WO1997027043A1 - Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants - Google Patents

Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997027043A1
WO1997027043A1 PCT/US1997/001137 US9701137W WO9727043A1 WO 1997027043 A1 WO1997027043 A1 WO 1997027043A1 US 9701137 W US9701137 W US 9701137W WO 9727043 A1 WO9727043 A1 WO 9727043A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
protrusion
punch
hollow
cap
tip
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/001137
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sanford Redmond
Original Assignee
Sanford Redmond
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 Sanford Redmond filed Critical Sanford Redmond
Priority to APAP/P/1998/001304A priority Critical patent/AP925A/en
Priority to EP97903952A priority patent/EP0880435A1/fr
Priority to JP52702697A priority patent/JP2002502340A/ja
Priority to IL12546197A priority patent/IL125461A0/xx
Priority to AU18381/97A priority patent/AU728169B2/en
Priority to SK999-98A priority patent/SK99998A3/sk
Priority to EA199800648A priority patent/EA001270B1/ru
Priority to NZ331128A priority patent/NZ331128A/xx
Priority to BR9710943-6A priority patent/BR9710943A/pt
Publication of WO1997027043A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997027043A1/fr
Priority to HK99102919A priority patent/HK1017864A1/xx

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D22/00—Producing hollow articles
    • 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
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5861—Spouts
    • B65D75/5872—Non-integral spouts
    • B65D75/5877—Non-integral spouts connected to a planar surface of the package wall
    • 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
    • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C51/08—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
    • 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
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/38—Devices for discharging contents
    • B65D25/40—Nozzles or spouts
    • B65D25/42—Integral or attached nozzles or spouts
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
    • B65D5/74—Spouts
    • B65D5/746—Spouts formed separately from 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
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/325—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil
    • B65D75/326—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil and forming one compartment
    • 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
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5816—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a corner or other small portion next to the edge, e.g. a U-shaped portion
    • B65D75/5822—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a corner or other small portion next to the edge, e.g. a U-shaped portion and defining, after tearing, a small dispensing spout, a small orifice or the like
    • 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
    • B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
    • 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
    • B29L2031/56—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures
    • B29L2031/565—Stoppers or lids for bottles, jars, or the like, e.g. closures for containers
    • 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
    • B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D2575/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D2575/3209—Details
    • B65D2575/3218—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents
    • B65D2575/3227—Cuts or weakening lines
    • 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
    • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
    • B65D2577/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D2577/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers
    • B65D2577/2075—Lines of weakness or apertures
    • B65D2577/2083—Lines of weakness or apertures in container flange

Definitions

  • This invention relates to easy opening, self- contained, easy to use, single or multiple use dispenser packages capable of economical, high speed production, manufactured from a broad range of materials, many of which are recyclable. They may contain such products as syrups, cream, cheeses, salad dressings, shampoo, hand- cream, liquid detergents, motor oil, toothpaste pates, pet food and many other products.
  • a package which has the capability of dispensing the contained product, e.g., mouthwash, cough syrup, confections, alcoholic beverages, etc., directly into the mouth of the user, and which also includes a reclosure cap member formed as an integral part of the package and which preferably is tethered to the package by a tether also formed integrally with the package.
  • a reclosure cap member formed as an integral part of the package and which preferably is tethered to the package by a tether also formed integrally with the package.
  • the easy opening feature together with the reclosure cap and tether may be formed independently and sealed or adhered to the surface of many packages such as bags, milk containers, pouches, pillow packages (sachets) , etc. to make for very efficient low cost dispensing packages or squeeze bags.
  • the easy opening means of this application in its preferred embodiment is comprised of a drum-like protrusion from which a secondary frusto conical protrusion extends to create a tip which is encircled at its base by a fault line. To create the aperture this tip is broken away by applying light lateral finger pressure.
  • a tethered cap is also formed adjacent to the double protrusion. The tether functions not only to hold the cap, thereby preventing the cap from being lost, but also to hold the cap [on the tip] in place by acting like a spring.
  • the initial drum like protrusion has, instead of a frusto ⁇ conical breakaway tip, a fault line pattern defined in its top surface, so designed as to rupture to create an outlet of various required shapes when a puncturing tool/plug is pressed into said fault line pattern.
  • puncturing tool/plug may be formed instead of a cap and may be tethered or the cap may be double ended with a cap formation on one end and the puncturing tool/plug formation on the other. It will also be seen that a cap containing a protruding member formed within the cap similar to the style of a flower would perform as a central punch when the cap is pressed over the drum shaped protrusion.
  • the drum shaped protrusion may be replaced by a moundlike protrusion with a central fault line pattern.
  • the reason for such a moundlike shape instead of the drum shape is to prevent the stretching of the foil beyond its elastic limit at surface intersections in which case it would rupture during formation.
  • Said pattern able to be punched open by a formed puncturing tool/plug said puncturing tool/plug may be thermoformed and tethered to the unit or may be independently made and the tether may have a formed ring at its free end into which the puncturing tool plug may be seated.
  • This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing the aforesaid formation and packaging, reliably at high speed, in many cases from fully recyclable material, so as to permit such packages to be produced at low cost and, in many cases, recyclable. Additionally the packages may use less plastic material than most other previously known portion packages leading to source reduction and environmental benefits even when non-recyclable materials are used.
  • a dispenser package in which a product may be packaged in the quantity normally required for single or multiple uses, and from which the contained product may be dispensed.
  • One type of such dispenser packages is a pillow pouch or sachet, typically made of relatively thin plastics and foils or combinations of laminated plastics and foils. These packages are most frequently encountered as containers for catsup, mustard, other condiments, homecare preparations such as hair conditioners, dyes and cre es, etc. Although this type of package is universally used, it is also universally disliked by the consumer. In order to access the contents, the pouch must be held in one hand while a tearing motion and force are applied by the other hand.
  • Another dispenser package is the peel-top cup used for butter, margarine, syrup, sauces, salad dressing, and other similar products. This type of package requires good eyesight and manual dexterity. Such packages are often used as coffee creamers and have many disadvantages, including difficulty in peeling off the top in order to open, as well as difficulty in pouring, accidental spilling, and the inability to be reclosed so as to preclude more than a single use. Again the inventions described herein can be adhered or integrally formed into these packages to make them easy opening and reclosable. Yet another type of dispenser package is the unsealed corrugated paper package used for salt and/or pepper, which upon bending along an interrupted line cut through the corrugations forms an opening through which the salt or other material contained in the package may flow. These packages only dispense dry, solid flowables with the assistance of gravity, and cannot be used to contain, no less dispense, "wet" or liquid flowable materials. The package of this invention can contain and readily dispense both liquids and dry granular products.
  • the instant invention makes available a sealed and tamper evident outlet with a tethered cap, both formed in a single, small plastic unit which can be readily sealed or adhesively attached to the gable over a small pre-made hole. It is ultra low cost and may be made of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, PVC. Polyester etc. utilizing material costing small fractions of a cent. It will be seen that the cap serves a double purpose. It enables the outlet to be reclosed after opening and of equal importance, since the cap is in place over the breakaway tip during shipment it protects the tip from being accidentally hit or subjected to any forces which may open the outlet.
  • the lower drum-like formation beneath the breakaway tip may be elongated so that when the tip is broken away, an elongated nozzle remains which would allow the flowable substance to be ingested directly from the container or as in the case of motor oil, being poured directly into the engine oil inlet.
  • Another disadvantage currently experienced with dispensing packages is the closing of the outlet opening. Closing the outlet opening of tubes is presently accomplished by means of an injection molded screw-on cap which normally includes a compressible gasketing material. The end of the tube requires a mating thread to match the cap. Both the separately molded gasketed cap and the threaded tube result in increased manufacturing costs. Additionally, the cap, as often as not, is dropped and/or lost while it is being threaded on or off.
  • thermoformable plastic material as well as an integrally formed cap and tether where necessary.
