WO2012069381A1

WO2012069381A1 - Container having flexible walls

Info

Publication number: WO2012069381A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/070460
Authority: WO
Inventors: André Flores; Jean-Jacques Arlotti
Original assignee: Flores Andre; Jean-Jacques Arlotti
Priority date: 2010-11-24
Filing date: 2011-11-18
Publication date: 2012-05-31
Also published as: FR2967652B1; CN103249645B; EP2643229A1; ES2542634T3; EP2643229B1; US20130287321A1; BR112013012580A2; FR2967652A1; CN103249645A

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1) having flexible walls (2, 3), comprising an opening (4) provided with a means for maintaining same open, said means having two flexible elongate elements (5, 6) connected at the ends thereof by a first hinge (7) and by a second hinge (8), which are adapted for bringing the two elements (5, 6) against each other in a first configuration and for moving the two elements (5, 6) away from each other in a second configuration in which the two elements (5, 6) are folded back on themselves relative to the first configuration, characterized in that both elements (5, 6) are at least partially made of a flexible strip and in that the first hinge (7) includes a cut-out (10) in a portion of the body of the strip, said cut-out (10) being oriented towards the outside of the container (1) in the first configuration.

Description

"Container with soft walls"

The present invention relates to a flexible-walled container having an opening provided with means for maintaining it gaping.

It finds particular application in the field of the manufacture and use of bags, particularly plastic bags, for example for the packaging of rubble in the construction sector and public works, this example is not limiting.

Bags made from flexible sheets of polymeric plastic and any other material including vegetable origin and having an opening through which the objects to be packaged are commonly used. This is particularly the case in the field of building and public works for the recovery and disposal of rubble.

Usually, such bags have a simplistic structure without particular provision to facilitate the introduction of rubble and in particular to keep open the opening of the bag.

The document FR-A1-2 855 501 proposes a solution to this difficulty and provides a container having an opening provided with means for keeping it gaping, these means including two flexible strips bordering the opening of the container and connected to each of their ends by a pivot joint. The retention in the gaping position is effected by a limitation of the amplitude of the pivot joint, in particular at 180 °, so as to keep apart the flexible strips when pivoted by turning by the walls of the container.

This prior device gives overall satisfaction. However, its manufacture is relatively complex with regard to the type of product concerned, generally at low selling price.

Document FR-A1-2 894 512 has proposed a method and an installation for manufacturing a container provided with means for maintaining its gaping opening. It uses two flexible bands that are joined during manufacture. Heavy manufacturing steps follow.

The present invention overcomes all or part of the disadvantages of known techniques so far and proposes for this purpose an improved flexible wall container.

The invention proposes to report, at the upper end of the container, namely at its opening, a device provided with means for keeping gap opening. These means comprising two flexible elongated elements which are connected at their ends by a first and a second articulation. These hinges are configured to bring the two elements against each other in a first configuration and to move the two elements away from each other in a second configuration in which the two elements are turned on themselves relative to each other. at the first configuration.

According to one possibility of the invention, the two elements are at least partially formed in a flexible band, the first articulation comprising a cut in part of the thickness of the band. Advantageously, said cutout is oriented towards the outside of the container in the first configuration. According to an advantageous possibility, the second articulation is formed identically to the first namely by a cut in a part of the thickness of the strip.

It is easily understood that it is possible, thanks to the invention, to make the device maintaining the opening of the gaping container in an optimized manner, in particular by means of two cuts each making one of the joints.

According to a preferred embodiment, in addition, this embodiment is effected from a single flexible strip, the cuts being operated by one face of the flexible strip, the ends of the flexible strip then being joined by simple welding or gluing. . The band is a single piece of material. Thus, a single piece is used during manufacture and the production phases are reduced to two cuts and an assembly. While it would have been considered that the formation of the joints by cutting would not allow sufficient strength of the container, particularly in the open position, the present invention fights this prejudice. In particular, cuts, only partial to the thickness of the flexible band, still allow sufficient strength to use the container in a suitable manner.

In addition, while FR-A1-2 855 501 tends to suggest that the joining between the strips is to be operated at each end of the latter, the present invention realizes the joints at the junction between the flexible elements, to each from their ends. It was surprisingly found that this embodiment, when the device was placed in its second configuration, made it possible, by simply pressing the portions of the joint following the thickness of the flexible strip, to maintain the gaping position. The support made in this position, thickness against thickness in the flexible band, was not predictable.

Finally, while the prior art encourages the formation of the means for maintaining the gaping opening with two well-differentiated and distinct elements, the invention fights this prejudice by melting all in one piece namely the flexible band.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description which presents a detailed embodiment of the invention which is not however intended to limit it.

