WO2009006690A1 - A container and a seal for a container - Google Patents
A container and a seal for a container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009006690A1 WO2009006690A1 PCT/AU2008/001007 AU2008001007W WO2009006690A1 WO 2009006690 A1 WO2009006690 A1 WO 2009006690A1 AU 2008001007 W AU2008001007 W AU 2008001007W WO 2009006690 A1 WO2009006690 A1 WO 2009006690A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- container
- seal
- seals
- wall portions
- regions
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 35
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003000 extruded plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 13
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 4
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000004247 hand Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000002566 Capsicum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000006002 Pepper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000722363 Piper Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000016761 Piper aduncum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000017804 Piper guineense Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000008184 Piper nigrum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000002639 sodium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000056139 Brassica cretica Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000003351 Brassica cretica Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000003343 Brassica rupestris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000007688 Lycopersicon esculentum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000003768 Solanum lycopersicum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282887 Suidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- QKSKPIVNLNLAAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide Chemical compound ClCCSCCCl QKSKPIVNLNLAAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013409 condiments Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006379 extruded polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000021539 instant coffee Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000010460 mustard Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015067 sauces Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013599 spices Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- B65D75/40—Packages formed by enclosing successive articles, or increments of material, in webs, e.g. folded or tubular webs, or by subdividing tubes filled with liquid, semi-liquid, or plastic materials
- B65D75/44—Individual packages cut from webs or tubes
- B65D75/46—Individual packages cut from webs or tubes containing 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a container and to a seal for a container and especially but not exclusively to a seal for a container adapted to hold a single serving of a consumable substance such as, for example, sugar for adding to a beverage.
- Single serving containers for holding consumable substances such as sugar for use in beverages in cafes and the like are well known.
- a typical container is a small packet comprising two small rectangular sheets of paper glued together around their peripheries with sugar in the space provided therebetween. In order to access the sugar, the paper is torn. Containers of this type are subject to moisture damage because they are made of paper and require use of both hands in order to open them. Furthermore, a separate utensil is required to stir the beverage.
- a combination container and stirrer has been suggested, for example in US patent application, publication no. US 2004/0076074 Al, which discloses a packet in the form of a plastic tube which has at least one end sealed with a cap or plug which may be removed in order to access the contents.
- the plastic tube may be used to stir a beverage.
- use of a plug or cap requires relatively complex manufacture and assembly, and use of a replaceable cap such as that disclosed in US 2004/0076074 Al may lead to concerns regarding hygiene and/or tampering with the contents. Removal of the plug or cap also requires use of two hands, and the plug or cap may result in a choking hazard if it inadvertently falls into the beverage.
- a seal for a container comprising a first member portion having a first attachment part, a second attachment part and a first intermediate region between the first and second attachment parts; a second member portion having a first attachment part, a second attachment part and a second intermediate region between the first and second attachment parts; wherein the first attachment part of the first member portion is connected to the first attachment part of the second member portion and the second attachment part of the first member portion is connected to the second attachment part of the second member portion and wherein the seal is operable between a closed configuration in which the intermediate portions are a predetermined smaller distance apart and an open configuration in which the intermediate portions are a predetermined larger distance apart; wherein each member portion is adapted to bend preferentially in one direction so that when the first and second attachment parts are forced towards each other, the member portions bend in opposite directions and thereby force apart the intermediate portions in order to change the configuration of the seal from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
- the intermediate regions are substantially in contact in order to provide a seal therebetween.
- the intermediate regions are retained in contact by mutual adhesion.
- the first and second intermediate regions may be retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by an adhesive .
- the first and second intermediate regions are preferably retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by treatment of at least one of the member portions to cause the first and second intermediate regions to mutually adhere without use of an adhesive.
- the first and second intermediate regions may be retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by a light heat seal.
- the first and second intermediate regions are preferably retained in contact, in the closed configuration, by a pressure seal, such as a crimp seal.
- the pressure seal may be formed without heating the intermediate regions.
- the first and second member portions are preferably first and second portions of a single body.
- the first and second member portions are preferably opposed wall portions of a tubular element.
- the first attachment part of the first member portion is preferably attached to the first attachment part of the second member portion at a fold line between the first member portion and the second member portion.
- the second attachment part of the first member portion is preferably attached to the second attachment part of the second member portion by a fold line between the first member portion and the second member portion.
- the first member portion is preferably adapted to bend preferentially in one direction by virtue of having been formed as a curved portion.
