| JP3124206 | LAMINATE |
| JP04069242 | BARRIER CONTAINER |
| JP03197126 | MULTI-LAYERED PLASTIC CONTAINER |
| CLAIMS I claim: 1. A flexible laminate tube for packaging products, the flexible laminate tube comprising: a laminate comprising at least two layers, an outer layer, and an inner layer configured to the outer layer, the outer layer and the inner layer being non-sealable to each other and sealable to itself, the laminate folded to overlap two longitudinally extending opposite edges thereof to configure a holbw body member; and a 'sealing strip comprising at least two layers, a first layer and a second layer the first layer sealable to the inner layer of the laminate, and the second layer configured to the first layer, and sealable to the outer layer of the laminate, the sealing strip configured in-between two longitudinally extending opposite (Overlapped edges of the laminate such that the first layer faces the inner layer and the second layer faces the outer layer to seal the two longitudinally extending opposite edges together. 2. I The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing strip is an integral part of the laminate configured along one of the longitudinal edges of the laminate. 3. J The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sealing strip is an integral part of the laminate configured to an inside surface along one of the longitudinal edges of the inner layer of the laminate from the first layer side 4. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sealing strip is an integral part of the laminate configured to an outside surface along one of the longitudinal edges of the outer layer of the laminate from the second layer side. 5. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing strip is introduced in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate. 6. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first layer of the sealing strip is of a sealable film of one of Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), Polyethylene (PE) and Cast Polypropylene (CPP). 7. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second layer of the sealing strip is a sealable film of one of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and sealable Bi- axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP). 8. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one protective strip configured longitudinally along the overlapped edges of the laminate on at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer for covering the overlapped edges from at least one of an inside and an outside of the hollow body member. 9. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one protective strip is sealable to either inner or to outer layer of the laminate, to which it is configured. 10. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one protective strips is one of single layer film and a multi layer films or laminate. 11. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow body member comprises a sealed end portion, and a dispensing end portion opposite to the sealed end portion. 12. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in clajm 1, wherein the outer layer of the laminate is one of a sealable film of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP). 13. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer layer of the laminate is reverse printed. 14. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer layer comprises a registered hologramed pattern formed by transfer of the registered hologramed pattern from a hologramed foil or film by heat and pressure process on an outside surface thereof. 15. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner layer of the laminate is a sealable film of one of Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), Polyethylene (PE) and Cast Polypropylene (CPP). 16. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laminate further comprises a middle layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. 17. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle layer is one of a PET layer, a PET layer with non-metalized hologramed pattern, a PET layer with metalized hologramed pattern, a BOPP layer, a BOPP layer with non-metalized hologramed pattern, a BOPP layer with metalized hologramed pattern, a Coextruded Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) layer, an Aluminum foil layer, and combination thereof. 18. The flexible laminate tube as claimed in claim 16, wherein one of the metalized and a non-metalized hologramed pattern formed on the middle layer is by an embossing technique. 19. A method for forming a flexible laminate tube for packaging products, the method comprising: folding a laminate to overlap two longitudinally extending opposite edges thereof to configure a hollow body member, the laminate comprising at least two layers, an outer layer, and an inner layer configured to the outer layer, the outer layer and the inner layer being non- sealable to each other and sealable to itself; introducing a sealing strip in-between the two longitudinally, extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate, the sealing strip comprising at least two layers, a first layer sealable to the inner layer of the laminate, and a second layer configured to the first layer, and sealable to the outer layer of the laminate, wherein the sealing strip is introduced in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate such that the first layer faces the inner layer and the second layer faces the outer layer; and sealing the sealing strip in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate. 20. ; The method as claimed in claim 18 further comprising sealing at least one protective strip longitudinally along the overlapped edges of the laminate on at least an inside and an outside of the holbw body member. 21. A laminate for making a flexible laminate tube, the laminate comprising: an outer layer of transparent film of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), the outer layer being optionally reverse printed; a middle layer of a film of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) having one of a metalized hologram pattern and a non-metalized hologram pattern formed by embossing technique, the middle layer from the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side thereof being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; and an inner layer of a film of Polyethylene being configured to the middle layer towards a side opposite to the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side. 22. A laminate for making a flexible laminate tube, the laminate comprising: a outer layer of transparent film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the outer layer being optionally reverse printed; a middle layer of a film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having one of a metalized hologram pattern and a non-metalized hologram pattern formed by embossing technique, the middle layer from the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side thereof being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; an aluminum foil layer configured to the middle layer towards a side opposite to the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side; and an inner layer of a film of Polyethylene configured to the aluminum foil layer. 23. A laminate for making a flexible laminate tube, the laminate comprising: an outer layer of transparent film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the outer layer having a registered hologramed pattern formed by using transfer of the registered hologramed pattern from a hologramed foil or film by heat and pressure process, the outer layer being optionally reverse printed; a middle layer of a multilayer film of Coextruded Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), the middle layer being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; and an inner layer of a film of Polyethylene being configured to the middle layer. 24. A laminate for making a flexible laminate tube, the laminate comprising: an outer layer of transparent film of sealable Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), the outer layer being optionally reverse printed; a middle layer of a film of one of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Bi-axiafly Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), the middle layer optionally having a hologram pattern, the middle layer from the hologram pattern side thereof being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; and an inner layer of a film of one of Polyethylene and Cast Polypropylene (CPP), the inner layer bang configured to the middle layer towards a side opposite to trie hologram pattern side. |
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to flexible packages and more particularly, to a flexible laminate tube for packing products.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Various types of the flexible tubes are widely known for packaging several kinds of products, such as liquid products, semi solid products and the like, so that the products may reach to the consumers. All such flexible tubes may also include imprinted information, such as packed products' details, brand names, logo, trademark, manufacturing date, expiry date, batch number and/or any other general information, for facilitating the consumers to identify desired products in the market. Such flexible tubes may include the imprinted information either on an exterior surface or on an inner layer, depending upon the kind of the flexible tubes. For example, if a flexible tube is made by extrusion process, it will necessarily be imprinted on the exterior surface thereof. Such imprinting is done by surface printing or pasting preprinted stickers after the flexible tube or body thereof has been made. T e imprinted information on such flexible tubes may generally not be stable and get peeled, scratched, blurred or hazy in handling, transportation, usages, rubbing and the like.
In light of such problems, the flexible tubes including imprinted information on the inner layer thereof are used. Specifically, the flexible tubes including imprinted information on the inner layer thereof are generally formed by multilayer polymeric laminates. Generally, the imprinted information is reverse printed on a transparent polymeric film and pasted over other polymeric film(s) to produce the laminates. Such laminates may be utilized for producing the flexible laminate tubes by a overlapping their opposite edges and sealing thereto via a heat sealing method.
However, the heat sealing method is generally limited to only such laminates, where the inner and outer layers are heat sealable with each other. Other sealing methods, such as hot melt extrusion sealing method may in many instances, melts the laminates and results in de- lamination. Further, in any of the overlap sealing, one edge of the laminate is generally exposed to the product packaged in the tube. Certain products when is in constant touch with the imposed edge of the laminate, result in de-lamination of various layers of the laminate. Such de- lamination may also blur or haze the imprinted information. Moreover, such flexible tubes may
l also include various problems in light of security, counterfeiting, tamper evidence, aesthetic appeal and the like. Since the duplicity of products in the market is very common, therefore such flexible tubes may not be reliable.
Accordingly, there exits a need of suitable sealing technique for sealing overlap edges of laminates for making firm and durable flexible laminate tubes from various kind of laminates. Further, there exists a need to avoid various problems in light of security, counterfeiting, tamper evidence, aesthetic appeal and the like, to generally prevent the duplicity of the products in the market. Furthermore, there exists a need to prevent de-lamination and blurring or hazing the imprinted information of the tube.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior-art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible laminate tube and method for producing the same, that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art offering some added advantages.
ί ■
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a firm and durable flexible laminate tube, which may be made by various kinds of laminate using suitable sealing technique.
jAnother object of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible laminate tube that is capable' of being effectively sealed and avoid de-lamination and blurring or hazing of the imprinted information.
i . .
'Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible laminate tube that may be capable of precluding various limitations in security, counterfeiting, tamper evidence, aesthetic appeal and the like, to generally prevent the duplicity of the products in the market.
To achieve the above objectives, in an aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible laminate tube, hereinafter referred to as "tube," is provided. The tube includes a laminate and a sealing strip. The laminate includes at least two layers, an outer layer, and an inner layer configured to the outer layer. The outer layer and the inner layer are non-sealable to each other and sealable to itself. The laminate is folded to overlap two longitudinally extending opposite edges thereof to configure a hollow body member. Further, the sealing strip includes at least two layers, a first layer and a second layer configured to the first layers. The first layer is sealable to the inner layer of the laminate, and the second layer is sealable to the outer layer of the laminate. The sealing strip is configured in-between two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate such that the first layer faces the inner layer, and the second layer faces the outer layer, to seal the two longitudinally extending opposite edges for configuring the holbw body member for making tube
Ιη another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for forming a tube for packaging products is provided. In the method, a laminate is folded to overlap two longitudinally extending opposite edges thereof to configure a hollow body member. Such laminate for forming the tube includes at least two layers, an outer layer, and an inner layer configured to the outer layer. The outer layer and the inner layer are non-sealable to each other and sealable to itself. Further, for forming the tube a sealing strip is introduced in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate. The sealing strip includes at least two layers, a first layer and a second layer configured to the first layers. The first layer is sealable to the inner layer of the laminate, and the second layer is sealable to the outer layer of the laminate. The sealing strip is configured in-between two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate such that the first layer faces the inner layer, and the second layer faces the outer layer to seal the two longitudinally extending opposite edges. The method further includes sealing of the sealing strip in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate for configuring the hollow body member to make the tube.
In further aspect of the present disclosure, various kinds of laminate for making the above disclosed tube is provided.
In one embodiment, the laminate for making the tube includes following structure:
an outer layer of transparent film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the outer layer being optionally reverse printed;
a middle layer of a film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having one of a metalized hologram pattern and a non-metalized hologram pattern formed by embossing technique, the middle layer from the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side thereof being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; and
an inner layer of a film of Polyethylene being configured to the middle layer towards a side opposite to the metalized hologram pattern-side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side. In another embodiment, the laminate for making tube includes following structure:
an outer layer of transparent film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the outer layer being optionally reverse printed; a middle layer of a film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having one of a metalized hologram pattern and a non-metalized hologram pattern formed by embossing technique, the middle layer from the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metaiized hologram pattern side thereof bang configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer;
an aluminum foil layer configured to the middle layer towards a side opposite to the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side; and
an inner layer of a film of polyethylene configured to the aluminum foil layer.
In further embodiment, the laminate for making tube includes following structure:
an outer layer of transparent film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the outer layer having a registered hologramed pattern formed by using transfer of the registered hologramed pattern from a hologramed foil or film by heat and pressure process, the outer layer being optionally reverse printed;
a middle layer of a film of Coextruded Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), the middle layer being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; and
an inner layer of a film of Polyethylene being configured to the middle layer.
Yet in another embodiment, the laminate for making tube includes folowing structure: an outer layer of transparent film of sealable Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), the outer layer being optionally reverse printed;
a rpiddle layer of a film of one of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and sealable Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), the middle layer optionally having one of a metalized hologram pattern and a non-metalized hologram pattern, the middle layer from the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side thereof being configured to the optionally reverse printed side of the outer layer; and
an inner layer of a film of Polyethylene and Cast Polypropylene (CPP), the inner layer being configured to the middle layer towards a side opposite to the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side. . Specifically, to avoid various problems in light of security, counterfeiting etc. and to prevent product duplicity in the market, the tube having a metalised and/or non-metalised holographic images, text or pattern is provided. T e metalised and/or non-metalised holographic images, text or pattern may be formed by various techniques, which may include but not limited to, forming of the holographic images, text or pattern by hard, soft and/or UV embossing techniques on a sandwiched layer, preferably made of PET, BOPP, CPP and PVC etc., of a multilayered laminate, and/or transfer of registered or unregistered holographed images, text or pattern from a holographed foil/film by heat and pressure process on an outer surface of the laminate.
Further, to provide effective sealing and to prevent de-lamination, the tube with the sealing strip and the protective strips is provided. The sealing strip having the outer and inner layers, which are sealable to the respective outer and inner layers of the laminate, is introduced in-between the outer and inner layers of the overlapping laminate ends for overlap sealing. Further, the protective strips are sealed longitudinally with the inner surface, or both the inner and outer surfaces of the tube for covering the laminate edge along the longitudinally extending sealing band to preclude de-lamination.
These together with the other aspects of the present disclosure, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the description and claims annexed hereto, along with the abovementioned summary, annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The advantages and features of the present disclosure shall be better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and claims, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols and in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a flexible laminate tube, hereinafter referred to as "tube," in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A illustrates an enlarged front view of a laminate with a sealing strip for producing the tube of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2B illustrates a cross sectional view of the laminate structure with the sealing strip of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view depicting the sealing strip and the protective strips configured on the tube of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate exploded views of various types of laminate structures for producing the tube of FIG. 1, in accordance with various exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 8 illustrates a method for forming the tube of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
For a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, reference is to be made to the following detailed description in connection with the above-mentioned drawings and claims. Although the present disclosure is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present . disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure and claims. Further, it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation in the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the figures and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Also, it is to be understood that the! phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the appearances of such phrase at various places herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the terms "first," "second," "outer," "middle," and "inner" herein do not denote any order, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of a flexible laminate tube (100), hereinafter referred to as "tube (100)," is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The tube (100) includes a hollow body member (102) and a shoulder member (104) extending upwardly from a first end portion (106) of the hollow body member (102), whereas a second end portion (108) of the hollow body member (102) is pinched and sealed by heat or ultrasonically or any other suitable method after filling with the product Further, the shoulder member (104) includes a nozzle member (110) extending upwardly from a periphery (112) of the shoulder member (104). The nozzle member (110) may be externally or internally threaded. As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle member (110) is externally threaded to configure threads (114) thereon. The nozzle member (110) via the threads (114) accommodates a cap member (116) for closing a opening (118) of the nozzle member (110). The cap member (116) may also be a flip type or a valve type. The tube (100) is suitable for packing various kinds of products, such as liquid products, semi solid products and the like.
The tube (100) for making the hollow body member (102) includes a laminate (200) and a sealing strip (300), as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The laminate (200) includes at least two layers of polymeric films, an outer layer (202) and an inner layer (204). In various other embodiments of the present disclosure, laminates may include more than two layers, which will be described herein with great details in reference to various figures.
The inner layer (204) is configured to the outer layer (202). Configuration of the inner layer (204) with the outer layer (202) may be enabled by a layer of suitable adhesive or by extrusion lamination, as known in the art. T e outer layer (202) and the inner layer (204) may enable such properties which make them non-sealable to each other and sealable to itself. Such as, the outer layer (202) is sealable to itself and non-sealable to the inner layer (204). Similarly, the inner layer (204) is sealable to itself and non-sealable to the outer layer (202). However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, there may be such an outer layer and inner layer which may have properties other than the properties of the disclosed outer and inner layer (202) and (204). Sujch as, the outer layer (202) may have the properties which makes it sealable to it self as well as with the inner layer (204), and similarly, the inner layer (204) may have the properties which makes it sealable to it self as well as with the outer layer (202).
The laminate (200) with the outer and inner layers (202) and (204) may be selected for various polymeric films. For example, the outer layer (202) of the laminate (200) may be one of a sealable film of Polyethylene Terephthalate [PET) or Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP). The outer layer (202) of the laminate (200) may be optionally reverse printed. Further, the outer layer (202) may include a registered hologramed pattern formed by transfer of the registered hologramed pattern from a hologramed foil or film by heat and pressure process on an outside surface thereof. Similarly, the inner layer (204) of the laminate (200) may be a sealable film of one of Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), Polyethylene (PE) or Cast Polypropylene (CPP).
Some examples of the two layers laminates are presented herein for the purpose of understanding, and the disclosure in any way may not consider to be limiting to these structures only. The examples are as folows: 1. The laminate (200) may have the inner layer (204) of PE and the outer layer (202) of a sealable PET.
2. The laminate (200) may have the inner layer (204) of PE and the outer layer (202) of a sealable BOPP.
3. The inner layer (204) may have the inner layer (204) a sealable BOPP and the outer layer (202) of a sealable PET.
4. T e laminate (200) may have the inner layer (204) of a sealable GPP and the outer layer (202) of a sealable PET.
5. The laminate (200) may have the inner layer (204) of a sealable CPP and the outer layer (202) of a sealable BOPP.
In various other embodiments, the laminate (200) may include a middle layer disposed between the outer layer (202) and the inner layer (206). The middle layer may be configured in- between the outer layer (202) and the inner layer (206) by a layer of suitable adhesive or by extrusion lamination, as known in the art. The middle layer may be one of a PET layer, a PET layer with non-metalized hologramed pattern, a PET layer with metalized hologramed pattern, a BOPP layer, a BOPP layer with non-metalized hologramed pattern, a BOPP layer with metalized hologramed pattern, a Coextruded Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) layer, an Aluminum foil layer, and combination thereof. Further, the metalized and a non-metalized hologramed pattern formed on the middle layer is by an embossing technique. Some examples of the laminate with the middle layer are presented herein for the purpose of understanding, and the disclosure in any way may not consider to be limiting to these structures only.
