 A1 US 2008236110A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
shoulder
tube
closure
dispensing opening
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
US11/729,067
Inventor
K. Jacques Sassouni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/729,067 priority Critical patent/US20080236110A1/en
Publication of US20080236110A1 publication Critical patent/US20080236110A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/02Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/022Making containers by moulding of a thermoplastic material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C43/00Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C43/02Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C43/04Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles using movable moulds
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/14Closing collapsible or resilient tubes, e.g. for tooth paste, for lighter fuel
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/16Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B65B7/28Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
    • B65B7/2835Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers applying and rotating preformed threaded caps
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C43/00Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C43/32Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C43/36Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C43/361Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles with pressing members independently movable of the parts for opening or closing the mould, e.g. movable pistons
    • B29C2043/3615Forming elements, e.g. mandrels or rams or stampers or pistons or plungers or punching devices
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2001/00Articles provided with screw threads
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2023/00Tubular articles
    • B29L2023/20Flexible squeeze tubes, e.g. for cosmetics
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to the field of manufacture of flexible tube containers for use in dispensing fluid substances such as toothpaste, ointments, topical medications, and the like, and more particularly to an improved method of manufacture thereof directed toward simplification of manufacturing steps and substantial lowering of manufacturing costs.
  • the manufacturing process is highly automated. It commences with a continuous extrusion of a hollow tube of required diameter.
  • a second step is the cutting of the tube into required predetermined length to form a cylindrical body.
  • One end of the tube is left open for the ultimate filling and sealing of the dispensable contents.
  • the other end is provided with a transversely-extending shoulder forming the dispensing end, the shoulder forming a dispensing opening selectively covered by a removable closure, typically, a threaded cap.
  • the shoulder is preferably formed by compression molding and integrated with the dispensing end of the tube while the tube is supported on a mandrel.
  • a subsequent step involves the capping of the tube, so that the container is in condition for subsequent filling, usually at another location.
  • the forming and integration of the shoulder is performed at one machine, and the application of the cap or closure is performed at another machine.
  • This procedure requires the transport of each tube from one machine to another one using manual labor, and commonly requiring the presence of a technician at each machine.
  • the installation of the closure which may be threadedly or otherwise engaged, involves a torquing movement and an axially-oriented movement.
  • the device is removed from a supporting mandrel to complete the manufacturing operation. It is subsequently filled and sealed at another location.
  • the invention contemplates the simplification of the above-described procedure by combining the same at a single machine following the delivery of individual mandrel-supported tubes, so that without relocation of the tube after formation of the shoulder, a preformed cap is interconnected to the tube to selectively seal the same.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the method employed in the present state of the art.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the disclosed method embodying the present invention.
  • the known method generally referred to by reference character 10 includes a plurality of manufacturing stations, including a header element 11 having a plurality of mandrels, one of which is indicated by reference character 12 , each supporting a tube 13 having a previously formed and integrated shoulder 14 with an orificed member 15 , as well as an integrated cap element 16 .
  • the header element 11 serially advances mandrels, each mounting a tube to the position shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the shoulder has already been integrated with the dispensing end of the tube and the units are serially removed from the respective mandrel for transport to a capping element 20 .
  • the capping element has its own set of mandrels, and the tube units are engaged therewith for serial advancement to a position shown at which a screw cap ( 16 ) or snap-on closure is applied using a combination of axially-directed force with accompanying torquing force.
  • the unit is now completed, and is serially removed from its respective mandrel for packing and shipment to a site where it will be filled with a fluid, and the opposite end of the tube sealed to form a completed product.
  • the capping element of the present invention is of reduced complexity, and does not include a separate set of serially advanced mandrels. Instead, the capping element 120 includes only a cap supply chute 122 and a reciprocating plunger 123 coaligned with the axis of the module of the header element so that the closure of desired type is applied to the tube unit while it is still engaged by the mandrel of the header element 111 .
  • This closure may be a simple screw cap or snap-on cap of composite type 124 .

