PHARMACEUTICALS, COSMETICS, FOOD OR THE LIKE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a re-closable container for fluid products, particularly adapted to contain products used in the medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food field or the like.

Background Art

With particular reference to the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries the use is known of containers made of polymeric material for the packaging of one or more doses of fluid, liquid or pasty products.

The known containers can be of the re-closable or disposable type and generally comprise a containment body of a predetermined dose of product, of substantially tubular and elongated conformation, which has an ending part with a neck, at the top of which a product dispensing mouth is defined.

The opposite ending part of the containment body has an opening adapted to the introduction of the product, which is closed after filling, e.g., by sealing.

Furthermore, the aforementioned containers comprise closure means, associable in a removable manner with the containers at the neck, and which allow the occlusion of the dispensing mouth.

The containment body and the closure means can be made separately, by means of forming techniques such as injection molding, and subsequently assembled together or, alternatively, they can be made in a single body piece and then separated before use by a user.

The containment body also has a pair of flaps that are adapted to facilitate the grip of the container by a user, and which extend, diametrically opposite to each other, from the outer side surface of the containment body itself.

The known containers can be produced in single units or associated with each other in series to form a so-called "strip"; in the latter case the flaps of the containment bodies of two consecutive containers are temporarily associated with each other at easily tearable weakened- section connection lines, which allow separating one container from the other. With particular reference to the closure means and to their conformation, various types of containers are known according to the different modes of use and implementation.

A first type of re-closable containers made in a single body piece comprises closure means having a shutter element, of the type of a plug or the like, sealingly inserted into the dispensing mouth, and deformable or breakable elements which connect, without interruption, the closure means to the container body.

Such deformable or breakable elements are adapted to report to the user the possible presence of product contaminations due to any tampering and/or fortuitous opening of the product, therefore carrying out the function of a warranty seal.

Containers of this type are shown in the patent document EP 2139659 Bl.

A second type of containers is also known, wherein the closure means and the containment body are made in separate pieces, subsequently assembled together.

The closure means of such containers generally comprise a handle with a shutter element, of the type of a plug or the like sealingly insertable in the dispensing mouth, and an annular collar securable coaxial and interlocking at the neck of the containment body.

The handle is associated removable at the outer surface of the collar through an appropriate weakened area, consisting e.g. of pre-breaking lines, tearable bridges, reduced transverse sections or the like.

The handle, the collar and the plug are therefore made in a single body piece, separately from the containment body, and the collar is subsequently secured to the neck by interlocking, the dispensing mouth being closed by means of the

Plug- Containers of this type are shown in the patent document EP 1289842 Bl.

A third type of known containers provides for, e.g., the use of a closure element which, during the molding step, is made with a portion secured to the neck of the container along predetermined breaking areas to occlude the dispensing mouth. In other words, the containment body and the closure element are made in a single body piece so that the dispensing mouth of the container is initially closed and can be opened by tearing the closure element off the containment body.

If necessary, the closure element can also comprise a cap-shaped seat delimited by a side wall and a bottom wall, which is arranged on the opposite side with respect to the portion initially secured to the neck and which has a shutter body extending from the bottom of the cap-shaped seat and is sized so as to be introduced into the dispensing mouth.

In this case, the container is opened for the first time by detaching the closure element from the dispensing opening at the breaking areas and, after using the product, the container can be closed again by overturning the closure element and by fitting the cap- shaped seat on the neck, by positioning the shutter body into the dispensing mouth.

Containers of this type are shown in patent document EP 0326529 B 1.

Known containers do however have some drawbacks among which the fact must be considered that the particular conformation of the closure element leads to the exposure to contaminating agents before the first use of the container, thus not ensuring the integrity of the product during its subsequent uses.

In particular, the cap-shaped seat becomes the receptacle of contaminating agents and, once fitted around the neck of the container, has the bottom wall in contact with the dispensing mouth, greatly facilitating the inlet of contaminating agents in the latter and therefore in the product.