Before, various advantageous but non-limiting embodiments of the invention are introduced below which can be implemented alternatively or cumulatively:

the height of the cut is between 30% and 90% and more advantageously between 50% and 80% or between 50% and 70% of the thickness of the strip;

the height of the cut is equivalent to 2/3 of the thickness of the strip,

the direction of the cut is perpendicular to the face of the strip opposite the cut,

the two elements are integrally formed from the band, the ends of the band being integral,

the strip is made of high density polypropylene,

the strip is made of extruded high-density polypropylene,

the strip is made of polyethylene,

the strip is made of biopolymer or other vegetable material, the first articulation comprises, on the face opposite the cut-out, opposite the cut-out, a reinforcing ply,

the second articulation is similar to the first articulation,

one of the elements comprises an adhesive member on its face located outside the container in the first configuration,

at least one of the cuts comprises, at its edges, a bulge producing a local extra thickness of the strip,

the bulge has an increasing thickness towards each edge of the cut,

the maximum thickness of the bulge is greater than 10% of the thickness of the strip.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a container comprising the following steps: forming two cuts from the same face and a portion of the thickness of a flexible strip, the cuts being spaced a length apart equal to half the length of the band and securing the two ends of the band.

Advantageously, the method comprises the formation of a bulge around at least one of the cuts so as to produce a local extra thickness of the strip. The accompanying drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They represent only one embodiment of the invention and will make it easy to understand.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device constituting the means for maintaining the gap opening according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 is a top view while Figure 3 shows a detail of Figure 2 illustrating in particular a movement of the joint.

FIG. 4 shows a possibility of bringing the elongated elements together and spaced apart, and FIG. 5 gives a detail of this at a joint.

Figures 6 and 7 are views similar respectively to Figures 4 and 5 in a more open position of the container.

Figure 8 shows in perspective the device shown in the figures previously introduced.

FIG. 9 illustrates a possibility of reversal of the device on itself to go from a first configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 to a second configuration appearing in FIGS. 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a top view of the device including the means for maintaining the gap opening in the second configuration, with hinge cuts oriented towards the interior of the container. Figure 1 shows a detail view. Figure 12 shows a container equipped with the device previously illustrated substantially in its upper part. While Figure 12 is a front view of the container, Figure 13 is a side view. Figure 14 shows in perspective a use of the container of the invention with the means for maintaining gap opening in the active position, according to the second configuration.

Figure 15 shows a possibility of forming a blank.

The shape and the material of the container 1 are not limited. It may be for example a container 1 in the form of a plastics polymer bag having two side walls 2, 3 made of polymeric plastic sheets of substantially rectangular shape and joined by three of their edges. It is also possible to form an additional bottom portion, bellows or any other additional provision without departing from the scope of the invention.

The unmated edges of the side walls 2, 3 define an opening 4 allowing the introduction of objects to be loaded into the container 1.

The invention comprises means for keeping gap opening 4 during the loading phase.

In the case of Figures 12 to 14, there is shown these means located at the upper end of the container 1, directly to the edge of its opening 4. However, these means could be located at other levels, including a level of lower height, towards the bottom of the bag.

More specifically, a preferred embodiment of the means for maintaining the gap opening 4 is described below.

More particularly, in FIG. 1, an element 5 elongated here in substantially parallelepipedal flattened rectangle form is referenced 5.

In Figure 2, there is shown, seen from above, the device so that a complementary elongate element 6 is shown. Advantageously, the elongated elements 5 and 6 have identical shapes and dimensions. They are joined at each of their ends by a first articulation 7 and a second articulation 8.

Although this is not necessary, it is advantageous to perform the joints 7 and 8 identically, to optimize the manufacturing process. At the very least, a first articulation 7 of the articulations 7, 8 comprises a cutout formed in a band constituting at least partially one and / or the other of elongated elements 5, 6. A particularly advantageous solution consists in using a flexible strip to make all the elongated elements 5, 6.

By way of preference, the strip, and advantageously all of the elongated elements 5, 6, are made of a polymeric material and configured so as to preserve a flexibility ensuring sufficient flexion to effect the opening of the container 1 in the configurations appearing in FIGS. Figures 6 and 10 without causing a rupture of the elongated elements 5, 6.

By way of example, a strip of polypropylene-type polymer material is used, and more particularly high-density polypropylene obtained by extrusion. The use of this material is particularly advantageous because it has been found that this material has mechanical properties equivalent to those of a fiber product, with increased mechanical strength along the length of the flexible strip. In this way, despite the cut made at the first hinge 7 and possibly at the second hinge 8, the mechanical strength is sufficient to maintain consistency between the elongated elements 5, 6.

The substantially laminar mechanical behavior of the extruded high-density polypropylene ensures the formation of a residual sheet below the cut ensuring the articulation in good conditions of mechanical strength and flexibility.

Alternatively, polyethylene or other polymers including those of plant origin (biopolymers) can be used. It is also possible to use an unprocessed plant material. For example, bamboo can be used. Specifically, a bamboo stalk is cut along its length, to keep only a slightly curved rod. The strong fibrous character with longitudinally oriented fibers makes it possible to ensure the mechanical strength of this rod even after the hinge cuts. Other woods, advantageously very fibrous, can be used. Furthermore, another advantageous possibility is to reinforce the one and / or the other articulation 7, 8 by a reinforcing ply secured to the rear face of the hinge opposite face to that of the cut. For example, a reinforcing ply of the adhesive type textile web can be implemented.

FIG. 6 shows more precisely the making of the blanks 10, 1 1. The latter are advantageously made in an orientation perpendicular to the plane of the faces of the flexible strip serving as a basis for the production of the elongated elements 5, 6 and along the entire width of the band. Advantageously, the cuts 10, 11 are produced so as to avoid or minimize the removal of material. Thus, it is ensured that, in the open position, the adjacent ends of the elongated elements 5, 6 are in support along the thickness of the elements 5, 6, substantially producing an alignment as shown in Figure 7. It is desirable not to make a notch at the joints 7 and 8. We can limit the cut 10, 11 to a simple separation of the band into two portions. In particular, a thin blade can be used for making the cut.

Still preferably, the thickness of the cut is between 50 and 70% of the overall thickness of the strip. Advantageously, the cut is of the order of 2/3 of the thickness of the strip so that the flexible portion forming the hinge forms about the residual third of the thickness.

As a nonlimiting example for illustrating possible embodiments, the following dimensional parameters can be used:

- thickness of the flexible band, and therefore elongated elements 5, 6: between 0.2 and 0.8 millimeter. A satisfactory solution, use a strip of 0.4 millimeters thick; According to another possibility, the thickness of a band, polypropylene in particular, is 1 millimeter. The notch of the cut can then for example represent 80% of the thickness, that is to say 0.8 millimeters.

bandwidth between 5 and 20 millimeters and for example 14 millimeters. Moreover, a bandwidth of the order of 10 to 40 times larger than its thickness can give satisfaction.

Length of the elongated elements 5, 6: between 300 and 500 millimeters.

When the means for maintaining the gap opening are made from a single strip, the manufacturing method used can ensure, the strip being flat and accessible by one of its faces, a cut at least at the joint 7, and advantageously a similar cut at the hinge 8. At least one of the cuts 10, 1 1 are made by means of a blade 14 flared profile towards its base. The angle of the flared profile of the blade 14 can be between 5 ° and 10 °. This implies a variation in the thickness of the blade and hence a variation of the width of the notch, decreasing towards the bottom of the blank 10, 1 1. During its descent into the band, the blade produces a deformation plastic of the material of the band. In particular, the strip advantageously comprises a bulge 15 of material on the face of the strip through which the cut is made around said cut. This bulge 15, with a preferentially increasing profile towards each edge of the cut, forms a slight increase in the thickness of the strip near the cut-out 10, 1 1. This allowance may represent a maximum between 10 and 20% of the cut. thickness of the strip is for example 0.2 m ill imeter for a strip of 1 m il li meter thick. The presence of a bulge around the cut locally increases the contact area between the two edges of the cut, thus increasing the retention effect in the open position of the container. Advantageously, this bulge does not imply additional manufacturing step since it is produced during cutting. In addition the thickness of the rest of the band is not modified which preserves its flexibility and avoids overconsumption of material.

It is arranged that the cutouts 10, 1 1 thus formed are spaced apart by a length equivalent to the length of the elongated elements 5, 6. Then, it is sufficient to fold the band on itself so as to apply the element 5 on the element 6 as it appears in Figures 1 and 2. At this stage, the free ends of the strip are assembled by any common means, which may include the addition of a fastening device or the formation of an assembly of the type welding or gluing. In the latter case, it is advantageous for the flexible strip to have a length slightly greater than the sum of the lengths of the elongated elements 5, 6. In this way, an overlapping portion is preserved, allowing the formation of a joining zone 9 for welding.

Note that at least one of the elongated elements 5, 6 may comprise an adhesive member on its face located outside the container 1 when the latter is in the first configuration. By way of example, it is possible to produce an adhesive member 12 in the form of a double-sided adhesive from which it is possible to remove a film protection when it is desired to ensure the closure of the bag. The latter then operates by folding the elongate elements 5, 6 on one of the walls 2, 3 of the container 1 so that the adhesive 12 produces its effect on said wall.

The first configuration of the means for maintaining the gap opening appears in FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 12 and 13. In this situation, the elongated elements 5, 6 have a propensity to approach each other so that the opening of the bag is not preserved. On the other hand, the user may, by moving away from each of the elongated elements 5, 6, open the container as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. In this configuration, the cutouts 10, 1 1 of the joints 7, 8 are oriented towards the outside of the container 1. The flexibility of the elongate elements ensures an elastic return in the closed position.

Figures 8 to 9 show a possibility of passage of the first configuration to a second configuration. In Figure 8, the elongated elements 5, 6 are spaced from each other. This distance does not have to be maximal. The operator can then operate an advantageously symmetrical movement on the two elongated elements 5, 6 so as to turn them on themselves. It is understood that the The result of this operation is that the phase of the elongated elements 5, 6 hitherto located towards the outside of the container 1 in the first configuration is found oriented towards the interior of the container 1. The second configuration is then reached. It corresponds to the views of FIGS. 10, 11 and 14. It will be noted that the cutouts 10, 1 1 are then oriented towards the inside of the container 1.

FIG. 11 shows more particularly the relative situation of two ends of the elongated elements 5, 6 at the joint 7 and the function of the cutout formed at this level to make a support according to the thickness of the elements 5, 6 adapted to hold the device in an open position maintaining the opening 4 of the container 1 gaping.

The overall result is particularly well illustrated in FIG. 14. It can be seen that the operator can use it without having to make a residual stress on the bag, its opening 4 remaining gaping.

The cuts 10, 1 1 are advantageously made according to the width of the elongate elements 5, 6, in an orientation perpendicular to the length of these elongated elements 5, 6.

REFERENCES

1. Container

2. Side wall

3. Side wall

4. Opening

5. Elements

6. Elements

7. First articulation

8. Second articulation

9. Area of solidarity

10. Cutting

1 1. Cutting

12. Adhesive body

13. Opposite face

14. Blade

15. Bulging

Claims

1. Container (1) with walls (2, 3) flexible having an opening (4) provided with means for keeping it gaping, said means having two elongate elements (5, 6) flexible connected at their ends by a first hinge (7). ) and a second articulation (8) configured to bring the two elements (5, 6) against each other in a first configuration and to move the two elements (5, 6) away in a second configuration in which the two elements (5, 6) are returned to themselves with respect to the first configuration,

characterized by the fact that

the two elements (5, 6) are formed integrally from a flexible band, the ends of the band being integral and the first articulation (7) comprises a cutout (10) in a part of the thickness of the band said cutout (10) being oriented outwardly of the container (1) in the first configuration, and that the second articulation (8) comprises a cutout (1 1) in a portion of the thickness of the strip, said cutout (11) being oriented towards the outside of the container (1) in the first configuration.

2. Container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the height of the blank (10) is between 50% and 80% of the thickness of the strip.

3. Container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the height of the blank (10) is equivalent to 2/3 of the thickness of the strip.

4. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the direction of the cutout (10) is perpendicular to the face of the strip opposite the cut.

5. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the cuts (10, 11) are spaced a length equal to half the length of the strip.

6. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the band is made of high density polypropylene.

7. Container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the strip is made of extruded high-density polypropylene.

8. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the strip is polyethylene or biopolymer or plant material.

9. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the first hinge (7) comprises, on the opposite face (13) to the cutout (10), vis-à-vis the cutout (10), a reinforcement layer.

10. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the second hinge (8) is similar to the first hinge (7).

1 1. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the elements (5, 6) comprises an adhesive member (12) on its face located outside the container (1) in the first configuration .

12. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the cuts (10, 1 1) comprises, at its edges, a bulge (15) producing a local extra thickness of the strip.

13. Container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the bulge (15) has an increasing thickness towards each edge of the blank (10, 11).

14. Container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the maximum thickness of the bulge (15) is greater than 10% of the thickness of the strip.

15. A method of manufacturing a container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps:

forming two cut-outs (10, 1 1) from one and the same face and part of the thickness of a flexible strip, the cuts (10, 11) being spaced apart by a length equal to half of the length of the band; - Securing the two ends of the band.

16. Method according to the preceding claim comprising the formation of a bulge (15) around at least one of the cuts (10, 1 1) so as to produce a local extra thickness of the strip.