EP1357047A1 - Tube for the packaging of a product with associated sample - Google Patents

Abstract

The product sample is a flexible tube (1), containing two components to be mixed together to give the product, has an outflow opening at one end and is sealed at the other end with an intermediate lateral sealing zone (20) between them to give at least two separated compartments (22,24) which are isolated from each other. The lateral sealing zone has a weakened line or a partially cut line (21) for the two compartments to be separated easily by pulling them apart. The separation zone has a structured edge (28) with an opening (29) where the product component in the second compartment can be squeezed out.

Description

The present invention relates to a tube for packaging a product and a sample associated with the product. The invention is particularly suitable for packaging of cosmetic products, in particular hair products, including styling, cleaning, care, or coloring, or products personal hygiene, skin care, or radiation protection harmful from the sun.

We know from document US-A-2002/0029985, a tube comprising two rooms to package two products separately and then be able to mix these products by connecting the two chambers.

In the cosmetic field in particular, the distribution of samples, associated when selling one or more products, is frequent. It allows in particular to introduce the consumer to other products than the one or those she (or he) buys, with a view of course to a future purchase of the sampled product.

i) d'une part à leur coût, lequel doit être aussi faible que possible ; et

ii) d'autre part, à la façon dont ils sont présentés relativement au produit acheté.

One of the problems associated with packaging in the form of samples is:

i) on the one hand at their cost, which must be as low as possible; and

ii) on the other hand, the way they are presented in relation to the product purchased.

Regarding the last point, the sample can be given by the cashier, at time of payment for the product purchased. This mode of presentation is not suitable good to mass retail, in which, it would be desirable that the product purchased is presented directly with the sample product, without modifying significantly, the cost or presentation of the product purchased.

The problem then arises of the tubes, which can be presented without further form of external packaging. One solution would of course be to stick, or fix by any other means, the sample on the tube. Besides the aesthetics, this solution is detrimental from the point of view of cost insofar as it add a packaging operation that is otherwise difficult automate. In addition, there is a great risk that, in particular when transport, the sample separates from the product with which it is associated.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to produce a tube for the packaging of a product and a sample associated with the product, and which resolves in whole or in part, the problems discussed above.

It is in particular an object of the invention to produce such packaging which is economical to carry out, and whose presentation of the sample relatively to the product to which it is associated, be improved with respect to presentations conventional.

Other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

i) un premier compartiment communiquant avec ledit orifice de sortie, et contenant un premier produit ; et

ii) un second compartiment formé entre lesdites zones de fermeture, et contenant un second produit, identique ou différent du premier.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a flexible tube of axis X, of which a first end delimits an outlet orifice, a second end opposite the first being closed according to an end closure zone obtained by the fixing on itself, in particular by welding or gluing, of an end edge of said tube, the tube further comprising at least one intermediate closure zone formed between the first and second ends, at non-zero distance from the latter, and obtained by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, of a wall of said tube, so as to define at least two compartments isolated from one another:

i) a first compartment communicating with said outlet orifice, and containing a first product; and

ii) a second compartment formed between said closure zones, and containing a second product, identical or different from the first.

Thus, with the same tube body, two compartments are delimited, one containing one product, the other containing a sample of an identical product or different from the product in the first compartment. Therefore, no fixing operation from one to the other is not required. The risk of seeing the sample, particularly during transport, separation from the product is reduced so substantial compared to the same risk associated with conventional systems previously discussed.

The intermediate closure zone comprises means, in particular under form of a line of weakness or a precut, to facilitate separation of the two compartments.

Advantageously, the means for facilitating the separation break under the effect manual traction exerted on each of the two compartments. Traction is for example exercised by holding one of the compartments in one hand, and in the other hand the other compartment, the separation being obtained by a gesture hands apart from each other.

The intermediate closure zone is preferably rectilinear, and substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube. However, this is not an obligation, said zone possibly being in particular curved, inclined relative to the axis, or extend in a zigzag.

Advantageously, at least one of said closure zones has an edge not straight so as to allow, when the second compartment is opened, to delimit a localized exit passage for the product contained in the second compartment.

Thus, by cutting out the closure zone having said non-straight edge, according to a straight cut, preferably intercepting at least two points said non-straight edge, an opening is formed between the two said points.

Preferably, said non-straight edge is formed by the closure zone intermediate and defines a protuberance in communication with the second compartment, and turned towards the first. So, by a cut such as described above, a passage of small width, preferably centered on the longitudinal axis of the tube, is defined so as to allow localized distribution of the product.

Means, in particular in the form of a cutting or tearing primer or a line of weakness or precut are provided to favor manual opening of the second compartment. Such means can be provided either at the end closure area or at the intermediate closing area. Again, in the absence of such pre-existing means, the opening can be done by a simple cut using a pair of scissors.

Preferably, the tube comprises a tubular body obtained by extruding a layer of at least one thermoplastic material, in particular a polyethylene, high or low density, or polypropylene, or by rolling or coextruding a multi-layer complex comprising at least one thermoplastic material.

The outer surface of the body, with the possible exception of portions of surface corresponding to the two closing zones, may include a varnish, intended in particular to favor the decoration.

The outlet opening of the tube can be delimited by a head attached to the body of the tube, and mounted on the latter, in particular by welding or gluing. The head is preferably obtained by injection.

The end closing area and the intermediate closing area can be obtained by bonding or welding, in particular hot or ultrasonic.

Advantageously, the first end of the tube is equipped with a capsule of distribution comprising an orifice for the distribution of the product, in communication, at least selective, with said outlet, and an element of closure for reversibly closing said dispensing orifice.

More specifically, the dispensing capsule may include a body fixedly mounted on the tube, in particular by snap-fastening or by screwing, and delimiting said dispensing orifice, said closing element being articulated on said body, in particular via a film hinge or a spring effect hinge. The element of closure can also be screwed or snapped onto the body of the capsule.

i) par une extrémité ouverte du tube, opposée à une extrémité fermée, introduire ledit produit jusqu'à un niveau de remplissage situé à distance non nulle de l'extrémité ouverte ;

ii) réaliser une zone de fermeture intermédiaire au dessus dudit niveau de remplissage, et à distance non nulle de ladite extrémité ouverte, en fixant sur elle même, selon au moins une ligne transversale audit axe X, une paroi latérale du tube, de manière à obturer un premier compartiment formé d'un premier côté de ladite zone de fermeture intermédiaire ;

iii) par ladite extrémité ouverte, introduire le produit échantillon au dessus de ladite zone de fermeture intermédiaire ; et

iv) réaliser une zone de fermeture d'extrémité en fixant sur lui même un bord d'extrémité dudit tube, de manière à former, du côté de la zone de fermeture intermédiaire opposé au premier compartiment, un second compartiment contenant le produit échantillon de manière isolée du produit contenu dans le premier compartiment, et

v) réaliser des moyens, notamment sous forme d'une ligne de faiblesse ou d'une prédécoupe, pour faciliter la séparation ultérieure des deux compartiments.

According to another aspect of the invention, a packaging process is also carried out inside a flexible tube of axis X, of a product and of a sample product associated with said product, said process consisting in:

i) through an open end of the tube, opposite a closed end, introduce said product to a filling level located at non-zero distance from the open end;

ii) producing an intermediate closure zone above said filling level, and at a non-zero distance from said open end, by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a side wall of the tube, so as to sealing a first compartment formed on a first side of said intermediate closure zone;

iii) through said open end, introduce the sample product above said intermediate closure zone; and

iv) create an end closure zone by fixing on itself an end edge of said tube, so as to form, on the side of the intermediate closure zone opposite the first compartment, a second compartment containing the sample product so isolated from the product contained in the first compartment, and

v) make means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a precut, to facilitate the subsequent separation of the two compartments.

i) par une extrémité ouverte du tube, opposée à une extrémité fermée, introduire le produit dans ledit tube ;

ii) réaliser une zone de fermeture d'extrémité en fixant sur lui même un bord d'extrémité dudit tube ; et

iii) en fixant sur elle même, selon au moins une ligne transversale audit axe X, une paroi latérale du tube, réaliser une zone de fermeture intermédiaire à distance non nulle de ladite zone de fermeture d'extrémité, de manière à former, d'un côté de la zone de fermeture intermédiaire, un premier compartiment contenant une première partie du produit introduit en i) et de l'autre côté de la zone de fermeture intermédiaire, un second compartiment, isolé du premier, et contenant une seconde partie du produit introduit en i), et

iv) réaliser des moyens, notamment sous forme d'une ligne de faiblesse ou d'une prédécoupe, pour faciliter la séparation ultérieure des deux compartiments.

Alternatively, if the product packaged in the two compartments is the same, it is possible to proceed according to the following sequence:

i) through an open end of the tube, opposite a closed end, introduce the product into said tube;

ii) producing an end closure zone by fixing on itself an end edge of said tube; and

iii) by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a side wall of the tube, produce an intermediate closure zone at a non-zero distance from said end closure zone, so as to form, one side of the intermediate closure zone, a first compartment containing a first part of the product introduced in i) and on the other side of the intermediate closure zone, a second compartment, isolated from the first, and containing a second part of the product introduced in i), and

iv) make means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a precut, to facilitate the subsequent separation of the two compartments.

A configuration according to which the product and the sample product are identical finds application especially for "nomadic" use of the second compartment. Thus, for the purposes of a weekend for example, the consumer can, in a concern to limit the volume of her toilet bag, take with her only the sample.

The product and the sample product can be products for cosmetic use, in particular styling, personal or hair hygiene, care products of the skin or hair, or of products for protection against harmful effects of solar radiation.

• les figures 1A-1C illustrent le conditionnement d'un produit et d'un échantillon associé au produit, dans un tube selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe du tube dans sa configuration de la figure 1A ;
• les figures 3A-3D illustrent l'utilisation du tube représenté aux figures 1A-1C et 2;
• les figures 4A-4C illustrent le conditionnement d'un produit et d'un échantillon associé au produit, dans un tube selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• les figures 5A-5D illustrent l'utilisation du tube illustré aux figures 4A-4C.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the packaging of a product and of a sample associated with the product, in a tube according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a sectional view of the tube in its configuration of Figure 1A;
• Figures 3A-3D illustrate the use of the tube shown in Figures 1A-1C and 2;
• FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the packaging of a product and of a sample associated with the product, in a tube according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
• Figures 5A-5D illustrate the use of the tube illustrated in Figures 4A-4C.

The tube 1 shown in Figures 1A and 2, in its configuration before filling comprises a tubular body 2, one end 3 of which is open. The body tubular 2 is formed by extruding a polypropylene.

On the other end, is fixed by welding, a head 4, produced by injection, especially polypropylene. The head forms a neck 5 whose outer surface has a snap bead 6 and a free edge of which defines an opening 7 for the tube.

On the head 4 of the tube 1, is mounted by snap-fastening a capsule 8 comprising a body 9 fixedly mounted on the head 4 of the tube. To this end, the body 9 includes a first skirt 10 whose internal surface has a groove 11 able to cooperate with the bead 6 so as to ensure the fixing of the capsule on the tube.

The body 9 of the capsule also includes a second skirt 12 intended to seal inside the neck of the tube.

It further comprises a third skirt 13, having mainly a function dressing.

A transverse wall 14 of the body 9 of the capsule has in its center a orifice 15 for dispensing the product.

On the body 9 of the capsule is articulated a "cap" 16 whose surface internal comprises a lug 17 which, in the closed position as shown in the cross-section of FIG. 2, seals the dispensing orifice 15 in a leaktight manner.

The outer surface of the cap 16 is substantially flat so that the tube 1 can rest stably on the latter.

Figures 1A-1C to which reference is now made, illustrate the steps filling the tube according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 1A, the tube 1 is turned upside down. In this position, the capsule 8 is in the closed position, and the cap 16 rests stably on a flat surface. The end 3 of the tube is open.

By means of a filling rod 50, a first product is introduced into the tube via the open end 3 of the latter, up to a level of filling located substantially at two thirds of the axial height of the tube.

After the filling step of FIG. 1A, a transverse weld zone 20 is performed, in particular with ultrasound, and this, just above the level of filling in Figure 1A.

Significantly in the middle of this weld zone 20, a pre-cutting line is produced in dotted lines 21, extending over the entire width of the tube 1. This is done a first compartment 22, a first end of which is closed by a zone solder 20 and a second end of which is equipped with the capsule 8.

As it appears in Figure 1B, the next step is, using a cane filling 51, to be introduced into the part of the tube 1 located above the closing zone 20, via the open end 3, a sample product, of preference different from the first product, until the level of substantially maximum filling of tube 1 is reached.

In FIG. 1C, the end 3 of the tube has been closed along a weld zone 23. A second compartment is thus delimited between the closing zones 20 and 23 24, completely isolated from the first.

Next, in the closing zone 23, a notch or primer of tear 25 intended to favor the opening of compartment 24.

Figures 3A-3D to which reference is now made illustrate a possible sequence of use of the tube discussed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2.

In FIG. 3A, the compartment 24 is separated from the compartment 22, along the precut line 21.

In FIG. 3B, the compartment 24 is open at the level of the tear initiator 25.

In FIG. 3C, the sample product contained in compartment 24 is distributed via the opening 26 resulting from the rupture of the tear initiator 25.

In FIG. 3D, the contents of compartment 22 are distributed identically to the how the product in a conventional tube is dispensed. Typically, the cap 16 is opened, and the product leaves via the orifice 15 of the capsule 8 in response to pressure exerted on the deformable walls of the tube.

The embodiment of tube 1, a filling sequence of which is illustrated in Figures 4A-4C differs from the previous embodiment, essentially in the design of the intermediate closure zone 20 separating the compartments 22 and 24.

According to this embodiment, the closing zone 20 comprises a straight edge 27 on the side of the compartment 22 and a non-straight edge 28 on the side of the compartment 24.

The non-straight edge 28 is such that the compartment 24 forms a protrusion 29 substantially in the axis of the tube 1, and turned towards the compartment 22.

The narrowest end of the projection 29 is at a non-zero distance from a line pre-cutting 21 along which the two compartments 22 and 24 are intended to be separated. The outgrowth 29 extends on either side of a line transverse of lesser thickness 30 according to which the weld zone 20 is at cut or tear manually to allow the opening of the compartment 24.

For the rest, the filling of the tube 1 according to this embodiment is identical to that of the previous embodiment, except for the weld zone end 23 which, unlike the previous embodiment, does not include no tear initiation.

Figures 5A-5D to which reference is now made illustrate a possible sequence of use of the tube discussed with reference to Figures 4A-4C.

In FIG. 5A, the compartment 24 is separated from the compartment 22, along the precut line 21.

In FIG. 5B, the compartment 24 is opened by making a cut along the line of weakness 30, which intercepts the non-straight edge 28 at two points of the closing area 20. An opening 26 is formed and extends between the two so-called edge points 28.

In FIG. 5C, the sample product contained in compartment 24 is dispensed via opening 26.

In FIG. 5D, the content of compartment 22 is distributed identically to the how the product in a conventional tube is dispensed. Typically, the cap 16 is opened, and the product leaves via the orifice 15 of the capsule 8 in response to pressure exerted on the deformable walls of the tube.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (13)

Flexible tube (1) of axis X, of which a first end delimits an outlet orifice (7), a second end (3) opposite the first being closed according to an end closure zone (23) obtained by the fixing on itself, in particular by welding or gluing, of an end edge of said tube, the tube further comprising at least one intermediate closure zone (20) formed between the first and second ends, at a non-zero distance from the latter , and obtained by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, of a wall of said tube, so as to define at least two compartments (22, 24) isolated from one another: i) a first compartment (22) communicating with said outlet orifice, and containing a first product; and ii) a second compartment (24) formed between said closing zones (20, 23), and containing a second product, identical or different from the first, characterized in that the intermediate closure zone (20) comprises means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a precut (21), to facilitate the separation of the two compartments. Tube (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for facilitating the separation break under the effect of a manual traction exerted on each of the two compartments. Tube (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that at least one of said closing zones (20, 23) has a non-straight edge (28) so as to allow, when the second compartment is opened ( 24), delimiting a localized outlet passage (29) for the product contained in the second compartment. Tube (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that said non-rectilinear edge is formed by said intermediate closure zone (20) and delimits a projection (29) in communication with the second compartment (24). Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means, in particular in the form of a cutting primer (25) or a line of weakness (30) to promote the opening manual of the second compartment (24). Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tubular body (2) obtained by extrusion of a layer of at least one thermoplastic material, in particular a polyethylene, high or low density, or a polypropylene, or by rolling or coextrusion of a complex with several layers comprising at least one thermoplastic material. Tube (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the outlet orifice (7) is delimited by a head (4), mounted on the tubular body (2), in particular by welding or gluing, and preferably obtained by injection . Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end closure zone (23) and the intermediate closure zone (20) are obtained by bonding or welding, in particular hot or ultra-hot. sounds. Tube (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end is fitted with a dispensing capsule (8) comprising an orifice (15) for dispensing the product, in communication, at least selectively, with said outlet port (7), and a closure member (16, 17) for reversibly closing said dispensing port. Tube (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that the distribution capsule (8) comprises a body (9) fixedly mounted on the tube, in particular by snap-fastening or by screwing, and delimiting said distribution orifice (15), said element closure (16) being screwed onto the body (9) or articulated on the latter, in particular via a film hinge or a spring-effect hinge. Method for packaging inside a flexible tube (1) of axis X, a product and a sample product associated with said product, said method consisting in: i) through an open end (3) of the tube, opposite a closed end, introduce said product to a filling level located at non-zero distance from the open end (3); ii) produce an intermediate closure zone (20) above said filling level, and at non-zero distance from said open end (3), by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a side wall of the tube, so as to close off a first compartment (22) formed on a first side of said intermediate closure zone (20); iii) through said open end (3), introduce the sample product above said intermediate closure zone (20); and iv) produce an end closure zone (23) by fixing on itself an end edge of said tube, so as to form, on the side of the intermediate closure zone (20) opposite the first compartment (22), a second compartment (24) containing the sample product isolated from the product contained in the first compartment (22), and v) make means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a precut (21), to facilitate the subsequent separation of the two compartments. Method for packaging a product inside a flexible tube (1) of axis X, said method consisting in: i) through an open end (3) of the tube, opposite a closed end, introduce the product into said tube; ii) producing an end closure zone (23) by fixing on itself an end edge of said tube; iii) produce an intermediate closure zone (20) at a non-zero distance from said end closure zone (23), by fixing on itself, along at least one line transverse to said axis X, a side wall of the tube, so as to form, on one side of the intermediate closure zone, a first compartment (22) containing a first part of the product introduced in i) and on the other side of the intermediate closure zone, a second compartment (24) , isolated from the first, and containing a second part of the product introduced in i), and iv) make means, in particular in the form of a line of weakness or a precut (21), to facilitate the subsequent separation of the two compartments. Method according to claim 11 or 12 characterized in that the product and the sample product are products for cosmetic use.

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