According to first example of multi layer laminate, a laminate (400) for making the tube (100) is provided. The laminate (400) is best shown in FIG. 4. The laminate (400) includes three layers, an outer layer (402), a middle layer (404) and an inner layer (406). The outer layer (402) is of transparent film of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The outer layer (402) may be optionally reverse printed (408) with desired information. In one form, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the outer layer (402) may have thickness of about 10 microns to about 23 microns. Further, the middle layer (404) is of a film of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) having either a metalized hologram pattern or a non-metalized hologram pattern formed by embossing technique. The middle layer (404) from its metalized hologram pattern side or from the non-metalized hologram pattern side, as the case may be, is configured to the reverse printed side (408) of the outer layer (402). As shown in FIG. 4, the middle layer (404) includes a hologram pattern (410) formed thereon by using hard, soft or UV embossing techniques. However without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the hologram pattern (410) may be formed by any other techniques as known in the art. For obtaining the metalized , hologram pattern, the middle layer (404) includes a metalized layer (412) disposed thereon. Further, for obtaining the non-metalized hologram pattern, the middle layer (404) does not include any metalized layer, such as the metalized layer (412). In one form, the middle layer (404) may have thickness of about 12 microns. Furthermore, the laminate (400) includes the inner layer (406) of a film of Polyethylene. The inner layer (406) is configured to the middle layer (404) towards a side opposite to the hologram pattern side (410). The inner layer (406) includes barrier properties and may have thickness of about 150 microns to about 175 microns. All the said layers such as the outer layers (402), the middle layer (404), and the inner layer (406) may be adhered together by adhesive layers (414) and (416) or by using hot extrusion lamination films of PE, PP or PE and PP. Specifically, the outer layer (402) and the middle layer (404) are adhered to each other by the adhesive layer (414). Further, the middle layer (404) and the inner layer (406) are adhered to each other by the adhesive layer (416) to configure the laminate (400). In one form, the laminate (400) may have overall thickness of about 190 microns.
Referring now to FIG. 5, another example of a laminate (500) for making the tube (100) is illustrated. According to this example, the laminate (500) includes four layers, an outer layer (502), a middle layer (504), an additional barrier layer (506) and an inner layer (508). The outer layer (502) includes all the features of the outer layer (402) of the laminate (400), and is not described herein again for the sake of brevity. The outer layer (502) may include optionally reverse printed (510) with desired information. Similarly, the middle layer (504) includes all the feature of the middle layer (404) of the laminate (400), such as it includes either a metalized hologram pattern or a non-metalized hologram pattern formed by embossing technique. The middle layer (504) from its metalized hologram pattern side or from the non-metalized hologram pattern side, as the case may be, is configured to the reverse printed side (510) of the outer layer (502). The middle layer includes a hologram pattern (512) as descried above. For obtaining the metalized hologram pattern, the middle layer (504) includes a metalized layer (514) thereon. Further, for obtaining the non-metalized hologram pattern, the middle layer (504) does not include any metalized layer, such as the metalized layer (514). Furthermore, the laminate (500) includes the additional barrier layer (506) of aluminum foil configured to the middle layer (504) towards a side opposite to the metalized hologram pattern side or the non-metalized hologram pattern side thereof. In one form, the additional barrier layer (506) may have a thickness of about 5 microns to 7 microns. Moreover, the inner layer (508) includes all the feature of the inner layer (406) of the laminate (400). The inner layer (508) is configured to the additional barrier layer (506). Similar to the laminate (400), all the said layers, such as the outer layers (502), the middle layer (504), the additional barrier layer (506) and the inner layer (508) of the laminate (500) may be adhered together by adhesive layers (516), (518) and (520) or by using hot extrusion lamination films of PE, PP or PE and PP, as shown in the FIG. 5. Specifically, the outer layer (502) and the middle layer (504) are adhered to each other by the adhesive layer (516). Further, the middle layer (504) and the additional barrier layer (506) are adhered to each other by the adhesive layer (518). Similarly, the additional barrier layer (506) and the inner layer (508) are adhered to each other by the adhesive layer (520) to configure the laminate (500). In one form, the laminate (500) may have overall thickness of about 200 microns.
Referring now to FIG. 6, another example of a laminate (600) for making the tube (100) is illustrated. According to this example, the laminate (600) includes three layers, an outer layer (602), a middle layer (604) and an inner layer (606). The outer layer (602) is of transparent film of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The outer layer (602) includes a registered hologramed pattern (608) formed by using transfer of the registered hologramed pattern from a hologramed foil or film by heat and pressure process on an outer surface (602a) of the laminate (600). Further, the outer layer (602) may be optionally reverse printed (602b) with desired information on an inner surface (602c). However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, printing of the desired information may be performed on the outer surface (602a) which includes the registered hologramed pattern (608). Such printing may be performed by UV printing or any other printing method known in the art. Further, such top surface (602a) with registered hologramed pattern (608) and printed information may be covered by suitable protective coating as available in the art. The outer layer (602) may have thickness of about 10 microns to about 23 microns. The middle layer (604) of the laminate (600) is of a film of Coextruded Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH). The middle layer (604) of EVOH may be formed by five or three different layers. In this example, the middle layer (604) of EVOH includes five layers, which are a PE layer (604a), a tie layer (604b), an EVOH layer (604c), a tie layer (604d) and a PE layer (604e). The tie layers (604b) and (604d) are comprised of good adhesive that is capable of bonding the PE layer (604a), the EVOH layer (604c) and a PE layer (604e) to configure the middle layer (604) of co- extruded EVOH. The middle layer (604) is configured to the inner surface (602c) of the outer layer (602). Furthermore, the inner layer (606) of the laminate (600) is of a film of Polyethylene and is configured to the middle layer (604). The inner layer (606) includes barrier properties and may have thickness of about 150 microns to about 175 microns. All the said layers, such as the outer layers (602), the middle layer (604), and the inner layer (606) may be adhered together by adhesive layers (610) and (612) or by using hot extrusion lamination films of PE, PP or PE and PP, as shown in FIG. 6. In one form, the adhesive layers (610) and (612) or the extrusion film lamination layer may have thickness of about 30 microns to about 50 microns. Moreover, the laminate (600) may have overall thickness of about 200 microns.
Referring now to FIG. 7, yet another example of a laminate (700) for making the tube (100) is illustrated. The laminate (700) includes an outer layer (702), a middle layer (704) and an inner layer (706). The outer layer (702) is of transparent film of sealable Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP). Further, the outer layer (602) may be optionally reverse printed (708) with desired information in an inner surface (702a). Further, the middle layer (704) is of a film of either Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP). The middle layer (704) may optionally include a hologram pattern (710) configured by the processes as known in the art The middle layer (704) from the hologram pattern side thereof is configured to the inner surface (702a) of the outer layer (702). Furthermore, the inner layer (706) is of a film of one of Polyethylene or Cast Polypropylene (CPP). T e inner layer (706) is configured to the middle layer (704) towards a side opposite to the hologram pattern side (710). All the said layers, such as the outer layers (702), the middle layer (704), and the inner layer (706) may be adhered together by adhesive layers (712) and (714) or by using hot extrusion lamination films of PE, PP or PE and PP, as shown in FIG. 7.
Now referring back to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, for purpose of understanding of the formation of the tube (100) of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, the laminate of two layers is illustrated for making the tube (100). However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, formation of the tube (100) may be done by utilizing any of the above laminate structure I as described in great details herein above. The laminate (200) includes two longitudinally extending opposite edges, such as a first edge (200a) and a second edge (200b), hereinafter also collectively referred to as "opposite edges (200a) and (200b)." For configuring the hollow body member (102), the laminate (200) from the opposite edges (200a) and (200b) thereof is folded in such a manner that the opposite edges (200a) and (200b) overlap each other. Such overlapped opposite edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate (200) is to be sealed for retaining the shape which forms the hollow body member (102).
For such sealing, the sealing strip (300) is provided. The sealing strip (300) includes at least two layers, such as a first layer (302) and a second layer (304). The second layer (304) is configured to the first layer (302) via a layer of suitable adhesive or by extrusion lamination, as known in the art. The first layer (302) of the sealing strip (300) includes such properties which makes it sealable to the inner layer (204) of the laminate (200). Similarly, the second layer (304) includes such properties which make it sealable to the outer layer (202) of the laminate (200). T e sealing strip (300) is configured in-between the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate (200) such that the first layer (302) faces the inner layer (204) and the second layer (304) faces the outer layer (202) to seal the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) for configuring the hollow body member (102). In one form, the sealing strip (300) is configured integrally with the laminate (200) along one of the longitudinal edges thereof. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sealing strip (300) is provided on the inner surface of the inner layer (204) of the lamjnate (300). Such sealing strip (300) enables sealing of the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate (200) to configure the hollow body member (102), which may be utilized to configure the tube (100) of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the sealing strip (300) may be provided on the laminate (200) while manufacturing thereof. The sealing strip (300) of width varying between about 3 mm to about 10 mm may be provided on the laminate (200) on the machine line and accordingly for fine longitudinal edge of the sealing strip (300), the edge trimming or slitting of the sealing strip (300) may be done in-line on the machine before feeding. The width of the sealing strip (300) after slitting may be about 2 mm to about 8 mm. However, without departing from the scope, the width of the sealing strip (300) may vary according to the product and process needs. In another embodiment, the strip (300) may be fed in-between the opposite '. overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate (200) on a forming and sealing machine to obtain the hollow body member (102), which may be utilized to form the tube (100).
The sealing strip (300) may be provided to seal the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate (200) because the outer layer (202) and the inner layer (204) of the laminate j(200) are non-sealable to each other, and that the first layer (302) of the sealing strip (300) is sealable to the inner layer (204) of the laminate (200) and the second layer (304) of the sealing strip (300) is sealable to the outer layer (202) of the laminate (200). Sealing of the laminate (200) with the sealing strip (300) provides strength to the tube (100). However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, in certain laminate structure where the outer and inner layer may be sealable to each other may also utilize a sealing strip for strengthen sealing. In such lamination, provision of providing the sealing strip precludes melting of the laminates while direct sealing. The sealing method that is utilized for such sealing may be heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing/welding, laser sealing or by any other sealing method.
The laminate (200) with the outer and inner layers (202) and (204) and the sealing strip
(300) with the first and the second layers (302) and (304) may be selected for various polymeric films. For example, the outer layer (202) of the laminate (200) may be one of a sealable film of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP). The inner layer (204) of the laminate (200) may be a sealable film of one of Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), Polyethylene (PE) or Cast Polypropylene (CPP), as described above. Similarly, examples of the layers of the sealing strip (300) may also include various polymeric films. The first layer (302) of the sealing strip (300) may be of a sealable film of one of Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), Polyethylene (PE) or Cast Polypropylene (CPP). The second layer (304) of the sealing strip (304) may be a sealable film of one of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or sealable Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP).
Specific examples of the laminate (200) having the outer layer (202) and the inner layer (204) with the sealing strip (300) having the first layer (302) and the second layer (304) is disclosed herein for understanding purpose, and the disclosure is not considered to be limiting to these disclosed examples. Further, in each example the sealing strip (300) is configured in- between the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate (200) such that the first layer (302) of the sealing strip (300) faces the inner layer (204) of the laminate (200), and the second layer (306) of the sealing strip (300) faces the outer layer (202) of the laminate (200) to seal the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) for configuring the hollow body member (102). The examples are as folows:
1. The sealing strip (300) having the first layer (302) of PE (Polyethylene) and the second layer (304) of a sealable polyester/PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is suitable for sealing the laminate (200) having the inner layer (204) of PE and the outer layer (202) of a sealable 1 PET.
2. The sealing strip (300) having the first layer (302) of PE and the second layer (304) of a sealable BOPP (Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene) is suitable for sealing the laminate
(200) having the inner layer (204) of PE and the outer layer (202) of a sealable BOPP.
3. The sealing strip (300) having the first layer (302) of a sealable BOPP and the second layer (304) of a sealable PET is suitable for sealing the laminate (200) having the inner layer (204) of a sealable BOPP and the outer layer (202) of a sealable PET.
4. The sealing strip (300) having the first layer (302) of a sealable CPP (cast polypropylene) and the second layer (304) of a sealable PET is suitable for sealing the laminate (200) having the inner layer (204) of a sealable CPP and the outer layer (202) of a sealable PET.
5. The sealing strip (300) having the first layer (302) of a sealable CPP and the second layer (304) of a sealable BOPP is suitable for sealing the laminate (200) having the inner layer (204) of a sealable CPP and the outer layer (202) of a sealable BOPP.
However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, there may be other combinations of the sealing strip (300) depending upon the structure in the laminate (200); Further, PET film of the laminate (200) or the sealing strip (300) may include but not limited to A-PET, C-PET, and PETG etc.
Upon obtaining the hollow body member (102), sealed area, which includes the sealing strip (300) configured in-between the opposite overlapped edges (200a) and (200b), hereinafter referred to as "sealing band (120)," as shown in FIG. 1 is covered via utilizing at least one protective strip. The at least one protective strip is configured longitudinally along the overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) of the laminate on at least one of the inner layer (204) and the outer layer (202) for covering the overlapped edges (200a) and (200b) from at least one of an inner side and an outer side of the hollow body member (100). As shown in FIG. 3, two protective strips (800) and (810) are illustrated. The protective strips (800) and (810) are sealed longitudinally to the inner surface (204a) and the outer surface (202a), respectively, of the laminate (200) used to produce the tube (100). The protective strips (800) and (810) cover the edges of the laminate forming the tube (100) along the longitudinally extending sealing band (120) (see FIG. 1) from inner and outer side of the tube (100) to prevent de-lamination and provide extra seal strength. The protective strips (800) and (810) may be a single layer film, which are sealable to the respective inner layer (204) and outer layer (202) of the laminate (200). However, without departing from the present scope, the protective strips (800) and (810) may be multi-layer films or laminate without printing and metallization, which are sealable to the respective inner layer (204) and outer layer (202) of the laminate (200). T e sealing method may be heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing/welding, laser sealing/welding or by any other sealing method. Furthermore, the protective strips (800) and (810) may be added to the laminate (200) before or during the tube (100) is formed and sealed. Moreover, the protective strip (810) provided on outer side on the edges (200a) and (200b) may be trim (as shown in FIG. 3) for smooth transition for improved touch feeling on outer side of the tube (100).
Referring now to FIG. 8, a method (900) for making the tube (100) is illustrated. Herein reference of the above disclosed figures will be taken to describe the method (900). The method (900) starts at (910). Further at (920), a laminate, such as the laminate (200), (400), (500), (600) or (700), is folded to overlap two longitudinally extending opposite edges thereof to configure a hollow body member (102). The laminate herein used includes all the features and limitations of all the above disclosed laminates. Further, folding of the laminate to overlap two longitudinally extending opposite edges thereof is in same manner as described above, and not included herein for the sake of brevity. Furthermore at (930), a sealing strip is introduced in- between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate. The sealing strip is same as the sealing strip 300, and provision of providing the sealing strip in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate is in same fashion as described hereinabove. Such explanation is not included herein for the sake of brevity. Moreover, at (940) the sealing strip is sealed in-between the two longitudinally extending opposite overlapped edges of the laminate, as described above. After sealing of the sealing strip of during sealing of. the sealing strip, protective strips are also sealed for covering the sealing band, as described above, to avoid de-lamination of the laminate edge inside the tube and/or to provide strength to the joint and smooth transition for improved touch feeling on outer side of the tube. Such hollow member is cut to required length inline on the forming and sealing machine for making the tube (100). The method (900) stops at (950).
The tube (100) of the present disclosure offers following advantages. The tube made by various kinds of laminate is firm and durable. The tube is capable of being effectively sealed and avoids de-lamination and blurring or hazing of the imprinted information. Specifically, the protective strip precludes exposing the edge of the laminate to the product packaged in the tube, thereby precluding de-lamination of various layers of the laminate avoiding de-lamination and blurring or hazing of the imprinted information. The tube has strength to the joint and provides smooth transition for improved touch feeling on outer side of the tube. The provision of sealing using the sealing strip enables sealing of laminates of all kind. Such sealing strip also precludes melting of the laminates while sealing thereof, thereby strengthening the sealing techniques for making tubes. The tube is capable of precluding various limitations in security, counterfeiting, tamper evidence, aesthetic appeal and the like, to generally prevent the duplicity of the products in the market.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure