SK106997A3 - Protecting means for venting systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package or a cap (10) for the package for containing gasifying viscous or liquid products, which comprises a venting means (20). Said venting means (20) allows passage of gases between the interior and the exterior of package when the pressure inside said package differs from the external ambient pressure. Said package or cap further comprises a protecting means (30) located around said venting means which prevents splashing of said product onto said venting means without interfering with the venting of said package or cap.

Description

Protective agent for venting systems

Technical field

The present invention relates to a container for a container suitable for containing gassing products. The container comprises a venting means and a protective means for the venting means. Said protective means prevents the gassing product from coming into contact with the deaerating agent during its loading and transport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The problem of packaging deformation in response to pressure differences existing between the interior of the sealed package and ambient pressure is well known in the packaging industry. This deformation of the packaging may be irreversible for some packaging materials, such as certain plastics or metals. In particular, thin-walled, partially flexible packages, often made of these sensitive materials, are the subject of this problem.

There are many possible factors that can lead to the existence of pressure differences between the inside and outside of the aforementioned package. The contents of this container may be, for example, chemically unstable, or may be reacted with gases that may exist in the upper space of the container, or, alternatively, under certain specific circumstances, may react with the material of the container itself. Any chemical reactions containing liquid contents can either lead to the production of gases and thus to overpressure in the package or to the absorption of any gases in the upper space (crown) thus acting under vacuum in the package.

The pressure differences between the pressure inside the container and the ambient atmospheric pressure may also occur when the temperature during filling and closing of the container is significantly different from the outside temperature during loading, transport and storage. Yet another possibility of pressure difference may be due to a different ambient pressure when filling the container as compared to the other ambient pressure at a different geographical location.

The prior art has proposed several solutions using valve systems that avoid pressure differences between the interior and exterior of the package. The proposed solutions also relate to various venting caps (loops, etc.) which allow the pressure generated inside the package to be released by gas leakage. For example, FR-A-2 259 026, US-4 136 796 and DE-A-2 509 258 disclose self-venting closures which comprise a gas-permeable membrane covering an opening to the exterior. Such membranes are made of a material which is impermeable to liquids but permeable to gases. Thus, the containers may include openings for releasing gas into the external space without losing their leak tightness. Yet another example is EP-A-593 840, which discloses containers for retaining fluids that generate gases, the container being made of a thermoplastic material comprising a network of microchannels. This microchannel network is permeable to gas but not to liquids.

We have found that if the liquid product should contact said membranes, these membranes may lose at least part of their gas permeability. Also, liquid products that are viscous or have some affinity for these membranes may not flow away from these membranes back into the package. Thus, if these membranes should be in contact with these products, their venting performance is substantially lost for each part of the membrane covered by the product that has not been drained from the membrane. In this way, a package may lose its venting capability.

Prior to purchase by the consumer, said product may splash onto said membrane, which is shaken by the filled package during its loading and transport. We have found that the amount of splashing that occurs during loading and transport is sufficient to completely interrupt the venting capacity of the package. We have further found that other venting systems, such as valves, may also suffer from similar disadvantages.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container for a container in which the retained product is prevented from contacting said venting system, thereby extending the venting efficiency of said container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container (10) for retaining liquid products or a closure (10) for said container. The container, or the closure for it, comprises a venting means (20) allowing gas to pass between the interior and the exterior of the container when the pressure inside differs from the ambient pressure. The venting means is permeable to gases, but is impermeable to said liquid product. The package for the hollow container comprises a protective means (30) which prevents the product from splashing onto the venting means and thereby permits the passage of gases into said venting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1a is a cross-sectional view of the top of the package (shown in part) or the closure for the package with the embodiment of the protective device of the present invention.

Fig. 1b is a plan view of the package of FIG. Ia.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a container (shown in part) or a closure for a container according to another embodiment of the protective device of the present invention.

Fig. 3a shows a side view of the cross-section of the package (shown in part) or the closure for the package in another embodiment of the protective device according to the invention.