- the first member portion is maintained in a substantially planar form when the seal is in its closed configuration.
- the first member portion is preferably formed in curved form by extrusion.
- the first member portion is preferably formed from a plastic.
- the first member portion is preferably formed from polypropylene .
- the second member portion is preferably adapted to bend preferentially in one direction by virtue of having been formed as a curved portion.
- the second member portion is maintained in a substantially planar form when the seal is in its closed configuration.
- the second member portion is preferably formed in curved form by extrusion.
- the second member portion is preferably formed from a plastic.
- the second member portion is preferably formed from polypropylene.
- the first and second member portions are formed parts of a tube.
- a single serving container for consumable products comprising a region adapted to be opened in order to allow access to a consumable product contained therein wherein the region adapted to be opened comprises a seal in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
- the container is elongate.
- the container is tubular in form.
- the container is formed from a plastic.
- the container is formed from polypropylene .
- the container is at least partially formed by extrusion.
- the container is elongate.
- the container is at least 10 cm in length.
- the container is adapted to be used as a stirrer for stirring a liquid to which the contents of the container have been added.
- the container is a generally cylindrical plastic tube at least one end of which has been operated upon to form a seal in according with a first aspect of the present invention.
- opposing walls of an end region of the tube have been forced together with sufficient pressure to cause them to mutually adhere so that the opposing end walls form the first and second member portions of the seal.
- the container in such an embodiment may thus be formed from a single length of extruded tube so that the container is formed from a single element without additional parts, adhesives or the like.
- an adhesive may be used to provide or enhance the mutual adherence of the opposing walls of the end region of the tube.
- the adhesive should be a releasable adhesive so that the seal can be opened.
- the container comprises a seal at each end thereof.
- the container is adapted to be used as a drinking straw when both seals are in their open configurations .
- the tube may be made from paper.
- a seal at an end region may comprise two plates connected at respective first and second edges and the plates having respective intermediate regions which are relatively close together in a closed configuration of the seal .
- Each plate may be adapted to bend so that its intermediate region moves away from the intermediate region of the other plate when the edges of the plates are forced towards each other.
- the central regions of the plates may be retained in contact with each other by use of a light or tacky adhesive.
- the tube may be sealed, or further sealed, by adhering the walls of the tube to each other in the region of the plates.
- elongate members generally perpendicular to the axis of the tube may be substituted for the plates .
- a single serving container for consumable substances comprising a tubular element wherein opposing internal wall portions at an end of the tubular element are adhered together in order to maintain the tube in a closed configuration, and are adapted to be separated in order to operate the tube into an open configuration.
- the tube is formed of a plastic.
- the tube is formed of polypropylene.
- the internal wall portions adhere to each other by cohesion produced by forcing together the internal wall portions .
- a method of packaging a consumable product in a single serving container comprising: providing a tubular element portion with a receiving space therein; inserting consumable product into the receiving space; sealing a first region of the tubular element at a first end of the receiving space ; sealing a second region of the tubular element at a second end of the receiving space in order to contain the consumable product between the first and second regions .
- At least one of the first and second seals is formed by mutually adhering opposed internal walls of the corresponding end region.
- the first and second seals are both formed by mutually adhering opposed internal walls of the corresponding end region.
- the step of inserting the consumable product into the receiving space is performed after the step of sealing the first end region.
- the step of sealing one or both of the end regions by seals formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises forcing together the internal wall portions so that they mutually but releasably adhere.
- the step of sealing one or both of the end regions by seals formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises forcing together the internal wall portions without heating the wall portions to a temperature at which they mutually fuse.
- the step of sealing at least one of the end regions by a seal formed by mutually adhering opposed internal wall portions comprises mutually adhering opposed axialIy extending regions of the internal wall portions to provide an axialIy extending sealed region.
- the or each axialIy extending sealed end region is adapted to be opened such that mutually adhering parts of the internal wall portions which are further from the corresponding end of the container mutually separate before mutually adhering parts of the internal wall portions which are closer to the corresponding end of the container.
- the or each axialIy extending sealed region extends at least 2mm from the end of the container.
- the or each axialIy extending sealed region extends at least 2mm from the end of the container and extends the entire radial width of the container.
- the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 4mm from the end of the container.
- the or each axially extending sealed region extends at least 4mm from the end of the container and extends the entire radial width of the container.
- the or each axially extending sealed region comprises a plurality of distinct seals.
- the or each axially extending sealed region comprises a plurality of distinct seals.
- the seals of the plurality of distinct seals are adapted to be opened sequentially.
- the seals of the plurality of distinct seals are adapted to be opened sequentially, such that seals of the plurality of distinct seals which are closer to the axial centre of the container are adapted to be opened before seals of said plurality of distinct seals which are further from the axial centre of the container.
- at least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions.
- At least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together spaced apart regions of opposed internal wall portions.
- At least some of the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together axially short regions of opposed internal wall portions.
- seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions without cutting.
- seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions by applying a pressure of the order of 250 MPa.
- the seals of the or each plurality of seals are formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions by applying a pressure by means of a pair of opposed jaws.
- at least one of the seals of the or each plurality of seals is formed by forcing together regions of opposed internal wall portions with sufficient force to cut at least one of the wall portions.
- the tubular element portion is formed of a one-piece plastic tube.
- the tubular element portion is formed of polopropylene .
- the tubular element portion is an extruded plastic tube.
- the tubular element portion is generally circular in cross section along at least a part of its length.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 25 cm.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 20 cm.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 17 cm.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not less than 4 cm.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not less than 7 cm.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not less than 10 cm.
- the method comprises forming a container with a length of not more than 17 cm and not less than 10 cm.
- At least one of the seals is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
- both of the seals are in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
- the container provided by the method is in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention.
- Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a container including a seal in accordance with the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 (a) is an enlarged plan view of one end region of the container of Figs . 1 and 2 ;
- Fig. 3 (b) is a side view corresponding to Fig. 1, but showing internal detail hidden in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 4 is an end view of the container of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 5 (a) is a schematic cross sectional view through section A-A of Fig. 3 (b) , that is, through a part of the container close to a sealed end region;
- Fig. 5 (b) is a schematic cross sectional view through section B-B of Fig. 3 (b) , that is, through a sealed end region the container;
- Fig. 5 (c) is a schematic cross sectional view corresponding to Fig. 5 (b) but showing the end region the container with the seal being operated between a closed, sealed, configuration and an open, unsealed, configuration;
- Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1, just prior to opening;
- Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1, during opening
- Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1, after opening, dispensing its contents;
- Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in use, just prior to opening, in the vicinity of a beverage into which the contents of the container are to be dispensed;
- Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in use, dispensing its contents into a beverage;
- Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of the embodiment of Fig. 1, being used to stir a beverage into which its contents have been dispensed;
- Figs. 12 (a) to 12 (c) illustrate schematically a first operation in manufacture of the container of Figs. 1 to 10
- Figs. 13 (a) to 13 (c) illustrate schematically a second operation in manufacture of the container of Figs . 1 to 10;
- Figs. 14 (a) to 14 (c) illustrate schematically a third operation in manufacture of the container of Figs. 1 to 10;
- Figs. 15 (a) to 15 (d) illustrate variations of an end region of a container
- Fig. 16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a container
- Fig. 17 is a plan view of the container of Fig.
- Fig. 18 is an enlarged plan view of one end region of the container of Fig. 16;
- Fig. 19 is a schematic end view of the container of Fig. 16, showing some internal detail
- Fig. 20 is a schematic cross sectional view on XX-XX of Fig. 16, illustrating elements of a seal in a closed configuration
- Fig. 21 is a schematic end view of the container of Fig. 16, showing some internal detail and illustrating elements of a seal in an open configuration;
- Figs. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a container
- Fig. 23 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 22;
- Fig. 24 is an enlarged plan view of one end region of the container of Fig. 22;
- Fig. 25 is a schematic end view of the container of Fig. 22;
- Fig. 26 is a schematic end view of the container of Fig. 22 in an open configuration.
- an embodiment of a container, generally designated 1, for a single serving portion of a consumable product is generally in the form of a plastic tube sealed at both ends.
- Container 1 comprises a tubular central part 10 which extends most of the length of the container, and has end parts 20, 20' which are sealed to retain a consumable product such as sugar 15 in a receiving space 16 defined by the tubular central part 10 (see, in particular. Fig. 3B) .
- the container 1 is generally symmetrical about its axial centre so that the end parts 20, 20' are similar or identical in structure. Consequently, only one end part 20 will be described in detail, and it will be appreciated that the other end part 20' corresponds.
- the end part 20 comprises a portion of the plastic tube in which opposed walls of the tube are brought together and adhered in order to seal the container 1.
- the end part 20 comprises a cut tube end 21 which, in this embodiment, provides a seal between opposed internal wall portions of the tube, as will be described in due course.
- the end part 20 further comprises first to fourth crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25, respectively, which also comprise parts at which opposed wall portions of the plastic tube are adhered together in order to create a seal.
- transitional region 26 which, broadly speaking, represents a region in which the cross-sectional shape of the tube changes from being generally circular (at the tubular central part 10) to being generally flattened (at the end part 20) .
- the transitional part has a top edge 27 and a bottom edge 28 which represent regions of a small radius of curvature compared to the tubular central part and the rest of the transitional region 26.
- the end part 20 has a top edge 29 and a bottom edge 30.
- the top and bottom edges 29, 30 are well defined and may ⁇ be regarded as folds which define the boundaries between opposed side wall regions 31, 32 of the plastic tube.
- Fig. 5 (b) when the container is closed, that is with the end region 20 in a sealed or closed configuration, the opposed wall side regions 31, 32 of the plastic tube are substantially in contact.
- Fig. 5 (b) when the container is closed, that is with the end region 20 in a sealed or closed configuration, the opposed wall side regions 31, 32 of the plastic tube are substantially in contact.
- a gap 33 is shown between the opposed walls 31, 32 of the tube, but it will be appreciated that in this embodiment this gap, if any, will be extremely small in the regions between the crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25 and will be non-existent at the locations of the crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25.
- crimp seals will be described in more detail in due course, but for the time being it should suffice to explain that these are regions where sufficient pressure has been applied to opposed sides of the tube, over a small axial distance of the tube, to force the opposed side walls together sufficiently hard that they mutually adhere (or cohere) due only to the pressure, without application of adhesive, solvent, or substantial heat. This has been found to provide a level of mutual adhesion which allows easy separation of the side walls by hand, but which presents a very small likelihood of accidental separation of the opposed side walls. A convenient, easily openable, but reasonably secure seal can therefore be provided without use of adhesives.
- Fig. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view through the transitional region 26 of the container close to the end part 20.
- the tube from which the container 1 is formed will be generally circular in cross-section, but in the transitional region 26 the cross-section is somewhat flattened by proximity to the sealed end part 20.
- the transitional region 26 therefore applies a small bias force which tends to force the opposed side walls 31, 32 apart.
- the mutual adherence of the opposed side walls is sufficiently strong to easily withstand this bias force under normal circumstances .
- a user can apply a pinching action using a finger and thumb (see for example Figs. 6 to 10) in order to force the top and bottom edges 27, 28 of the transitional region 26 and the top and bottom edges 29, 30 of the end part 20 towards each other.
- the force so applied is indicated by the arrows A in Fig.
- each of the first and second opposed wall portions is adapted to bend preferentially in one direction, that is, away from the other of the wall portions 31, 32.
- the direction of preferential bending is provided by the inherent nature of the opposed wall portions 31, 32 themselves, since they were formed (typically by thermoforming) as generally semi-cylindrical regions of a tube and have a tendency to revert towards the shape in which they were formed.
- the structure of the container 1 also assists in providing directions of preferential bending for the opposed wall portions 31, 32 since, as described above, the bias force provided by the transitional region assists in providing a tendency for the wall portions 31, 32 to bend away from each other, and helps prevent them from bending in the opposite direction.
- the most effective way of opening the container 1, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is to apply a pinching force to a part of the transitional region 26 which is close to the end part 20.
- the cut end 21 which also provides a seal between opposed wall portions 31, 32 of the tube opens thus providing a fully opened container.
- the contents of the container such as sugar 15, may then be poured from the cavity 16.
- the opening operation will typically be performed close to a drinking vessel 43 containing a beverage 44 into which it is desired to add the consumable substance (such as sugar 15) .
- the container 10 may then be used to stir the beverage in order to effect mixing or dissolving of the dispensed substance into the liquid.
- the end region 20 of the container comprises a cut end 21 and a number of crimp seals 22, 23, 24, 25, which together provide light mutual adherence of the opposed wall portions 31, 32 of the end part 20.
- Figs. 12 (a) to 14 (c) Manufacture of a container is schematically illustrated in Figs. 12 (a) to 14 (c) in which Figs. 12 (a) to 12 (c) illustrate formation of an end cut, and associated seal.
- Figs. 13 (a) to 13 (c) illustrate formation of a first crimp seal 22 and
- Figs. 14 (a) to 14 (c) illustrate formation of a second crimp seal 23.
- a pair of opposed jaws 50, 51 cut a tube to separate a short length of tube 5 (partially shown) , which is being formed into a container of the type illustrated in Pigs. 1 to 11.
- the tube 5 may be formed from any suitable plastic, but extruded polypropylene, such as used to make drinking straws, has been found to be particularly suitable.
- the jaws 50, 51 are spaced apart, and the tube 5 placed between them, as shown in Fig. 12 (a) .
- the jaws 50, 51 are then forced together, as shown in Fig. 12 (b) forcing opposed walls of the tube together with sufficient force to cut the tube.
- the jaws 50, 51 are then moved apart, as shown in Fig. 12 (c) .
- the end cut 21 results in the opposing side walls of the tube being adhered together at the cut end of the tube, so that a light seal is formed, as shown in Fig. 12 (c) .
- the jaws are preferably directly opposed so that they cut the tube 5 by compressing the side walls together, rather than, for example, a shearing or scissor-like action (although a shearing or scissor-like action can provide a suitable seal under some circumstances) .
- a die cutting type of operation in which the tube is cut between a single cutting element and a relatively flat opposed element, could be used.
- an end cut can be effectively made by using a hand tool, such as a pair of wire cutters (which is similar in overall form to a pair of pliers, but which has jaws with opposed cutting edges) .
- a hand tool such as a pair of wire cutters (which is similar in overall form to a pair of pliers, but which has jaws with opposed cutting edges) .
- this corresponds to a force of approximately 1000 Newtons over a jaw contact area approximately 0.5 mm by 10 mm, corresponding to a pressure of approximately 2 x 10 8 Newtons per m 2 or 200 MPa being suitable for forming an end of a container.
- Figs. 13 (a) to 13 (c) illustrate schematically creation of a first crimp seal 22.
- the crimp seal may be formed, as illustrated, by the same pair of opposed jaws 50, 51 as formed the cut end 21.
- the jaws 50, 51 are spaced apart, as shown in Fig. 13 (a) , and the tube 5 moved relative to the jaws (compared to the operation of Figs. 12 (a) to 12 (c) ) so that the jaws can operate on a part of the tube close to, but spaced slightly from the end of the tube.
- the jaws 50, 51 are then forced together, as shown in Fig. 13 (b) forcing opposed walls of the tube together with sufficient force to cause them to mutually adhere, but not so as to cut the tube.
- the jaws 50, 51 are then moved apart, as shown in Fig. 13 (c) .
- an appropriate crimp seal can be effectively made by hand, by using a pair of wire cutters, but moderating the amount of force applied manually in order to avoid cutting the walls of the tube.
- a pressure of approximately 250 Newtons over a jaw area of approximately 0.5mm by 10 mm, corresponding to a pressure of approximately 5 x 10 7 Newtons per m 2 or 50 MPa is appropriate for creating each crimp seal.
- Figs. 14 (a) to 14 (c) illustrate creation of a second crimp seal 23 by the jaws 50, 51 and it will be appreciated that the second crimp seal may be made in a similar manner to the first. That is the plastic tube is advanced 1 mm or so and the pressure applied by the jaws in order to cause a narrow band of material on each side wall to mutually adhere. Of course, it will be appreciated that any number of additional crimp seals may be provided, if desired. It will further be appreciated that the size of the jaws and force to be applied may be varied as appropriate to the dimensions, composition and characteristics of the plastic tube 5.
- Mechanised cutting operations are well advanced in various commercial fields. For example die cutting, and in particular kiss cutting can be used to cut adhesive paper labels on a backing sheet, without cutting the backing sheet.
- the cutting and crimping operations described above in relation to the present invention may therefore be readily performed commercially by straightforward adaptation of die cutting methods known per se.
- Figs. 15 (a) to 15 (d) show alternative forms of end part.
- Fig. 15 (a) shows an end part 120 with an end cut 121 and first and second straight crimp seals 122, 123.
- Fig. 15 (b) shows an end region 130 with a cut end 131 and first to seventh crimp seals 132 to 138, respectively.
- Fig. 15 (c) shows an end region 140 and first to fourth curved crimp seals 142 to 145, respectively.
- Fig. 15 (a) shows an end part 120 with an end cut 121 and first and second straight crimp seals 122, 123.
- Fig. 15 (b) shows an end region 130 with a cut end 131 and first to seventh crimp seals 132 to 138, respectively.
- Fig. 15 (c) shows an end region 140 and first to fourth curved crimp seals 142 to 145, respectively.
- 15 (d) shows an end region 150 with a cut end 151 and a light heat seal 152 which causes the opposed side walls of the tube to mutually lightly adhere, but does not use a temperature or duration that allows the opposed side walls of the tube to mutually fuse, which would prevent the described operation of the container.
- a length of tube be cut and sealed at one end, that the product be inserted, and that the second end of the container then be sealed.
- first and second opposed wall portions of the tube are examples of first and second member portions and the top and bottom edges 29, 30 effectively act as hinges which connect the opposed wall portions and are thus examples of first and second attachment parts of each of the wall portions.
- Figs. 16 to 21 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a container, generally designated 201, in which a tube 205 is made of paper and has end regions 220, 220' of which only one 220 will be described in detail.
- the tube 205 includes a tubular central part 210 and a transitional part 226 between the central tubular part 210 and the end region 220.
- the end region includes a tube end 221 which is formed by a narrow strip of each end wall being adhered together to seal the container 201.
- the container 201 may be regarded as looking similar to a simple paper tube with a flat portion at each end where opposed walls of the tube are adhered together in order to close the tube.
- the end part 220 is provided with a pair of thin plastic plates 231, 232 which fit between opposed internal walls 233, 234 of the end region 220 of the container 201.
- the plates 231, 232 are mutually connected by connections in the form of hinge means 235, 236 along their top and bottom edges .
- the plates 231, 232 may be mutually connected by any suitable type of arrangement, for example the connections may be provided by hinge means in the form of regions of small radius of curvature and or fold lines if the plastic plates 231, 232 are both formed from a single tubular section.
- the connections may be provided by hinge means in the form of a suitable flexible adhesive if the plastic plates 231, 232 are formed separately.
- the two plates may be form from a single semicylindrical element folded in half along an axialIy extending fold line, and in this case the axialIy extending fold line would form one connection between the plates and another connection could be provided by securing the appropriate edges of the plates by any suitable means (for example by use of adhesive, solvent or heat welding, etc) .
- the intermediate, generally central, portions of the plates are arranged to be close together, and in the illustrated embodiment to be effectively in contact and to mutually adhere.
- the mutual adherence may be by means of a crimp seal as described above or, as illustrated schematically in this embodiment, by means of a light adhesive 237.
- the plates may be secured in position in the paper tube 205 by a suitable adhesive (that is with the outward facing surfaces of the plates secured in an appropriate position to the inner surfaces of the walls of the tube.
- the plates 231, 232 of container 201 are substantially parallel and closely spaced apart or in contact (although a small gap is shown for clarity in Fig. 20) .
- the end 221 of the paper tube 205 remains sealed by means of the mutually adhered parts of the opposed internal walls of the tube .
- the plates may provide a seal by virtue of their mutual contact, this is not necessary to proper functioning of the container 201 since the adhered opposed internal walls 233, 234 of the end region 220 of the container 201 provide an effectively seal.
- a seal may be provided by the plates (or their equivalents) and/or by mutual adherence of the opposed internal walls, and that although opposed intermediate regions of the plates should be relatively close together when the container is in its closed configuration, it is not necessary that they be in mutual contact .
- the plates 231, 232 are adapted to bend preferentially in opposed directions, for example by having been formed by thermosetting in an arcuate shape and being retained in the mutually parallel shape shown in Fig. 21 by the mechanical force of the adhesive 237 (or by crimp sealing) .
- the end region 220 may be pinched, in a similar manner to pinching of the end region 20 of the container 1.
- a container is made from a paper tube 305 and has a central portion 310 for containing a product to be consumed.
- the container 301 may bear advertising material 306 (as may the containers of the other described embodiments) and, in this embodiment is adapted to be opened at only one end 320 and is provided with an indicator 319 in the form of an arrow indicating the end from which the contents are to be dispensed.
- advertising material 306 as may the containers of the other described embodiments
- this embodiment instead of internal plates this embodiment includes external elongate members 331, 332 which are attached to the outside of opposed wall portions 333, 334 of the container by a strong adhesive.
- the opposed wall portions 333, 334 are mutually attached by a light adhesive.
- the members 331, 332 are connected by top and bottom regions 335, 336 and are adapted to bend in opposing directions in the regions 335, 336.
- the top and bottom regions 335, 336 are forced together, as illustrated in Fig. 26 which forces the elongate members 331, 332 apart at intermediate regions thereof.
- the preferred embodiments thus provide a container for a consumable product which can be conveniently opened with one hand. This is generally more convenient than requiring use of both hands, but may be of particular value when a user has only one hand free to manipulate the container, such as when it is desired to add the product to a beverage that is being carried in the user's other hand.
- the currently particularly preferred embodiment 1 is easy to manufacture, with each container being formed from a length of plastic tube and requiring no additional parts or adhesive. Additionally this embodiment can be used to stir a beverage, or with both ends opened can be used as a drinking straw.
- the container is attractive and simple in shape (and does not require an axial seam or overlap, or a seal around its entire periphery as do some known containers) and is easy and intuitive to use.
- the container is also compact, making it easy to package and store large numbers for commercial use. Once opened the container cannot be easily resealed, so the seal may also be regarded as acting as a security seal .
- the container may be made from a recyclable plastic. Although one particular commercial embodiment is as a container for sugar, for use in cafes, there are many other potential uses.
- containers could be used for instant coffee or other powdered or granular beverage products adapted to be added to a liquid.
- Such containers could also be used for pharmaceutical substances, such as powdered cold and flu remedies, for confectionery such as sherbet, for condiments such as salt, pepper, tomato sauce or mustard, for spices etc.
- An embodiment for dispensing salt and pepper could beneficially have the container open into a chamber, provided at the end of the container, that has one or more small holes in the chamber wall in order to allow the contents to be sprinkled, rather than merely deposited.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2008274897A AU2008274897A1 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2008-07-09 | A container and a seal for a container |
US12/668,243 US20100193515A1 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2008-07-09 | Container and a seal for a container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2007903693 | 2007-07-09 | ||
AU2007903693A AU2007903693A0 (en) | 2007-07-09 | A container and seal for a container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2009006690A1 true WO2009006690A1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
Family
ID=40228113
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2008/001007 WO2009006690A1 (en) | 2007-07-09 | 2008-07-09 | A container and a seal for a container |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100193515A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2008274897A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009006690A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD636890S1 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2011-04-26 | Sands Innovations Pty. Ltd. | Dispensing utensil |
US8091242B2 (en) | 2004-01-02 | 2012-01-10 | Sands Innovations Pty Ltd | Dispensing utensil |
US8485360B2 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2013-07-16 | Sands Innovations Pty, Ltd. | Fracturable container |
US8511500B2 (en) | 2010-06-07 | 2013-08-20 | Sands Innovations Pty. Ltd. | Dispensing container |
US8523016B2 (en) | 2008-12-09 | 2013-09-03 | Sands Innovations Pty Ltd. | Dispensing container |
US8919594B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2014-12-30 | Sands Innovations Pty Ltd | Dispensing container |
WO2016110712A1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2016-07-14 | Meta4Sys Limited | Stirrer comprising a sealed package which holds therein a liquid |
US10610042B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-04-07 | Meta4Sys Limited | Crushable pack |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110138749A1 (en) * | 2009-12-15 | 2011-06-16 | Donald Chow | System and method for manufacturing a tubular container with opening and closing means |
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US8528736B2 (en) | 2004-01-02 | 2013-09-10 | Sands Innovations Pty Ltd. | Frangible container with hinge cover |
US8091242B2 (en) | 2004-01-02 | 2012-01-10 | Sands Innovations Pty Ltd | Dispensing utensil |
US8919594B2 (en) | 2007-01-31 | 2014-12-30 | Sands Innovations Pty Ltd | Dispensing container |
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WO2016110712A1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2016-07-14 | Meta4Sys Limited | Stirrer comprising a sealed package which holds therein a liquid |
US10577162B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-03-03 | Meta4Sys Limited | Sealed package comprising a squeezable product |
US10597209B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-03-24 | Meta4Sys Limited | Sealed package containing a squeezable product |
US10610042B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-04-07 | Meta4Sys Limited | Crushable pack |
US10654633B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-05-19 | Meta4Sys Limited | Stirrer comprising a sealed package which holds therein a liquid |
US10865025B2 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2020-12-15 | Meta4Sys Limited | Sealed package containing a squeezable product |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20100193515A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
AU2008274897A1 (en) | 2009-01-15 |
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