Container for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like

Abstract

The container (1) for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, comprises: a hollow body (2) for the containment of a fluid product having a neck (3); a closing element (8) having an attachment portion (9) which, in a closing configuration, is associated with the hollow body (2) along a preset breaking line (10) adapted to allow the separation of the closing element (8) from the hollow body (2) in a separation configuration wherein on the hollow body (2) is formed an opening for the outflow of the fluid product; at least a flap element (11) for supporting information, data or logos (12), joined to the attachment portion (9) and movable between an initial configuration wherein the flap element (11) is moved away from the neck (3), and a final configuration wherein the flap element (11) is fitted at least partially around the neck (3) to form a maneuver key (13) adapted to allow the removal by tearing the closing element (8) off.

Claims

1. Container (1) for fluid products, including medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics comprising: at least a hollow body (2) for the containment of a fluid product having at least a neck (3); at least a closing element (8) having at least an attachment portion (9) which, in a closing configuration, is associated with said hollow body (2) along a preset breaking line (10) adapted to allow the separation of said closing element (8) from said hollow body (2) in a separation configuration wherein on said hollow body (2) is formed an opening for the outflow of said fluid product; wherein said container (1) comprises at least one flap element (11) for supporting information, data or logos (12), joined to said attachment portion (9) and movable between an initial configuration wherein said flap element (11) is moved away from said neck (3), and a final configuration wherein said flap element (11) is fitted at least partially around said neck (3) to form a maneuver key (13) adapted to allow removal by tearing said closing element (8) off.

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein said container (1) comprises at least two flap elements (11).

3. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein in said initial configuration said flap elements (11) are arranged substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis (L) passing through said hollow body (2), and in said final configuration said flap elements (11) are associated with each other on opposite sides with respect to said neck (3).

4. Container (1) according claim 1, wherein, in said final configuration, said flap elements (11) are associated with each other by interposition of hooking means (20, 21) adapted to join flush outer surfaces thereof.

5. Container (1) according to claim 4, wherein said hooking means (20, 21) comprise at least a tooth element (20) associated with one of said flap elements (11), and at least a housing seat (21) formed on the other flap element (11) and adapted to house said tooth element (20) to lock said flap elements (11) in said final configuration.

6. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein said container (1) comprises at least a folding line (14) formed on said attachment portion (9), substantially parallel to a holding plane of said container (1) and adapted to allow the passage, as a result of the application of forces, of said flap elements (11) from said initial configuration to said final configuration.

7. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein said container (1) comprises at least a gripping tab (5) defined as protruding from a lateral surface (6) of said hollow body (2).

8. Container (1) according to claim 7, wherein said gripping tab (5) is associated along a first weakened area (7) with the gripping tab (5) of another container (1) arranged adjacent to form a strip (S) of containers (1).

9. Container (1) according to claim 8, wherein each of said flap elements (11) is associated along a second weakened area (15) with the flap element (11) of another container (1) arranged adjacent to form said strip (S) of containers (1).

10. Strip (S) of containers for fluid products, including medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, wherein said strip (S) comprises a plurality of containers (1) according to claim 1.

Description

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings

(1) Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred but not exclusive, embodiment of a container for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in the initial configuration;

(3) FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in the final configuration;

(4) FIG. 3 is a front, schematic and partial view of the forming station of the strip of containers according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the plane IV-IV of FIG. 3.

Description of Specific Embodiments of the Invention

(6) With particular reference to such figures, letter S globally designates a strip of containers 1 for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like.

(7) In this respect, it is specified that in this discussion by the term “fluid products” not only liquid products are meant but also viscous products, e.g. in the state of paste and gel, and powdery products, in particular very fine powders with great smoothness.

(8) Each container 1 comprises a hollow body 2 for the containment of a fluid product having a neck 3.

(9) The neck 3 has a substantially axial-symmetric shape with a circular cross section, with a smaller diameter than the rest of the hollow body 2.

(10) The shape of the neck 3, in particular, is substantially frusto-conical and ends up into a constant section cylindrical portion, with coaxial alignment with respect to the hollow body 2; alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out in which the walls of the neck 3 have different shape and, for example, are not coaxial to the hollow body 2.

(11) In addition, the container 1 is provided with a bottom portion 4 opposite to the neck 3.

(12) The hollow body 2 extends substantially elongated along a corresponding longitudinal axis L; in this respect it is emphasized that in the present discussion the term “longitudinal” is used with reference to the direction of greater extension of the hollow body 2.

(13) Each container 1 comprises at least one gripping tab 5 defined as protruding from the lateral surface 6 of the hollow body 2.

(14) As can be seen in the figures, each container 1 comprises two gripping tabs 5 defined, with respect to the longitudinal axis L, on diametrically opposite portions of the hollow body 2.

(15) The gripping tabs 5, in fact, are associated along a first weakened area 7 with the gripping tab 5 of another container 1 arranged adjacent to form the strip S of containers 1.

(16) In addition, the container 1 comprises a closing element 8 provided with an attachment portion 9 which, in a closing configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2), is associated with the hollow body 2 along a preset breaking line 10.

(17) If necessary, the attachment portion 9 can be shaped so as to define at least one shutter element insertable into the outflow opening, in such a way as to allow the re-closing of the container 1 for uses subsequent to the first one.

(18) In detail, the shutter element is the type of a pin which extends in a cantilever fashion from the attachment portion 9 and is coaxial to the longitudinal axis L.

(19) Preferably, the preset breaking line 10 is formed on the neck 3.

(20) Within the ambit of the present discussion, by the term “preset breaking line” is meant an area of the containers 1 having a weakened section and is, therefore, easily tearable.

(21) The preset breaking line 10 is adapted to allow the separation of the closing element 8 from the hollow body 2 so as to define a separation configuration wherein on the hollow body 2 is formed an outflow opening, not visible in the figures, of the fluid product.

(22) In this case, the outflow opening is formed on the neck 3; this means that the hollow body 2 ends up in the neck 3, the lateral surface 6 of which defines the margins of the outflow opening itself.

(23) Each container 1, in practice, is made integral in a single body piece in the aforementioned closed configuration by means of, e.g., a manufacturing process by injection molding which will be described in more detail in the remainder of this discussion.

(24) After filling the hollow body 2 with the fluid product and sealing the outflow opening, each container 1 is intended to be opened by a user only shortly before use, by tearing off the preset breaking line 10 and separating the closing element 8 from the hollow body 2.

(25) The container 1 comprises at least one flap element 11 for supporting information, data or logos 12, which is joined to the attachment portion 9 and movable between an initial configuration (FIG. 1) wherein the flap element 11 is moved away from the neck 3, and a final configuration (FIG. 2) wherein the flap element 11 is fitted at least partially around the neck 3 to form a maneuver key 13 adapted to allow the removal by tearing off the closing element 8.

(26) With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the container 1 comprises two flap elements 11.

(27) Alternative embodiments cannot also be ruled out in which the container 1 comprises three, four, etc. flap elements 11.

(28) Each flap element 11 comprises a support surface having a substantially curvilinear profile.

(29) In detail, each flap element 11 is delimited by a first side 16 and a second side 17 substantially parallel to a folding line 14 formed on the attachment portion 9, and by a third side 18 and a fourth side 19 which extend substantially transversely to the folding line 14.

(30) Preferably, the first side 16 is associated with the attachment portion 9, and the second side 17 is opposite to the first side 16.

(31) Each flap element 11 is associated along a second weakened area 15 with the flap element 11 of another container 1 arranged adjacent to form the strip S of containers 1.

(32) In the initial configuration the flap elements 11 are arranged substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis L passing through the neck 3, and in the final configuration the flap elements 11 are associated with each other on opposite sides with respect to the neck 3.

(33) In this case, in the final configuration, the flap elements 11 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

(34) The passage of the flap elements 11 from the initial configuration to the final configuration is facilitated by the folding line 14 which is provided substantially parallel to a holding plane of the container 1.

(35) With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, each container 1 comprises two folding lines 14 formed on the attachment portion 9 on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

(36) Within the ambit of the present discussion, by the term “folding line” is meant an elastically deformable area of the attachment portion 9 and which, therefore, by folding without breaking, is adapted to facilitate the passage of the flap elements 11 from the initial configuration to the final configuration.

(37) In the final configuration, the flap elements 11 are associated with each other by interposition of hooking means 20, 21 adapted to join flush the respective outer surfaces.

(38) The hooking means 20, 21 comprise at least one tooth element 20 associated with one of the flap elements 11, and at least a housing seat 21 made on the other flap element 11 and adapted to house the tooth element 20 to lock the flap elements 11 in the final configuration.

(39) With reference to the particular embodiment shown in the figures, each pair of flap elements 11 comprises four tooth elements 20 and, at the same time, four housing seats 21.

(40) In this case, two tooth elements 20 are formed in the proximity of the third side 18 of a flap element 11, and two tooth elements 20 are formed in the proximity of the fourth side 19 of the other flap element 11.

(41) Similarly to the tooth elements 20, also the housing seats 21 are made in twos in the proximity of the third side 18 and of the fourth side 19, respectively.

(42) As can be seen in the figures, the housing seats 21 are through holes inside which each tooth element 20 engages by interlocking and stops up against a corresponding abutment side 22 of the housing seat 21.

(43) The interlocking of the tooth elements 20 inside the housing seat 21 is adapted to prevent the flap elements 11 from mutually moving away; this way the information, data or logos 12 supported by the flap elements 11 remain always available and can be consulted by the user even when the container 1 is opened.

(44) The operation of the present invention is as follows.

(45) Starting from the initial configuration (FIG. 1), the flap elements 11 are lowered and associated with each other to form the maneuver key 13 (FIG. 2).

(46) Each tooth element 20 locked inside the respective housing seat 21 ensures the maintenance of the final configuration during the packaging, storage, transport and use operations of the container 1.

(47) At the time of use, the user moves the closing element 8 away from the hollow body 2 by tearing the preset breaking line 10 off.

(48) During this operation, the maneuver key 13 is grasped by the user and, by exploiting the partial deformability in centripetal direction of the same, is removed to form the outflow opening of the fluid element.

(49) The present invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of containers for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like.

(50) The process comprises a plurality of steps. In this case, the first step consists in forming at least a container 1 having: the hollow body 2 for the containment of a fluid product and having the neck 3; the closing element 8, in turn, having the attachment portion 9 which, in a closing configuration, is associated with the hollow body 2 along the preset breaking line 10 adapted to allow the separation of the closing element 8 from the hollow body 2 in a separation configuration wherein on the hollow body 2 is formed the outflow opening of the fluid product.

(51) Preferably, the first step is carried out by injection molding of plastic material inside a forming mold 23, 24.

(52) The forming mold 23 consists, e.g., in a first half-shell 23 and in a second half-shell 24, separable from each other and having recesses 25 which can be mutually coupled, for forming corresponding portions of the surface of the containers 1.

(53) Inside the forming mold 23 is inserted a plurality of inner cores 26 adapted to define an inter-space 27 for forming the strip S of containers 1 in a single body piece.

(54) The forming mold 23 and the inner cores 26 are shaped in such a way that, during the forming inside the inter-space 27, the closing element 8 of the containers is arranged with the flap elements 11 substantially transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the lying plane of the containers 1.

(55) The process continues with a second step which consists in realizing at least one flap element 11 for supporting the information, data or logos 12.

(56) Specifically, the above mentioned realization step is carried out during the step of formation of the hollow body 2, of the neck 3 and of the closing element 8; this means that the injection molding inside the forming mold 23, 24 allows for the realization of the container 1 in a single monolithic body.

(57) Preferably, in the aforementioned process two flap elements 11 are realized.

(58) The flap elements 11 are joined to the attachment portion 9.

(59) The flap elements 11 are made in the initial configuration in which they are moved away from the neck 3.

(60) At this point, the process comprises a third step which consists in moving each flap element 11 from the initial configuration to the final configuration in which the flap elements 11 are fitted at least partially around the neck 3 to form the maneuver key 13 adapted to allow the tearing off of the closing element 8.

(61) The above mentioned movement occurs by means of the application of forces on the flap elements 11.

(62) The application of forces can take place by means of a movement of the forming mold 23, 34, or in a mechanical manner, namely through the use of a special machine.

(63) The next step of the process involves filling the hollow body 2 with the fluid product with the outflow spout closed by the closing element 8.

(64) In particular, at the bottom portion 4 of the hollow body 2 is defined an introduction spout of the fluid product; the closing of the introduction spout (e.g. by sealing the lips of the opening itself) is made after introducing the fluid product, before placing the container on the market.

(65) It is pointed out that in all the figures shown in the accompanying drawings, the spout and its use to fill the hollow body 2 with the fluid product are never represented in detail; for simplicity of representation all the containers illustrated in the figures are to be understood as already filled with the fluid product and ready to be opened to allow dispensing.

(66) After filling the hollow body 2, the process continues with the step of sealing the edge of the hollow body 2 itself between two sealing elements.

(67) The sealing is carried out by means of heating and/or ultrasounds; in both cases, the plastic material that makes up the containers is heated at the sealing elements, softening the material and determining the adhesion thereof when the lips of the pressed edges come in mutual contact.

(68) The sealed portions, in this case the gripping tabs 5 and the second weakened area 15 which are obtained this way, extend substantially coplanar to the lying plane of the strip S.

(69) Finally, the process comprises a final step which consists in applying information, data or logos 12 on each flap element 11 in the final configuration.

(70) To mark information, data or logos 12 onto the support surface, for example, screen printing, marking, padding or printing techniques on plastics may be used.

(71) Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out in which information, data or logos 12 are applied on the support surface of the flap elements 11 by means of an adhesive label.

(72) It cannot be ruled out the step of applying information, data or logos 12 occurs before the filling step.

(73) It has in practice been observed that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

(74) In particular the fact is stressed that the particular solution to provide two flap elements movable between an initial configuration in which they are substantially transverse to the lying plane of the container and a final configuration in which the flap elements define a maneuver key allows a reduction in the volumetric dimensions of the container itself by a value equal to approximately 20%.

(75) The fact should also be considered that the maneuver key makes a support surface available on which all the required product-related information can be added, in a clear, legible manner and always visible to the user.