CN1085141C - Hole forming device for dispensing container and container having same - Google Patents

Abstract

A hole forming structure includes a split tip portion (634) made of a thermoformed plastic. The breakaway tip includes a hollow protrusion extending from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line (636). The breaking of the fault line forms an aperture for dispensing the substance contained within the package. A cap (620) may be integrally formed with the aperture-forming structure and may be removed for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture. The hole forming structure may be manufactured by heating a relatively rigid, generally flat, thermoformed sheet and then expanding the sheet to form a first and second hollow protrusion in a layered configuration. A fracture line is disposed at the intersection of the first and second projections. The sheet may be attached to a bag or enclosure made of a flexible sheet containing any flowable material.

Description

Hole forming device for dispensing container and container having same

This international application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/010,455, filed January 23, 1996, and to the U.S. Provisional Application, filed January 3, 1997 by the same inventor of the immediate nonprovisional application, entitled "Renewable Closed Dispenser Package, Reclosable Spout-Forming Structure, and Method and Apparatus for Making the Same," both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

field of invention

The present invention relates to dispensers that are easy to open, self-contained, convenient to use, single or multiple use, economical and high-speed production, and made from a wide range of reusable materials Package. They hold products such as syrup, cream, cheese, salad dressing, shampoo, hand cream, liquid detergent, motor oil, toothpaste slurry, pet food and many others. The invention also relates to a package capable of dispensing the contained product, such as mouthwash, cough syrup, confectionary, alcoholic beverage, etc., directly into the mouth of a user and having a An integral part of the reclosable cap, the cap is preferably associated with the package by a tether also integrally formed with the package. It can also be seen that the easy-to-open feature (feature) with a reclosable cap and tie strap can be formed separately and sealed or bonded to many packages such as bags, milk containers, boxes, cushions ( pillow) packaging (sachet) and other packaging in order to efficiently and cost-effectively manufacture dispensing packs or squeeze bags. These squeeze pouch packages dispense food batter such as pet food, cream, grease, yogurt, certain types of dough, icing mixes for pastries, and are made of treated, coated cardboard plastic Sheets, foils, laminates or coextrusions of these materials. The easy-to-open means of the present application in its preferred embodiment consists of a drum-shaped projection from which a second frusto-conical projection protrudes and extends to form an apex, at the bottom of the apex around a fault line. The tip is fractured by applying light lateral finger pressure to create a hole. To protect the breakaway tip during shipping or reclosing the aperture, an attached cap may also be formed adjacent the double projection. The tie feature not only holds the cap, preventing it from being lost, but also acts as a spring to keep the cap in place (on the tip).

In another form of hole-forming system, the original drum-like projection replaces the frusto-conical split tip and a faultline pattern is formed in its top surface designed to act as a piercing tool/hole. When the plug is pressed into the fault line pattern, the fault line breaks to form outlets of various desired shapes. The piercing tool/plug can be formed in place of the cap and the piercing tool/plug can be attached or the cap can have two ends with a cap structure on one end and the piercing tool on the other / hole plug structure. It can also be seen that the cap accommodating a flower-like projection formed in a cap will act as a central perforator when the cap is pressed against the drum-shaped projection. It can further be seen that in some cases, such as the packaging of flowable products such as alcoholic beverages, where a metal foil liner is required, the drum can be formed from a The piers of the line graphics are replaced. The reason for using such mound-shaped projections instead of drum-shaped projections is to prevent the foil layers from stretching beyond their elastic limit at the intersection of the surfaces so as to break during forming. The graphic may be punched out by a shaped piercing tool/plug which may be thermoformed and attached to the unit or made separately and the tie may have a shaped rounded shape at its free end A ring in which the piercing tool/hole plug can be placed.

The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing the above structures and packages reliably at high speed, in many cases from entirely reusable materials, so that such packages can be manufactured at low cost and in many cases Reusable. In addition, the packaging can use less plastic than most other previously known parts of packaging, reducing resource consumption and being environmentally friendly even when using non-recyclable materials.

background of the invention

Attempts have been made to provide a dispenser package in which a product is contained in the required standard quantity for one or more uses and from which the contained product can be dispensed.

One type of such dispenser packaging is a pillow pouch or sachet, generally made of a relatively thin combination of plastic and foil or laminated plastic and foil. These packages are often used as containers for catsup, mustard, other condiments, home care preparations such as hair conditioners, dyes, cremes, and the like. Although this type of packaging is widely used, at the same time it is generally disliked by users. To gain access to the contents, the bag must be held firmly in one hand while the other hand provides a tearing action and force. It is often difficult to form the initial tear to break the seal of the package, often requiring the assistance of the user's teeth. Furthermore, once the initial tear has formed, not only does the laminated foil and/or plastic often tear in an uncontrollable manner, but the gripping pressure exerted by one of the user's hands often forces the contents not only on the The user removes the packaging casing before the user is ready to apply the contents, and even before the tearing action is complete. Opening these packages can cause frayed temper, broken nails, chipped teeth, and other problems. The user must use both hands simultaneously to open the container. This makes opening these packages virtually impossible for the handicapped, arthritic, and other handicapped. Another problem associated with these existing packages is that these packages cannot be effectively reclosed, making the package unusable for multiple uses and thus wasting unused contents. Other disadvantages include the inability of the sachet to effectively contain low viscosity products such as coffee creamer, mouthwash or alcoholic beverages due to the inability of the torn opening to control the flow of liquid from the package. These packages are also generally not reusable at all and thus become environmental pollutants. However, as mentioned above, the easy-open parts of this application can be easily and economically bonded to the sachets to make an easy-open, reclosable, highly isolated Package.

Another type of dispenser package is the tear-off top cup for cream, margarine, syrup, sauces, salad dressing, and other similar products. This type of packaging requires good vision and manual handling skills. This package is often used as a coffee creamer (creamer), and has a number of disadvantages, including: difficult to tear off the top to open the package, and difficult to pour out the contents, accidental spills, and cannot be reclosed more than once use. The invention described herein can be glued or integrally formed into these packages so that the packages can be easily opened and reclosed. Yet another type of dispenser package is an unsealed corrugated paper package for salt and/or pepper that, once bent along a line of discontinuity cut through the corrugation, forms an opening that is received in the package. Salt or other substances inside can flow out through this opening. These packages only dispense dry solids that are gravity flowable and cannot be used to contain and dispense "wet" or liquid flowable substances. The package of the present invention can contain and easily dispense liquid as well as dry granular products.

Smaller and more expensive bottles with metal caps are used for alcoholic beverages and are poured from the bottle or enjoyed straight from the bottle. These bottles are reclosable, but they are often sized for one drink only, so they do not have to be reclosable. This ready-to-pack is available for alcoholic beverages at a fraction of the cost of bottles.

Anyone is familiar with the ubiquitous gable top milk cartons and the various degrees of difficulty in opening them. These range from broken nails to the inability to easily open the carton without a knife or other implement.

They never really reclose and at worst look messy and unclean. In the United States there has been a tendency to install a screw cap assembly consisting of a threaded nozzle piece which is sealed to one of the carton's angled triangles and the other to a Unattached screw cap. This small injection molded duo is prohibitively expensive to make and install, perhaps on the order of 3 to 5 cents, and is commonly used in larger half gallon gable top juice containers. These are expensive and high-margin items, costing about three dollars each, with additional usage charges for screw-on outlets. However, billions of these gable top containers for milk and cream are sold each year, varying in volume from half a pint to half a gallon. However, manufacturers are reluctant to significantly increase the cost of cartons, and the masses continue to use hard-to-open cartons.

The instant invention creates a sealed and well-packed outlet with an attached cap both formed in a single smaller plastic unit that is easily sealed or glued. Attached to a triangle located above a lower precast hole. It is extremely cheap to manufacture and is made of polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyester, etc., and it uses only fractions of a fraction of the cost of materials. As can be seen, the cap serves a dual purpose. It allows the outlet to be reclosed after opening, and just as importantly, since the cap is placed on the breakaway tip during shipment, the cap protects the tip from accidental breakage or exposure to anything that could open the outlet. Mouth force.

It can be seen that the lower drum-like structure below the separating tip can be elongated so that when the tip is broken, an elongated nozzle allows the flowable substance to be sucked directly from the container, or where the substance lubricates the motor In the case of oil, pour it directly into the engine oil inlet. Another disadvantage of today's dispensing packages is the closure of the delivery opening. Closing the outlet opening of the pipe is currently achieved by means of an injection molded screw cap which generally includes a squeezeable gasket. The end of the tube needs a mating thread to fit the cap. The separately molded gasketed cap and threaded tube add to manufacturing costs. Additionally, the cap is often dropped and/or lost when the cap is threaded on or off. Furthermore, there has been a growing trend to manufacture this still relatively costly pipe by providing a hinged cap with a flat end face which allows the pipe to stand upright. Thus, currently used caps have the disadvantage that they tend to increase the overall cost of manufacture of the dispensing package.

purpose of invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved means for forming a hole in a thermoformed plastic material and, where necessary, an integrally formed cap and tie strap.