In fact, the particular conformation of the closure element leads to the exposure to external contaminating agents before the first use of the container, thus not ensuring the integrity of the product during its subsequent uses.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to provide for a re-closable container for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, which greatly reduces the risk of contamination of the product contained in the container itself by contaminating agents.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a re-closable container for fluid products wherein the dispensing mouth is isolated from contact with contaminating agents, thus ensuring the integrity of the product during its different uses.

A further object of the present invention is to provide for a re-closable container for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, which allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present re-closable container for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a re-closable container for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the strip of containers of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of one of the containers of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along the plane IV-IV of Figure 2, of a detail of the containers in the reclosing configuration;

Figure 5 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in a second embodiment;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the strip of containers of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side view of one of the containers of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a sectional view along the plane VIII- VIII of Figure 6, of a detail of the containers in the reclosing configuration;

Figure 9 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in a third embodiment;

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the strip of containers of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of one of the containers of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a sectional view along the plane XII-XII of Figure 10, of a detail of the containers in the reclosing configuration;

Figure 13 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the strip of containers of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a side view of one of the containers of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a sectional view along the plane XVI-XVI of Figure 14, of a detail of the containers in the reclosing configuration;

Figure 17 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in a fifth embodiment;

Figure 18 is a top plan view of the strip of containers of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a side view of one of the containers of Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a sectional view along the plane XX-XX of Figure 18, of a detail of the containers in the reclosing configuration;

Figure 21 is an axonometric view of a strip of containers according to the invention in a sixth embodiment;

Figure 22 is a top plan view of the strip of containers of Figure 21 ;

Figure 23 is a side view of one of the containers of Figure 21;

Figure 24 is a sectional view along the plane XXIV-XXIV of Figure 22, of a detail of the containers in the reclosing configuration.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to such figures, globally reference numeral 1 globally indicates a strip of re-closable containers 2 for fluid products, particularly for medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food or the like.

In this regard it is specified that in this discussion the words "fluid products" not only refer to liquid products but also to viscous products, e.g. in the state of paste and gel, and powdered products, in particular very fine powders of great flowability.

Each container 2 comprises a hollow body 3 for containing a fluid product and having a neck 4.

In the present case, the container 2 has a bottom portion 5 opposite to the neck 4.

The hollow containment body 3 extends substantially elongated along a corresponding longitudinal axis 6; in this respect it is emphasized that in this discussion the word "longitudinal" refers to the direction of greater extension of the hollow body 3.

Each container 2 comprises at least a first grip flap 7 defined as protruding from the side surface 8 of the hollow body 3.

As is visible in the figures, each container 2 comprises two first grip flaps 7 defined, with respect to the longitudinal axis 6, on diametrically opposite portions of the hollow body 3.

The first grip flaps 7 in fact, are associated along a first weakened area 9 with the first grip flap 7 of another container 2 arranged adjacent to form the strip 1 of containers 2.

Each container 2 also comprises a closure plug 10 having an attachment portion 11 which, in a closing configuration (e.g. Figures 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21), is associated with the hollow body 3 along a predetermined breaking line 12.

Preferably, the closure plug 10 and the hollow body 3 are coaxial to each other. As is visible in the figures, the predetermined breaking line 12 is formed on the neck 4.

The neck 4 has a substantially axial- symmetrical conformation with a circular section, with a shorter diameter than the rest of the hollow body 3.

In the present discussion, by the words "predetermined breaking line" is meant an area of the containers 2 that has a weakened section and is, therefore, easily tearable.

The predetermined breaking line 12 is adapted to allow the separation of the closure plug 10 from the hollow body 3 so as to define a separation configuration wherein an outflow opening 13 of the fluid product is formed on the hollow body 3.

In the present case, the outflow opening 13 is formed on the neck 4; this means that the hollow body 3 ends up in the neck 4, the side surface 8 of which defines the margins 14 of the outflow opening itself.

Each container 2, in actual facts, is made integral in a single body piece in the aforementioned closing configuration by means of, e.g., an injection molding manufacturing process.

After filling the hollow body 3 with the fluid product and sealing the outflow opening 13, each container 2 is intended to be opened by a user only shortly before use, by tearing off the predetermined breaking line 12 and by separating the closure plug 10 from the hollow body 3.

Each closure plug 10 comprises a cap portion 15 delimited by a side wall 16 and by a bottom wall 17.

The cap portion 15 is joined to the attachment portion 11 and, in a reclosing configuration (Figures 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24), is fitted on the neck 4 to reclose the outflow opening 13.

Preferably, the cap portion 15 is formed on a portion opposite to the attachment portion 11.

Advantageously, the side wall 16 is shaped substantially cylindrical and has such dimensions to be fitted to measure onto the neck 4.

To facilitate the formation of the strip 1, each container 2 comprises at least a second grip flap 18 defined protruding from the side external surface of the closure plug 10.

As is visible in the figures, each container 2 comprises two second grip flaps 18 defined, with respect to the longitudinal axis 6, on diametrically opposite portions of the closure plug 10.

Each second grip flap 18 is associated along a second weakened area 19 with the second grip flap 18 of another container 2 arranged adjacent to form the strip 1 of containers 2.

Each container 2 comprises spacer means 20, 21, 22 adapted to keep, in the reclosing configuration (Figures 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24), the bottom wall 17 at a predefined distance D from the outflow opening 13.

The spacer means 20, 21, 22 are formed on at least one of the neck 4 and the closure plug 10.

In particular, the presence of the spacer means 20, 21, 22 enables the creation of an empty non-contact space positioned between the outflow opening 13 and the bottom wall 17. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise at least a spacer rib 20 formed internally of the cap portion 15 and which, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 4), is adapted to come into contact with the outflow opening 13.

The spacer rib 20 is formed protruding from the bottom wall 17 of the cap portion 15.

The spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise a plurality of spacer ribs 20.

In the present case, the first embodiment comprises two spacer ribs 20.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise three, four, five etc. spacer ribs 20.

As is visible in Figure 2, the spacer ribs 20 are arranged transverse to each other.

Advantageously, the spacer ribs 20 are arranged substantially orthogonal to each other; in particular the meeting point of the spacer ribs 20 coincides with the longitudinal axis 6.

Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein the spacer ribs

20 are arranged e.g. parallel to each other.

The operation of this first embodiment is as follows.

Starting from the closing configuration (Figures 1, 2 and 3), the user moves the closure plug 10 away from the hollow body 3 by tearing off the predetermined breaking line 12 and causing the passage to the separation configuration, wherein the outflow opening 13 is formed on the hollow body 3.

Once the use of the container 2 has finished, the user rotates the closure plug 10 and associates the cap portion 15 with the outflow opening 13, causing the passage from the opening configuration to the reclosing configuration (Figure 4).

The side wall 16 is fitted around the neck 4 and the spacer ribs 20 contact the outflow opening 13; in detail, the spacer ribs 20 abut against the margins 14 of the outflow opening 13, avoiding they come into contact with the bottom wall 17 of the cap portion 15.

Figures 5-8 show a second embodiment of the containers 2 collected in a strip 1, and wherein each container 2 comprises a hollow body 3 for containing a fluid product, having a longitudinal axis 6, a neck 4 and first grip flaps 7 connected to the first grip flaps 7 of the adjacent container 2.

Furthermore, the container 2 continues to comprise a closure plug 10 having an attachment portion 11 which, in the closing configuration, is associated with the hollow body 3 at the predetermined breaking line 12 and is adapted to allow the separation of the closure plug itself from the hollow body 3 in the separation configuration wherein an outflow opening 13 of the fluid product is formed on the hollow body 3.

In this embodiment, the closure plug 10 also comprises a cap portion 15 delimited by a side wall 16 and by a bottom wall 17, wherein the cap portion 15 is joined to the attachment portion 11 and which, in the reclosing configuration

(Figure 8), is fitted on the neck 4 to reclose the outflow opening 13.

In addition, the closure plug 10 also has second grip flaps 18 connected to the second grip flaps 18 of the adjacent container 2.

Unlike what happened in the previous embodiment, the closure plug 10 comprises a shutter element 23, of the type of a pin or the like, formed internally of the cap portion 15 and which, in the reclosing configuration, is insertable at least partly in the outflow opening 13 to reclose the container 2.

As is visible in the figures, the shutter element 23 is made cantilevered with respect to the bottom wall 17 and is insertable substantially to measure into the outflow opening 13.

The shutter element 23 is substantially coaxial to the side wall 16.

Preferably, the shutter element 23 has a substantially frusto-conical conformation having the larger base associated with the bottom wall 17.

In the present case, the side wall 16 is fittable around the neck 4 when the shutter element 23 is inserted at least partly into the outflow opening 13.

Also in this embodiment, the container 2 comprises spacer means 20, 21, 22.

In the present case, the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise two spacer ribs 20 made protruding from the bottom wall 17.

As is seen in Figures 5-8, the two spacer ribs continue to be arranged substantially orthogonal to each other.

The shutter element 23 is arranged centrally to the bottom wall 17; this means that the shutter element 23 is arranged centrally with respect to the meeting point of the spacer ribs 20.

The operation of the second embodiment, as regards the passage from the closing configuration (Figures 5, 6 and 7) to the opening configuration, is completely similar to the operation of the previous embodiment, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

Unlike what happened previously, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 8) the shutter element 23 is inserted into the outflow opening 13, ensuring its closure in a sealing manner.

At the same time, the spacer ribs 20, by abutting against the margins 14 of the outflow opening 13, allow the bottom wall 17 to be kept at a predefined distance D.

Figures 9-12 show a third embodiment of the containers 2 collected in a strip 1, wherein each container 2 comprises a hollow body 3 for containing a fluid product, having a longitudinal axis 6 and a neck 4 completely similar to those described previously as far as the first embodiment (Figures 1-4) is concerned, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

The hollow body 3 and the closure plug 10, furthermore, continue to comprise first grip flaps 7 and second grip flaps 18 connected to the first grip flaps 7 and to the second grip flaps 18, respectively of the adjacent container 2.

As in the previous embodiments, the container 2 comprises spacer means 20, 21, 22.

In this embodiment (Figures 9-12), the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise at least a tooth element 21 formed on the neck 4 and, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 12), is adapted to abut against the side wall 16 so as to keep the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D.

Preferably, the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise two tooth elements 21 formed on portions, with respect to the longitudinal axis 6, diametrically opposite to the neck 4.

Advantageously, the tooth elements 21 are coplanar; this allows keeping constant the predefined distance D of the bottom wall 17 from the outflow opening 13. The operation of the third embodiment, as far as the passage from the closing configuration (Figures 9, 10 and 11) to the opening configuration is concerned, is completely similar to the operation of the first embodiment, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

Nevertheless, unlike what happened previously, the container 2 is reclosed by fitting the side wall 16 of the cap portion 15 around the neck 4 which, by abutting against the tooth elements 21, locks the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D (Figure 12).

Figures 13-16 show a fourth embodiment of the containers 2 collected in a strip 1, wherein each container 2 comprises a hollow body 3 for containing a fluid product, having a longitudinal axis 6, a neck 4 and a closure plug 10 completely similar to those described previously as far as the second embodiment of Figures 5-8 is concerned, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

Similarly to the second embodiment, also in this case the closure plug 10 comprises a shutter element 23 which is formed on the bottom wall 17 and is insertable in the outflow opening 13 to reclose the container 2 once this has been opened.

The hollow body 3 and the closure plug 10, furthermore, continue to comprise first grip flaps 7 and second grip flaps 18 connected to the first grip flaps 7 and the second grip flaps 18, respectively, of the adjacent container 2.

As in the previous embodiments, the container 2 comprises spacer means 20, 21, 22.

In this embodiment (Figures 13-16), the spacing means 20, 21, 22 continue to comprise at least one tooth element 21 formed on the neck 4 and which, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 16), is adapted to abut against the side wall 16 so as to keep the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D.

Similarly to the previous embodiment (Figures 9-12), the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise two tooth elements 21 formed on diametrically opposite portions of the neck 4 with respect to the longitudinal axis 6.

Advantageously, the tooth elements 21 are coplanar; this allows keeping constant the predefined distance D of the bottom wall 17 from the outflow opening 13.

The operation of the fourth embodiment, as regards the passage from the closing configuration (Figures 13, 14 and 15) to the opening configuration, is completely similar to the operation of the previous embodiments, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

Unlike what happened previously, the container 2 is reclosed by fitting the side wall 16 of the cap portion 15 around the neck 4 and by pushing the shutter element 23 towards the bottom portion 5 of the hollow body 3.

Nevertheless, even in this case, the locking of the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D takes place by abutting against the tooth elements 21.

Figures 17-20 show a fifth embodiment of the containers 2 collected in a strip 1, and wherein each container 2 comprises a hollow body 3 for containing a fluid product, having a longitudinal axis 6, a neck 4 and a closure plug 10 completely similar to those described previously as far as the first and third embodiment are concerned, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

The hollow body 3 and the closure plug 10, furthermore, continue to comprise first grip flaps 7 and second grip flaps 18 connected to the first grip flaps 7 and to the second grip flaps 18, respectively, of the adjacent container 2.

As in the previous embodiments, the container 2 comprises spacer means 20, 21, 22.

In this embodiment (Figures 17-20), the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise an abutment edge 22 formed on the neck 4 and which, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 20), is adapted to abut against the side wall 16 so as to keep the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D.

Preferably, the abutment edge 22 has a substantially annular shape; this allows the entire bottom wall 17 being kept at the predefined distance D from the outflow opening 13.

The operation of the fifth embodiment, as far as the passage from the closing configuration (Figures 17, 18 and 19) to the opening configuration is concerned, is completely similar to the operation of the previous embodiments, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

In the reclosing configuration (Figure 20) the side wall 16 is fitted around the neck 4 and the side wall 16 abuts against the abutment edge 22 which locks the latter thus ensuring the closure of the outflow opening 13 and keeping the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D from the outflow opening 13.

Figures 21-24 show a sixth embodiment of the containers 2 collected in a strip 1, wherein each container 2 comprises a hollow body 3 for containing a fluid product, having a longitudinal axis 6, a neck 4 and a closure plug 10 completely similar to those described previously as far as the second and fourth embodiments are concerned, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

Similarly to the second and fourth embodiments, also in this case the closure plug 10 comprises a shutter element 23 which is formed on the bottom wall 17 and is insertable into the outflow opening 13 to reclose the container 2 once this has been opened.

The hollow body 3 and the closure plug 10, furthermore, continue to comprise first grip flaps 7 and second grip flaps 18 connected to the first grip flaps 7 and to the second grip flaps 18 respectively, of the adjacent container 2.

As in the previous embodiments, the container 2 comprises spacer means 20, 21, 22.

Similarly to the previous embodiment (Figures 17-20), the spacer means 20, 21, 22 comprise an abutment edge 22 formed on the neck 4 and which, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 24), is adapted to abut against the side wall 16 so as to keep the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D from the outflow opening 13.

The operation of the sixth embodiment, as far as the passage from the closing configuration (Figures 21, 22 and 23) to the opening configuration is concerned, is completely similar to the operation of the previous embodiments, to the detailed description of which reference should be made.

Nevertheless, in the reclosing configuration (Figure 24), the shutter element 23 is inserted into the outflow opening 13, ensuring its closure in a sealing manner, and the abutment edge 22 abuts against the side wall 16, by locking the bottom wall 17 at the predefined distance D from the outflow opening 13.

It has in practice been found that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In this respect the fact is emphasized that the particular solution to provide spacer means formed onto at least one of the closure plug and the container neck allows locking the bottom wall of the cap portion of the closure plug at a predefined distance from the outflow opening, greatly reducing the risk of contamination by contaminating agents of the product contained inside the container itself.

In fact, the creation of an empty non-contact space positioned between the outflow opening and the bottom wall allows isolating the outflow opening from the contact with contaminating agents, thus ensuring the integrity of the product during its different uses.