Fig. 3b shows a detailed view of FIG. 3a.

Fig. 4a / 4b show a side view of the cross-section of the package (shown in part) or the closure for the package in yet another embodiment of the protective device according to the invention.

Fig. 5a show a side view of a cross-section of the package (shown in part), with the dispensing closure in yet another embodiment of the protective device according to the invention.

Fig. 5b is a plan view of the package with the dispensing closure of FIG. 5a.

Examples

In the following, the respective drawings may relate to: the top of the package as well as the closure. The engagement means between the closure and the container may be a screw-in / screw-in type, or a knock-in / snap-in type, or a toggle top, print / pull (pull) or rotary (crown) type.

In the following, FIG. 1 described first as packaging and then as closure. In the case where FIG. 1a shows a cross-sectional view of the package, the package 10 (only partially shown) comprising a hollow body 11. This hollow body has the ability to retain any liquid products. Preferably, the hollow body is flexible to the extent that it can deform in response to pressure differences that occur between the interior of the shell and the ambient pressure. The invention, for example, also includes bags made of a thin plastic material. Otherwise, suitable shapes of said container may comprise substantially cylindrical,

Said hollow leak sealed following these tapered cylindrical, oval, square, rectangular or flat oval shapes.

the body should be suitable for retaining liquid products. Liquid products also include pastes (adhesives, doughs, etc., generally pastes, note), creams, gels, emulsions and slurries. Such products may include, for example, household products such as laundry or dishwashing detergents, rough surfaces and household cleansers, shampoos, bleaches, personal / beauty care products, creams and toothpastes. According to the present invention, the hollow body is capable of retaining the liquid products that generate pressure within the package. For example, these products may be liquid laundry detergents comprising a bleaching agent, in particular a peroxygen bleaching agent. Said product preferably has a viscosity of between 200 cps and 5000 cps, more preferably between 800 cps and 1800 cps, most preferably between 1300 cps and 600 cps, where this viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscosity meter, spindle 3.60 rpm. min. at 20C.

In the case of ketches, FIG. 1a shows a cross-sectional view of the closure, the closure 10 comprising an upper wall 17 and a side wall 18. The closure can be inserted against leakage in a leak-proof, tight manner in the package described above. In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container 10 may include an outlet (as shown in Fig. 2, for example 12). Preferably said wrapper or closure is made of plastic, metal, paper, or a combination of these materials such as layers, laminates, or co-extrudates. These materials can also be recycled. Preferred materials for the hollow body include plastics such as polyethylene (high or low density), polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (= PET), (pre) extrudable PET, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and nylon. These plastics can be used singly or combined as co-extrudates, layers, or laminates.

Yet another essential feature of said container 10 includes a venting means 20. The venting means has the ability to equalize the pressure within the package with the venting means.

Consequently, this is to prevent overpressure of the package. Indeed, by external atmospheric pressure, the venting capability as well as the vacuum inside the venting means allows the gases released from the retained product to escape from the inside to the outside of the package or vice versa. The venting means is disposed on the top of the package, above the level of product retained when the package is in an upright position. It is a fact that gases exerting overpressure or underpressure typically accumulate in the upper part of the package. Thus, the passage of gases into the outer space or inner space is facilitated.

Said venting means comprises at least one opening. Preferably, the venting means comprises at least one opening 21 and a membrane 22. This membrane increases leakage of the package without substantially reducing the venting capacity of the package. Said aperture connects the interior of the package to the outside. Specifically, this opening 21 allows the passage of gases from the interior to the exterior of the package or vice versa such that the pressure inside the package is either maintained at or below atmospheric pressure, or at a pressure at least below that at which the package deforms significantly. The size of this opening should be suitable for gas passage. The orifice is preferably circular and has a diameter of at least 0.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. A person skilled in the art can select the number of openings to allow sufficient gas flow.

The diaphragm 22 is positioned between the contents of the hollow body 11 and said opening 21 and covers the opening. Preferably, the membrane is liquid impermeable but gas permeable. Thus, this membrane has the ability to provide a liquid-impermeable barrier (barrier), while at the same time allowing gas to be vented. Preferably, the membrane is made of any material capable of being formed into a thin layer that can be used to cover said opening 21. The membrane must also be gas-permeable also in response to small pressure differences. Preferably, the membrane should allow gas flow at pressure differences as low as 100 mbar, more preferably as low as 5 mbar. The thickness of this membrane is a matter of choice, but preferably it should be between 0.2 mm and 2 mm. The membrane may comprise essentially any material that can be formed into thin layers, such as plastics, paper, or metal with micropores (micro-holes). Preferred foil materials comprise microporous plastic foils. The micropore size of the membrane should be such that it permits gas passage at low pressure differences and at the same time ensures liquid impermeability. The micropores will preferably be in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, more preferably between 0.2 to 1 mm.

Preferred microporous plastic films for this application are:

non-woven plastic films, in particular non-woven spun, limited polyethylene foil material, sold under the trade name TYVEK by Du Pont Company, here TYVEK Style 10, which is fluorocarbon treated to have a high fluid impermeability;

- an acrylic copolymer cast on a non-woven support (nylon or PET) with hydrophobicity (non-wettability) of a subsequent fluoro-moner treatment, sold under the trade name VERSAPOR by Gelman Sciences Company, 600, South Wagner Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, US on her preference.

The microporous film material of said membrane 22 may be treated and reduced its surface energy, and thus increased leakage impermeability of the film material. Reducing the surface energy of the material of this film is particularly necessary to prevent leakage when said coating containing surfactant components. Preferably, in this increased impermeability 10 contains active agent products, if the specific surface energy of the film material should be lower than that of the surfactant-containing product in order to achieve substantially complete impermeability to the product content.

Fluorocarbon treatment, which involves fixing the fluorocarbon material, in a micrometer, to the surface of the film material is a specific example of a treatment that provides such reduced surface energy. Indeed, the fluorination treatment reduces the susceptibility of the microporous film material of said membrane to wetting by the contents of said liquid product. However, when a microporous membrane of the present invention is used to treat said material, fluorocarbon treatment should not reduce gas permeability of the membrane. For example, the fluorocarbon material for use in the fluorocarbon treatment of the present invention is sold under the trade name SCOTCHBAN by 3M Company.

Said membrane 22 may be used and positioned within said hollow body 11 between the respective contents and the opening 21 in any manner, maintaining its fluid tightness and gas permeability according to the present invention. Thus, the application means may comprise the use of adhesives or heat sealing of the membrane to the surface around said aperture, or the use of mechanical means such as clamping or insertion of the membrane during the shaping above. respiratory membrane capability. Therefore, it is preferred that any adhesive used be also gas permeable or not fill the pores of the membrane.

The membrane can also be mounted or housed in a housing. Cases whose dimensions are particularly compatible with use in the packaging or closure of the present invention are commercially available from GVS, Via Roma 50, 40069, Zola Predosa (BO), Italy. In a highly preferred embodiment, the manufacture of said housing and placement of the membrane 22 in the housing can be accomplished by a stamping molding operation, wherein hot stamping or said wrapping. How is it going

the membrane layer is supplied to the apparatus; the membrane layer is preferably supplied from a roll of membrane material;

- in said apparatus at least one membrane is cut from this layer and placed in a mold in which the housing will be formed;

then the sleeve is shaped (molded) substantially around said membrane in a manner that secures the membrane in said sleeve. The term: essentially around it is understood in this material that, once completed, this step should generate a housing with its stored membrane where both surfaces of the membrane can be accessed by air, but the membrane is tightly held within the housing.

The sleeve may also be manufactured by gluing, or by sealing (melting), the heat of the membrane 22 onto the support material, or mechanically by retaining the membrane between two or more loops of plastic material.

As yet another essential feature, said container comprises a protective means 30. This protective means protects the venting means 20 from splashing the retained product onto the venting means. As used herein, the term splashing means incoherent and brief contact of the liquid substance on the surface as the liquid moves through the package. Splashing of the retained liquid product occurs mainly during loading and transport, when there is a high risk of shaking. We have found that the orifice or membrane may lose its gas permeability when the contained liquid product contacts the orifice or membrane. Indeed, we have found that the liquid product, or a portion thereof, may not sufficiently drain (drain, drain) from the space around this opening or from the membrane back into the package. In this way, the orifice or membrane may be coated with the product, i. the venting capacity is limited for each part of the membrane covered by this product that has not leaked back. Consequently, the venting capacity of the package is reduced or does not work.

This is particularly the case with liquid products that are highly viscous, whether they have a high affinity for the membrane, or the material surrounding the opening. Examples are fluids exhibiting non-Newtonian flow behavior, or fluids having low surface energy (<30 dynes / cm ² ). For example, fluids containing surfactants exhibiting typically non-Newtonian flow behavior. As used herein, the term non-Newtonian product is a high viscosity product when the shear rate is low and its viscosity is low when the shear rate is high. Consequently, the non-Newtonian product exhibits poor backflow characteristics because this backflow is characterized by a low shear rate and the product accordingly has a high viscosity.

Before purchasing to consumers, especially during loading and. transporting a particular container, said liquid product may spray onto said membrane or opening when swept through the filled container. We have found that the magnitude of splashing occurring during loading and transport is sufficient to completely disrupt the venting capability of the package. We have found that other venting systems, such as valves, may also suffer from impaired venting capacity.

The venting of the product from the venting means can be aided by product-repellent protective wrapping around the venting means. The product-repellent protective surface is any product that reduces the surface energy of the material to which the product-repellent protective surface is applied. The product tends to flow from regions with lower surface energy. A suitable protective surface repellent product may be, for example, a Teflon or silicone coating. We have found that it is possible to maintain a sufficient venting capacity of a protective surface repelling the surface product when applied to a venting means comprising at least one aperture without any membrane. Consequently, this product-repellent protective surface is a possible preservative according to the present invention of the venting system. However, we have found that the protective surface repellent product may deteriorate when the protective surface is directly on

For these to be envisaged diaphragm in particular other types of the present invention, the venting capacity retained by the venting capacity of the diaphragm, the repellent product of the venting agent used, the venting means must be protective means.

The preservative according to reduce or completely prevent the liquid product of said venting means without the disadvantage of the membrane, when the venting means further comprises a membrane. In addition, the preservative of the present invention must meet certain limitations so as not to interfere with the other functions of the package or closure for the package. First, this preservative should not interfere with the air flow from the product through the venting system, i. it should not interrupt the venting of the packaging itself. Secondly, the preservative should not interfere with the drainage of the product from the venting system if a certain fluid comes into contact with the venting system. Finally, the preservative should not interfere with the dispensing of the product from the inside of the packaging or from the dispensing closure, for example during normal use.

Said protective means 30 will be further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples with reference to FIG. 1 to 5. FIG. 1a shows a package (partially shown) or closure 10 with said venting means 20. This venting means comprises an opening 21 and a membrane 22. The opening 21 is further illustrated in FIG. 1b is a plan view of the container 10. The venting means may comprise at least one nozzle without a membrane. However, we have found that the leak tightness of the container increases when the venting means further comprises a membrane. The container further comprises a protective means 30. The protective means comprises a side wall 31 and a bottom wall 32.

attached to this side wall. The side wall and / or the bottom wall comprises at least one vent hole 33. This vent hole allows the passage of gases towards the venting means 20. The bottom wall preferably comprises at least one vent to allow the product to drain when the liquid product enters the protective volume 30a. means. The vent hole 33 on the side wall 31 is preferably located at the top of the protective means when the package is in its upright position. As used herein, the upper portion of the protective means is that portion of the protective means located at the top wall 17 of the container or closure 10. The apertures 33 on the bottom wall 32 are preferably not in vertical alignment with the venting means. This further prevents the retained fluid from splashing onto the membrane 22 or the venting means through said venting opening of the bottom wall of the protective means 30.

The protective means 30 may be an integral part of said container or closure 10. Other options are to have the side wall 31 as an integral part of the container or closure, while the bottom wall 32 is a separate part that can be attached to the side wall 31 to form a complete a preservative (as shown in Fig. 1a itself). Yet another option is shown in FIG. 2, wherein the side wall 31 ¹ and the bottom wall 32 ¹ are a one-piece part that is attached to the container. Another possibility is to have a side wall and a bottom wall as two separate parts. In this case, the side wall may be attached around the venting means and the bottom wall is connectable to the side wall below the venting means. All of the above options are applicable to all examples as described herein, although not explicitly repeated again.

The bottom wall 32 should preferably be located at a distance from the bottom edge (Figs. 1, 23) of the venting means 20. Indeed, we have found that a certain distance must be maintained between the bottom wall and the bottom edge 23 to allow the liquid product to drain from the bottom. venting means back into the package via the bottom wall opening 33. This distance depends largely on the surface tension and viscosity of the fluid. This distance is preferably 1 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm.

Fig. 2 illustrates a container 10 with an outlet 12 disposed outside the volume defined by the protective means 30. Through the vent hole (my) 33, any liquid product flowing into the volume defined by the protective means can flow back into the container. Fig. 3a shows a container 10 with a drain 12 ^l disposed within the volume 30a. The lower wall 32 ¹ comprises a sloping longitudinal slot 34 defining a vent hole 33. This sloping longitudinal slot 34 is formed by two baffles (hereinafter referred to as flow baffles) 32¼ and 32¼. These baffles may overlap and / or remain in parallel planes, but preferably these baffles are not in parallel planes as shown in FIG. 2. The rectifier 32 b ¹ is preferably longer than the second long 32¼ a rectifier 32 b ¹ of the second rectifier 32¼. In this way, the venting means 20 is better protected from splashing of the retained liquid product. The outlet 12 ¹ is preferably positioned substantially in vertical alignment with the shorter rectifier 32¼. Thus, longer mentioned rectifier 32¼ protects the greater part of the venting means from contact with detainees liquid product although the restrained product must enter the volume defined protective equipment to reach the outlet 12 ^first

Fig. 3b further illustrates the slope between the two flow rectifiers 32¼ and 32¼ of the bottom wall 32 sme We have found that the angle of inclination of these rectifiers and the distance between their free ends D are critical parameters to provide protection against splashing of retained liquid product onto the venting means 20 as well. of retained fluid towards the outlet 12 ¹ . The angle is preferably between 10 ° and 90 °, more preferably between 20 ° and 60 °, most preferably between 20 ° and 50 °. On the other hand, said distance D is preferably between 0.3 cm to 1 cm, more preferably between 0.5 cm to 1 cm.

It will be understood that the protective means described in FIG. 3a and 3b can be readily adapted by a person skilled in the art to the aforementioned package or closure of FIG. 1a or FIG. 2. Different shapes of the side wall 31 and / or the bottom wall 32 may be selected to adapt the protective means in the packaging or closure and / or to improve the aesthetics of the packaging or closure. For example, the bottom wall may have a rounded shape.

Fig. 4a illustrates a smoother embodiment of a container or closure 10 according to the present invention. Said protective means comprises a closure 35 which is made as part of a housing 6 comprising a membrane 22. The closure 35 is inserted (engages) within said housing through the membrane, for example, the closure is snapped over the membrane. The closure 35 comprises at least one vent hole 33 that allows the passage of gases to and from the venting means.

Fig. 5 is a side view cross section of the container 10 ^first The closure comprises a venting means 20 and a protective means 30. The closure comprises an upper wall 17 and a side wall 18. This closure may be adapted for use as a dispensing device.

the venting means 20 and the protective means 30 are preferably part of, or attached to, the top wall of the closure 15. The protection of said venting means is best achieved when the protecting means is located between the discharge opening 14 and the venting means. Preferably, the protective means is a wall substantially perpendicular to the top wall 17 of the closure as shown in a plan view of the closure shown in FIG. 5b. More preferably, the wall 36 has an arc shape in a plane parallel to the top wall. Preferably, the concave portion of said arc may be directed towards the discharge opening (as shown in Fig. 5b) or turned towards the venting means.

The height H and the length L of the wall 36 are such that the protective means is completely protected from any splashes coming from the discharge opening 14. As used herein, the height H is measured from the top wall 17 of the closure to the bottom edge 37 of this wall and the length L is measured along the shape of said wall in a direction that connects the two distal points of the wall. Preferably, this height H is at least such that the lower edge 37 of the protective means is below the upper edge of the discharge opening 14, and said length L is at least of the same size as the venting means. This arrangement prevents any splashing of the retained liquid product onto the venting means. This protective means 30 does not need any venting and drainage apertures, since said protection does not form a closed volume around the venting means. However, the distance between the venting means 20 and the wall of the protective means should be maximized 1 to ensure that the product is not retained between the venting means and the wall 36. This distance should preferably be greater than 2 mm, more preferably greater than 4 mm.

The preservative is preferably made of plastic, metal, paper, or a combination of these materials, such as layers, laminates, or co-extrudates. These materials can also be recycled. Preferred preservative materials include plastics such as polyethylene (high or low density), polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (= PET), (pre) extrudable PET, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and nylon. These plastics can be used singly or combined as co-extrudates, layers, or laminates.

Claims (14)

PATENT CLAIMS A container (10) for retaining a liquid product or a container (10) for a container for retaining a liquid product, said container comprising a venting means (20) allowing gas to pass between the interior and exterior of said container when the pressure inside said container differs from ambient pressure the venting means is permeable to gas but is impermeable to the product; characterized in that the package further comprises a protective means (30) which prevents the product from splashing on the deaeration means and the protective means allows the passage of gases into the deaeration means. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective means (30) comprises a side wall (31, 31 ¹ ) and a bottom wall (32, 32 ¹ ) connected to said side wall, said side wall being disposed around the entire wall. venting agent. Packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the side wall (31, 31 ¹ ) and the bottom wall (32, 32 ¹ ) of the protective means comprise at least one venting opening (33), the venting opening being preferably located in the upper parts of the protective means when the package is in its upright position. Packaging according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said bottom wall (32, 32 ¹ ) further comprises at least one drainage opening to allow the liquid product to return to the product when it enters the volume (30a). said protective means. Packaging according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the bottom wall (32b) comprises a sloping longitudinal slot which is formed by two flow baffles (32 ^) and (32b ⁾ . 6. A package or a cap according to claim 5, characterized in that said baffles / 32 ^x a / a / b 32 ^x / are not in parallel planes. A closure according to claim 1 for a container, characterized in that said protective means is a wall (36) located between said venting means on said closure and a discharge opening (14) of the container (10 ⁾ . The closure according to claim 7, characterized in that said wall forms an arc in a plane parallel to the top wall (17) of said closure. A closure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the distance between the venting means (20) and the wall (36) is greater than 2 mm. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the venting means (20) comprises an opening (21) connecting the interior to the outside of the packaging and a membrane (22) covering the opening which permits gas passage but prevents liquid passage. product. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said product has a viscosity of between 200 cps and 5,000 cps, the viscosity being measured using a Brookfield spindle viscosity meter of 3.60 rpm. at 20C. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said product generates a pressure inside said packaging. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said product comprises a bleaching agent. 14. The container of claim 13 wherein said product comprises a peroxygen bleaching composition.