  • a further object is to form independently such aperture creating means with or without a cap and/or tether for adhesion to other forms of previously difficult to open or non-reclosable packaging.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide new and improved dispenser packages.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved aperture-forming structure for a dispenser package which allows the user to easily and controllably dispense the contents of the package directly to the user's mouth or in a directionally controlled manner, as desired.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package with an attached cap member formed from the same plastic film which cap member may be thereafter placed over the unopened aperture forming means to protect it and/or to reclose the package after opening.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and removable cap member which may be formed as an integral unit and where the cap member is attached to an integrally made tether and remains attached to the package and which may be placed over the unopened aperture forming means to protect it from changes or accidental opening during shipping and handling.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and tethered cap member which may be formed as an integral unit from a thermoformable material.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and tethered cap member which may be formed as an integral unit from a thermoformable plastic material that is recyclable.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved dispenser package and cap member wherein the cap member includes a utensil device such as tiny protrusions or a flattened surface structure so that the cap member may function as a tool to brush, spread, or otherwise handle the contents dispensed from the package.
  • a utensil device such as tiny protrusions or a flattened surface structure
  • Another object of the invention is to replace the cap member with a dual function punch/plug member capable of punching through a tough pre-scored formation to create an aperture and to further act as a plug to close said aperture.
  • a still further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of making a dispenser package embodying the aforesaid features.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of thermoforming a dispenser package from a recyclable plastic material at high speed and yet provide a finished package which may be easily and reliably opened by the user.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for forming an aperture-forming structure for a dispenser package.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for forming a nozzle-like aperture structure in a dispenser package so that, upon opening, the contents of the package may be dispensed in a directionally controllable manner.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved self-centering and self-aligning punch and die apparatus adapted to accurately and reliably form a thermoformable material into a hollow tip-like configuration having a peripherally extending fault line so as to permit the tip to be readily broken away by the user to form an aperture opening through which the contents of the package may be dispensed.
  • Said reclosable aperture forming means embodying an integral, hollow protrusion member preferably comprised of two stages, a drum shaped base from which extends a generally conical or frusto-conical tip, said tip member having a fault line encircling it at its juncture with the flat top surface of the first drumlike formation which may be readily broken off to form an opening through which the contents of the package may be dispensed in a directionally controllable stream.
  • the tip of the protrusion member is broken off by applying light lateral finger pressure, the desired quantity of the contents may thereafter be expelled through the opened nozzle-like outlet by gentle hand squeezing of the package.
  • the entire reclosable aperture forming means may be integrally formed into what will become an easy to use reclosable dispensing package.
  • a generally relatively flexible, compressible pouch or container member is sealably attached to a cover member forming the top or lid of the package.
  • the cover member includes the new reclosable aperture forming means and tethered cap member as described above and similarly used.
  • the pouch or container member has the integral hollow protrusion and tethered cap member thermoformed into the underside of its relatively stiff rim.
  • the advantage of this version being that the cover member then becomes a relatively thin skinlike member which is very easy to print and less expensive than the formed upper cover member.
  • the aforesaid cap member which is initially formed with the package as an integral unit is preferably formed along one peripheral edge of either the cover member forming the top or lid of the package relatively closely adjacent to the breakaway protrusion member or on the underside of the rim.
  • a cut line may create a tether member which permits the cap member to be mechanically removed by the user from its molded position in production and placed over the opened nozzle-like aperture forming means so as to protect the breakaway tip during shipping and handling, while remaining tethered to the package.
  • the aforesaid cap member permits the end user of the package to readily open or reclose the package after each use.
  • the breakaway protrusion member forming the aperture in the package may be broken off at the surface of the cover member forming the top or lid of the package, thereby eliminating the nozzle-like outlet configuration in those applications where the contents of the package don't require nozzle formation;
  • the cap member may be formed with miniature protrusions to act like a brush, or may have some other desired shape to perform some other desired tool function for use in handling the contents dispensed from the package, such as by brushing or spreading;
  • the cap member may be open-ended having a predetermined shape such that, upon placing the cap member over the nozzle-like aperture of the package, the contents may be dispensed in such shaped stream;
  • the cap member may be provided with an internal central plug dimensioned to mate with the opening formed in the dispenser package to thereby serve as a plug to further ensure sealing of the opening after removal of the breakaway protrusion member; and (v) the breakaway protrusion and tethered cap members may be formed in a portion of the cover member which extends beyond one end of the compressible pouch member at a predetermined angle and communicates with the product contained in the pouch by means of a shallow neck or channel, thereby facilitating application of the contents of the package onto a surface, such as, e.g., toothpaste onto a toothbrush or glue onto a break line.
  • the breakaway protrusion member may be formed in the cover member directly over the pouch portion with the cap formed at an adjacent small flat area. This method yields a somewhat larger pouch volume while using the same total amount of material.
  • the foregoing preferred embodiments of the dispenser package of the present invention may be thermoformed from a wide variety of plastic materials, including, e.g., PP (polypropylene) Barex, HDPE (high density polyethylene) , HIPS (high impact polystyrene) and foamed HIPS, as well as various laminations and/or coextrusions of the aforesaid materials and other plastic materials, including, e.g., PP/EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) /PP; Barex/PP; Barex/EVOH/PP; PET (polyethylene tetrafluoride) /LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) ; PET/EVOH/LLDPE; PVC (polyvinylchloride) /LLDPE; NY (nylon) /LLDPE; and
  • the foregoing preferred embodiments of the dispenser packages of the present invention may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, as desired, although the preferred size range is from about 2 ml capacity to about 4 fluid ounce capacity.
  • the aforesaid package may be manufactured in a wide range of dimensions.
  • a typical size for a package containing 30 ml or 1 fluid ounce of material is on the order of about 1 inch deep by about 1 inch wide by about 3 to 4 inches long, which fits comfortably in the palm of the hand of most users.
  • the independent formations of aperture forming means and the tethered caps may be applied to a very wide range of packaged from single use sizes to half gallons.
  • the apparatus of the present invention forming the preferred aperture-forming protrusion member in the cover member of the dispenser package includes a two-stage punch member which advances to engage and clamp a thermoformable material against a self-centering and self-aligning hollow anvil member.
  • the first punch member advances to initially form a hollow, drum-shaped protrusion in a specific heated area of the thermoformable material.
  • a second punch member preferably located within, and moveable relative to, the first punch member continues to advance forward.
  • the second punch member includes a first generally frusto-conically shaped surface adapted to form a substantially cylindrical or frusto- conically shaped hollow tip member extending from the drum-like protrusion formed by the first punch member.
  • the forward advancement of the second punch brings a second shallow conical surface into cooperating engagement with the peripheral edge or rim defining the hollow portion of the anvil member to thereby compress the wall of the formed hollow tip about a peripheral portion thereof to create a weakened fault line in the hollow tip protrusion member.
  • the aforesaid punch and anvil members create a fault line at the base of the aforesaid hollow tip protrusion member which extends continuously about the periphery thereof.
  • the heated sheet of thermoformable material is clamped against the anvil member and a single stage punch member having a generally frusto-conically shaped forward end portion is thereafter advanced to form the aforesaid hollow, substantially cylindrical or frusto- conically shaped tip member.
  • a single stage punch member having a generally frusto-conically shaped forward end portion is thereafter advanced to form the aforesaid hollow, substantially cylindrical or frusto- conically shaped tip member.
  • the rim of the anvil member compresses the wall of the hollow tip member about the periphery thereof to create a weakened fault line.
  • the heated thermoformable film material
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention with an integrally formed cap member;
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the dispenser package of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention with an integrally formed cap member on the underside of the containment members rim and their skin like unformed cover member;
  • FIG. 3 is an end view of the dispenser package of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation, partly sectional, of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention for forming the breakaway tip and nozzle protrusion members in a heated sheet of thermoplastic material;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view, partly in elevation, of the first and second punch members and the self-aligning hollow anvil member illustrated in FIG. 4, this view illustrating formation of the first protrusion member in the thermoplastic sheet material;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating formation of the second protrusion member in the thermoplastic sheet material
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of FIG. 6, illustrating formation of the peripherally extending weakened fault line at the base of the second protrusion member
  • FIG. 7a an enlarged side plan view of first and second protrusion members according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7b is an enlarged side plan view of first and second protrusion members according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the dispensing package of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the dispensing package of Figure 8, illustrating the cap member removed from its molded position and placed over the breakaway tip protrusion member;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration showing the use of a hollow punch member for forming a central sealing plug member in the cap member illustrated in the preceding drawings;
  • FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a cap member formed with a central plug from the apparatus of Figure 10;
  • FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodi ⁇ ment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member forms a hollow frusto-conical protrusion in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;
  • FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodi ⁇ ment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member forms a hollow frusto-conical protrusion in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;
  • 12a is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodi ⁇ ment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member forms a hollow frusto-conical protrusion having a right-cylindrical base in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;
  • FIG. 12b is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating an alternative embodi ⁇ ment of the punch and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a single punch member having a spherical tip forms a hollow mound protrusion in the surface of the cover member for a dispenser package and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the mound;
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic elevation view of the breakaway tip formed by the punch and anvil members illustrated in FIG. 12;
  • FIG. 13a is a schematic elevation view of the breakaway tip formed by the punch and anvil members illustrated in FIG. 12a;
  • FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the breakaway tip and cap member are formed in a lateral extension of the cover member and the breakaway tip member communicates with the containment pouch through a shallow channel member;
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 is an end view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, wherein the lateral extension of the cover member also extends angularly downwardly;
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the cap member, formed with bristles or nubs on its outer surface;
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic view of another alternate embodiment of the cap member, formed with a flattened spreader tool utensil on its outer surface;
  • FIGS. 20a-d are partial end views of still other alternate embodiments of the cap member of the present invention, each view illustrating an open-ended cap member;
  • FIG. 2la is a top plan view of a reclosable outlet aperture forming structure which can be applied to various forms of containers in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 21b is a side view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure shown in FIG. 21a;
  • FIG. 22a is a perspective view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure of FIGs. 2la-b, as applied to a milk carton, in which the cap is placed over the outlet;
  • FIG. 22b is a perspective view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure of FIGs. 21a-b, as applied to a milk carton, in which the cap is removed from the outlet so as to allow removal of the breakaway outlet tip;
  • FIG. 22c is a perspective view of the reclosable outlet aperture forming structure of FIGs. 2la-b, as applied to a milk carton, in which the breakaway tip is removed from the outlet to form an opening therethrough;
  • FIG. 22d is a perspective view of the milk carton of Figures 22a-c, in which the breakaway tip is removed from the outlet to form an opening through which milk is being poured;
  • FIG. 23 is a side view of a low profile breakaway tip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23a is a side view of a low profile breakaway tip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a top view of the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 24a is a top view of the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23a;
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23 with the removed breakaway tip shown in phantom;
  • FIG. 26 is a side view of a cap for use with the low profile breakaway tip of FIG. 23;
  • FIG. 27 is a side view of a another embodiment of the present invention which utilizes a twist-lock or twist-threading arrangement to secure the cap to the base formation;
  • FIG. 28a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention in which a tethered plug is used to open and close a pre-scored surface;
  • FIG. 28b is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 29a in which the pre-scored surface has been opened;
  • FIG. 28c is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 28a in which the plug has been placed in the outlet hole, thereby opening the hole along the pre-scored surface and/or plugging the hole;
  • FIGs. 29a-d are top views of the outlet of the embodiment of FIG. 28a depicting various types of scored surfaces formed in the outlet.
  • FIGs. 30a-d are side views of the scored surfaces shown in FIGs. 29a-d, in which each of the scored surfaces haves been penetrated to create an opening therethrough and a flap descending from the surface;
  • FIG. 31 is a partially elevated side view of an outlet forming structure according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, having a punch/plug and a scored mount, as applied to a milk carton;
  • FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figure 31;
  • FIG. 33 is a side plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figures 31 and 32;
  • FIG. 34 is an enlarged elevated view of the outlet forming structure of Figures 31-33;
  • FIG. 35 is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figures 31-34 showing the mound as punctured by the punch/plug;
  • FIG. 36 is an enlarged side plan view of the mound of Figures 31-35;
  • FIG. 37 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an outlet forming structure, having a breakaway tip and cap, is applied to a foil package;
  • FIG. 38 is an enlarged side elevational view of the outlet forming structure of Figure 37;
  • FIG. 39 is an elevated plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention as applied to a foil package;
  • FIG. 37a is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an outlet forming structure is applied to a foil package;
  • FIG. 38a is a front plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figure 37a;
  • FIG. 39a is an elevated plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figures 37a and 38a;
  • FIG. 40 is a partial elevational view of an outlet forming structure according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, having a snap-in auxiliary punch/plug/cap and protrusion member, that is manufactured by a pick-and-place method;
  • FIG. 40a is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figure 40 showing the punch/plug/cap puncturing the protrusion member;
  • FIG. 41 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment, wherein the outlet forming structures are formed from a single thermoplastic web in a mating arrangement;
  • FIG. 42 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the reclosable container is provided with a scored protrusion and a dual purpose tethered punch/cap;
  • FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the reclosable container of Figure 42;
  • FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the reclosable container of Figures 42 and 43, wherein the tethered punch/cap is securely fastened over the scored protrusion;
  • FIG. 45 is an elevated plan view of an outlet forming structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 46a-c are side plan views of a container for use with an outlet forming structure according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 47 is an elevated plan view of the container of Figures 46a-c with the outlet forming structure of Figure 45 mounted thereon;
  • FIG. 48 is a top plan view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 49 is a side plan view of the container of Figure 49;
  • FIG. 50 is a side plan view of the container of Figures 48 and 49 in a closed position
  • FIG. 51 is a side perspective view of the container of Figures 48-50;
  • FIG. 52 is a side elevational view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 53 is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming structure of Figure 52.
  • FIG. 54 is a top plan view of a section of a web of thermoformable material having a series of outlet forming structures formed therein.
  • FIGS. 1-4 and 9 of the accompanying drawings there is illustrated a dispensing package indicated generally at 10 according to the present invention.
  • the package 10 can be used for single or multiple uses and can be reclosed for further use.
  • the package 10 includes a cover member 11 formed from a flexible but relatively stiff generally flat sheet 12 of a thermoformable plastic material most suitable to the product contained and the protection that the contained product requires.
  • HIPS high density polyethylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • HDPE/EVOH high density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol
  • Barex polypropylene, etc.
  • HIPS, HDPE, and HPDE/EVOH are each low cost and can be recycled.
  • HDPE/EVOH creates a superior 0 2 barrier.
  • plastics of similar material may be heat- sealed or bonded together
  • heat sealing different plastics together requires an adhesive layer.
  • LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
  • multi-layered plastics formed by coextrusion may be sealed together to form sheet 12 having sealant/barrier 14 of the present invention.
  • a flexible sheet 18 forming at least one pouch chamber 22 adjacent one face of the relatively stiff sheet 12 or bonded sheet 12, 14 for containing a preferably flowable substance, e.g. a dry powdered or granulated material or a liquid material of any suitable viscosity capable of flowing under light to moderate hand pressure.
  • a suitable sealant/vapor impervious barrier material 14 is suitably integrally bonded to sheet 12 on the inner surface 16 which faces flexible sheet 18.
  • Flexible sheet 18, advantageously formed by conventional means, such as vacuum forming, pressure forming, mechanical forming or combinations thereof, is likewise suitably integrally bonded to either inner surface 16 or sealant/barrier 14 of sheet 12, as the case may be.
  • bonds between substantially flat relatively stiff sheet 12, sealant/barrier material 14 and flexible sheet 18 also may be formed by conventional means known to persons of ordinary skill in the packaging art, such as welding, heat sealing, or adhesive or cohesive bonding. It will be understood that the particular bonding method selected depends upon the particular properties of the materials used and the flowable substance(s) to be contained in the package.
  • sheet 12 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP) , Barex, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) , but when combined with barrier 14 may be made of polystyrene, polyester, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) , polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , polyethylene tetrafluoride (PET) or nylon, or a copolymer thereof, and barrier 14 is made of a suitable sealant/vapor impervious barrier material, preferably comprising saran and foil laminate, or comprising a laminate of foil and vinyl, or foil alone, depending on the nature of the contents to be contained.
  • PP polypropylene
  • HIPS high impact polystyrene
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • barrier 14 may be made of polystyrene, polyester, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) , polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , polyethylene tetrafluoride (PET) or nylon,
  • a particularly tough high barrier construction comprises saran laminated on each side with polyethylene (sold by Dow Chemical Co. under the name "Saranex”) as barrier sheet 14, in turn laminated onto polystyrene or polyester, forming the flexible but relatively stiff sheet 12.
  • the thickness of sheet 12 varies according to factors, such as the properties of the materials used, the flowable substance contained, and the intended usage. A generally utilized range is 4-12 mils (0.004-0.012").
  • sheet 12 preferably is somewhat flexible, although more rigid than the material 18 forming pouch 22, and preferably is stiffened by raised portion lla formed in cover 11 in the preferred construction of package 10.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 forms an enclosed pouch or chamber 22 between the flexible sheet 18 and the relatively stiff member 12, 14 in which a preferably flowable substance is contained and from which the contained substance is dispensed.
  • the relatively stiff generally flat sheet 12 forming cover 11 includes an aperture-forming protrusion structure 30 which includes a neck member 32 and a breakaway tip member 34 so that, upon removal of tip 34, neck 32 forms a nozzle-like aperture in package 10 through which the contents may be dispensed in a directionally controllable manner.
  • Neck and tip protrusions 32, 34 preferably are substantially hollow, substantially cylindrical and tip 34 preferably is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical.
  • the aperture-forming protrusion structure 30 is located in cover 11 directly over pouch 22 so that, when opened, nozzle aperture 32 communicates directly with the contents of pouch 22.
  • dispenser package 10 includes a cap member 110 formed as an integral part of cover 11.
  • cap member 110 is removable from cover 11 along a line.
  • cap 110 protects the breakaway tip structure 30 from inadvertently breaking off during shipping and handling prior to use, as well as providing a means to reclose the package after opening, i.e., after the protrusion tip member 34 is broken off.
  • cap 110 protects the remaining contents of the package after each use, permitting multiple uses.
  • the advantage of the tethered embodiment of the invention is that it costs practically nothing, acts as a side pressure spring to maintain the cap on the neck 32 at the opening, acts as a grasping member to assist removal of the cap for each subsequent use, and prevents loss of the cap before the contents of the package have been fully dispensed and the package is ready to be disposed of. Further details of the cap are explained below.
  • first projecting cylindrical formation 32 acts as a nozzle yielding directionally controllable product dispensation, after the tip, i.e., second protrusion 34, is broken off.
  • Low and medium viscosity flowable products tend to squirt "side-ways" or spurt in non-controllable directions, when passing through an aperture formed in the plane of the cover member.
  • package 10 preferably is positioned so that pouch or chamber 22 rests in the palm of the hand with the thumb resting on the cover 11.
  • the thumb or finger of the holding hand, or the user's other hand, if desired, may then be used to apply a light finger pressure against the side of protrusion tip 34, i.e., the breakaway tip, thereby causing tip 34 to break off, leaving an open neck or nozzle-like aperture 32.
  • tip 34 is removed and the package thereby opened, the contents of the package 10 may be expelled.
  • This method of use depends on the type of substance contained in the package and where the user would like to place the contents.
  • the open nozzle 32 preferably would be placed over a tooth brush, whereupon gentle squeezing of the package 10 will force the toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
  • the open nozzle 32 then may be placed directly into the mouth and a portion, or all, of the contents may then be directed into the mouth by squeezing the package.
  • package 10 When the desired quantity of the contents of the package has been expelled, if some contents remain, package 10 may then be reclosed for future use by placing cap 110 over the open nozzle 32.
  • package 10 further includes a cap 110. While cap 110 may be formed separately from the other elements of package 10, in the preferred embodiment cap 110 is integrally formed with and is at least partially detach ⁇ able from the relatively stiff sheet 12 forming cover 11, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 9-10, 15-18, 22-23d, 29a-c, 32-35, 38-40, and 42-47, for example.
  • cap 110 preferably is located at one corner in cover 11 so as to overhang pouch 22.
  • a cut line 114 allows cap 110 to be easily removed from cover 11.
  • cut line 114 extends only partially along the edge of cover 11 so as to provide a tether 130 to maintain cap 110 attached to package 10 even after the cap is paced over either the aperture-forming structure 30 or over the open nozzle 32.
  • Cap 110 typically is unthreaded and is dimensioned to fit smoothly, yet securely, over the necked protrusion 32, which preferably also is smooth and unthreaded, both before and after removal of tip 34.
  • Cap 110 has a base 126 which lies flat against the top of cover 11.
  • Tether 130 has several advantages. First, it has been discovered that the tether 130 acts as a spring pressing the cap against the sidewall of the necked protrusion 32, thereby assisting to hold cap 110 in place when it is placed over the necked protrusion 32.
  • cap 110 of the present invention can be designed in several different embodiments.
  • the cap can be formed from a hollow punch member 120 that forces the material into a hollow female member 122 with a central protrusion 124 to form a cap with a central plug 126.
  • FIG. 2a and 3a An alternative to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4 is shown in Figs. 2a and 3a.
  • the container 10a has generally the same configuration as container 10 depicted in Figs. 1-3 is made of the same materials.
  • pouch 22a is formed between a flexible sheet 18a and the very thin skin like sheet 12a, 14a, in which a flowable substance is contained.
  • the aperture-forming protrusion structure 30a is formed on the underside of the flat sheet 18.
  • the cap 110a is formed on the underside of the sheet 18.
  • the aperture-forming protrusion structure 30 may be made by a variety of methods and apparatus.
  • a web of thermoformable material to be formed into cover 11 is first heated to a sufficient forming temperature.
  • the web is then formed into the hollow cylindrical protrusion 32 with a closed end.
  • the closed end portion of the cylinder 32 is then further deformed in its central section to create the tip 34.
  • tip 34 is completely formed, the intersection of the base of tip 34 and cylinder 32 is compressed, reducing its thickness, to thereby create a fault line extending about the periphery of the base of tip 34.
  • aperture-forming protrusion 30 is formed by means of a self-centering and self- aligning male and female punch and die apparatus, indicated generally at 40, as shown in Figs. 4-7.
  • Apparatus 40 includes feed rollers 42 or other means to advance the web or film "F" of thermoformable material into a heating station 44 where a heater block 46 advances against the film to press the sheet against a stationary heater block 48, which is temperature controlled by a thermocouple 50 and supplied with necessary power at connection 51.
  • An air cylinder 52 provides the driving force to move the heater block 46 by means of shaft 54.
  • the heater block 46 includes two heaters energized by an appropriate power source 58.
  • a two-stage punch member 60 includes a first male punch 62 formed as a generally cylindrical hollow punch having a substantially flat end surface 64 at its operative end.
  • the end surface 64 engages and deforms the heated sheet of thermoformable, preferably plastic, material F, compressing the plastic against a similarly shaped, oppositely mounted, generally cylindrical hollow anvil member 66 movable in a bore 68 of a support 70.
  • the anvil 66 has an end face 71.
  • the first punch 62 has a clearance fit with the bore 68 so it can be moved therein to confront the end face of the anvil 66.
  • Anvil 66 has an aperture bore 67 formed as part of its hollow portion.
  • Anvil 66 is part of a spring-loaded rocker member 72, preferably supported by a ball-shaped member 74, or other similarly shaped curved rocker device, in a larger base opening 75 so as to be both resilient and self-centering and self-aligning with punch member 60.
  • rocker 74 is preferably curved or ball-shaped, a relatively flat surface in spring-mounted engagement with the base of adjustable mechanism 89 also serves to self- center the aperture opening 67 of anvil member 66 with respect to frusto-conical surface 84 and bevelled surface 83 of second punch 80, more fully described hereinafter.
  • the peripheral edge or rim of aperture 67 in anvil 66 is smaller than the bore of punch 62 to create an internal shoulder 76 when the opposing substantially flat end surfaces 64, 71 of the hollow cylindrical punch member 62 and the anvil member 66 are brought together.
  • the anvil and first punch are preferably made of hardened steel.
  • the plastic web F is formed into a projecting, closed end, hollow generally cylindrical drum-like shape, with the plastic web stretched across the end of the first generally cylindrical hollow punch, and clamped between the opposed facing end surfaces 64, 71 of the punch and anvil members.
  • a second punch member 80 is mounted for travel within a hollow bore 81 and beyond the end face 64 of the first punch member 62.
  • the second punch member 80 includes a shaft 82 whose operative end surface includes a shallow bevel 83, advantageously on the order of 45°, terminating into a conically-shaped portion 84 with a flat end face 85 forming a frusto-conically shaped tip, indicated generally at 86.
  • the second punch member and its bevel 83 advances into controlled engagement with the internal peripheral edge of the shoulder 76 formed at the opposed end surfaces 64, 71 of the first punch 62 and anvil 66.
  • the second punch member 80 can be constructed in multiple parts.
  • each of the frusto-conical and beveled portions 84, 83 may be formed separately and removably attached to the leading end surface of the shaft 82, such as by threaded connections.
  • shaft 82 and tip portions 83, 84 may be formed as an integral unit.
  • the second punch member is driven by air cylinder 87. It will be understood from the foregoing that the full length of the frusto-conical end 86 of punch 80 continues to travel past the formed internal shoulder 76 and into the anvil aperture 67 until such time as bevel surface 83 is brought into accurately controlled cooperating engagement with the internal peripheral edge of the internal shoulder 76 formed by the opposed end surfaces 64, 71 of the first punch 62 and the anvil 66. Advancement of punch surface 83 against shoulder 76 is accurately controlled by micrometer punch adjustment mechanism 88 and anvil adjustable stop mechanism 89.
  • the still-heated closed end of the initially formed hollow cylinder 32, i.e., the first drum-like protrusion of the aperture-forming structure 30 is, in a second stage, further formed into a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conically shaped tip 34, i.e., the second protrusion of the aperture-forming structure 30, by the advancing second punch member until the shallow bevelled surface 83 of punch 80 engages the plastic sheet.
  • the second punch surface 83 controllably compresses, cools and sets the plastic web F against the internal peripherally extending edge formed at shoulder 76 of the anvil to reduce the thickness, and thereby weaken, the wall of the plastic at the locus of the peripheral edge so as to form a narrow, peripherally extending indentation 100, known as a rupture or fault line, at the base of tip protrusion 34.
  • fault line 100 permits the tip protrusion 34 to be readily broken away by means of only light lateral pressure to thereby form a nozzle-like outlet opening at neck protrusion 32.
  • changes in the dimensions of the beveled end 86 and the anvil 66 are within the scope of the present invention.
  • the opening formed by the base of the tip protrusion 34 must be relatively small, such as shown in Fig. 8a.
  • the end 86 is elongated, and the beveled surface 83 is positioned closer to the distal end 85.
  • the anvil 66 is provided with a relatively narrow opening.
  • the fault line 100 and the breakaway tip 34a are smaller.
  • the entire punch 82 and, therefore, protrusion structure 30 is made narrower.
  • the opening must be relatively large, such as shown in Fig. 7b.
  • the entire punch 82 and, therefore, protrusion structure 30 are made wider.
  • the fault line 100 and the break away tip 34 are made larger.
  • peripheral edge 76a of anvil member 70 engages and compresses the outer surface of the frusto-conical wall of tip 34 to create a peripherally extending fault line 100a along the projecting surface of tip 34 between its base and apex.
  • a single punch 91 with a beveled, truncated end 93 can be used to form the generally frusto-conical hollow tip protrusion 31.
  • the single punch 91 engages the film or web F of thermoplastic material with the beveled surface 93.
  • the thermoplastic web F is first clamped between stop plate 95 and clamp means 98 of an outer punch member. Thereafter, punch 91 advances, whereupon end 93 forms web F into the frusto ⁇ conical tip 31.
  • end 93 forms web F into the frusto ⁇ conical tip 31.
  • a single punch 91B has a spherical tip 93A.
  • the spherical tip 93A engages the thermoplastic web F to form a hollow mound protrusion.
  • the thermoplastic web F is first clamp beneath a stop plate 95A.
  • punch 9IB advances, whereupon the spherical end 93A forms web F into a hollow mound.
  • the punch 91B is advanced forwards anvil 71A until the outer surface of the web F engages the peripheral edge 77A of anvil member 71A, thereby creating a fault line that extends around the tip of the mound structures.
  • cover 211 includes a lateral extension 211a which extends beyond one end of the container pouch 222 and both the aperture-forming structure 230 and reclosure cap member 240 are formed in cover extension 211a.
  • a shallow channel member 250 communicates aperture-forming structure 230 with the contents of pouch 222.
  • lateral extension 211a of cover 211 is formed on an angle with respect to cover 11 so as to slope toward the pouch side of cover 11.
  • Fig. 14-17 are advantageous in that they facilitate dispensing the contents of the package onto a surface, such as butter or cream cheese onto a slice of bread or toothpaste onto a toothbrush.
  • the top of resealing cap 110 may include bristles or nubs to function as a brush member; as shown in Fig. 19, the top of cap 110 may have a flattened surface 270 capable of functioning as a spreading tool; as shown in Figs. 20a-d, cap 110 may be open-ended and have a shaped edge configuration, such as shown at 280, 281, 282, 283, respectively, so that the contents of the package may be expelled in a shaped stream.
  • an independent thermoformed unit is used to create an outlet aperture in a container.
  • the independent thermoformed unit may take the form of a reclosable outlet forming structure 300.
  • the reclosable outlet forming structure 300 may generally comprise a cap 310, a tether 320, a base 330, and a breakaway outlet tip 340.
  • Cap 310 may be connected to base 330 via tether 320.
  • Score 325 facilitates separation of the cap 310 from structure 300.
  • the reclosable outlet forming structure 300 may have a pre-applied adhesive or sealant in the area surrounding the base 330 to facilitate application of the structure 300 to a container, such as milk container 302.
  • the structure 300 may be sealably or adhesively attached to any surface of a container requiring the subject outlet.
  • the structure 300 may be sealed or adhered to the container in an area surrounding a hole in the container, but not in the area of the cap 310 or tether 320 which must be free of the container's surface.
  • reclosable outlet forming structure 300 may be attached to containers, such as milk carton 302, prior to filling. As such, the structure 302 may be applied to a container when it is still a flat blank.
  • the cap 310 may be placed over the outlet forming structure base 330 prior to removal of the breakaway tip 340 so as to assure that the breakaway tip 340 does not accidentally break and the contents of container 302 do not escape while the container 302 is in transit.
  • the cap 310 is removed from base 330 to provide access to breakaway tip 340.
  • the container at this point is ready for opening.
  • the breakaway tip 340 is then removed to create an opening 350. Opening 350 leads to a hole (not shown) in container 302 to allow pouring the contents of container 302 therethrough.
  • the reclosable outlet forming structure 300 may be resealed by simply placing the cap 310 over base 330.
  • base 330 and tip 340 are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, although it is to be understood that other shapes may be used.
  • the opening 350 is made of PET-PVC-BAREX. It is to be understood, however, that other materials in accordance with the present invention may be used.
  • a low profile breakaway tip and cap in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • lowering the height of a breakaway tip 360 will lower the possibility that the tip 360 may be accidentally opened during transit or by handling.
  • Lowering the height of the breakaway tip makes it more difficult, however, to grasp and remove the breakaway tip.
  • This difficulty is alleviated by creating undercuts or indents 370 in the sidewall of the breakaway tip 360. These undercuts or indents 370 allows a user's finger to hook and break away the tip 360 in a single motion.
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of the low profile breakaway tip with the removed breakaway tip shown in phantom.
  • the undercuts or indents 370 are preferably arranged in opposed positions to facilitate ease of use and manufacture. It is to be understood that the number and location of the undercuts/indents 370 may be varied.
  • Base indents 392 in base 380 are shaped and dimensioned to receive opposed inward protrusions 396 of cap 394. These protrusions 394 snap into indents 392, thereby securing cap 390 to base 380.
  • a tether (not shown) may also be used to attach cap 390 to base 380.
  • this embodiment of the present invention may be used in a wide variety of applications, including dispensers for creamers, unit dose medications, salad dressings, beauty aids, dental products, condiments, candy confections, syrups, granular products, etc. It is also to be understood that this embodiment of the present invention may be manufactured by utilizing a male punch member in conjunction with a self- centering and receding female anvil system, as previously shown and described.
  • a twist-lock or twist-threading arrangement may also be used to secure the cap to the base.
  • a twist-lock or twist-threading arrangement 400 to secure the cap 410 to the base formation 420 is shown.
  • cap 410 has an inner protrusion 415 which engages cam surface 430 of base 420.
  • inner protrusion 415 engages cam surface 430 to create a twist-lock or twist-thread arrangement.
  • a tether (not shown) may also be used in such an arrangement.
  • Base 420 may also have a breakaway tip 425 attached thereto.
  • the present invention also includes a tethered plug/punch and scored surface arrangement as shown in Figures 28a-c, 29a-d and 30a-d.
  • Figures 28a and 28b are perspective views of such an embodiment of the present invention in which a tethered plug is used to open and close a pre-scored surface.
  • a plug 460 is used to open a pre- scored surface 470 of outlet 480.
  • the score is in the form of an interrupted circle, although it is to be understood that other types of scored surfaces, such as those shown in Figures 29a-d, may also be used.
  • Figures 28b and 28c depict a flap 485 which is created when plug 460 is used to penetrate the scored surface 470.
  • a tether 490 may also be created through the use of a score 495 in arrangement 450.
  • Plug 460 which may be connected to arrangement 450 via this tether 490, may also be used as a cork to close the outlet hole. As such, plug 460 may be used both as a plug and as an opening tool to create and/or plug an aperture in the pre-scored surface.
  • plug 460 has a conical shape, although it is to be understood that other shapes may be used.
  • the score may have a partially circular shape, a V- shape, an X-shape, a star shape, or box shape, although it is to be understood that other patterns may also be utilized.
  • the flap created by the penetration of plug 460 will differ.
  • the penetration of scored V-shaped surface 490 will create a flap 491; the penetration of scored X-shaped surface 492 will create a flap 493; the penetration of scored star-shaped surface 494 will create a flap 495; and the penetration of a scored surface 496 will create a rectangular-shaped flap 497.
  • a container 500 is provided with a reclosable outlet forming structure 510. More specifically, the outlet former structure 510 comprises a curvilinear dome or mound 530 and a dual purpose punch/plug 520. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, the container 500 includes a hole, not shown, over which the mound 530 is secured. Because the punch/plug 520 must be lifted and inverted for insertion into the scored area 532, it must not be sealed to the container 500. On the other hand, the mound 530 portion of the outlet forming structure 510 must be securely adhered over the hole in the container 500. As can best be seen in Fig.
  • the outlet forming structure 510 comprises a layer of foil 534 laminated to the plastic forming the outlet forming structure 510.
  • the portion of the foil 534 underneath the mound 530 should be unsupported other than the adhesive used to secure it to the mound 530.
  • the foil 534 is secured to the container 500, about the hole in the container 500, so that the contents do not leak out beneath the outlet forming structure 510.
  • the foil laminated adhesive should be one that gives adequate adhesion but sets up with minimal tensile strength of its own. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive may approach being brittle.
  • the mound 530 further includes a fault line pattern or scored pattern 532.
  • the fault lines 532 may take on any number of patterns, such as those shown in Figs. 29a-d.
  • the foil 534 is laminated to the entire surface of the mound 530 and preferably, is not scored.
  • the adhesive may be omitted from the fault line pattern 532.
  • the punch/plug 520 is secured to the outlet forming structure 510 via a tether 524.
  • the tether 524 is created by a cut 522 through the foil/plastic laminate. As can best be seen in Fig. 32, the cut 522 preferably takes a curvilinear path, following the periphery of the outlet forming structure 510. Such a cut 522 provides an elongated tether 524.
  • the punch/plug 520 is firmly pushed into the fault line pattern 532 to rupture the scored mound 530. This operation is best shown in Fig. 35. Having forced the punch/plug 520 through the scored area 532 of the mound 530, an opening for dispensing the contents of the container 500 is formed.
  • the punch/plug 520 is removed from the mound 530 so that contents of the container 500 may be dispensed. Because the scored area 532 has been deformed to the shape of the punch/plug 520, the punch/plug 520 may be reinserted into the scored area 532, thereby resealing the container 500.
  • the foil layer 534 may span the hollow base of the mound 530 by being laminated only to the periphery of the mound.
  • the punch/plug 520 must be long enough to extend past the plane of the foil 534 so that the foil 534 may be punctured. By wobbling the punch/plug 520 while inserted into the mound 530, the opening in the foil is enlarged.
  • the mound 530 strengthens the outlet forming structure 510.
  • the shape of the mound 530 provides a nozzle function, directing the contents of the container 500 in an even stream.
  • the dimensions and shape of the mound 530 may be altered to provide the desired flow.
  • the outlet forming structure 510 of Figs. 31-36 are preferably manufactured with a punch similar to that described with reference to Fig. 12b.
  • the tip of the punch need not be spherical, but rather may be elliptical, parabolic, or any curvilinear shape.
  • the foil and plastic be laminated into a single web prior to the formation of the mound be the punch.
  • the dimensions of the mound, as defined by the shape of the punch tip, will be limited only be the physical properties of the materials used.
  • a reclosable outlet forming structure 610 is utilized with a flexible plasti-foil pouch 600.
  • the foil pouch 600 is formed by folding a generally rectangular shaped piece of the foil plastic combination in half and sealing the three open edges thereof.
  • a reclosable outlet forming structure 610 is mounted on the seamless end 605 of the pouch 600.
  • the outlet forming structure 610 which is sealed to the seamless end of the pouch 600 by applying an adhesive around a periphery of the base 612, covers a hole, not shown, in the pouch 600.
  • the outlet forming structure 610 may be of any type previously disclosed above, such as those described with reference to Figs. 1-3, 8-9, 13, and 13a.
  • the outlet forming structure 610 includes an aperture forming protrusion 630. More specifically, the aperture forming protrusion 630 includes a hollow cylindrical base 632 and a break-away tip 634.
  • a fault line 636 extends around the periphery of the protrusion structure 630, permitting the breakaway tips 634 to be broken away from the base 632 in the tip 634. More specifically, the fault line 636 is a narrowed, stress concentrating area.
  • the outlet forming structure 610 also includes a cap 620.
  • the cap 620 is a hollow tapered member, which has an inside base diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the base 632 of the protrusion structure 630.
  • the cap 620 is secured to the outlet forming structure 610 via a tether 624.
  • the tether 624 is formed by a cut 622 through the lower surface 612 of the outlet forming structure 610.
  • the curvilinear cut 622 separates the cap 620 from the protrusion structure 630 and follows the periphery of the base 612. By having such a pattern, the cut 622 is relatively long and, consequently, produces a relatively long tether 624. Due to the long tether 624 and the fact that the portion of the base 612 that supports the cap 620 is not fastened to the pouch 600, the cap 620 may be raised and securely placed over the outlet forming structure 630.
  • a user applies sidewise finger pressure to the protrusion tip 634, thereby causing it to break away from the protrusion base 632 along a fault line 636.
  • the protrusion structure 630 is substantially hollow, an aperture, not shown, is created.
  • the protrusion member 630 has been affixed to the pouch 600 over a hole in the pouch, not shown, the contents of the pouch 600 may be dispensed via the now opened protrusion neck 632.
  • the cap 620 is placed over the base 632 during shipping, so that accidental rupturing of the fault line 636 is prevented.
  • cap 620 is placed over the base 632 to reclose the package 600 when only a portion of the contents of the package 600 has been dispensed.
  • the same outlet forming structure 610 is secured to the side of pouch 640.
  • the pouch 640 is formed from two generally rectangular sheets of foil plastic laminate which are sealed together around all four sides of each sheet.
  • the protrusion structure 630 is affixed to the pouch 640 over a hole, not shown, so the protrusion neck 632 is in fluid communication with the contents of the pouch 640.
  • An alternative embodiment of the present invention employing an outlet forming structure 610a disposed on a foil pouch 640a will now be described with reference to Figures 37a, 38a, and 39a. Briefly described, the outlet forming structure 610a is substantial the same as the outlet forming structure described with reference to Figures 37-39. Specifically, the outlet forming structure 610a includes both a cap 620a and a protrusion member 630a. As best seen in Figure 39a, the foil pouch 640a includes a lap seam on the side opposite the outlet forming structure 610a.
  • a tethered punch/plug and base member with a star shaped fault pattern manufactured as a unit 700 is shown.
  • a tether 730 is connected to the base 710 at a proximal end thereof, a ring structure 740 connected to a distal end thereof, and a tapered punch/plug 760.
  • the punch/plug 760 is manufactured separately from the other components.
  • the ring structure 740 defines an opening 750.
  • the opening 750 is larger than the tip 762 of the punch/plug 760 yet smaller than the base 764 of the punch/plug 760.
  • the punch/plug 760 includes a circumferential indentation 766.
  • the indentation 766 is formed on the punch/plug 760 just below a point where the outside diameter of the punch/plug 760 becomes larger than the inside diameter of the opening 750.
  • the punch/plug 760 is snapped into the opening 750.
  • the tapered punch/plug 760 causes the slightly elastic ring structure 740 to expand until the ring structure 740 reaches the indentation 766.
  • the ring structure 740 snaps into the indentation 766. Consequently, the punch/plug 760 becomes connected to the ring structure 740 and the other components.
  • a pair of reclosable outlet forming structures 870 and 880 are formed from the same piece of thermoplastic web F.
  • Each reclosable outlet forming structure 870, 880 comprises a protrusion structure 872, 882 as well as cap 874, 884, respectively.
  • each cap 874, 884 is connected to the corresponding protruding structure 870, 880 via a tether 876, 886.
  • the mating, horse ⁇ shoe arrangement of the outlet forming structures 870, 880 provides several benefits, such as reclining wasted portions of the web F, and that the manufacturing agreement may be repeated along the length of the web F.
  • FIG. 42-44 an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Initially, it should be noted that the container 1000 shown is made of similar materials as described above with reference to Figure 1-3.
  • the container 1000 comprises a first deformable pouch 1010 and a second deformable 1020.
  • the two pouches 1010, 1020 are joined by a shallow conduit 1030.
  • the deformable pouches 1010, 1020, as well as the joining conduit 1030, are sealed by a generally flat sheet 1040 of thermoformable plastic material.
  • a hollow protrusion 1050 is integrally formed with the flat sheet of thermoformable plastic 1040.
  • the hollow protrusion 1050 extends from the flat sheet 1040.
  • the protrusion 1050 is directly above and in fluid communication with the conduit 1030.
  • the container 1000 further includes a punch/cap 1060.
  • the hollow protrusion 1050 has scores or fault lines 1055 on the top face thereof. Despite these fault lines 1055, which weaken the protrusion 1050, the container 1000 remains sealed. Further shown in Figure 46, the punch/cap 1060 is partially separated from the remainder of the container 1000 by cut 1062. The cut 1062 which parallels one peripheral edge of the container 1000 creates a tether 1064. In order to open the container 1000, the punch/cap 1060 is positioned over the protrusion 1050. The punch/cap 1060, and more specifically the pointed end 1066 of the punch/cap 1060 is forced through the score or fault lines 1055, thereby opening the hollow protrusion 1050.
  • an opening not shown, exists.
  • the opening is formed by the permanent deformation of the portion of the protrusion member 1050 between the fault lines 1055.
  • the protrusion 1050 is placed directly above the conduit 1030.
  • the contents of the pouches 1010, 1020 can be dispensed in a controlled manner.
  • the shallow conduit 1030 provides resistance to the flowing contents so that the contents do not spout from the opened protrusion 1050 uncontrollably, particularly when the protrusion 1050 is initially punctured.
  • the container 1000 may be reclosed.
  • the punch/cap 1060 is inverted by twisting the tether 1064.
  • the punch/cap 1060 is hollow, having an inside diameter substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outside diameter of the protrusion 1050, the punch/cap 1060 can be securely placed on the protrusion 1050.
  • the invention is not limited by the type of outlet forming structure utilized. Specifically, any combination of break away tip, scored protrusion member, punch, plug, and cap may be employed.
  • the particular shape of the pouches may vary according to the properties of the contents held therein.
  • an outlet forming structure 1070 comprises a cap member 1072 and an aperture forming protrusion 1074.
  • the cap member 1072 is connected to the aperture forming structure 1074 by a tether 1076.
  • both the cap member 1072 and the aperture forming structure 1074 are formed in a curvilinear base 1078.
  • the outlet forming structure 1070 is formed in a curvilinear base 1078, it may be positioned on a container 1080 having a similar curvilinear surface.
  • one such container 1080 is generally spherical and formed in two halves 1082, 1084. The two halves 1082, 1084 are joined at one point along their circumferences, and are therefore hingeably connected.
  • One half 1084 of the container 1080 includes an aperture 1086 formed therein.
  • the outlet forming structure 1070 is affixed to the container 1080 such that the aperture forming structure 1074 is in alignment with the aperture 1086 in the container 1080.
  • the cap member 1072 shown in a sectional view, may be positioned over the aperture forming structure 1074, thereby protecting it and sealing the container 180.
  • the shape of the container 1080 is merely representative of those that may be employed with the present invention, as the outlet forming structure may be formed on a curvilinear base having virtually any shape.
  • the container 1090 generally comprises a rectangular sheet 1091 of thermoformable material. At the center of the rectangular sheet 1091 is an aperture forming structure 1092, having a base and break away tip as described above with reference to the prior embodiments. On either side of the aperture forming structure 1092 are pouches 1098 formed on the underside of the sheet 1091 for holding any flowable substance. The pouches 1098 are in fluid communication with the aperture forming structure 1092. Also formed in the rectangular sheet 1091 of thermoformable material is a cap member 1094. The cap member 1094 is preferably formed in one corner of the rectangular sheet 1091 and attached to the container 1090 via a tether 1096. The tether 1096 is formed by a cut 1097 extending along the perimeter of the container 1090.
  • the container 1090 may be folded generally in half along bending grooves 2006 disposed on either side of the aperture forming structure 1092. Specifically, the ends of the container 1090 are brought together as depicted by arrows "A" in Figure 49. Once the ends are brought together, a female package tie 2000 and a male package tie 2002, both of which are integrally formed in the sheet of thermoformable material 1091, are brought into engagement.
  • the container 1090 In the configuration as shown in Figures 50 and 51.
  • lateral finger pressure on the tip of the aperture forming structure 1092 causes a fault line to rupture, thereby forming an aperture in the aperture forming structure 1092.
  • the contents of the container 1090 may be dispensed from the aperture.
  • the cap member 1094 may be placed over the aperture forming structure 1092, thereby preventing accidental rupturing of the fault line or accidental dispensing of the contents after the tip of the aperture forming structure 1092 has been removed.
  • an aperture forming structure 2016 may be positioned on a treated paper board tube 2012, thereby forming a sealed container 2010.
  • the aperture forming structure 2016 comprises a generally hollow frusto-conical portion 2018, a hollow cylindrical portion 2019, and a breakaway tip 2020.
  • Integrally formed with the aperture forming structure 2016 is a cap member 2022 and an associated tether 2024.
  • the tether 2024 is formed by a curvilinear cut which allows the cap member 2022 to be partially separated from the aperture forming structure 2016 so that the cap member
  • the cap member 2022 may be positioned over the cylindrical portion 2019 and the breakaway tip 2020. Because the cap member 2022 has an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion 2019, the cap member 2022 fits snugly thereon, thereby sealing the container 2010. As with the previously described embodiments, in operation, lateral pressure on the breakaway tip 2020 causes it to separate from the rest of the aperture forming structure 2016, thereby forming an aperture into the generally hollow aperture forming structure 2016.
  • the contents of the container 2010 may be dispensed therefrom.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Structure formant une ouverture qui comprend un élément embout cassable (634) de plastique thermoformable. L'embout cassable comporte une saillie creuse s'étendant depuis une surface. L'intersection de la saillie creuse et de la surface est une ligne de faille (636). La rupture de la ligne de faille crée une ouverture permettant de verser le contenu de l'emballage. Un capuchon (620) peut être constitué d'un seul tenant avec la structure formant ouverture et être détaché pour protéger la saillie creuse ou pour fermer l'ouverture. Pour fabriquer la structure formant ouverture, on peut chauffer une feuille thermoformable relativement rigide, sensiblement plate, puis étirer la feuille pour créer une première et une deuxième saillie creuse formant une configuration en couches. Une ligne de rupture est placée à l'intersection des première et deuxième saillies. La feuille peut être fixée à une poche ou à un élément de rétention formé d'une feuille souple pouvant retenir toute substance fluide.
PCT/US1997/001137 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants WO1997027043A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
APAP/P/1998/001304A AP925A (en) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same.
EP97903952A EP0880435A1 (fr) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants
JP52702697A JP2002502340A (ja) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 再密閉可能なディスペンサーパッケージ、再密閉可能な出口形成構造及びそれを製造する方法及び装置
IL12546197A IL125461A0 (en) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Reclosable dispenser package
AU18381/97A AU728169B2 (en) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same
SK999-98A SK99998A3 (en) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same
EA199800648A EA001270B1 (ru) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Закрываемая дозирующая упаковка, устройство для образования закрываемого отверстия в дозирующей упаковке и способ и устройство для его изготовления
NZ331128A NZ331128A (en) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same
BR9710943-6A BR9710943A (pt) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Pacote de distribuição de fechamento múltiplo, estrutura e método de formação de saìda de fechamento múltiplo e aparelho para a fabricação do mesmo
HK99102919A HK1017864A1 (en) 1996-01-23 1999-07-08 An aperture forming apparatus for dispensing a container and a container having the same

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US1045596P 1996-01-23 1996-01-23
US60/010,455 1996-01-23
US3463397P 1997-01-03 1997-01-03
US60/034,633 1997-01-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997027043A1 true WO1997027043A1 (fr) 1997-07-31

Family

ID=26681192

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/001137 WO1997027043A1 (fr) 1996-01-23 1997-01-23 Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants

Country Status (13)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0880435A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2002502340A (fr)
KR (1) KR19990087038A (fr)
CN (1) CN1085141C (fr)
AP (1) AP925A (fr)
BR (1) BR9710943A (fr)
CA (1) CA2243962A1 (fr)
EA (1) EA001270B1 (fr)
HK (1) HK1017864A1 (fr)
IL (1) IL125461A0 (fr)
PL (1) PL328201A1 (fr)
SK (1) SK99998A3 (fr)
WO (1) WO1997027043A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2781770A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-04 Valois Sa Echantillon de produit fluide
WO2001036293A1 (fr) * 1999-11-19 2001-05-25 Redmond Sanford Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice de sortie refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants
EP1152958A1 (fr) * 1998-03-18 2001-11-14 Sanford Redmond Emballage distributeur de type cylindrique et orifice de sortie solidaire, formes a partir d'une seule feuille
US6783030B2 (en) 1999-11-19 2004-08-31 Sanford Redmond Easy opening sealed containment and dispensing package
WO2012001650A3 (fr) * 2010-06-30 2012-03-01 Braun Gmbh Emballage d'outil de soins buccodentaires
WO2012037209A1 (fr) * 2010-09-15 2012-03-22 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Raccord externe comportant un élément de blocage anti-écoulement pour un emballage aseptique et procédé d'utilisation
WO2014139892A1 (fr) 2013-03-12 2014-09-18 L'oreal Contenant économique pour un produit sous forme liquide
CN109178459A (zh) * 2018-10-29 2019-01-11 王荣涛 异型薄膜成型热封一体包装机

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2421770A4 (fr) * 2009-04-23 2014-03-12 Heinz Co H J Contenant multifonction pour condiment
JP5913779B2 (ja) * 2009-09-30 2016-04-27 大日本印刷株式会社 容器

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US5353965A (en) * 1993-11-01 1994-10-11 Lee Gary K Container for dispensing condiments
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US3128900A (en) * 1964-04-14 Chaboche
US3204835A (en) * 1962-12-04 1965-09-07 American Can Co Tube structure
US3187966A (en) * 1963-07-09 1965-06-08 Continental Can Co Flexible container with snip-off and reseal features
US3858739A (en) * 1973-03-05 1975-01-07 Barnes Hind Diagnostics Inc Breakaway neck container with integral cap
US4130387A (en) * 1974-03-05 1978-12-19 National Can Corporation Apparatus for thermoforming plastic articles
US4449640A (en) * 1982-09-01 1984-05-22 Mpl, Inc. Tamper-resistant pharmaceutical vial and cap assembly
US4703610A (en) * 1986-07-21 1987-11-03 Morris Bach Unitary tamper proof container
US5188787A (en) * 1988-01-25 1993-02-23 Du Pont Canada Inc. Process for the injection moulding of multi-layered articles
US4785951A (en) * 1988-02-08 1988-11-22 Robert Bennett Container with resealable cap
US5069367A (en) * 1989-07-12 1991-12-03 Societe Nouvelle De Bouchons Plastiques Pouring stopper with tear-off guarantee strip with a separate diaphragm
US5154327A (en) * 1990-04-05 1992-10-13 Long Kyle D Sealable nozzle adaptor for use with a caulking tube cartridge
US5152438A (en) * 1990-07-12 1992-10-06 International Paper Company Pour spout construction
US5213860A (en) * 1990-10-18 1993-05-25 Confab Guy Lamarre Inc. Plastic ampul
US5249695A (en) * 1991-03-05 1993-10-05 Portola Packaging, Inc. Spout fitment closure plug
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US5353965A (en) * 1993-11-01 1994-10-11 Lee Gary K Container for dispensing condiments
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Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1152958A4 (fr) * 1998-03-18 2004-12-08 Sanford Redmond Emballage distributeur de type cylindrique et orifice de sortie solidaire, formes a partir d'une seule feuille
EP1152958A1 (fr) * 1998-03-18 2001-11-14 Sanford Redmond Emballage distributeur de type cylindrique et orifice de sortie solidaire, formes a partir d'une seule feuille
US6598808B1 (en) 1998-07-30 2003-07-29 Valois S.A. Fluid product sample
WO2000006464A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-10 Valois S.A. Enchantillon de produit fluide
FR2781770A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-04 Valois Sa Echantillon de produit fluide
US6783030B2 (en) 1999-11-19 2004-08-31 Sanford Redmond Easy opening sealed containment and dispensing package
US6685058B2 (en) 1999-11-19 2004-02-03 Sanford Redmond Film for dispenser package in the form of a pouch with a flap
AU774705B2 (en) * 1999-11-19 2004-07-08 Sanford Redmond Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same
US6415939B1 (en) 1999-11-19 2002-07-09 Sanford Redmond Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same
WO2001036293A1 (fr) * 1999-11-19 2001-05-25 Redmond Sanford Emballage distributeur refermable, structure formant un orifice de sortie refermable et procede et appareil de fabrication correspondants
US7143910B2 (en) 1999-11-19 2006-12-05 Sanford Redmond Easy opening sealed containment and dispensing package
WO2012001650A3 (fr) * 2010-06-30 2012-03-01 Braun Gmbh Emballage d'outil de soins buccodentaires
WO2012037209A1 (fr) * 2010-09-15 2012-03-22 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Raccord externe comportant un élément de blocage anti-écoulement pour un emballage aseptique et procédé d'utilisation
US8695851B2 (en) 2010-09-15 2014-04-15 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. External fitment with anti-flow blocking feature for aseptic package and method of use
WO2014139892A1 (fr) 2013-03-12 2014-09-18 L'oreal Contenant économique pour un produit sous forme liquide
FR3003143A1 (fr) * 2013-03-12 2014-09-19 Oreal Contenant economique pour un produit cosmetique sous forme liquide
CN109178459A (zh) * 2018-10-29 2019-01-11 王荣涛 异型薄膜成型热封一体包装机

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EA199800648A1 (ru) 1999-02-25
PL328201A1 (en) 1999-01-18
IL125461A0 (en) 1999-03-12
CA2243962A1 (fr) 1997-07-31
KR19990087038A (ko) 1999-12-15
AP9801304A0 (en) 1998-09-30
HK1017864A1 (en) 1999-12-03
EA001270B1 (ru) 2000-12-25
BR9710943A (pt) 2000-10-24
SK99998A3 (en) 1999-02-11
CN1213337A (zh) 1999-04-07
JP2002502340A (ja) 2002-01-22
CN1085141C (zh) 2002-05-22
AP925A (en) 2001-01-08
EP0880435A1 (fr) 1998-12-02

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