Abstract

An improved method for manufacturing collapsible tube containers for fluid materials, including the known steps of providing a hollow tube, forming an integrated compression-molded shoulder having a dispensing opening, and applying a selectively removable closure. The method includes the novel step of positioning a means for applying the closure in coaxial relation to the tube, and applying the closure while the tube is supported on a mandrel used for supporting the tube during formation of the shoulder, rather than applying the closure at another location.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates generally to the field of manufacture of flexible tube containers for use in dispensing fluid substances such as toothpaste, ointments, topical medications, and the like, and more particularly to an improved method of manufacture thereof directed toward simplification of manufacturing steps and substantial lowering of manufacturing costs.
  • In the present state of the art, the manufacturing process is highly automated. It commences with a continuous extrusion of a hollow tube of required diameter. A second step is the cutting of the tube into required predetermined length to form a cylindrical body. One end of the tube is left open for the ultimate filling and sealing of the dispensable contents. The other end is provided with a transversely-extending shoulder forming the dispensing end, the shoulder forming a dispensing opening selectively covered by a removable closure, typically, a threaded cap. The shoulder is preferably formed by compression molding and integrated with the dispensing end of the tube while the tube is supported on a mandrel. A subsequent step involves the capping of the tube, so that the container is in condition for subsequent filling, usually at another location. In the present state of the art, the forming and integration of the shoulder is performed at one machine, and the application of the cap or closure is performed at another machine. This procedure requires the transport of each tube from one machine to another one using manual labor, and commonly requiring the presence of a technician at each machine. The installation of the closure which may be threadedly or otherwise engaged, involves a torquing movement and an axially-oriented movement. Following the application of the closure or cap, the device is removed from a supporting mandrel to complete the manufacturing operation. It is subsequently filled and sealed at another location.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the simplification of the above-described procedure by combining the same at a single machine following the delivery of individual mandrel-supported tubes, so that without relocation of the tube after formation of the shoulder, a preformed cap is interconnected to the tube to selectively seal the same.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
  • In the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the method employed in the present state of the art.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the disclosed method embodying the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT
  • Referring to FIG. 1 in the drawing, the known method, generally referred to by reference character 10 includes a plurality of manufacturing stations, including a header element 11 having a plurality of mandrels, one of which is indicated by reference character 12, each supporting a tube 13 having a previously formed and integrated shoulder 14 with an orificed member 15, as well as an integrated cap element 16.
  • In accordance with the known art, the header element 11 serially advances mandrels, each mounting a tube to the position shown in FIG. 1. At this point, the shoulder has already been integrated with the dispensing end of the tube and the units are serially removed from the respective mandrel for transport to a capping element 20. The capping element has its own set of mandrels, and the tube units are engaged therewith for serial advancement to a position shown at which a screw cap (16) or snap-on closure is applied using a combination of axially-directed force with accompanying torquing force. The unit is now completed, and is serially removed from its respective mandrel for packing and shipment to a site where it will be filled with a fluid, and the opposite end of the tube sealed to form a completed product.
  • While much of the above-described procedure is automated, there is still the necessity of employing a header element which performs the operation of forming and attaching the shoulder and its associated structure, as well as a separate capping element including means for positioning the tube units on a separate set of mandrels for the application of a screw cap or snap-on closure. Considerable mechanical manipulation is involved in the transfer from a first set of mandrels associated with the header element and the second set of mandrels associated with the capper element. Additional manual supervision is necessary along with additional mechanical maintenance.
  • In the present invention, much of this complication is eliminated by simplifying the application of the closure. Referring to FIG. 2 in the drawing, parts corresponding to those illustrated in FIG. 1 have been designated by similar reference characters with the additional prefix “1”, therefore avoiding needless repetition.
  • It is noted that the capping element of the present invention is of reduced complexity, and does not include a separate set of serially advanced mandrels. Instead, the capping element 120 includes only a cap supply chute 122 and a reciprocating plunger 123 coaligned with the axis of the module of the header element so that the closure of desired type is applied to the tube unit while it is still engaged by the mandrel of the header element 111. This closure may be a simple screw cap or snap-on cap of composite type 124.
  • It may thus be seen that I have invented novel and highly useful improvements in a method for the capping of flexible tube containers for fluid materials in which the process is materially simplified by eliminating the presence of a separate capping machine with its accompanying set of tube-supporting mandrels as well as the necessity of removing tube units from the mandrels of an earlier heading machine where the tube units are provided with an integral compression-molded shoulder. The improved method may be used employing any known type closure.

Claims (2)

1. In the method of manufacturing a flexible tube container, including: the steps of:
a) providing an extruded length of tubing forming the body of said container, said body having a principal axis;
b) supporting said body upon a mandrel, at a first station;
c) compression molding a shoulder integrally upon an end of said body, said shoulder including a dispensing opening;
d) transferring said body to a second station including a second mandrel;
e) supplying and engaging a removable closure to said shoulder, and;
f) removing said body from said second mandrel; the improvement comprising:
g) providing a capping element adjacent said first station having means for serially providing removable closures to a location axially-aligned with said principal axis of said body, and;
h) said capping element including means for applying an axially-aligned force and a torquing force to successive closures whereby to apply said closures to engage said shoulder to close said dispensing opening.
2. The improvement in accordance with claim 1, having an opening communicating with said dispensing opening in said shoulder and a hingedly interconnected lid member selectively closing said dispensing opening.
US11/729,067 2007-03-29 2007-03-29 Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers Abandoned US20080236110A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/729,067 US20080236110A1 (en) 2007-03-29 2007-03-29 Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/729,067 US20080236110A1 (en) 2007-03-29 2007-03-29 Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers

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US20080236110A1 true US20080236110A1 (en) 2008-10-02

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US11/729,067 Abandoned US20080236110A1 (en) 2007-03-29 2007-03-29 Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110138749A1 (en) * 2009-12-15 2011-06-16 Donald Chow System and method for manufacturing a tubular container with opening and closing means

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2947653A (en) * 1956-05-28 1960-08-02 Oerlikon Buehrle Ag Method of producing containers from thermoplastic material
US3778321A (en) * 1971-10-14 1973-12-11 Victor Metal Products Corp Apparatus for making rolled collapsible container having plastic outsert
US4123312A (en) * 1976-09-24 1978-10-31 Automation Industrielle Sa Apparatus for producing collapsible containers
US4152566A (en) * 1976-10-13 1979-05-01 Maegerle Karl Apparatus for manufacturing an article
US4394936A (en) * 1981-10-14 1983-07-26 Henri Shavit Deformable container and a flat piece for making a container
US5211798A (en) * 1990-03-26 1993-05-18 Aisa Automation Industrielle Sa Apparatus for the production of tubes
US5621960A (en) * 1994-04-15 1997-04-22 Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc. Method and apparatus for forming an assembly of a flexible tube and closure
US5690764A (en) * 1995-02-13 1997-11-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Collapsible tube package and method of construction
US5962096A (en) * 1994-04-15 1999-10-05 Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc. Flexible tube and method of making
US6334767B2 (en) * 1998-11-25 2002-01-01 Thatcher Tubes Llc Machine for manufacturing thermoplastic tubes
US6510675B1 (en) * 1998-11-26 2003-01-28 Maschinenfabrik Polytype S.A. Fastening of a cap on a container
US6581357B1 (en) * 1998-07-09 2003-06-24 H. Obrist + Co. Ag Method for attaching a shoulder element to a bag
US7021032B2 (en) * 2001-12-11 2006-04-04 Norden Pac Development Ab Tube-filling machine and a method for tube end sealing in such a machine

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2947653A (en) * 1956-05-28 1960-08-02 Oerlikon Buehrle Ag Method of producing containers from thermoplastic material
US3778321A (en) * 1971-10-14 1973-12-11 Victor Metal Products Corp Apparatus for making rolled collapsible container having plastic outsert
US4123312A (en) * 1976-09-24 1978-10-31 Automation Industrielle Sa Apparatus for producing collapsible containers
US4152566A (en) * 1976-10-13 1979-05-01 Maegerle Karl Apparatus for manufacturing an article
US4394936A (en) * 1981-10-14 1983-07-26 Henri Shavit Deformable container and a flat piece for making a container
US5211798A (en) * 1990-03-26 1993-05-18 Aisa Automation Industrielle Sa Apparatus for the production of tubes
US5621960A (en) * 1994-04-15 1997-04-22 Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc. Method and apparatus for forming an assembly of a flexible tube and closure
US5962096A (en) * 1994-04-15 1999-10-05 Owens-Illinois Plastic Products Inc. Flexible tube and method of making
US5690764A (en) * 1995-02-13 1997-11-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Collapsible tube package and method of construction
US6581357B1 (en) * 1998-07-09 2003-06-24 H. Obrist + Co. Ag Method for attaching a shoulder element to a bag
US6334767B2 (en) * 1998-11-25 2002-01-01 Thatcher Tubes Llc Machine for manufacturing thermoplastic tubes
US6510675B1 (en) * 1998-11-26 2003-01-28 Maschinenfabrik Polytype S.A. Fastening of a cap on a container
US7021032B2 (en) * 2001-12-11 2006-04-04 Norden Pac Development Ab Tube-filling machine and a method for tube end sealing in such a machine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110138749A1 (en) * 2009-12-15 2011-06-16 Donald Chow System and method for manufacturing a tubular container with opening and closing means

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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION