US20080236110A1 - Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers - Google Patents
Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers Download PDFInfo
- 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
- Authority
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B3/02—Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
- B65B3/022—Making containers by moulding of a thermoplastic material
-
- 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
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/04—Compression 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/14—Closing collapsible or resilient tubes, e.g. for tooth paste, for lighter fuel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing 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
- B65B7/2835—Closing 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
-
- 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
- B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
- B29C43/32—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
- B29C43/36—Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C43/361—Moulds 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
- B29C2043/3615—Forming elements, e.g. mandrels or rams or stampers or pistons or plungers or punching devices
-
- 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
- B29L2001/00—Articles provided with screw threads
-
- 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
- B29L2023/00—Tubular articles
- B29L2023/20—Flexible squeeze tubes, e.g. for cosmetics
-
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. - Referring to
FIG. 1 in the drawing, the known method, generally referred to byreference character 10 includes a plurality of manufacturing stations, including aheader element 11 having a plurality of mandrels, one of which is indicated byreference character 12, each supporting atube 13 having a previously formed and integratedshoulder 14 with anorificed member 15, as well as an integratedcap element 16. - In accordance with the known art, the
header element 11 serially advances mandrels, each mounting a tube to the position shown inFIG. 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 acapping 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 inFIG. 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 acap supply chute 122 and areciprocating 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 theheader element 111. This closure may be a simple screw cap or snap-on cap ofcomposite 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.
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 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080236110A1 true US20080236110A1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
Family
ID=39791960
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/729,067 Abandoned US20080236110A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2007-03-29 | Method for manufacturing flexible tube containers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080236110A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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)
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 |
-
2007
- 2007-03-29 US US11/729,067 patent/US20080236110A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
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)
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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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |