WO2009087255A1 - Reusable hygienic protector for containers housing liquid and/or solid foods and production method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable hygienic protector for containers housing liquid and/or solid foods, comprising a sheet of thermoformable plastic having an upper segment (26) fitted to the upper edge (22) of the container and a side segment (3) which partially surrounds the upper part (20) of the container and which includes a microperforated seal. The upper segment (26) includes a first annular grooved surface (34) coaxial with a longitudinal axis (30), which surface is disposed adjacent to a peripheral flange (36) of the container, open at the side thereof farthest from the longitudinal axis (30), and disposed axially below the peripheral flange (36), with a snap-coupling being formed between the annular surface and the flange when the protector is mounted on the can. The side segment (3) covers all of an upper frusto-conical surface (32) of the container and extends so as to form a cylindrical lower segment (38) that partially covers the cylindrical central part (28) of the container.

Description

 PACKAGING PROTECTOR, HYGIENIC AND REUSABLE, FOR LIQUIDS AND / OR FOOD SOLIDS AND MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE

CORRESPONDENT

DESCRIPTION

Object of the invention

The present invention, as expressed in the statement of this specification, refers to a "hygienic and reusable packaging protector for liquids and food solids", which has been conceived and carried out in order to obtain significant advantages and innovations compared to other existing media. Specifically, the protector is for containers that have an upper part that has an upper edge and in which an open lid is arranged. The package can be, for example, a can. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the protector.

Background of the invention

Various devices or means are known that attempt to protect the upper parts of the canned food and beverage containers intended for direct use to the consumer's mouth, whether made of aluminum, retractable plastic or with heads made by "thermoplastic injection". In this sense, devices based on an inverted bowl can be mentioned that enter by manual pressure in the upper part of the container or can. This system has the disadvantage that the manufacture with thermo-injectable plastic forms a thick-walled protector that does not facilitate its placement or stacking and does not guarantee a first use of the container, that is, it does not serve as a guarantee seal. - 5* -

Another device is also known, based on a cup-shaped piece, whose characteristic is that when it is formed with retractable plastic material, when performing the extraction operation, the entire protective device breaks through the central part. This system also has a drawback, and this is that after the opening of the protector, it is completely disabled and does not allow its subsequent reinsertion, to avoid possible spills.

Finally, a protection system is known, for semi-aluminum material that covers the container, presenting the inconvenience that by itself it does not present any guarantee of first use, since it is not replaceable and the function of the seal is obtained by an doubtful external element industrial application and difficult to handle.

Description of the invention

The present invention, which we describe in the present and following pages, corresponds to a system "Protective packaging, hygienic and reusable, for liquids and food solids", contained in plastic, metallic, cardboard paper type "Tetra" or others, so that at the source and until its use, prevent and avoid contamination of the surfaces of the containers that use the "Abrefácil" type opening system, consisting of a surface tongue that, upon opening, comes into contact with the liquid or solid inside the container, transmitting the possible dirt to the contents of the container, the aforementioned contamination is possible to accumulate and deposit during transport and storage, either by spillage, deposition of remains and defecations of animals, by dust or other elements in airborne suspension, so and as will be discussed below, the new "protector" will preserve and prevent any contamination when making its use. so, since it protects from the beginning, in its packaging.

The protector is provided so that, preferably, the upper part thereof has a serrated head that facilitates its grip and actuation. Thus, the protector is based on two sections, the superior already mentioned and the skirt or side covering the containers to be protected, which advantageously houses a microperforated (attached to the container) that conforms to the seal or guarantee of first use.

The hygienic and reusable packaging protector for liquids and food solids (hereinafter referred to as "Protective") is preferably formed with PET or PVC thermoplastic material according to its use, said "protector" is applied in line of packaging of cans of beverages or edible food at origin or in the manufacture thereof, with the purpose of guaranteeing the hygiene of the surfaces of the containers that we want to keep aseptic, and that contact with liquids or solids stored (contained) in the package, all with the purpose that when the "Abrefáci!" tab is opened. Do not contaminate the contents of the container, placing the "protector" at the source and on the packaging lines ensures total hygiene from the packer to the consumer.

Preferably, in the upper section of the "protector", and coinciding with the crown or closing line of the container, a tooth is molded, in order to facilitate the removal and breakage of the seal in the event that it is required, following the lower part of this crown, is the hemispherical groove of the "Protector", which coincides with the base of the head or crown of the container closure, and fitting the "Protector" with the container makes the closure and a perfect housing.

The lower side walls of the "protector" are conical or vertical, to perfectly fit the upper part of the container containers of beverages or solid foods, in the lower part of the aforementioned skirts or sides of the "Protector" there is preferably a microperforated , which separates the lower part of the "Protector", which is attached to the container (thus defining a seal), from the rest of the "Protector", and by a small turn (right or left, that is, clockwise or counterclockwise) on the axis of the container, it breaks the seal (the microperforated line) and allows the breakage, separation and opening of the container and the correct use thereof, guaranteeing that the consumer's lips or any suitable utensil that is used, are the first ones they use the container, completely clean, aseptic and free of contamination until the moment of its use, once the "Protector" is separated from the container, it can be reused several times, until the total consumption of the content, proceeding to reposition it by a small pressure and releasing it again by means of the extraction described above.

Description of the drawings

The figures and drawings are illustrative and not limiting, the figures being configured without dimensions, since these and the corresponding dimensions will be the result of the practical implementation and of the application to the various packages to be protected.

I - Package to protect. 2 - Lower protuberance of adaptation to the transition of the conical or cylindrical walls.

3 - Side wall of "protector", conical or vertical depending on the container to be protected.

4 - hemispherical groove that guarantees the closure of "Protector", with respect to the container. 5 - Microperforated line, which forms the seal.

6 - External part of the crown gear, extraction.

7 - Lower part of the crown gear, extraction.

8 - Lower outer diameter of the "Protector".

9 - Inside radius of the stacking area. 10 - Upper zone or protection curve, depending on the package.

I 1 - Toothed crown of extraction and closing, with the grip system. 12 - Gluing point of the "Protector" to the container.

Figure 1 - Shows a section of the upper head. Figure 2 - Shows a flat view, from the top.

Figure 3 - Shows a side view, in which the contour of the "protector" is appreciated, the location of the seal and its placement with respect to the container (indicated with a broken line). Figure 4 - Shows a partial cross section of another protector according to the invention and its placement with respect to the container (indicated by a broken line).

Description of a preferred embodiment

The system described above "Protector of packaging, hygienic and reusable, for liquids and food solids", (hereinafter "Protector"), and so that its operation is understood, is composed of the following parts:

Figure 1, corresponds to a vertical cut (half figure) of the "Protector", in which the extraction gear ring 11 that facilitates the manual grip of the "Protector" is shown, the inner radius 9 of the area that facilitates is indicated the correct stacking of several packages, and the upper zone (central surface) 10 or protection curve designed in function of the upper part 20 of the container to be protected.

Figure 2 corresponds to a top view, in which the lower outer diameter 8 of the "Protector" is appreciated, the inner radius of the stacking area 9, the shape of the extraction crown 11 with its corresponding outer teeth 6 e 7 interiors that vary in number depending on the diameter and dimensions of the container to be protected 1.

Figure 3, corresponds to a side view of the "Protector", in which the container to be protected 1, the protuberance 2 to adapt the two planes (vertical and conical of the container) and the sides 3 of the "Protector", conical, can be seen or vertical, depending on the container that is contemplated, and in addition the hemispherical groove of closure 4 or retention hemisphere, the outer toothed crown of extraction 6, also the microperforated line that forms the seal system 5 and the area that is glue 12 the container with the "Protector", which facilitates the breakage and opening of the "Protector" mentioning that the "protector" is formed, by temperature molding and suction (vacuum), with PET thermoformable material for food use or according to what cases with PVC. The manufacturing is carried out by suction molding, with the total cut and the microsurgical and lateral laser forming lines.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a protector according to the invention. It has also been indicated, with a broken line, a first can of drinks on which the protector is mounted. Likewise, a second beverage can stacked on top of the assembly formed by the protector and the first beverage can has also been indicated with a broken line. According to the invention, the protector is for containers that have an upper part 20 that has an upper edge 22 and in which an open lid 24 is arranged, and the protector is characterized in that it comprises a sheet of thermoformable plastic material having a upper section 26 adjusted to the upper edge 22 of the container, and a lateral section 3 that partially envelops the upper part 20 of the container and that includes a seal defined by a microperforated perimeter 5.

In the case that the container is a can that:

[a] has a cylindrical central part 28 with a longitudinal axis 30 and defining an axial direction, a radial direction and a circumferential direction,

[b] the upper part 20 has a truncated conical surface 32, and

[c] has the openable lid 24 disposed in the upper base of the truncated conical surface 32, where the lid 24 is opened by means of a ring and a weakened area of the lid, where the openable lid 24 is attached to the upper part 20 forming a perimeter flange 36 that defines an outer diameter and forms the upper edge 22,

then the upper section 26 preferably comprises a first annular grooved surface 34, coaxial with the longitudinal axis 30, arranged adjacent to the perimeter flange 36, opened by its lateral flank furthest from the longitudinal axis 30, and disposed below, axially, of the flange perimeter 36 where the internal diameter of the first annular surface 34 is smaller than the outer diameter of! perimeter flange 36, so that a junction is established between the two diameters when the protector is mounted on the can, and the lateral section 3 preferably completely covers the truncated conical surface 32 and extends, forming a lower section 38 cylindrical, until partially covered The central part 28 cylindrical.

Since the protector must be encircled on the perimeter flange 36, the protector has an annular perimeter envelope, which defines an annular perimeter space suitable for housing inside the perimeter flange 36, where the annular perimeter envelope has an opening at its bottom. Consequently, the first annular surface 34 is also arranged adjacent to the annular perimetral envelope, and below, axially, of the annular perimetral envelope, where the internal diameter of the first annular surface 34 is less than the outer diameter of the annular perimeter space .

As shown, the longitudinal axis 30 is defined by both the can and the shield itself, as the prote own ^'ctor has several elements (Ia first annular surface 34, the side section 3, the lower section 38, etc.) defining said longitudinal axis 30.

In general, in the present description and claims it should be understood that the expression "cylinder" and "cylindrical" is used in its broadest sense, that is, as a ruled surface generated from moving a line, parallel to itself, to The length of a sharp curve. That is, it does not only refer to cylindrical surfaces with a circular base. Likewise, the expression "annular" should also be understood in a broad manner and not only as an annular surface of circular cross-section.

Preferably the can is a beverage can.

Advantageously, the lower cylindrical section 38 has a height, measured in the axial direction, less than 20 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm. Effectively, It is important that the protector partially covers the central cylindrical part 28 of the can. On the one hand, it is common for the user to touch the upper end of the central cylindrical part 28 with his lips. On the other hand, the protector is much better mounted on the can if it extends forming said cylindrical lower section 38 than if, on the contrary, it ends directly on the conical surface 32.

Preferably, the perimeter of the seal 5 has a tangent that forms an angle greater than 0 ^or with the longitudinal axis 30 in at least 50% of its points (i.e., in 50% of its length), most preferably in Io minus 80% of your points. It is particularly advantageous for the tangent to form an angle greater than 30 ° in at least 90% of its points. Indeed, if the seal 5 has these geometries, then the breaking effort is much more progressive, which facilitates its breaking.

Advantageously, the seal 5 is torn by applying a force between 2 and 3 Newtons on the lower section 38 cylindrical in a circumferential direction. Indeed, the normal way to remove the protector is by applying a turning movement to the protector with the hand (as if it were to be unscrewed). This turning movement translates into a pair of forces. It has been observed that if the seal is torn by applying the indicated forces, this amounts to a "normal" effort for an average user. It should be taken into account that an expert in the field is able to modify the design parameters (shape and extension of the microperforate 5, total length of the perimeter of the seal, etc., taking into account the thickness and material of the plastic sheet) of such that the indicated tear forces are reached.

Preferably the seal 5 is symmetrical, since in this way it can be opened in the same way (and applying the same forces) by a right-handed person and by a left-handed person.

Advantageously, the seal 5 has a height, measured axially, which is less than or equal to 75% of the total height of the protector, preferably 65%, measured axially. Preferably, the upper section 26 has a second grooved annular surface 40, coaxial with the longitudinal axis 30, arranged adjacent to the perimeter flange 36, open at its top and closer to the longitudinal axis 30 than the perimeter flange 36, where the second annular surface 40 has a lower diameter, and the upper section 26 has a flat central surface 10, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 30 and raised above the lower diameter. The central surface 10 is raised enough to accommodate underneath it a plurality of opening mechanisms of the can. Indeed, there is a plurality of similar but different designs from the aforementioned covers, in particular as regards the rings, the weakened areas, etc. This plurality of solutions usually has different values because of the volume they require. Therefore, it is convenient for the central surface 10 to provide a recess beneath it that is sufficient to house a plurality of said solutions, which will allow to have a protector that can be used in a plurality of cases. On the other hand, the fact that the central surface 10 is flat means an additional improvement, since in this way it is possible to make a screen print on it (with any image and / or legend), or it is possible to hook on it a label, for example by adhesive. If the central surface 10 were curved (for example hemispherical) then the image should be generated by means of a pad printing, which is slower and more expensive to make, and it would be more complex to add a label without it having a propensity to form wrinkles.

Advantageously, the upper section 26 has a plurality of prominences 6 that project in the radial direction, facilitating the grip of the protector. These prominences can be of many different types. They can be teeth, such as those shown in Figure 2, but they can adopt many other geometries: different types of teeth with more or less teeth with different inclinations, small prominences or punctual protrusions, even roughnesses more or less pronounced, etc. In general, it should be understood that in the present invention, prominence is understood as any geometry that presents changes in height with respect to the original sheet, so as to achieve an increase in the finger grip. It should be borne in mind that it will be customary for these protectors to be mounted on cans of beverages arranged in refrigerators, so it will be very frequent for their surface to be wet and, consequently, slippery.

Preferably, the second annular surface 40 has a coupling area suitable for accommodating the lower end of the can in a tight manner, thus allowing the stacking of a second can (identical to the can on which the protector is mounted) on the protector.

Advantageously, the first annular surface 34 has hemispherical grooves 4 that project inwards, that is, towards the container, that is, towards the longitudinal axis 30. Indeed, the perimeter flange 36 of the cans is not always exactly the same. For example, in the case of beverage cans, there are several manufacturers that have their own solutions, which have small differences between them, in particular as regards those levels that are not specifically determined by regulations. In addition, deviations from the nominal levels (although within a pre-established tolerances) inherent in any industrial process are inevitable. The fact of including these hemispherical grooves 4 allows the protector to be optimally positioned, ensuring a good coupling between the protector and the can. Alternatively, or together, the first annular surface 34 preferably has an inward convex section (towards the container or the longitudinal axis 30) in which said internal radius is arranged. This convex section, which can have a semicircular cross section, also serves to improve the coupling between the protector and the can.

Claims

1 - Hygienic and reusable packaging protector for liquids and / or food solids, where said container has an upper part (20) that has an upper edge (22) and in which an open lid (24) is arranged, characterized because it comprises a sheet of thermoformable plastic material having an upper section (26) adjusted to said upper edge (22) of the container, and a lateral section (3) that partially envelops the upper part (20) of said container and that includes a seal defined by a microperforated perimeter. 2 - Protector according to claim 1, wherein said container is a can [a] having a central part (28) cylindrical with a longitudinal axis (30) and defining an axial direction, a radial direction and a circumferential direction, [b ] said upper part (20) has a truncated conical surface (32) and [c] has said open lid (24) disposed on the upper base of said truncated conical surface (32), wherein said lid is opened by means of a ring and a weakened area said cover, where said openable cover (24) is attached to said upper part (20) forming a perimeter flange (36) defining an outer diameter and forming said upper edge (22), characterized in that said upper section (26) comprises a first annular surface (34) ribbed coaxial with said longitudinal axis (30), arranged adjacent to said perimeter flange (36), opened by its lateral flank furthest from said longitudinal axis (30), and arranged below, axially, of said perim flange etral (36), where the internal diameter of said first annular surface (34) is smaller than said outer diameter so that a bonding between both diameters is established when said protector is mounted on said can, and because said lateral section (3 ) completely covers said truncated conical surface (32) and extends, forming a cylindrical lower section (38), until said cylindrical central part (28) is partially coated. 3 - Protector according to claim 2, characterized in that said lower cylindrical section (38) has a height, measured in said axial direction, less than 20 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm. 4 - Protector according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said perimeter of the seal has a tangent that forms an angle greater than 0 ^or with said longitudinal axis (30) in at least 50% of its points, preferably in At least 80% of your points. 5 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said seal is torn by applying a force between 2 and 3 Newtons on said lower cylindrical section (38) in a circumferential direction. 6 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said seal is symmetrical. 7 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said seal has a height, measured axially, which is less than or equal to 75% of the total height of said protector, preferably 65%, measured in axial direction 8 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that said upper section (26) has a second annular surface (40) coaxial with said longitudinal axis (30), arranged adjacent to said perimeter flange (36), opened by its upper part and closer to said axis than said perimeter flange (36), wherein said second annular surface (40) has a smaller diameter, and because said upper section (26) has a flat central surface (10), perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (30) and raised above said lower diameter 9 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that said upper section (26) has a plurality of prominences that project in said radial direction, facilitating the grip of the protector. 10 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that said second annular surface (40) has a coupling area suitable to accommodate in a tight way the lower end of said can, thus allowing the stacking of a second can on said protective. 11 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that said first annular surface (34) has at least one hemispherical groove (4) projecting inwards. 12 - Protector according to any of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that said first annular surface (34) has an inward convex section in which said internal radius is arranged. 13 - Method of manufacturing a hygienic and reusable packaging protector for liquids and / or food solids according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is formed of PET or PVC thermoplastic material, its manufacturing being carried out by a thermoforming system by temperature and depression by aspiration, with external trimming and of the microperforated line (5), which acts as a seal, made by laser multitrocker. 14 - Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it has a microperforated (5) on the lower side, made by laser, which forms said seal, where the lower part of the microperforated (12) is adhered to the side of the container. 15 - Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the upper outer part of the protector forms a toothed crown (11), which has the teeth proportional to the diameter of the protector, which facilitates the manual grip and the corresponding extraction and opening . 16 - Method according to any of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the adaptation protuberance (2) is located in the lower part of the sides of the protector to perfectly fit the conical end part of the protector, with the upper cylindrical part of the container.