Another object is to separately form such a hole forming device, with or without a cap and/or tie strap, for bonding to other forms of previously difficult-to-open or non-reclosable packages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved dispenser package.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved aperture forming structure for a dispenser package which allows the user to easily and controllably dispense the substance contained in the package directly into the user's mouth , or in a directional controlled manner as desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved hole-forming structure for a dispenser package which can be opened easily and reliably and which can be manufactured economically and at high speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable dispenser package, so that the substance contained in the package can be dispensed in successive uses, and the delivery port can be reclosed between uses .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package having an attached cap formed from the same plastic film which can be placed over the unopened hole forming means , in order to protect it and/or to reclose the package after it has been opened.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and removable cap that can be formed as an integral unit, wherein the cap is connected to an integrally formed tie strap and remains In connection with the package, the cap can be placed over the unopened aperture forming device to protect it from tampering or accidental opening during shipping and handling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and attached cap which can be formed from a piece of thermoformed material as an integral unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved reclosable package and attached cap which can be formed as an integral unit from a single piece of reusable thermoformable plastic material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved dispenser package and cap, wherein the cap has an open top of a predetermined shape, so that after the cap is placed over the hole of the package, the Substances can be dispensed in streams of this shape.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved dispenser package and cap, wherein the cap includes a implement device, such as a small protrusion or planar structure, so that the cap can be used as a tools for painting, coating, or treating the contents of the package to be dispensed.

Another object of the present invention is to replace the cap with a dual-action punch/hole plug capable of piercing a solid pre-scored structure to form a hole and also serving as A hole plug is used to close the hole.

The specific objectives and advantages of the present invention described above illustrate many things that can be realized by the present invention, and are not exhaustive or limit the possible advantages that can be realized. Accordingly, these and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description herein, or realized by practice of the invention, as may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, wherein These objects and advantages are realized and obtained by means of components, structures and instruments, and combinations thereof, as well as steps and processes indicated in the appended books, specifically or modified in any changed viewpoint. The invention resides in the novel components, structures, arrangements, combinations, steps and processes, and advancements shown and described.

Summary of the invention

Briefly described, the invention refers to a novel reclosable hole forming device which can be formed with an integrally formed cap which can be associated with the hole forming device to form a separately formable and adhered Bonded or sealed to a container wall or surface over an aperture in the container wall to form an easy opening for reclosing the dispensing package when necessary. The reclosable hole forming means is embodied as an integral hollow projection preferably consisting of two stages, a drum-shaped base and a substantially conical or frusto-conical apex extending from the base, The top portion has, at its intersection with the flat top surface of the first drum-like structure, a fault line around it which can be easily broken to form an opening through which the contents contained in the package can pass. The opening dispenses with a directionally controllable flow. After breaking off by applying light sideways finger pressure on the raised top, the package can be lightly squeezed by hand to express the desired amount of contents through the open nozzle-like delivery opening.

In a second embodiment, the entire reclosable aperture forming structure may be integrally formed, which will facilitate the use of such a reclosable dispensing package. In this second embodiment, a substantially relatively flexible, squeezable bag or container member is sealed to a lid member forming the top or lid of the package. The cap comprises the novel reclosable aperture forming means and associated cap as described above and similarly usable.

In another desirable embodiment, the bag or container has an integral hollow projection and an associated cap thermoformed under its relatively rigid rim. The advantage of this form is that the cover becomes a relatively thin skin which is extremely easy to print and is less expensive than the formed upper cover.

The aforementioned cap, which is first formed as an integral unit with the package, is preferably formed along a peripheral edge of the lid member forming the top or lid of the package relatively close to the separating protrusion or on the underside of the rim. A cutting line forms a tether that allows the user to mechanically remove the cap from its molded position in manufacture and place it on the open nozzle-like hole forming device for shipment and protect the separation tip during handling while remaining attached to the package. Also as shown in the preferred embodiment, the cap also allows the last user of the package to conveniently open or reclose the package after each use.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

In other embodiments of the dispenser pack of the present invention:

(i) the break-away projection forming the hole in the package can be broken on the surface of the lid forming the top or top of the package, thereby eliminating the nozzle in those applications where the substance contained in the package does not require a nozzle structure shape output structure;

(ii) The cap may be formed with a small raised structure to act like a brush, or may have some other desired shape to serve as some other tool for use in disposing of the contents dispensed from the package. The function of the tool required, such as brushing or coating;

(iii) Provided that reclosing of the package is not required, the cap may be open and of a predetermined shape so that after the cap is placed over the spout-shaped orifice of the package, the contents may assume the form of a liquid; streams are distributed;

(iv) The cap may have an internal center hole plug sized to match the size of the opening formed in the dispenser package, thereby acting as a hole plug to further ensure that the separation protrusion after removal, close the opening; and

(v) The separation projection and the associated cap can be formed in a portion of the cover member which extends beyond one end of the squeezable bag member at a predetermined angle, and by means of a thinner The neck or channel communicates with the product contained within the pouch to facilitate application of the contents to a surface, such as squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush or applying glue to a break line. Alternatively, the separation protrusion may be formed in the cover directly above the bag portion, with the cap formed on a nearby smaller flat area. This approach results in somewhat larger pocket volumes when using the same total amount of material.

It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiments of the dispenser package of the present invention described above may be thermoformed from a variety of plastic materials including, for example, PP (polypropylene), Barex, HDPE (high density polyethylene), HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) and foamed HIPS, and various laminates and/or coextrusions of these and other plastic materials, including, for example, PP/EVOH (ethylene vinylalcohol)/ PP; Barex/PP; Barex/EVOH/PP; PET (polythylenetetrafluoride)/LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene); PET/EVOH/LLDPE; PVC (polyvinyl chloride)/LLDPE; NY ( Nylon)/LLDPE; and NY/EVOH/LLDPE. Additionally, the aperture forming device and dispenser package of the present invention can be formed by injection molding.

It will also be appreciated that the above-described preferred embodiment of the dispenser pack may be manufactured in a variety of desired volumes, although the preferred volume for the dispenser pack of the present invention ranges from about 2 ml capacity to about 4 fluid ounce capacity. Similarly, the packages described above can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes. A typical volume for a package containing 30 ml or 1 fluid ounce of substance is about 1 inch deep by about 1 inch wide by about 3 to 4 inches long, which fits comfortably in the palm of many users. Furthermore, the separate formation of the aperture forming means and associated cap is applicable to a larger packaging range from single use volumes to half gallons.

Briefly described and as shown in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention for forming the preferred hole-forming projections in the lid of a dispenser package comprises a two-stage stamping which advances to a thermoformed The material is joined and clamped against a self-centering and self-aligning hollow anvil member. The first stamping is advanced so as to initially form a hollow drum-shaped protrusion in a specific heated zone of the thermoformed material. The second stamping, preferably positioned in the first stamping and movable relative to the first stamping, then proceeds forward. The second stamping includes a first substantially frustoconical surface adapted to form a generally cylindrical or frustoconical hollow top portion extending from the drum-shaped projection formed by the first stamping . At the moment when the hollow top portion is fully formed, the forward advancement of the second stamping engages the second thinner tapered surface with the peripheral edge or rim of the hollow portion forming the anvil, thereby extruding the rim around its peripheral portion. The walls of the hollow tip are formed to form a weakened fault line within the hollow tip projection. As preferably embodied herein, said stamping and anvil member form a fault line on said hollow top raised base which extends continuously around its periphery.

