EP0377882B1 - Flexible packaging for liquid produce - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the present invention is an assembly comprising a flexible packaging for liquid product and means for withdrawing the packaged product, in which the packaging has a bottom, a wall, and a closed upper end intended to be opened, and the means for racking form in the packaging a channel adjacent to its wall and extended from an open lower end close to the bottom of the packaging to the closed upper end thereof.

In all of the packaging used for liquid products such as beverages, milk, sauces and edible creams, the flexible packaging has, substantially like the recovered glass bottle, the lowest charges for environment, considered in its simplest form, that is to say in the form of a sealed bag to be torn or cut to extract the product contained therein, and then to be discarded.

This particular advantage emerges from an ecological assessment of packaging materials published by the Federal Office for Environmental Protection in 1984.

We can also add to this advantage that of economic gain in production and that of inviolability, this latter advantage arising from the fact that a simple needle prick is enough to empty it of its content.

In return and at the consumer level, flexible packaging has the disadvantage, once opened, of requiring immediate decanting of the liquid product which it contains into a container, an awkward operation which is a source of splashes or loss of product, because it is not of sufficient rigidity to ensure its own maintenance.

Therefore, the liquid product is completely withdrawn from its packaging and the part not used immediately is subject to air pollution, which considerably reduces its shelf life.

Considered in itself, flexible packaging has not been used recently to contain and protect a liquid product. In the countries of the Mediterranean and the Near East, and since ancient times, goatskin goatskin sewn in the shape of a bag has been used, and some of these goatskins, used in particular by shepherds, have a means of racking contained liquid constituted by a teat or a blowtorch closed at the end by a removable stopper retained by a link.

This withdrawal means that only the quantity of liquid desired can be removed from the bottle each time it is used, and the remaining liquid is protected by taking the precaution of closing the teat or the torch with the cap after expelling the air which would have possibly penetrated during racking, by simple pressure.

To facilitate their transport and storage, these wineskins are generally equipped with a suspension means constituted by a strap of rope or leather.

The clever principle of these bottles, which overcomes for the most part the aforementioned drawbacks of flexible packaging at the consumer level, was recently taken up in a commercial application for "packaging" wine, known as "box-addition ".

This is the association of a flexible pocket provided with a withdrawal means constituted by a tap located in its lower part, and a cardboard holding and protection box in which the flexible pocket is placed. .

As consumption and substantially until the end of the racking of wine contained in the flexible pocket, it retracts by collapsing under the effect of atmospheric pressure without letting air in, its maintenance being ensured by the body.

Combined with the material used for the flexible pouch, which is a metallized film screened with oxygen, these characters ensure, according to the manufacturer, conservation for several months during storage and several weeks during the consumption period.

Here is a packaging system using a flexible pouch which is advantageous for the consumer.

On the other hand, it is clearly less economical and presents greater environmental burdens than the flexible packaging considered per se, as it is marketed in large quantities in its simplest form, that is to say under the shape of a sealed bag to tear or cut and empty in a container, and this by the fact that it requires for each package the addition of a box and a relatively complex means of withdrawal, the all of these elements are to be discarded after use.

Other solutions have been proposed. Thus, in document DE-A-3240108, a flexible packaging is described, provided internally with a channel adjacent to its wall and with an elastic core. The channel is produced by wall welding and extends from an open end close to the bottom of the packaging to the closed upper end of the latter which is intended to be open to withdraw the packaged product. The elastic core acts as a pump for the ejection of the product and, above all, for its aspiration when the pressure is released after a withdrawal in order to close the lips of the upper opening of the channel by sucking the liquid it contains . As a result, the liquid is reintroduced in the mass of liquid remaining in the packaging at each racking.

There is also known a means for closing sachets for pulverulent materials as described by document US-A-2021609. This means is constituted by a tubular section split over its entire length forming a sort of clamp intended to close the bag after each withdrawal of product, and at any level of the bag whatsoever, by threading along a folding down of its walls and pinching them.

Devices have also been proposed, described in documents FR-A-1223703 and FR-A-1290196, to facilitate the maintenance and gripping of flexible packaging for liquid products. In the first of these two documents, it is a spring clip intended to hold the upper part of a flexible packaging by pinching, this clamp being provided with a carrying handle and possibly with a lifting sole. In the second document, there are various variants of a case for retaining flexible packaging which have the common feature of comprising two openable parts hinged together and comprising internal means for positioning and suspending packaging by means of gripping of its welded parts when it is closed; the variants show the addition of a pouring spout, a carrying handle, lifting means and means for keeping the outlet opening of the packaging closed.

The invention aims to improve the shelf life of a liquid food product in a flexible package, after opening the latter, and to facilitate the racking operation, while retaining the economic and ecological advantages that this type of packaging presents.

To this end, the assembly according to the invention is as defined by claim 1.

In this way, the section of the channel formed by the clamp being necessarily reduced compared to that of the packaging, it is easy for the consumer, after removal of the desired quantity of liquid product, to close its upper end, by example using a clothespin or paperclip, and place the packaging in an upright position in any container. The product remaining in the packaging is not in contact with air and only a very small quantity of this product, corresponding substantially to the cross section of the channel, was brought into contact with air during sampling. As for the clamp, it can be put in place at the packaging or by the user himself. In the latter case, it is obvious that the assistant clamp, once in the possession of the user, can be kept by him for later uses with other packaging of the same type. And this makes this clip, which already allows simple manufacturing of the packaging, hardly accounts for environmental packaging costs.

These basic concepts of the invention are explained and shown clearly by the following description and the appended drawing, as well as developments, in particular with regard to structures and subsidiary functions of the clamp associated with the packaging to form the channel.

• La figure 1 représente l'emballage de la première forme d'exécution et,
• la figure 2 représente ce même emballage en phase de formation de son canal interne.
• La figure 3 est une vue d'ensemble de la seconde forme d'exécution.
• Les figures 4 et 5 sont deux vues d'ensemble de la troisième forme d'exécution montrée respectivement dans deux positions différentes.

The accompanying drawing shows, by way of example, three embodiments of the subject of the invention.

• FIG. 1 represents the packaging of the first embodiment and,
• Figure 2 shows the same packaging in the formation phase of its internal channel.
• Figure 3 is an overview of the second embodiment.
• Figures 4 and 5 are two overall views of the third embodiment shown respectively in two different positions.

The packaging of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is in the form of a substantially polyhedral bag with developable walls, obtained by folding and heat-bonding the junction edges 2 and 3 of a sheet of material. flexible synthetic, such as for example a low density polyethylene or a sandwich of plastics and aluminum, depending on the consumable liquid product to be packaged. It can be produced in the usual way, for example by shaping and tubular welding from one or more coils.

The packaging has a channel 14 adjacent to a wall 6 which here forms one side of the packaging, and which is extended vertically from a first end 7 located in and near the bottom of the packaging to a second end 8 located at the top and out of the packaging. The channel 14 is formed and limited along its extent by a pinch line 9 produced by the action of a clamp 13, joining at the top the junction edge 2 of the walls of the package and leaving a small passage below. 10 communicating with compartment 4. The upper end of channel 14 is thus closed and the packaged liquid fills compartment 4 and channel 14, these two elements communicating through passage 10.

Thus designed, it is the closed top of the channel 14 which is intended to be opened to allow the withdrawal of the packaged liquid product, for example by cutting using a pair of scissors along a cutting line 11 indicated by a sign affixed to it which, at the same time, serves as an element of distinction between the top and the bottom of the packaging.

The location of the cutting line 11 is provided so that only the channel 14 is open, without being able to communicate with the compartment 4, and the cross section of the channel 14 is provided sufficiently reduced, depending on the degree of fluidity of the packaged liquid product. , to avoid too much withdrawal rate, and also to allow it to be closed, after each withdrawal of product, using a simple means accessible to all consumers, such as for example a clothespin or a paper clip.

The shape of the packaging is asymmetrical here thanks to two retracted corners forming two bellows 12 on the side opposite to the channel 14, which gives the latter two projecting ends. The upper projection forms a practical pouring spout for the consumer and the lower projection a receptacle making it possible to take up almost all of the liquid product contained in the packaging without it being brought into contact with air, exception, however, of a very small quantity corresponding to the cross section of channel 14.

In fact, during the withdrawal of the liquid product, the channel 14 acts as a siphon preventing any entry of air into the compartment 4, the product necessarily having to pass through the passage 10, at the bottom of this channel, while the volume of this compartment decreases accordingly, under the effect of atmospheric pressure.

Thus, after withdrawing the desired quantity of liquid product, and after closing the end of the channel 14 forming a pouring spout, the consumer can place the packaging in any container, preferably in a vertical position, or else suspend it by its upper border 2, without having to empty it of its content.

The consumable liquid product remaining in the packaging is thus unvented and non-oxidized, its taste and aromas are preserved and its shelf life extended.

The economic and ecological gain is obvious here and all the more so since the consumer will less often have recourse to the fridge than with a liquid product which had to be transferred to a container.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the channel 14 is formed by the clamp 13 independent of the packaging, intended to be associated with it at least by the consumer at the time of use, if not sold with him.

The clamp 13 is constituted by a tube split over its entire length and the channel 14 is formed by bringing together and pinching two parts remote from the wall constituting the side of the packaging opposite the bellows 12 by the action of this clamp 13, as it is threaded around and along this side.

The upper end 15 of the tube forming the clamp 13 is cut in a miter to facilitate the opening by cutting of the upper end of the channel 14 after its installation, and the length of this tube is provided to leave a communication passage between the channel and the compartment thus formed, as the passage 10 shown in FIG. 1.

As will be shown below, the essential function of the clamp 13, which consists of simply and advantageously forming the packaging channel, can be extended to other subsidiary functions which are beneficial to the consumer, by developing its structure.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment in which the clamp is intended to be associated with a packaging 25 of the same kind as that of Figure 2 to form its channel, but whose structure is developed to at the same time constitute a support to hang or hang.

This clamp, which is particularly suitable for flexible packages of small capacity, is composed of a pair of vertical jaws 26 extended over the height of the package 25 and articulated at their upper and lower parts by a horizontal articulation 27 integrating a spring clamp, not visible, above and below this package, like a pair of scissors.

The upper and lower parts of each jaw 26 are connected beyond the articulation 27, by a hoop 28 surrounding the side of the bellows 12 opposite to the side enclosed by the two jaws 26.

The active clamping parts of the two jaws 26 are extended and shaped so that they can pinch the channel 14, in the same way so that by the clamp 13 of the first embodiment.

To ensure the stability of this clamp loaded with the packaging 25, after laying on a horizontal surface, the lower part of each arch 28 has a lower projection 29 intended to compensate for the additional thickness formed by the articulation 27.

Preferably, the package 25 carries, marked along its side intended to form the channel 14, lines for locating the area to be pinched, as well as the cut line 11.

When the consumer uses this clamp, the packaging 25 is introduced between the two arches 28, the two jaws 26 are spread by manual pressure on these arches 28 and released for tightening on the aforementioned locating lines, to form channel 14.

After opening this channel and withdrawing the desired quantity of liquid, the consumer no longer necessarily has to close the channel using any means within his reach since he can place the clamp loaded with the packaging in vertical position, or else suspend it, for example by a hoop 28. Only a very small surface of the remaining liquid product corresponding to the cross section of the channel 14, as already said, is exposed to air.

The second embodiment comprises a clamp shown in the open position in FIG. 4 and in the closed service position in FIG. 5, preferably suitable for flexible packaging of medium to large capacity, the general shape of which has been shown to be identical to that of the packaging already shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a spirit of simplification.

This clamp is composed of two parts 30 and 31 hinged together by a hinge 32 joining their bases 33 forming two support feet, and which each have a side cheek 34 and a front cheek 35, the latter defining a clamping jaw 36 intended to form the channel 14 of a package 37 of the aforementioned kind to meet the corresponding jaw of the other part, when this clamp is closed.

The upper parts of the lateral cheeks 34 of the two parts 30 and 31 form two gripping plates 38 and 39 comprising force interpenetration means constituted on one side by pins 40 integral with the plate 38 and on the other side by corresponding holes 41 drilled in the plate 39. In addition, one of these two gripping plates, the plate 39, carries a stiffener 42 in a cap, curved downward, on the side opposite to the jaws 36, to constitute a handling handle 43.

The gripping plate 38, respectively 39 and the jaw 36 of each of the two parts 30 and 31 are inscribed substantially in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the hinge 32, so that when the clamp is closed these gripping plates and these jaws apply well both against the upper edge 12 of the packaging and the two walls on its side intended to form the channel 14.

The upper edge 2 of the packaging 37 includes notches 44 in the form of a U intended to be crossed by the pins 40 of the plate 38 when the packaging is placed between the two parts of the clamp.

Similarly two marking lines 45 can advantageously be provided on the packaging to facilitate positioning precise jaws 36, given its flexibility.

During the tightening of the gripping plates 38 and 39 the stiffener 42 facilitates the manual forcing of the pins 40 of the plate 38 through the notches 44 of the packaging and in the holes 41 of the plate 39.

After closing the clamp and after opening the channel 14, the assembly thus constituted by the clamp and the packaging is presented in the appearance of FIG. 5.

This assembly, placed on its feet 33 is stable and ensures good retention of the flexible packaging which is thus suspended by the upper edge 2 between the two gripping plates 38 and 39. It is also well retained between the cheeks 34 and 35 and the jaws 36 during the pouring of the liquid product, and this pouring is facilitated by the use of the handle 43.

These pliers can be constituted in a simple, light and economical manner by two plastic shells. It can constitute for the consumer, as well as the tongs shown in FIG. 3, a usual kitchen object that he can keep and reuse. It can also be made of all kinds of materials since it will in principle never get dirty, not coming into contact with the contents of the packaging, which represents a clear advantage compared to other kitchen utensils.

For heavy packaging, of large capacity, the side cheeks 34 of this clamp can be fitted, in a variant not shown, with two horizontal pins intended to rest in the vertical forks with a suitable support. In this way, the consumer can use it by simply tilting the packaging.

In a variant not shown of this clamp, a hinge is no longer provided at the bottom of the side walls 34 but above the gripping plates 38 and 39. To ensure the closure of this variant, a snap-fit retainer located between the feet 33, is planned.

In this variant, the gripping means 40-41 can be replaced by horizontal striations, which avoids the need for the notches 44 of the upper edge 2 of the packaging 37.

Claims (5)

1. A set comprising a flexible packaging for a liquid product and racking means for the packed product, in which the packaging comprises a bottom, a wall, and a sealed upper end intended to be opened, and the racking means form in the packaging a channel adjacent to its wall and extended from a lower open end close to the bottom of the packaging up to the upper sealed end thereof, characterized in that the racking means are formed by an independent clip (13, 26, 36) having two gripping jaws and intended to be associated with the packaging at least upon usage thereof in order to form the inner channel (14) by bringing together and pinching two separate parts of its wall.
2. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the clip is formed by a tube (13) split all over its length and slippable around and along the two distant parts of the packaging intended to form the inner channel (14).
3. Set according to claim 2, characterized in that the split tube (13) forming the clip has its upper end (15) mitre cut.
4. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the clip is formed by a pair of vertical jaws (26) articulated over and under the packaging to a horizontal hinge (27) integrating a setting spring, each jaw being extended, beyond that hinge, by a curved part (28) surrounding the side of the packaging opposed to the inner channel (14), the latter being formed by gripping of the two vertical jaws (26).
5. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the clip is formed by two vertical front jaws (36) with lateral maintaining flanges (34) articulated to each other and having at their upper parts two gripping plates (38, 39) intended to assure the holding by suspension therebetween of the packaging (37) upon closure of the clip, the inner channel (14) being simultaneously formed by such closure.

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