In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the heated sheet of thermoformable material is held against an anvil member after which a single-stage stamping member having a substantially frusto-conical front portion is advanced to form the above-mentioned Hollow, generally cylindrical or frustoconical top portion. At the moment the hollow top portion is fully formed, the rim of the anvil member compresses the walls of the hollow top portion around its periphery to form a weakened fault line. It can be seen that the heated thermoformed film (material) can be clamped against a relatively thin plate spaced from the anvil which accommodates a precisely aligned hole in the shape of the anvil member. The hole is the center. In this embodiment, as the stamping is advanced through the plate, the diaphragm will be formed into a cone between the stamping and the anvil, and the cone will then be further shaped until it is in contact with the anvil. The peripheral edge or rim of the opening of the inner hole is in contact. Another device creates a fault line banding or surrounding the formed tapered tip portion at a predetermined point between the base of the tip portion and its apex.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative of the invention, but not as limitations thereof or of advantages that may be realized by the invention and combinations thereof limit. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part hereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Brief introduction to the drawings

Figure 1 is a side view of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention having an integrally formed cap;

Figure 2 is a top view of the dispenser package shown in Figure 1;

Figure 2a is a perspective view of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention wherein an integrally formed cap is located on the rim of the outer shell member and the underside of the overlying layered unformed cover member;

Figure 3 is an end view of the dispenser package shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3a is an end view of the dispenser package shown in Figure 2a, showing an unformed very thin flexible cover;

Figure 4 is a side view, partly in section, of an apparatus for forming separate tips and nozzle projections in a heated sheet of thermoplastic material constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the first and second stampings and the self-aligning hollow anvil member shown in Figure 4, showing the formation of the first protrusion in the thermoplastic sheet material;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view similar to Figure 5 showing the formation of a second protrusion in the thermoplastic sheet material;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of Figure 6 showing the formation of a perimeter extending weakened fault line on the second raised base;

Figure 7a is an enlarged side view of first and second protrusions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7b is an enlarged side view of first and second protrusions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of the dispensing package shown in Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the dispensing package shown in Figure 8, showing the cap being removed from its molded position and placed onto the breakaway top projection;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a hollow stamping for forming a central sealing plug in the cap shown in the above figures;

Figure 11 is an isometric perspective view of a cap formed with a central hole plug made by the apparatus shown in Figure 10;

12 is an enlarged, partially cutaway sectional view showing another embodiment of the stamping and anvil apparatus of the present invention in which a one-piece stamping forms a pocket for a dispenser package within the surface of the lid. a hollow frusto-conical protruding structure, and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;

Figure 12a is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partly cut away, showing another embodiment of the stamping and anvil apparatus of the present invention, wherein a one-piece stamping forms within the surface of the lid a dispenser package with a hollow frusto-conical projecting structure of a right cylindrical base, and the anvil member compresses the wall of the tip to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the projecting tip;

Figure 12b is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partially cut away, showing another embodiment of the stamping and anvil apparatus of the present invention in which a one-piece stamping with a spherical tip is formed in the surface of the cap for a dispensing a hollow pier-shaped projecting structure of the container package, and the anvil member compresses the wall of the top end so as to form a peripherally extending fault line on the surface of the pier-shaped portion;

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a split tip formed from the stamping and anvil member shown in Figure 12;

Figure 13a is a schematic illustration of a detached tip formed from the stamping and anvil member shown in Figure 12a;

Figure 14 is a top view of another embodiment of a dispenser package constructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the split tip and cap are formed in the laterally extending portion of the cover member, and the split tip is connected to the housing through a thinner channel member The bag is connected;

Figure 15 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 14, wherein the laterally extending portion of the cover also extends downwardly at an angle;

Figure 18 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a cap, wherein the cap has bristles or nubs formed on its outer surface;

Figure 19 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the cap, wherein the cap has a flat applicator formed on its outer surface;

20a-d are partial end views of other embodiments of the cap of the present invention, each view showing an open-ended cap;

Figure 21a is a top view of a reclosable output hole forming structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, which can be used on various types of containers;

Figure 21b is a side view of the reclosable output aperture forming structure shown in Figure 21a;

Figure 22a is a perspective view of the reclosable spout forming structure shown in Figures 21a-b for use on a milk carton with the cap placed over the spout;

Figure 22b is a perspective view of the reclosable spout forming structure shown in Figures 21a-b for use on a milk carton with the cap removed from the spout for removal of the split spout tip;

Figure 22c is a perspective view of the reclosable spout forming structure shown in Figures 21a-b for use on a milk carton with the split tip removed from the spout to form an opening therethrough;

Figure 22d is a perspective view of the milk carton shown in Figures 22a-c, wherein the split top has been removed from the spout to form an opening through which milk is being poured;

Figure 23 is a side view of a low profile split tip according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23a is a side view of a low profile split tip according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 is a top view of the low profile split tip shown in Figure 23;

Figure 24a is a top view of the low profile split tip shown in Figure 23a;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of the low profile split tip shown in Figure 23, with the split tip removed shown by phantom lines;

Figure 26 is a side view of a cap for use with the low profile breakaway tip shown in Figure 23;

Figure 27 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a twist lock or rotating thread structure is used to secure the cap to the base structure;

Figure 28a is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention employing an associated plug to open or close a pre-scored surface;

Figure 28b is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 28a, wherein the pre-scored surface has been opened;

Figure 28c is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 28a, wherein a hole plug has been placed into the output hole, thereby opening the hole and/or plugging the hole along the pre-scored surface;

Figures 29a-d are top views of the delivery port of the embodiment shown in Figure 28a, depicting various scored surfaces formed in the delivery port; and

Figures 30a-d are side views of the scored surfaces shown in Figures 29a-d, wherein each scored surface has been pierced to form an opening therethrough and a flap sloping down from the surface;

Figure 31 is a partial side view of a spout forming structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, the structure has a punch/hole plug and scoring seat, and is used on a milk carton;

Figure 32 is a top view of the output port forming structure shown in Figure 31;

Figure 33 is a side view of the outlet forming structure shown in Figures 31 and 32;

Figure 34 is an enlarged view of the output port forming structure shown in Figures 31-33;

Figure 35 is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming structure shown in Figures 31-34, showing the mound section pierced by the punch/hole plug;

Figure 36 is an enlarged side view of the mound portion shown in Figures 31-35;

Figure 37 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein a spout forming structure having a split tip and a cap is used on a foil package;

Figure 38 is an enlarged perspective view of the output port forming structure shown in Figure 37;

Figure 39 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention used on a foil package;

Figure 37a is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein a spout forming structure is used on a foil package;

Figure 38a is a front view of the outlet forming structure shown in Figure 37a;

Figure 39a is a plan view of the outlet forming structure shown in Figures 37a and 38a;

Fig. 40 is a partial perspective view of an outlet forming structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the structure has an embedded auxiliary punch/hole plug/cap and protrusion, and the structure is formed by a pick-and-place Manufactured by the (pick-and-place) method;

Figure 40a is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming structure shown in Figure 40, showing the punch/plug/cap piercing the protrusion;

Figure 41 is a top view of another embodiment wherein the spout forming structure is formed from a single piece thermoplastic sheet forming a mating structure;

Figure 42 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention in which the reclosable container has a scoring protrusion and a dual function associated punch/cap;

Figure 43 is a top view of the reclosable container shown in Figure 42;

Figure 44 is a top view of the reclosable container shown in Figures 42 and 43 with the associated punch/cap securely secured over the scoring projection;

Fig. 45 is a perspective view of an output port forming structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 46a-c are side views of a container for use with a spout forming structure of the present invention;

Figure 47 is a perspective view of the container shown in Figures 46a-c, wherein the outlet forming structure of Figure 45 is mounted on the container;

Figure 48 is a top view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 49 is a side view of the container shown in Figure 48;

Figure 50 is a side view of the container shown in Figures 48 and 49 in a closed state;

Figure 51 is a perspective view of the container shown in Figures 48-50;

Figure 52 is a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 53 is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming structure shown in Figure 52; and

Figure 54 is a top view of a portion of a sheet of thermoformed material having a series of outlet forming structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now in particular to Figures 1-4 and 9, there is shown a dispensing package, generally indicated at 10, of the present invention. The package 10 can be used for one or more uses and can be reclosed for further use.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the package 10 includes a cover 11 formed from a flexible but relatively rigid, substantially flat sheet 12 of a product most suitable to be contained therein and The interior product is made of thermoformable plastic for the protection required.

Can use such as high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, HDPE/EVOH (high-density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Barex, polypropylene, etc. Material. HIPS, HDPE, and HDPE/EVOH are all low cost and reusable. HDPE/EVOH forms an excellent O2 barrier.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, like plastics can be welded or bonded together, whereas welding dissimilar plastics together requires an adhesive layer. Preferably, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is used as the adhesive layer. Thus, multiple layers of plastic formed by coextrusion can be sealed together to form a sheet 12 having a seal/barrier layer 14 of the present invention.

In addition, a flexible sheet 18 is suitably bonded to one side of the bonded sheets 12, 14, the flexible sheet forming at least one cavity 22 close to the side of the relatively rigid sheet 12 or bonded sheets 12, 14. One side, for containing a preferably flowable substance, such as a dry powdered or granular substance, or a liquid substance of any suitable viscosity that flows under light to moderate hand pressure.

Advantageously and as shown in the preferred embodiment, a layer of suitable sealant/vapor impermeable barrier material 14 is suitably integrally bonded to the sheet 12 on the inner surface 16 facing the flexible sheet 18 . The flexible sheet 18, advantageously formed by conventional methods such as vacuum forming, pressure forming, mechanical forming, or combinations thereof, is also suitably integrally bonded to the inner surface 16 or the seal/barrier layer 14 of the sheet 12, as the case may be. yes like that.

The bonding between the substantially flat relatively rigid sheet 12, the sealant/barrier material 14 and the flexible sheet 18 may also be by conventional means known to those skilled in the packaging arts, such as welding, welding, Or adhesive or cohesive links are formed. It will be appreciated that the particular bonding method chosen will depend on the nature of the materials used and the flowable substances contained within the package.

Advantageously and as shown in the preferred embodiment, the sheet 12 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP), Barex, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or high density polyethylene (HDPE) , but when combined with the barrier layer 14, it can be made of polystyrene, polyester, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene tetrafluoride (polyethylene tetrafluoride) (PET) or nylon, or a It is made of a copolymer and the barrier layer 14 is composed of a suitable sealant/vapor impermeable barrier material, preferably comprising a laminate of saran and foil, or comprising a foil Laminated with vinyl, or just foil, depending on the nature of the substance contained inside.

A particularly strong high barrier structure consists of laminating Saran resin on each side of polyethylene (sold by Dow Chemical Co. under the trade name "Saranex") as a barrier sheet 14, followed by lamination to polystyrene or polyester On, a flexible but relatively rigid sheet 12 is formed. The thickness of the sheet 12 varies with factors such as the nature of the material used, the flowable substance contained, and the application for which it is intended. Typically a range of 4-12 mils (0.004-0.012 inches) is used. As previously mentioned, although the sheet 12 is more rigid than the material 18 forming the pouch body 22, the sheet 12 is preferably slightly flexible and is preferably made of an inner cover 11 formed in the preferred configuration of the package 10. Raised section 11a for reinforcement.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bond formed between the materials 12, 14 and 18 can be achieved by the conventional methods described above, which again depend on the nature of the flowable substance to be contained. .

From the foregoing it can be seen that the structure shown in Figures 1 and 2 forms a closed pocket or cavity 22 between the flexible sheet 18 and the relatively rigid members 12, 14, containing a preferred ground flowable substance, and the contained substance is dispensed from the bag or cavity.

According to the present invention, as represented in the preferred embodiment, the relatively stiff flat sheet 12 forming the cover 11 comprises a hole-shaped protruding structure 30 comprising a neck 32 and a separate tip 34, So that after removal of the tip 34, the neck 32 forms a nozzle-like aperture which is located in the package 10 and through which the substance contained in the cartridge cavity can be dispensed in a directly controlled manner.

The neck and tip projections 32, 34 are preferably generally hollow and generally cylindrical, and the tip 34 is preferably generally cylindrical or frusto-conical. In the preferred embodiment shown in the plan view of FIG. 3, the hole forming projection 30 is located within the cover 11 directly above the bag 22 so that when opened, the nozzle hole 32 is directly in contact with the bag received in the bag. The substances in 22 are interlinked.

According to the present invention, dispenser package 10 includes a cap 110 formed as an integral part of cap 11, as represented in the preferred embodiment. Advantageously, the cap 110 can move along a line from the cover 11 .

It can be seen that the cap 110 protects the breakaway tip structure 30 from inadvertent breakage during shipping and handling prior to use, and provides a means for reclosing the breakaway tip structure 30 after opening, i.e., after the protruding tip 34 breaks. Packaging device. Thus, the cap 110 protects the remaining contents of the package after each use for multiple uses. The advantage of the connected embodiment of the present invention is that it costs very little, acts as a side pressure spring to keep the cap on the neck 32 at the opening, acts as a clasp, so that each The cap facilitates removal for subsequent use and prevents loss of the cap until the contents of the package have been dispensed and the package is ready to be disposed of. The cap will be described in further detail below.

However, in almost all instances, since the first protruding cylindrical structure 32 acts as a nozzle for producing a directional controllable product dispensing after breaking off the top, i.e. second protruding portion 34, it is believed that It is preferred to provide such a two-stage split tip structure. When flowable products of low to medium viscosity flow through the holes formed in the plane of the cover, the product tends to "spray sideways" or gush in an uncontrolled direction. Furthermore, lifting the breakaway tip from the surface of the cap greatly improves its ease of use without increasing its actual manufacturing cost.

In use, the package 10 is preferably positioned such that the pouch or cavity 22 rests within the palm of the hand with the thumb resting on the cover 11 as shown in the preferred embodiment. If desired, a slight finger pressure can be applied to the side of the protruding tip 34, i.e. the split tip, using the thumb or finger of the holding hand, or the user's other hand, so that the tip 34 breaks away, leaving the An open neck or orifice 32 in the form of a nozzle.

Once the tip 34 is removed, and thus the package is opened, the contents contained in the package 10 can be expelled. This method of use depends on the type of substance contained within the package and where the user intends to place the contents. For example, if the package contains toothpaste, the open nozzle 32 is preferably placed on a toothbrush, on which the package 10 is lightly squeezed, thereby squeezing the toothpaste onto the toothbrush. If the substance contained in the package is to be placed directly in the user's mouth or in the patient's mouth, such as oral medication or mouthwash, the opened nozzle 32 can be placed directly in the mouth, and then the part or All contained substances are squeezed into the mouth. When the desired amount of the packaged contents has been extruded, the package 10 can be reclosed by placing the cap 110 on the opened spout 32 in case some of the contents remain, for further use.

As noted above, package 10 also includes a cap 110 as shown in this embodiment. While the cap 110 can be formed separately from the other structural elements of the package 10, in the preferred embodiment, the cap 110 is integrally formed with the other structural elements of the package and is at least partially bonded to the relatively rigid sheet forming the cover 11. 12 may be split, for example as shown in Figures 1-3, 9-10, 15-18, 22-23d, 29a-c, 32-35, 38-40 and 42-47.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8-9 , the cap 110 is preferably located on a corner inside the cover 11 so as to protrude out of the bag body 22 . A cutting line 114 allows the cap 110 to be easily removed from the cover 11 . Advantageously, as can be seen well in FIG. 10 , the cut line 114 extends only partially along the edge of the cover 11 to provide a tie 130 so that even when the cap is placed on the hole forming structure 30 or The cap 110 remains connected to the package 10 after the opened nozzle 22 is applied.

Cap 110 is generally unthreaded and is sized to fit smoothly and securely onto neck projection 32 either before or after top end 34 is removed. The cap 110 has a base that can be placed flat on the top of the cover 11 . The tie belt 130 has several advantages. First, it has been found that the tie strap 130 acts as a spring that holds the cap against the side walls of the neck projection 32 so that when the cap 110 is placed on the neck projection 32, The tie straps help keep the cap 110 in place. In addition, the tie strap 130 provides the added benefit of preventing the cap 110 from being lost and allowing the user to hold the tie strap 130 to help remove the cap 110 from the hole forming structure 30 or the open nozzle 32. Take it off.

The cap 110 of the present invention can be designed in several different embodiments. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cap can be formed by a hollow stamping 120 that forces material into a hollow concave 122 with a central projection 124 to form A cap having a central hole plug 126.

An alternative embodiment to that shown in Figures 1-4 is shown in Figures 2a and 3a. As shown, container 10a generally has the same construction and is made of the same materials as container 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3. In particular, the pocket 22a is formed between a flexible sheet 18a and the extremely thin skin-like sheets 12a, 14a, and contains a flowable substance therein. Unlike the above-described embodiments, the hole-forming protrusions 30a are formed on the underside of the flat thin plate 18. As shown in FIG. Similarly, a cap 110a is formed under the sheet 18 . With such an arrangement, not only are the neck and top projections 32a, 34a of the projection 30a protected from accidental breakage, but the container 10a has a low cost flexible cover. In order for the protruding structure 30a to be in fluid communication with the substance contained in the pouch 22a, the pouch 22a has a channel 11b which communicates with the protruding structure.

It is understood that the hole-forming protrusions 30 can be made by a variety of methods and apparatus. However, in accordance with the present invention, as shown in the preferred embodiment, a sheet of thermoformable material to be formed into cover 11 is first heated to a sufficient forming temperature. The sheet is then formed into a hollow cylindrical projection 32 having a closed end. Thus, the closed end portion of the cylindrical member 32 is further deformed at its central section to form the top end 34 . At the moment the tip 34 is fully formed, the intersection of the base of the tip 34 and the cylindrical member 32 is pressed, reducing its thickness so as to form a fault line extending around the periphery of the base of the tip 34.

Also in accordance with the present invention, as shown in the preferred embodiment, hole forming projections 30 are made from a self-centering and self-aligning male and female stamping and molding apparatus generally shown in FIG. 4-7 shown in the reference number 40 to represent.

Apparatus 40 includes feed rollers 42 or other means for feeding sheet or film "F" of thermoforming material into a heating station 44 where a heating block 46 is advanced against the film to hold the sheet against the On a stationary heating block 48, the temperature of the heating block 48 is controlled by a thermocouple 50 and the necessary energy is supplied at connection 51. A cylinder 52 provides the driving force to move the heating block 46 by means of a shaft 54 . Heater block 46 includes two heaters powered by a suitable power source 58 .

A two-stage stamping 60 includes a first male stamping 62 formed as a substantially cylindrical hollow stamping having a generally flat end face 64 on its operative end. As the first stamping is advanced, the end face 64 engages and deforms a heated sheet of thermoformable material, preferably plastic F, against a similarly shaped, oppositely mounted substantially cylindrical Shaped hollow anvil 66 is pressed, and this anvil is movable in the bore 68 of a support 70. The anvil 66 has an end face 71 . The first stamping 62 has a clearance fit with the bore 68 so it can move within the bore to meet the end face of the anvil 66 . The anvil 66 has a bore 67 formed as a hollow portion thereof.

The anvil 66 is part of a spring-loaded moving member 72, which is preferably supported by a spherical member 74, or other similarly shaped curvilinear moving means, and is located within a larger bottom opening 75 so that both It can be elastic, self-centering and self-aligning with the stamping part 60 . Although the movable member 74 is preferably curved or spherical, a relatively flat surface in spring-mounted engagement with the bottom surface of the adjustable mechanism 89 may also be used to counteract the frustoconical surface 84 of the second stamping 80 and the inverted The angled surface 83 is used to self-center the aperture 67 of the anvil member 66, which will be described in more detail below. The peripheral edge or rim of the hole 67 in the anvil 66 is smaller than the bore of the stamping 62 so that when the opposed generally flat end surfaces 64, 71 of the hollow cylindrical stamping 62 and anvil 66 meet together, An inner shoulder 76 is formed. The anvil and first stamping are preferably made of hardened steel.

In use, at the end of the first stage forming the hole-forming protruding structure 30, as shown in Figure 5, the plastic sheet F forms a protruding, closed-ended, hollow, substantially A cylindrical drum-like shape in which the plastic sheet extends across the end of the first substantially cylindrical hollow stamping and is clamped between the stamping and anvil member opposed end faces 64,71.

A second stamping 80 is mounted to move within a hollow bore 81 and out of the end face 64 of the first stamping 62 . The second stamping 80 includes a shaft 82, the operative end face of which includes a small angled chamfer 83, advantageously 45°, and terminates in a conical portion 84 having a formed A straight end surface 85 of frusto-conical apex generally indicated at 86 . The second stamping and its chamfer 83 are advanced into controllably engaging the inner peripheral edge of the shoulder 76 formed on the opposing end faces 64 , 71 of the first stamping 62 and anvil 66 .

In one aspect of the invention, the second stamping 80 may be constructed in multiple pieces, as shown in the preferred embodiment. For example, each of the frustoconical and chamfered portions 84, 83 may be formed separately and detachably connected to the leading end surface of the shaft 82, such as by a threaded connection. Alternatively, shaft 82 and tip portions 83, 84 may be formed as a unitary element. The second punch is driven by a cylinder 87.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the full length of the frustoconical end 86 of the stamping 80 continues to run through the formed inner shoulder 76 and into the anvil hole 67 until the chamfered surface 83 is exactly Controlledly cooperates with the inner peripheral edge of the inner shoulder 76 formed by the opposing end faces 64 , 71 of the first stamping 62 and anvil 66 . Advancement of the stamping surface 83 against the shoulder 76 is precisely controlled by a micrometer stamping adjustment mechanism 88 and an anvil adjustable stop mechanism 89 .

The still heated closed end of the initially formed hollow cylindrical member 32 , i.e. the first drum-like projection of the hole-forming structure 30 is formed in a second stage by advancing the second stamping until the short end of the stamping 80 The chamfered surface 83 of the plastic sheet is joined to further form a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical tip 34, ie, the second protruding portion of the hole-forming structure 30. Simultaneously, the second pressing surface 83 controllably presses, cools and sets the plastic sheet F against the inner peripherally extending edge formed on the shoulder 76 of the anvil, so as to reduce its thickness and thereby make the The plastic wall at the edge is thinned to form a narrower, peripherally extending indentation 100 on the bottom surface of the tip projection 34, called a fracture or fault line. It can be seen that the fault line 100 makes it easy to split the top protrusion 34 with only a slight lateral pressure, thereby forming a nozzle-shaped outlet on the neck protrusion 32 .

It is noted that variations in the dimensions of the chamfered end 86 and the anvil 66 are within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is often necessary to produce a container that holds a thin stream of material such as motor oil. Therefore, the opening formed by the bottom surface of the top protrusion 34 must be relatively small, as shown in FIG. 8a. To form this hole-forming projection 30 , the end 86 is elongated and the chamfered surface 83 is positioned proximate to the end 85 . Additionally, the anvil 66 has a relatively narrow opening. Thus, as shown in Figure 7a, the fault line 100 and the separation tip 34a are smaller. In addition, the overall stamping 82 and thus the raised structures 30 are relatively narrow.

In other applications, such as where the substance contained in the container is a larger particle, such as cat food, the opening must be relatively large, as shown in Figure 7b. In order to obtain such a larger opening, the entire stamping 82 and thus the protruding structure 30 are wider. Additionally, the fault line 100 and separation tip 34 are larger.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, a one-piece stamping 90 having a frustoconical end 92 may be used. The one-piece stamping 90 includes a chamfered surface 94 which engages the thermoplastic material membrane or sheet F to form the substantially frusto-conical hollow top projection 34 . As shown in this embodiment, thermoplastic sheet F is first clamped between shoulder plate 96 and a surface 97 of an outer stamping similar to stamping 62 . The punch 90 is then advanced so that the tip 94 punches the sheet F into a frusto-conical tip 34 as shown in FIG. 13 . However, as shown in another embodiment, it can be clearly seen in FIG. 12 that when the forming of the tip 34 is completed, the peripheral edge 76a of the anvil member 70 is in contact with the outer surface of the frustoconical wall of the tip 34. The faces meet and compress the outer surface so as to form a fault line 100a extending along the circumference of the convex face of the tip 34 between the bottom surface and the apex of the tip.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 12a and 13a, a one-piece stamping 91 having a chamfered frustoconical end 93 to form the substantially frustoconical hollow top projection 31 may be used. The one-piece stamped part 91 is joined with a film or sheet F of thermoplastic material with a chamfered surface 93 . As in the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the thermoplastic sheet F is first clamped between the stop plate 95 and the clamping means 98 of an external stamping. The punch 91 is then advanced, whereupon the tip 93 punches the sheet F into the frusto-conical tip 31 . As best seen in Figure 13a, the contact of the peripheral edge 77 of the angle 71 compresses the outer surface of the frusto-conical tip 31 to form a peripherally extending fault line 100b. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the stop plate 95 is located near the axis of the stamping 91 and below the chamfered truncated end 93 . Thus, the thermoplastic sheet F is formed around the chamfered end 93 and the right cylindrical axis 91a. As best seen in Figure 13a, the resulting frusto-conical tip 31 has a split tip 35, a permanent projection 33 and a smooth cylindrical section 33a. The right cylindrical section 33a is provided so that a cap can be securely engaged with the tip 31 .

In another embodiment shown in Figure 12b, a one-piece stamping 91B has a spherical tip 93A. The spherical tip 93A engages the thermoplastic sheet F to form a hollow mound-shaped projection. As shown in the embodiment, the thermoplastic sheet F is first held under a stop plate 95A. Then, the stamping member 91B is advanced so that the bulbous end 93A stamps the sheet F into a hollow mound shape. Additionally, stamping member 91B is advanced toward anvil 71A until the outer surface of sheet F engages peripheral edge 77A of anvil member 71A, thereby forming a fault line extending around the top end of the mound. It has been found that the spherical tip 93A allows for self-alignment of the stamping 91B when the sheet F is engaged with the peripheral edge 77A of the anvil 71A.

Referring now in particular to Figures 15-18, another embodiment of the dispenser package of the present invention, generally designated 200, is shown. As shown in this embodiment, the cover 211 includes a laterally extending portion 211a extending beyond one end of the container bag 222, and a hole forming structure 230 and a reclosable cap 240 are formed on the cover extending Section 211a. A thinner channel member 250 communicates the hole forming structure 230 with the substance contained in the bag body 222 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 , the laterally extending portion 211 a of the cover body 211 forms an angle with respect to the cover body 11 so as to be inclined toward the pocket side of the cover body 11 .

The embodiments shown in Figures 14-17 have been found to be advantageous in that they facilitate dispensing of the contents contained in the package onto a surface, such as spreading cream or cream cheese onto a slice of bread, or squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush superior.

Referring now in particular to Figures 18-20, several other embodiments of the cap of the present invention are shown. Thus, as shown in Figure 18, the top of the reclosable cap 110 may have bristles or nubs that act as a brush; Plane 270; as shown in Figures 20a-d, the cap 110 may be open and have a shaped edge configuration, such as shown at 280, 281, 282, 283, respectively, so that the The substance is expelled as a shaped liquid stream.

Referring to Figures 21a-b and 22a-c, another embodiment of the present invention will now be shown and described. According to this alternative embodiment, a separate thermoform is used to form an outlet orifice in a container. The separate thermoformed part may take the form of a reclosable spout forming structure 300 . The reclosable spout forming structure 300 may basically include a cap 310 , a tie strap 320 , a base 330 and a separation spout top 340 . The cap 310 can be connected to the base 330 through the tie belt 320 . Score 325 facilitates separation of cap 310 from structure 300 . The reclosable spout forming structure 300 may have a pre-applied adhesive or sealant in the surrounding area of the base 330 to facilitate application of the structure 300 to a container such as the milk container 302 . Thus, the structure 300 can be sealed or bonded to any surface of a container that requires such a slave outlet. In particular, the structure 300 can be sealed or adhered to the container in the area around an aperture in the container, but not in the area of the cap 310 or tie band 320, which must be clear container surface. It will be appreciated that the reclosable spout forming structure 300 may be attached to a container such as a milk carton 302 prior to filling. Thus, the structure 302 can be provided to the container when the container is a flat stock.

Referring to Figures 22a-d, the use of a reclosable spout forming structure 300 will now be shown and described. Referring to Fig. 22a, prior to shipping the container 302, the cap 310 may be placed on the base 330 of the outlet forming structure before removing the separating tip 340 to ensure that the separating tip 340 does not break unintentionally and when the container 302 is transported , the substance contained in the container 302 will not leak out. Referring to FIG. 22b , the cap 310 is removed from the base 330 to gain access to the split tip 340 . The container is now ready to be opened. Referring to FIG. 22c, the separating tip 340 is then removed to form an opening 350 . Opening 350 leads to an aperture (not shown) in the container to allow the contents contained in container 302 to pour therethrough. Referring to FIG. 22 a , the reclosable outlet forming structure 300 can be resealed by simply placing the cap 310 on the base 330 .

In one embodiment of the invention, base 330 and tip 340 are cylindrical or generally cylindrical, although it is understood that other shapes may also be used. In this embodiment, the opening 350 is made of PET-PVC-BAREX. However, it is to be understood that other materials may also be used consistent with the present invention.

As can be seen in Figure 22d, the cylindrical outlet 330 and opening 350 act as a nozzle, ie direct the flow of the substance contained in the container 302 into a controlled flow.

Referring to Figures 23-26, a low profile split tip and cap are shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In general, lowering the height of the breakaway tip 360 will reduce the likelihood of inadvertently opening the tip 360 during shipping or handling. However, reducing the height of the breakaway tip makes it more difficult to snap on and remove the breakaway tip. This difficulty can be alleviated by forming a slot or groove 370 in the sidewall of the split tip 360 . These notches or grooves 370 allow the user's fingers to hook and disconnect the tip 360 with one simple movement. Figure 25 is a perspective view of such a low profile split tip with the split tip removed shown in phantom. Please continue to refer to FIGS. 23-25 , the slots or grooves 370 are preferably arranged in opposite positions for ease of use and manufacture. It is understood that the number of slots/grooves 370 and their location may vary. Once the split tip 360 is removed from the base 380, a cap 394 may be used to reclose the opening (not shown) exposed by removal of the tip 360 within the base 390. A base recess 392 within the base 380 is shaped and sized to receive an opposed inwardly projecting portion 396 of the cap 394 . These protrusions 394 fit into the grooves 392 to secure the cap 390 to the base 380 . A tie strap (not shown) may also be used to attach the cap 390 to the base 380 .

As shown in Figures 23a and 24a, the base 390a may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional area. This cross-sectional area facilitates the distribution of various substances. Additionally, the relatively large bottom surface of base 390a facilitates avoiding accidental tipping of the container.

It is also to be understood that this embodiment of the invention may be used in a variety of applications, including for creams, unit doses, salad dressings, cosmetics, dental products, dressings, confectionery, syrups, granular products, etc. dispenser. It is also to be understood that this embodiment of the invention may be manufactured by using a male stamping with a self centering and retracting female anvil system as shown and described above.

While the use of a tie would restrict the rotation of a cap pressed against a base structure, a twist lock or rotating thread structure could also be used to secure the cap to the base. Please refer to FIG. 28 , which shows an embodiment of the present invention that uses a twist lock or thread structure 400 to secure a cap 410 to a base structure 420 . In this configuration, the cap 410 has an inner raised portion 415 that engages the camming surface 430 of the base 420 . When the cap 410 is rotated relative to the base 420, the inner projection 415 engages the cam surface 430 to form a twist lock or rotating thread structure. It will be appreciated that a tie strap (not shown) could also be used in this configuration. The base 420 may also have a separate top 425 attached thereto.

As shown in another embodiment of the split tip and bonded cap structure, the present invention also includes a bonded hole plug/punch and score surface structure, Figures 28a-c, 29a -d and 30a-d are shown. Figures 28a and 28b are perspective views of an embodiment of the invention in which a tethered plug is used to open and close a pre-scored surface 470. In this configuration 450 , a hole plug 460 is used to open the pre-scored surface of the output port 480 . In this embodiment, the score assumes the shape of an interrupted circle, however it is to be understood that other shapes of the score surface may also be used, such as those shown in Figures 29a-d. 28b and 28c depict a flap 485 that is formed when the scored surface 470 is pierced with the hole plug 460 . A tie strap 490 may also be formed by using score 495 in structure 450 . A hole plug 460 connected to the structure 450 by the tether 490 can also be used as a plug to close the output hole. Thus, hole plug 460 can be used both as a plug and as an opening tool to form and/or plug holes in the pre-scored surface. In this embodiment, the plug 460 has a conical shape, however it is understood that other shapes may also be used. Similarly, as shown in Figures 28a and 29a-d, the score may have a partial circular, V-shaped, X-shaped, star-shaped or box-shaped shape, however it is understood that other patterns may also be used. Due to the different shapes of the scored surfaces, the flaps formed by the penetration of the plug 460 will also be different. For example, piercing the V-shaped scoring surface 490 will form flap 491; piercing the X-shaped scoring surface 492 will form flap 493; piercing the star-shaped scoring surface 494 will form flap 495; The scored surface 496 will form a sort of rectangular flap 497 .

Referring now to Figures 31-36, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to this alternative embodiment, the container 500 has a reclosable spout forming structure 510 . In particular, the outlet forming structure 510 includes a curvilinear dome or mound portion 530 and a dual-action punch/hole plug 520 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, container 500 includes a hole, not shown, into which mound portion 530 is secured. The punch/plug 520 cannot be sealed to the container 500 because the punch/plug 520 must be lifted and turned upside down to be inserted into the scoring area 532. On the other hand, the portion of the mound 530 of the spout forming structure 510 must adhere firmly over the hole in the container 500 .

As best seen in FIG. 34 , the spout forming structure 510 includes a foil layer 534 laminated to the plastic forming the spout forming structure 510 . The portion of the foil layer 534 below the mound portion 530 is unsupported and does not have to be secured to the mound portion 530 using an adhesive. Note also that the foil layer 534 is secured to the container 500 around the aperture in the container 500 so that the substance contained within the container does not escape underneath the outlet forming structure 510 . The foil lamination adhesive must have sufficient cohesion to pull taut with its own minimal tension. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be approximately brittle.

The mound portion 530 also includes a fault line pattern or score pattern 532 . The fault line 532 may take any pattern, such as those shown in Figures 29a-d. As shown in Figures 35 and 36, foil 534 is laminated to the entire surface of mound portion 530, and is preferably unscored. In another embodiment, the adhesive may be omitted from the fault line graphic 532 .

The punch/plug 520 is secured to the outlet forming structure 510 by a tie strap 524 . The tie strip 524 is formed by a cut line 522 through the foil/plastic laminate. As best seen in FIG. 32 , the cutting line 522 preferably takes a curvilinear path that follows the perimeter of the output forming structure 510 . The cut line 522 provides an elongated tie strap 524 .

In operation, the punch/plug 520 is advanced firmly into the fault line pattern 532 to puncture the scored mound portion 530 . This operation can be clearly seen in Figure 35. After the punch/hole plug 520 is forced through the scored region 532 of the mound portion 530, an opening for dispensing the substance contained within the container 500 is formed. The punch/plug 520 is removed from the mound 530 so that the substance contained within the container 500 can be dispensed. Since the scored area 532 has been deformed to the shape of the punch/plug 520, the punch/plug 520 can be reinserted into the scored area 532, thereby reclosing the container 500.

However, in another embodiment, the foil layer 534 may span the hollow base of the mound portion 530 by laminating only to the perimeter of the mound portion. Of course, in this embodiment the punch/plug 520 must be long enough to extend past the plane of the foil layer 534 so that the foil layer 534 can be pierced. When the punch/hole plug 520 is inserted into the mound portion 530, the opening in the foil layer can be made larger by oscillating the punch/hole plug.

It is noted that the mound portion 530 reinforces the outlet forming structure 510 . In addition, the shape of the mound portion 530 provides a nozzle function, ie directing the substance contained within the container 500 into a uniform flow. The size and shape of the mound 530 can be varied depending on the substance contained within the container 500 to provide the desired fluid flow.

The outlet forming structure 510 shown in Figures 31-36 is preferably manufactured from a stamping similar to that described in Figure 12b. Of course, the top of the stamping part does not need to be spherical, but can be elliptical, parabolic or any curved shape. Furthermore, it is preferred that the foil and plastic are laminated into a single sheet before the mound is formed by the stamping. Thus, the size of the mound, as determined by the shape of the punch tip, will only be limited by the physical properties of the material used.

In another embodiment, shown in Figures 37-38, a reclosable spout forming structure 610 of the present invention usable with a flexible plastic-foil pouch 600 is shown. Typically, the foil pouch 600 is formed by folding a sheet of substantially rectangular shaped foil plastic composition in half and sealing its three open edges. A reclosable spout forming structure 610 is mounted on a seamless end 605 of the bag body 600 . The spout forming structure 610 is sealed to the seamless end of the bag 600 by applying an adhesive around the periphery of the base 612, so that the spout forming structure 610 covers a hole in the bag 600, the spout forming structure 610 Hole diagram not shown.

The outlet forming structure 610 can be any of the types described above, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-3 , 8-9 , 13 and 13 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 , the outlet forming structure 610 includes a hole forming protrusion 630 . In particular, the hole-forming protrusion 630 includes a hollow cylindrical base 632 and a split top 634 . A fault line 636 extends around the perimeter of the raised structure 630 which allows the separation tip 634 to break away from the base 632 within the tip 634 . In particular, the fault line 636 is a narrow stress concentration zone.

The outlet forming structure also includes a cap 620 . The cap 620 is a hollow tapered member with an inner base diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base 632 of the protruding structure 630 . The cap 620 is secured to the outlet forming structure 610 by a tie strap 624 . The tie strip 624 is formed by a cut line 622 passing through the lower surface 612 of the outlet forming structure 610 . As best seen in FIG. 39 , the curvilinear cut line 622 separates the cap 620 from the raised structure 630 and follows the perimeter of the bottom plate 612 . With such a pattern, the cutting line 622 is relatively long, thereby forming a relatively long tie band 624 . Since the longer tie strap 624 and the portion of the bottom plate 612 supporting the cap 620 are not fixed to the bag body 600 , the cap 620 can be lifted and firmly placed on the outlet forming structure 630 .

In operation, a user applies lateral finger pressure to raised tip 634 , thereby breaking the tip from raised base 632 along fault line 636 . Since the protruding structure 630 is substantially hollow, a hole is formed, which is not shown in the drawing. In addition, since the protrusion 630 has been secured to the bag body 600 and to the hole in the bag body, not shown in the drawing, the protruding neck 632, which is now open, can be used to dispense the contents contained in the bag body. Substances within the body 600. During shipment, cap 620 is placed onto base 632 to prevent accidental breakage of fault line 636 . Furthermore, when only a portion of the substance contained in the package 600 has been dispensed, the cap 620 can be placed on the base 632 to reclose the package 600 .

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39 , the same spout forming structure 610 is secured to the side of the bag body 640 . In this embodiment, the pouch 640 is constructed of two substantially rectangular laminated sheets of foil plastic that are sealed together around all four sides of each sheet. As shown in the above embodiments, the protruding structure 630 is secured to the bag 640 and a hole, not shown, so that the protruding neck 632 and the substance fluid contained in the bag 640 connected.

Referring now to Figures 37a, 38a and 39a, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention employing a spout forming structure 610a disposed on a foil pouch body 640a. Briefly stated, the spout forming structure 610a is substantially the same as the spout forming structure of FIGS. 37-39. In particular, the outlet forming structure 610a includes a cap 620a and a protrusion 630a. As best seen in Figure 39a, the foil pouch body 640 includes a lap seam on the side opposite the spout forming structure 610a.

Referring now to Figure 40, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Shown is a coherent punch/plug and base portion having a star-shaped fault pattern fabricated as a unit 700. A tether 730 is attached to the base plate 710 at a proximal end thereof, an annular structure 740 is attached to a distal end thereof, and a tapered punch/hole plug 760 . The punch/plug 760 is manufactured separately from the rest.

As shown, the annular structure 740 forms an opening 750 . The opening 750 is larger than the top 762 of the punch/plug 760 and smaller than the base 764 of the punch/plug 760 . Additionally, the punch/plug 760 includes a circumferential groove 766 . The groove 766 is formed on the punch/hole plug 760 just below the point at which the outer diameter of the punch/hole plug 760 becomes larger than the inner diameter of the opening 750 .

Thus, the punch/hole plug 760 fits into the opening 750 once the parts are manufactured separately. When the tapered punch/plug 760 is inserted into the opening 750 , the punch/plug causes the somewhat resilient annular structure 740 to expand until the annular structure 740 reaches the groove 766 . After reaching the groove 766 , the ring structure 740 fits into the groove 766 . Thus, the punch/plug 760 is connected to the annular structure 740 and the rest.

In use, a punch/hole plug 760 is employed to pierce the scored portion 722 of the raised structure 720, as shown in FIG. 40a. This operation is described in more detail with reference to Figures 28-30d.

Referring now to FIG. 41, there is shown an embodiment of the present invention used to make a reclosable spout-forming structure. In particular, a pair of reclosable spout-forming structures 870 and 880 are formed from the same sheet F of thermoplastic. Each reclosable outlet forming structure 870, 880 includes a protruding structure 872, 882 and a cap 874, 884, respectively. Each cap 874, 884 is connected to a corresponding raised structure 870, 880 by a tie strap 876, 886, as described in the previous embodiments.

It will be appreciated that the mating horseshoe configuration of the outlet forming structures 870, 880 provides several advantages such as reclining the excess portion of the sheet F and repeatable manufacturing consistency along the length of the sheet F.

Referring now to Figures 42-44, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. First, it is noted that the container 1000 shown in the figures is made of similar materials as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

The container 1000 includes a first deformable bag body 1010 and a second deformable bag body 1020 . The two bags 1010, 1020 are connected by a thin tube 1030. The deformable bags 1010 , 1020 and the connecting pipe 1030 are sealed by a substantially flat thermoformed plastic sheet 1040 . A hollow protruding structure 1050 is integrally formed with a thin sheet of thermoformed plastic 1040 . The hollow protruding structure 1050 extends from the plate 1040 . The protruding structure 1050 is located directly on the connecting tube 1030 and is in fluid communication with the connecting tube. Container 1000 also includes a punch/cap 1060 .

As can be clearly seen in Figure 43, the hollow protruding structure 1050 has a score or fault line 1055 on its top surface. Although these fault lines 1055 weaken the raised structures 1050, the container 1000 remains sealed. As also shown in FIG. 46 , the punch/cap 1060 is partially separated from the remainder of the container 1000 by a cut line 1062 . A cut line 1062 parallel to a peripheral edge of the container 1000 forms a tether 1064 .

To open the container 1000 , a punch/cap 1060 is placed over the raised structure 1050 . The punch/cap 1060 , and in particular the tip 1066 of the punch/cap 1060 , is forced through the score or fault line 1055 , thereby opening the hollow protruding structure 1050 . When the punch/cap 1060 is removed from the hollow protruding structure 1050, there is an opening, which is not shown. The opening is formed by permanent deformation of the portion of the protrusion 1050 between the fault lines 1055 . By inverting the container 1000 and gently squeezing one or both pouches 1010, 1020, the substance contained in the pouches can be dispensed through the openings in the raised structures 1050.

It should be noted that in this preferred embodiment, the protruding structure 1050 is placed directly on the connecting tube 1030 . Thus, the substance contained within the pouches 1010, 1020 can be dispensed in a controlled manner. In particular, the thin tube 1030 provides resistance to the flow of the contents so that the contents do not escape uncontrollably from the open protruding structure 1050, especially when the protruding structure 1050 is first pierced.

As shown in Figure 44, the container 1000 may be reclosed upon dispensing a portion of the substance contained within the pouch 1010, 1020. In particular, punch/cap 1060 is inverted by twisting tie strap 1064 . Since the punch/cap 1060 is hollow and has an inner diameter approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protruding structure 1050 , the punch/cap 1060 can be securely placed on the protruding structure 1050 .

With respect to the embodiment shown in Figures 42-44, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the type of spout forming structure employed. In particular, any combination of split tips, scored protrusions, punches, hole plugs, and caps may be used. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the specific shape of the bag may vary depending on the nature of the substance contained therein.

Referring now to Figures 45-47, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 45 , an outlet forming structure 1070 includes a cap 1072 and a hole forming protrusion 1074 . As with the previous embodiments, the cap 1072 is connected to the aperture forming structure 1074 by a tie strap 1076 . It can be seen that both the cap 1072 and the hole forming structure 1074 are formed within a curved base 1078 .

Since the outlet forming structure 1070 is formed in a curved bottom plate 1078, it can be placed on a container 1080 having a similar curved surface. One such container 1080 is generally spherical in shape and is formed in two halves 1082,1084, as shown in Figures 46a-c. The two halves 1082, 1084 are connected at a point along their circumference and are therefore hinged. One half 1084 of container 1080 includes a hole 1086 formed therein.

In operation, the spout forming structure 1070 is secured to the container 1080 as shown in FIG. As also shown in FIG. 47 , a cap 1072 , shown in a cross-sectional view, can be placed over the hole-forming structure 1074 , thereby protecting the structure and sealing the container 1080 . It is to be understood that the shapes of container 1080 are indicative only of those shapes that may be employed with the present invention, as spout forming structures may be formed on a curved floor of virtually any shape.

Referring now to Figures 48-51, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Container 1090 generally comprises a rectangular sheet 1091 of thermoformed material. A hole-forming structure 1092 is located at the center of the rectangular thin plate 1091. The hole-forming structure has a base and separate top ends as described in the above embodiments. Located on either side of the hole forming structure 1092 are pockets 1098 formed on the underside of the sheet 1091 for containing any flowing material. The pocket 1098 is in fluid communication with the hole forming structure 1092 .

Also formed within the rectangular sheet 1091 of thermoformed material is a cap 1094 . The cap 1094 is preferably formed in one corner of the rectangular sheet 1091 and is attached to the container 1090 by a tie 1096 . The tie band 1096 is formed by a cut line 1097 extending along the periphery of the container 1090 .

The container 1090 can be folded substantially in half along the curved slots 2006 provided on both sides of the hole forming structure 1092 . In particular, the ends of container 1090 come together as shown by arrow "A" in FIG. 49 . Once the ends are brought together, a female wrapping band 2000 and a male wrapping band 2002 integrally formed in the sheet of thermoformed material 1091 are joined together.

The engagement of the female wrapping strip 2000 with the convex wrapping strip 2002 holds the container 1090 in the shape shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 . In operation, lateral finger pressure on the tip of the hole-forming structure 1092 breaks the fault line, thereby forming a hole in the hole-forming structure 1092 . Accordingly, the substance contained within the container 1090 can be dispensed from the aperture. As shown in FIG. 51 , a cap 1094 may be placed over the hole-forming structure 1092 to prevent accidental breaking of the fault line, or accidental dispensing of the contents after removal of the tip of the hole-forming structure 1092 .

Referring now to Figures 52-54, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 52 , a hole-forming structure 2016 of the present invention may be disposed on a treated cardboard tube 2012 to form a sealed container 2010 . The hole forming structure 2016 includes a substantially hollow frustoconical portion 2018 , a hollow cylindrical portion 2019 and a split tip 2020 . Integrally formed with the aperture forming structure 2016 is a cap 2022 and an associated tie strap 2024 . As can be clearly seen in FIG. 54, the tie band 2024 is formed by a cutting curve that partially separates the cap 2022 from the hole forming structure 2016 so that the cap 2022 can be placed on the cylindrical portion. 2019 and split top 2020. Since the inner diameter of the cap 2022 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 2019, the cap 2022 fits snugly there, thereby sealing the container 2010.

In operation, lateral pressure on detachment tip 2020 separates it from the remainder of hole-forming structure 2016, thereby forming a hole in substantially hollow hole-forming structure 2016, as described in the above embodiments. Accordingly, the substance contained within the container 2010 can be dispensed from the aperture.

Those skilled in the art will still appreciate that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and that the invention may be modified without departing from the principles of the invention and without losing its main advantages. Invention with several modifications.

Claims (28)

1. A hole-forming device for a dispensing container, comprising a split tip portion made of a thermoformed plastic film, said split tip portion comprising a hollow protrusion from a surface, said hollow protrusion being in contact with said The intersection of surfaces includes a fault line location, characterized in that said surface with said hollow protrusions is located at an additional surface made of said thermoformed plastic film and protruding from said film to form a nozzle. On the hollow protrusion base part, the hole forming means further comprises at least one additional hollow protrusion adjacent to the hollow protrusion base part, the at least one additional hollow protrusion has an open end and a closed end, so The open end is a cap, and the closed end is a punch or a plug. 2. A hole-forming device for a dispensing container comprising a split tip portion made from a thermoformed plastic film, said split tip portion comprising a hollow projection from a surface, said hollow projection being in contact with said The intersection of surfaces includes a fault line location, characterized in that said surface with said hollow protrusions is located at an additional surface made of said thermoformed plastic film and protruding from said film to form a nozzle. On the hollow raised base portion, the hole forming means is combined with a squeezable dispensing container having fin seals on each end and at least one longitudinal seal. 3. The hole forming device of claim 2, wherein said squeezable dispensing container is made of a treated paperboard product so as to create a suitable barrier for a product contained within said paperboard product characteristic. 4. The hole forming device of claim 2, wherein said squeezable dispensing container is formed from a thermoplastic material, wherein said hole forming device is thermoformed within the hollow portion of a tube. 5. A hole forming device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one additional hollow projection is formed in an end bead seal which is cut to form a for said end bead seal. At least one attached hollow raised tie strap. 6. The hole forming device of claim 2, wherein said thermoplastic material is Barex (acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer) coated with polyethylene dichloride. 7. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein the fault line has a V-shaped cross-section. 8. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said hollow projection is frusto-conical. 9. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said one additional hollow protrusion is shaped to function as a cap with a centrally formed hole plug that can be used as Its own punch extends along the longitudinal axis in said at least one additional hollow projection. 10. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is shaped to act like a tool on top of a hat. 11. The hole forming device of claim 1, further comprising said thermoformed plastic membrane adjacent to said protrusion and said at least one additional hollow protrusion and interposed therebetween. A portion of the membrane is cut as necessary to form a ligature between the two. 12. A dispensing container having a hole-forming device as claimed in claim 11, said hole-forming device being securely and hermetically connected to a receiving portion of said dispensing container, wherein said base hollow projection is located directly above a hole in the container. 13. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is shaped to provide a tight fit over said additional hollow protrusion base portion , to encapsulate and protect the hollow raised cap. 14. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said hollow protrusion is relatively thin, said hollow protrusion having at least one groove. 15. The hole forming device of claim 14, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is a cap for said hollow protrusion. 16. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said cap has an internally inwardly threaded protrusion, and said hollow raised base portion has a protrusion associated with the protrusion of said cap , so that when screwed on, the cap can be screwed onto the cylindrical base portion. 17. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said cap has a tapered lumen. 18. The hole forming device of claim 1 wherein said intersection is the entire intersection with said surface. 19. The hole forming device of claim 1, wherein said closed end has a fault line pattern that when said fault line pattern is axially pressed into said at least one additional hollow projection When within a space formed, the fault line breaks in a predetermined pattern to form a predetermined hole. 20. The hole forming device of claim 19, wherein the fault line pattern forms a circular hole. 21. The hole forming device of claim 19, wherein the fault line pattern forms a polygonal hole. 22. The hole forming device of claim 19, wherein said protrusion is a hollow mound-shaped portion. 23. The hole forming device of claim 2, wherein said membrane comprises an EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) layer. 24. The hole forming device of claim 2, wherein the membrane comprises a layer of EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) and a layer of Barex (acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer). 25. The hole forming device of claim 2, wherein said membrane comprises a layer of Barex (acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer), EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) and polypropylene. 26. A hole forming device comprising a split tip portion made from a thermoformed plastic film, said split tip portion comprising a hollow protrusion from a surface, the intersection of said hollow protrusion with said surface comprising a Fault line location, characterized in that said surface with said hollow projections is located on an additional hollow projection base portion made of said thermoformed plastic membrane and protruding from said membrane to form a nozzle , the aperture forming device is combined with a squeezable dispensing container having seals on each end and at least one longitudinal seal. 27. The hole forming device of claim 1, a portion of said surface of said thermoformed membrane sealingly connected with said hollow protrusion. 28. A hole-forming device for a dispensing container comprising a split tip portion made from a thermoformed plastic film, said split tip portion including a hollow projection from a surface, said hollow projection being in contact with said The intersection of said surfaces is the location of a fault line, characterized in that said surface having said hollow projections is located at the point where said thermoformed plastic film protrudes from said film to form a nozzle. On the additional hollow protrusion base portion, said hole forming means further comprises at least one additional thermoformed hollow protrusion adjacent to said hollow protrusion base portion, and said one additional hollow protrusion is shaped to be Functioning as a cap, the center of which is formed with a hole plug which can be used as its own punch extending along the longitudinal axis in said at least one additional hollow protrusion.

Images