SK99998A3 - Reclosable dispenser package, reclosable outlet forming structure and method and apparatus for making same - Google Patents

Abstract

An aperture forming structure includes a break away tip member (634) of thermoformable plastic. The break away tip includes a hollow protrusion extending from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line (636). Rupturing of the fault line creates an aperture for dispensing the contents of the package. A cap (620) may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and detached for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture. The aperture forming structure can be made by heating a relatively stiff substantially flat thermoformable sheet of and then stretching the sheet to create a first and a second hollow protrusion in tiered configuration. A rupture line is placed at the intersection of the first and the second protrusions. The sheet may be attached to a pouch or containment member formed from a flexible sheet which contains any flowable substance.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to easy-to-open, discrete, easy-to-use single or multiple-use dispensing packages that are economically acceptable, manufactured at high speed and from a wide variety of materials, many of which are recyclable. They may contain products such as syrups, creams, cheeses, salad dressings, shampoos, hand creams, liquid detergents, motor oils, toothpastes, pet foods and many other products. It further relates to packages having the ability to dispense products containing, e.g. mouthwash, cough syrup, preserved products, alcoholic beverages, etc., directly into the user's mouth, and which also include a reclosable cap member formed as an integral part of the package, and which is preferably secured to the package by means of a fastening which is also provided integral with packaging. It will also be appreciated that the simple features of opening together with the reclosable lid and fastening can be formed independently and sealingly or adjacent to the surface of a plurality of packages such as bags, milk containers, cushion packs, etc., to produce dispenser packages or dispensers with very cost effective. This type of dispensing container package can dispense food pastes such as pet food, creams, fats, yoghurt, certain types of dough, dessert toppings, and can be made from the previously mentioned cardboard-coated plastic films, foils, laminates or co-compression of these materials. . The simple opening means of the present invention in this preferred embodiment includes a roller-like protrusion from which a truncated-conical protrusion extends to form a pointed end which is surrounded by a break line at its base. To form the aperture, this pointed tip is torn off using gentle lateral finger pressure. To prevent this end from tearing off during transport or for re-opening, a fixed cap formed adjacent the pointed closure of the double

projection. The fastening functions not only hold the lid, thereby preventing the loss of the lid, but also hold the lid (at the pointed end) in place by acting as a spring.

Alternatively, the aperture forming the system of the original protuberance in the form of a roller has, instead of a truncated conical pointed tip for breaking, a fracture line pattern defined on its top surface which is designed to be interrupted to form an exit aperture of various desired shapes. . Such means, when the means for said puncture break / punch method may be formed in place of the cap and may be fastened or the cap may be double ended by capping at one end and shaping the punch / punch at the other end. It will also be seen that a cap comprising a protrusion member formed within the cap, similar to a flower-like manner, would act as a central punch when the cap is pushed over the protrusion in the form of a roller. It will further be appreciated that in certain cases where a metal foil strip is required for liquid products, e.g. for alcoholic beverages, the cylindrical protrusion may be replaced by a protuberance similar to the elevation of the central fault line model. The reason for such a shape similar to an elevation instead of a cylindrical shape is to prevent the film from stretching beyond its elastic limit at its intersections of the surface when in this case it could break during the forming. Said method allows the hole to be pierced by the piercing / punch means provided, said piercing / mandrel means may be thermoformable and fixed to the unit, or may be made independently, and the mounting may have a ring at its free end into which the means is inserted. for piercing / thorn.

The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for producing the above-mentioned molding and packaging, reliable at high speed, in many cases from completely recyclable material that allows such packages to be manufactured at low cost and in many cases recyclable. In addition, these packages use less plastic materials than most previously known parts of the package resulting in reduced resources and environmental benefits, even if non-recyclable materials are used.

This international application claims the priorities of provisional US application no. 60/010 455, filed Jan. 23, 1996, and U.S. Provisional Application filed January 3, 1997, entitled Resealable Dispensing Package, Resealable Exit Aperture Creating the Structure and Method and Equipment for its Production, and filed by Applicants of this non-provisional application, both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various approaches have been implemented to provide a dispenser package in which the product can be packaged in an amount normally required for single or multiple use and from which the product can be dispensed.

One type of such dispensing cushion container or bags made of thin plastics and film or packaging is typically a combination of laminated plastics or films. These packages are most commonly used as ketchup, mustard, other ingredients, household products such as hair conditioners, paints and creams, etc. Although this type of packaging is universally used, it is generally not popular with consumers. To access the contents, the tube must be held in one hand and the rupture and force applied by the other hand. Breaking the container closure at the beginning is often very difficult and often requires the use of the user's teeth. In addition, if the packaging is torn at the beginning, the laminate film and / or plastic material often tears not only in an uncontrolled manner, but the holding pressure exerted by one of the hands of the user often causes the contents to be printed not only before the user is ready to apply the content even before the bursting process ends. Opening these packages leads to anger, nail breakage, tooth breakage and other problems. And the user must use two hands to open the tray. In the case of disabled people, people suffering from arthritis and otherwise handicapped people, opening these packages is really impossible. Yet another problem associated with previously known packs is that they cannot be effectively reclosed, eliminating multiple uses of the pack, resulting in waste of unused contents. Other drawbacks include the inability of the cartridges to function effectively with low-storage products such as coffee cream, mouthwash or alcoholic beverages because of the inability of the torn hole to control the direction of such liquids from the package. These packages are also generally non-recyclable in general and thus become environmental pollutants. As mentioned above, if the use of these cartridges should continue to be preferred, then the easy opening feature of the present invention can be readily and economically applied to these cartridges, making it easy to open, reclosable and high barrier packaging.

The next dispenser package is a tumbler with a lid that is used for butter, margarine, syrup, seasonings, salad dressings and other similar products. This type of packaging requires good estimation and manual skills. Such packages are often used as cream containers and have many drawbacks, including problems with lid opening during opening, as well as problems with pouring, unwanted spillage, and the impossibility of reclosing to avoid single use only. We repeat that the inventions described herein can be applied and integrally formed in these packages to make them easy to open and re-closable. Yet another type of dispenser package is an unclosed corrugated paper package used for salt and / or black pepper that, when bent along a broken line, cuts a corrugated hole through which the salt or other substance contained in the package can flow. These packages dispense only dried, solids by gravity and can dispense the contained wet or liquid materials. The package according to the invention may contain and readily dispense both liquids and dried granular products.

Small, very expensive, metal bottles with caps are used for alcoholic beverages and these are poured or consumed directly from the bottle. These bottles may be reclosable, but are often sized only for a disposable beverage, so they do not need to be reclosable. This pack can be used for alcoholic beverages, with a small fraction of the cost of a bottle.

Everybody knows everywhere broken top labels of milk cartons and everyone knows different degrees of difficulty in opening them. These range from nail breakage to ordinary non-opening without the use of a knife or other tool.

Cartons are never truly reclosed and at best have a messy and unclean appearance. In the US, efforts have been made to form a cap screw cap comprising a threaded spout member sealed on one of the angled carton tabs and the other cap screw is not attached. This twin-shaped injection molding is expensive to manufacture and install, in the order of about 3 to 5 cents, and is commonly used for large, angled 1.9 liter juice cap tops. These are expensive, highly profitable items, selling for approximately $ 3 each, and may have an extra bolt tariff on the exit holes. However, trillions of these broken cap unit labels are sold annually for milk and cream in different sizes from half pint (half liter) to half gallon (1.8 liter). However, manufacturers are reluctant to increase the cost of carton costs exceptionally and the public still has problems opening cartons.

The present invention allows for a closed and clearly open outlet with a lid attached, both of which are formed in a single, small plastic unit that can be readily sealed or adhesively applied to a kink through a small manufactured opening. This has a minimal cost and the unit can be made of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride. Polyester, etc. accounts for about one hundredth of the material costs. It will be understood that the cap provides a dual purpose. It allows the outlet opening to be reclosed after opening and the same meaning is that the cap is located at the end during transportation and protects the end from unwanted impact or other forces that may open the outlet.

It can be seen that the lower, roller-like shaping below the tear-off tip can be extended so that when the tip is removed the elongated spout remains and allows the flowing substance to be swallowed directly from the container or in the case of engine oil to be poured directly into the engine oil inlet. Another drawback that is usually encountered in dispensing packages is the closure of the open outlet. The closure of the outlet opening of the containers is currently provided with screw-shaped injection molding means for the cap which normally includes a compressible sealing material. The end of the container requires an engaging thread that corresponds to the cap. Separately shaped sealed cap and threaded container increase production costs. In addition, the cap sometimes falls off and / or disappears, whether it is sealed or not. Further, there is an increasing trend to produce such containers at an even greater cost by providing hinged caps with a flat end surface that allows the container to be erected vertically. Thus, the cap member commonly used has the disadvantage that it acts to increase the overall manufacturing cost of the dispenser package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide new, improved means for forming a thermoformable aperture, as well as an integrally formed cap and necessary fixation.

It is a further object to provide independently such an opening forming means with or without a lid and / or an attachment for the adhesion of other shapes that were previously difficult to open or were not able to be reclosed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide new, improved dispensing packages.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new, improved structure forming an aperture for a dispenser package that allows the user to dispense the contents of the package directly into the user's mouth or in a manner controlling the direction desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new, improved orifice structure for a dispensing package that is easy and reliable to open and which can still be manufactured economically and at high speed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable dispenser package such that its contents can be dispensed in successive applications and the outlet opening can be reclosed between uses.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable package with an attached cap member formed of the same plastic film, the cap member may then be placed through an unopened opening providing means for protecting it and / or resealing the package after opening.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable package and displaceable cap member which may be formed as an integral unit and wherein the cap member is attached to the integrally formed fastening and remains attached to the package and which may be positioned through the unopened aperture forming means. to protect it from alteration or unwanted opening during transport and handling in the course of trade.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable package and a fastened cap member that can be formed as an integral unit of thermoformable material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable package and a fastened cap member that can be formed as an integral unit of a thermoformable plastic material that is recyclable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable package and a lid member, in which the lid member has an open cap of the lid having a predetermined shape such that after placing the lid over the package opening, the contents can be dispensed through the shaped stream.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reclosable package and cap member, wherein the cap member includes a tooling device such as sheet metal protrusions or a flattened surface structure such that the cap member can function as a means of wiping, unfolding or otherwise handling. with contents dispensed from the pack.

It is a further object of the present invention to replace a dual function piercing / mandrel cap member capable of piercing through the slit-forming to form a hole and further act as a mandrel to close said hole.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of manufacturing a dispensing package in which the above features are accomplished.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of a thermoformable dispenser package of recyclable plastic material and yet to provide a final package that can be easily and reliably opened by the user.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device for forming aperture-forming structures for a dispensing package.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device for forming an orifice structure in a dispenser-like dispensing package such that after opening the contents can be dispensed in a direction-controlling manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved self-centering and self-piercing punch and die device adapted to the precise and corresponding shape of the thermoformable material with a hollow end-of-pipe configuration having a circumferentially widening break line so as to allow termination to be readily torn off by forming an opening through which the contents of the package can be dispensed.

The foregoing specific objects and advantages of the present invention are shown so that they can be obtained by the present invention and do not exclude or limit the possible advantages that may be realized. Thus, these and other advantages of the invention are apparent from the description herein, or may be obtained by testing the invention, from the embodiments herein, or modified within any variations that may be apparent to those skilled in the art, are realized and also the claims, designs, and achieved through the individual parts, equipment and combinations thereof, are outlined in the enclosed lies in the new parts, combinations, steps and instrument steps

This and the processes of the invention are the arrangements, and the processes, improvements, described and described herein.

Briefly, the present invention is directed to new reclosable means-forming apertures that can be formed integrally with a cap member that can be secured to said means-forming aperture to form a unit that can be independently formed and adhesively or sealingly attached to the container wall or surface through an opening in said container wall to form an easily opening, reclosable, if necessary, dispensing package. Said reclosable aperture forming means provides an integral hollow protrusion member of the step, cylindrically shaped extending a generally conical preferentially comprising two base from which or a frustoconical end, said end having a kink line that surrounds it in connection with the flat top surface forming in the form of a roller that can be readily torn off to create an opening through which the package can be dispensed with directional control. After tearing off the tip of the protrusion member by lightly squeezing the fingers, the desired amount of content can be pushed through an open orifice-like outlet by gently squeezing the package.

In the second embodiment, the reclosable aperture-generating unit assembly may be formed inside, making it easy to use the reclosable dispenser package. In this second embodiment, generally the relatively flexible container or cartridge member is lockably connected to the surface member forming the lid or lid of the package. The surface member comprises a new, reclosable aperture generating means and a fixed cap member as described above and has a similar use.

In another suitable embodiment, the container or cartridge member has an integral hollow protrusion and a fixed cap member thermoformable on the underside of its relatively stiffened edge. The advantage of this version is that the surface member then becomes a relatively thin, skin-like member that is very easy to print and is cheaper than the formed top surface member.

Said cap member, which is initially formed with the package as an integral unit, is preferably formed along one circumferential edge of either the surface member forming the lid or the lids of the package relatively proximate to the tear tab or on the underside of the edge. The cut line may form a fastening mechanically shaped member that removed allows the cap member to be user in its production position and positioned over an open nozzle-like opening, providing means to protect the tear-off end during shipping and handling in trade while remaining attached to the packaging. As also preferably preferred, the aforementioned cap member allows the end user of the package to readily open or reseal the package after each use.

In other alternative embodiments of the dosage package of the invention:

the tear-off protruding member forming the aperture on the package may be on the surface of the surface member forming the cap or lid of the package, thereby eliminating a nozzle-like configuration of the exit aperture in these applications where the contents of the package do not require die-forming;

the lid member may be formed with miniature protrusions that act as a brush, or may have another selected shape to perform other selected functions for use in handling the contents dispensed from the package, such as brushing or rubbing;

if the reclosing of the package is not required, the cap member may be opened having such a predetermined shape that, after placing the cap member over a spout similar to the package opening, the contents may be dispensed by the shaped stream;

the cap member may be provided with an inner central mandrel dimensioned for engagement with an opening formed in the dispenser package, which serves as a mandrel to further ensure the opening is closed after removal of the tear tab member; and

the tear tab and the fastened cap member may be formed in a portion of the surface member that extends beyond one end of the collapsible container member at a predetermined angle and is connected to the product contained in the container by a shallow groove or channel, thereby facilitating application of the package contents to the surface; for example toothpaste for toothbrush or adhesives for fracture. Alternatively, the tear protrusion member may be formed on the surface member directly through the container portion with the lid formed in an adjacent small flat area. This method provides a slightly larger container volume, using the same amount of material.

It is understood that previous preferred embodiments of the dispenser package of the present invention may be thermoformed from a wide range of plastic materials, including, for example, PP (polypropylene), Barex, HDPE (high density polyethylene), HIPS (high impact polystyrene) and high impact polystyrene foam (HIPS). ) as well as various laminations and / or co-extrusion of said materials and other plastic materials, including, for example, PP / EVOH, (ethylene vinyl alcohol) / PP, Barex / EVOH / PP, PET (low density polyethylene linear polyethylene), PET / EVOH / LLDPE, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) / LLDPE, NY (nylon) / LLDPE, and NY / EVOH / LLDPE. Alternatively, the orifice-forming means and dispensing packages of the invention may be injection molded.

It is understood that dispensing packages in a wide range

Also embodiments may be manufactured although the preferred size range prior to the present invention may be of a size of choice (approximately from a capacity of ml to about grams). Similarly, in a wide range of capacity of 4 fluid ounces (about 120 said package can be manufactured in dimensions. A typical size of package material containing 30 ml or 1 fluid ounce is of the order of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) depth, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) cm) a width and a length of approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), which comfortably adapts to the palm of the user's hand In addition, the independent hole forming means and fastened lids can be applied to a very wide range of disposable packaging sizes up to half a gallon (1.8 liters).

Briefly described, in preferred embodiments, a device according to the present invention forming a preferred aperture forming a protrusion member on the surface member of the dispensing package comprises a two-stage piercing member which proceeds to lift and compress the thermoformable material against the self-centering and self-aligning hollow anvil member. The first piercing member advances to the original in a separate material.

Then, the second piercing member is preferably positioned within and movably relative thereto, the first piercing member continuing to advance forward. The second piercing member comprises a first generally frustoconical shaped surface adapted to form a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical hollow end member extending from a roller-like protrusion formed by the first piercing member. At the same time, the shaping of the hollow terminating member is complete, the advance of the second punch brings the second shallow conical surface into cooperative engagement with the peripheral edge or edge defining the hollow portion of the anvil member, thereby compressing the wall of the formed hollow end at its peripheral portion to create weakening of the kink. a hollow end of the protrusion member. As preferably provided herein, said piercer and anvil members form a break line at the base of said hollow end of the protrusion member that extends continuously at its periphery.

Alternatively, in the apparatus of the present invention, the heated sheet of thermoformable material is compressed against the anvil member, and one section of the piercing member having a generally frustoconical shaped end portion is then advanced to the form of said substantially cylindrical or frustoconical shaped end member. At the same time, the forming of the hollow terminating member is completed, the anvil member edge squeezes the wall of the hollow terminating member at its periphery to create a weakening of the kink. It will be seen that the heated thermoformable film (material) can be compressed against a relatively thin plate separated from the anvil that includes a precisely aligned aperture centered on the anvil member aperture. In this embodiment, between the piercer and the substrate, the film will be formed in the conical member as the piercer advances through the plate and said conical member will be further formed until it contacts the peripheral edge or edge in the opening of the anvil opening. This alternative device forms a break line by encircling or surrounding the formed conical-shaped termination member at a predetermined point between its base and its apex.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing various brief descriptions and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the present invention, but are not intended to limit or limit the advantages that may be achieved by the invention or various combinations thereof. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with a detailed description, provide an explanation of the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side view of a dispenser package

constructed in according to given created eyelid members; Fig. 2 is top plan view Fig. 1; Fig. 2A is a look from above constructed in according to given

formed by the cap member of the invention having an integral for dispensing package of the dispensing package of the invention with an integrally underside of the edge of the confining members and coating them as an unformed packaging member;

Fig. 3 is an end view of the dispensing package of FIG.

i;

Fig. 3a is an end view of the dispensing package of FIG.

2a showing a non-formed very thin flexible packaging member;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view, partially cross-sectional, of a device constructed in accordance with the present invention to form protrusion materials;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partially from a height, of the first and second punches and the hair alignment hollow anvil member shown in FIG. 4, this view illustrates the shaping of a first protrusion member in a thermoplastic film of material;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing the shaping of the second thermoplastic film of material;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 5 of the projection member in FIG. 6 showing the shaping of the marginally widening weakening of the fault line at the base of the second protrusion member;

Fig. 7a is an enlarged side view of first and second protuberance members according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7b is an enlarged side view of first and second protuberance members according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of the dispensing package of FIG. 1;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the dispensing package of FIG. 8 showing the cap member removed from its molded position and positioned over the tear-off end of the protrusion member;

Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the use of a hollow piercing member to form a central sealing mandrel member in the cap member shown in the preceding drawings;

Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a cap member formed with a central mandrel of the apparatus of FIG. 10;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partially from above, showing an alternative embodiment of the piercing and anvil device of the present invention, wherein the single piercing member forms a hollow truncated conical protrusion in the surface of the dispenser package packaging member and the anvil member squeezes the end wall to form a circumferentially expanding a break line on the surface of the protruding tip;

Fig. 12a is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partially from above, showing an alternate embodiment of the piercing and anvil device of the present invention, wherein the single piercing member forms a hollow truncated conical projection having a right cylindrical base in the surface of the dispenser package packaging member and the anvil member squeezes the end wall; a circumferentially extending fault line on the surface of the protruding tip;

Fig. 12b is an enlarged cross-sectional view, partially from above, showing an alternate embodiment of the piercing and anvil device of the present invention, wherein the individual piercing member having a round end forms a hollow molded protrusion in the surface of the dispenser package packaging member and the anvil member squeezes the end wall an expanding fault line on the surface of the performance;

Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of the tear-off end formed by the piercing and anvil member shown in FIG. 12;

Fig. 13A is a schematic side view of the breakaway tip formed by the piercing and anvil member shown in FIG. 12a;

Fig. 14 is a top view of another embodiment of a dispensing package constructed in accordance with the present invention, wherein the tear-off end and cap member are formed in a lateral extension of the surface member and the tear-off end member is in contact with the confinement container through the shallow channel member;

Fig. 15 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14;

Fig. 16 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14;

Fig. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14, wherein the lateral extension of the packaging member also extends downwardly;

Fig. 18 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a cap member formed with bristles or protrusions on its outer surface;

Fig. 19 is a schematic view of another alternative embodiment of a cap member formed with a flattened spreading means on its outer surface;

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

Fig. 21a is a top view of a reclosable exit opening forming a structure that can be applied to different forms of cartridges in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 21b is a side view of the reclosable exit opening forming the structure shown in FIG. 21A;

Fig. 22a is a top view of the reclosable exit opening forming the structure of FIG. 2.1A-B, as applied to a milk carton in which a cap member is placed through an outlet;

Fig. 22b is a top view of the reclosable exit opening forming the structure of FIG. 21A-B, as applied to a milk carton in which the cap member is removed from the outlet opening to allow removal of the tear-off end of the outlet opening;

Fig. 22c the outlet opening is a top view of the reclosable structure of FIG. 21A-B, as applied to the carton end removed to create an opening;

the milk in which it is tearing off the outlet opening to make it through it

Fig. 22d is a top view of the milk carton of FIG. 22a-c, wherein the tear-off end is removed from the outlet opening to create an opening through which milk is poured;

Fig. 23 is a side view of a lower profile of a breakaway tip in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 24 is a top view of the lower profile of the tear off end of FIG. 23;

Fig. 24a is a top view of the lower profile of the tear-off end of FIG. 23a;

Fig. 25 is a top view of the low profile of the breakaway tip of FIG. 23 with the ending shown illusory;

Fig. 26 is a side view of the cap for use with the lower tear tip profile of FIG. 23;

Fig. 27 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a rotatable closure or rotatable moving arrangement to secure the cap to the base of the molding;

Fig. 28a is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention in which a fixed mandrel is used to open and close the cut surface;

Fig. 28b is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 29a in which the cut surface has been opened;

Fig. 28c is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 28a, on which the mandrel has been placed in the outlet opening, thereby opening the opening over the cut surface and / or closing the opening;

Fig. 29a-c are top views of the exit openings of the embodiment of Fig. 28a reflecting different types of cut surfaces in the exit opening;

Fig. 30a-d are side views of the cross-sectioned surfaces shown in FIGS. 29a-d, in which all the cut surfaces have been penetrated to form an aperture therethrough and the flap sinks from the surface;

Fig. 31 is a partially side elevational view of an outlet forming a structure according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a piercer / mandrel

and cut appearance, co is a milk; Fig. 32 is a top view on the structure from FIGURE 31; Fig. 33 is a side view on the structure from Fig. 31 and 32;

applied to the carton to the exit opening forming the exit opening

Fig. 34 is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming the structure of FIG. 31-33;

Fig. 35 is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming the structure of FIG. 31-34 showing the performance as pierced by the punch / mandrel;

Fig. 36 is an enlarged side view of the elevation of FIG. 31-35;

Fig. 37 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the outlet opening is a structure having a tear-off end and a cap and applied to the foil packs;

Fig. 38 is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming the structure of FIG. 37;

Fig. 39 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is applied to a film package;

Fig. 37a is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the outlet forming the structure is applied to the film package;

Fig. 38a is a planar front view of the outlet opening structure of FIG. 37a;

Fig. 39a is a side plan view of the outlet forming the structure of FIG. 37a and 38a;

Fig. 40 is a partial side view of an outlet forming a structure according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention having an auxiliary piercer / mandrel / cap and a protrusion member, which are made by a recess and fit method;

Fig. 40a is an enlarged side plan view of the outlet forming the structure of FIG. 40 showing a piercer / mandrel / cap piercing the protrusion member;

Fig. 41 is a plan view from above of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the exit apertures forming the structure are formed from a single thermoplastic strip in an interlocking configuration;

Fig. 42 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the reclosable container is provided with a cut-out protrusion and a punch / cap fastened for a dual purpose;

Fig. 43 is a plan view of the closable container of FIG. 42;

Fig. 44 is a plan view from above of the reclosable container of FIG.

and 43, wherein the fixed piercer / cap is securely secured through the slit protrusion;

Fig. 45 is a side plan view of an outlet forming a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 46a-c are side plan views of the cartridge for use with the outlet forming the structure of the present invention;

Fig. 47 is a side plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 46a-c with the outlet opening forming the structure of FIG. 45, who stands on it;

Fig. 48 is a plan view from above of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 49 is a side plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 49;

Fig. 50 is a side plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 48 and 49 in the closed position;

Fig. 51 is a side elevational view of the cartridge of FIG. 48-50;

Fig. 52 is a side elevational view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 53 is an enlarged side view of the outlet forming the structure of FIG. 52, and

Fig. 54 is a plan view from above of a portion of a web of thermoformable material that includes a plurality of exit apertures forming a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring in particular to FIG. 1-4 and the accompanying drawings will now show a dispensing package according to the present invention generally referred to under number 10. The package 10 can be used for single or multiple uses and can be resealed for further use.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 4, the dispensing package comprises a packaging member 11 formed of a flexible but reinforced generally flat sheet 12 of a thermoformable plastic material that is most suitable for the contained products and the protection required by these products.

Materials such as high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyester high density polyethylene (HDPE), HDPE / EVOH (high density polyethylene / ethylene vinyl alcohol), Barex, polypropylene, etc. can be used. HIPS, HDPE and HDPE / EVOH have low cost and can be recycled. HDPE / EVOH creates a stronger oxygen barrier.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, plastics or the like may be heat sealed or bonded together, the heat sealing of the various plastics together requires an adhesive layer. Preferably, low density linear polyethylene (LLDPE) is used as such a layer. Thus, the multilayer plastics according to the present invention formed by co-compression can be joined together to form a film 12 having a sealing means / barrier 14.

Also suitably bonded to one face of the bonded film 12,

4 is also a flexible film 18 forming at least one cartridge chamber 22 adjacent to one face of the relatively reinforced film 12 or 14, to maintain a preferably flowing content, e.g. dry powdered or granulated material or liquid material of any suitable viscosity that can flow under light finger pressure.

Advantageously, and preferably, the foil of a suitable sealant / water vapor-impermeable material 14 is suitably integrally bonded to the foil 12 on the inner surface 16 that is toward the flexible foil

The flexible film 18, preferably formed by conventional means such as vacuum molding, pressure molding, mechanical molding or a combination thereof, is also suitably integrally bonded to the inner surface 16 or the sealing means / barrier 14 of the film 12, as can be in this case.

The connections between the substantially flat, relatively flat film 12, the sealant / barrier material 14, and the flexible film 18 may also be formed by conventional means known to those skilled in the art of packaging, such as welding, heat sealing, or adhesive or cohesive bonding. Obviously, the different bonding methods chosen depend on the different properties of the materials used and the flowing materials contained in the package.

Preferably, and as preferred, the film 12 is preferably made of polypropylene (PP), Barex, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), but when combined with a barrier

14, can be made of (ethylene vinyl alcohol), polyethylene tetrofluoride of polystyrene, polyester, EVOH polyvinyl chloride (PVC), (PET) or nylon, or copolymers thereof, and the barrier 14 is made of a suitable sealant / water vapor impermeable barrier material, preferably containing saran and film, or film and vinyl laminate, or separate film, depending on the nature of the content to be in the container.

A particularly strong high-barrier construction includes saran laminated on each side with polyethylene (manufactured by Dow Chemical Co. under the name Saranex) as a barrier film 14, laminated to polystyrene or polyester, forming a flexible but relatively rigid film

12. The thickness of the property comprising the film 12 varies according to factors such as the materials used, the flowability of the substance and the intended consumption. Generally, the range is 4-12 mil. (0.004-0.012). As mentioned, the film is preferably flexible, although much of the material 18 forming the container 22, and reinforced by the raised portion 11a made stronger than preferably is in the preferred construction of the package 10 in the package 11.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the connections between the materials 12, 14 and 18 can be obtained by conventional means described so far, again depending on the nature of the flowing substance contained in the package.

From the above, it can be seen that the structure of FIG. 1 and 2, between the flexible film 18 and the relatively stiffened member 12, 14, forms a bounded container or chamber 22 in which the flowing substance is preferably contained and from which it is dispensed.

In accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that the relatively reinforced generally flat surface 12 forming the surface 11 comprises an aperture forming a protruding structure 30 that includes a neck member 32 and a tear-off termination member 34 such that after removal of the end 34 package 10 through which the contents can be dispensed directly in a controllable manner.

The neck and end protrusions 32, 34 are preferably substantially hollow, substantially cylindrical, and the end 34 is preferably substantially cylindrical or frustoconical. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in plan view in FIG. 3, the aperture forming the protrusion structure 30 is disposed on the surface 11 directly through the cartridge 22 such that upon opening, the spout opening 32 is connected directly to the contents of the cartridge 22.

In accordance with the present invention, as preferably provided, the dispensing package 10 comprises a cap member 110 formed as an integral part of the package 11. Preferably, the cap member 110 is removable from the surface along the line.

It can be seen that the cap 110 protects the tear-off termination structure 30 from unintentional damage during transportation and handling in the course of trade into use, as well as providing means for resealing the package upon opening, e.g. when the protrusion terminating member is torn off. Thus, the cap 110 protects the remaining contents of the package after each use, allowing multiple uses. An advantage of the fixed embodiment of the present invention is that it does not require any cost, when opened, acts as a side compression spring to hold the cap on the neck 30; acts as a retaining member to assist in removal of the cap in each partial use and prevents the cap from being lost before the contents of the package are completely consumed and the package is ready to be discarded. Further details of the cap will be described below.

In virtually all cases, it is preferable to provide a two-stage tear-off arrangement of the end, since the first protruding cylindrical shape 32 acts as a nozzle providing directly controllable dispensing of the article after the end, e.g. second projection 34, removed. Low and medium viscosity products tend to spray sideways or move in uncontrolled directions as they pass through an aperture formed in the plane of the surface member. Moreover, sliding the tear off from the surface of the packaging member increases ease of use without practically increasing manufacturing costs.

In use, as preferably provided herein, the package 10 is preferably positioned such that the container or chamber 22 is in the palms of the hand with the thumb on the package 11. The thumb or finger of the hand holding the package or the other hand of the user, if desired may then be used to apply light pressure against the side of the protrusion end 34, e.g. of the breakaway tip, thereby causing the tip to be removed, leaving the throat or spout similar to the opening 32 open.

When the tip 34 is removed, and the package is opened, the contents of the package 10 can be printed. This use depends on the type of substance contained in the package and where the user wants to place the content. For example, if the pack contains toothpaste, the orifice 32 will preferably be positioned above the toothbrush, with a gentle push of the pack 10 pushing the toothpaste onto the toothbrush. If the contents of the package are intended to be placed directly in the user's or patient's mouth, such as oral medications or mouthwash, then the orifice 32 may be placed directly into the mouth and some or all of the contents may be directed into the mouth by extruding the package. Once the desired amount of product has been printed out of the package, with some of the contents remaining, the package 10 can be resealed for future use by placing the cap 110 on the orifice 32.

As noted, in a preferred embodiment, the package 10 further comprises a lid 110. The lid 110 may also be formed separately from the other components of the package 10, in a preferred embodiment the lid 110 is integrally formed and is at least partially detachable from the relatively reinforced film 12 forming the package 11, is shown e.g. FIG. 1-3, 9-10, 15-18, 22-23d, 38-40, and 42-47.

As shown in FIG. 1-3 and 8-9, the cap 110 is preferably positioned at one corner of the package 11 so as to extend beyond the cartridge 22. The break line 114 allows the cap 110 to be easily removed from the package 11. Preferably, as best seen in Figs. 10, the frangible line 114 extends only partially along the edge of the package 11 to provide a fastening 130 to retain the cap 110 attached to the package 10 even though the cap extends beyond the aperture forming the structure 30 or the aperture 32.

The cap 110 is typically intact and sized to be fixed straight, providing on the neck of the protrusion 32, which is preferably also straight and intact, both before and after removal of the cap 34. The cap 110 has a base 126 that lies flat against the top of the package 11. several advantages. First, it has been discovered that the fastening 130 acts as a spring squeezing the cap against the side wall of the neck protrusion 32, thereby helping to keep the cap 110 in place when it is located on the neck protrusion 32. Further, the fastening 130 provides additional benefit by protecting the cap 110 before loss and allows the user to grasp the fastener 130 to assist in removing the cap 130 from the aperture forming structure 30 or from the aperture 32.

The cap 110 of the present invention may be determined in several different embodiments. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and 11, the lid may be formed from a hollow spacer member 120 that presses the material into the hollow surrounding member 122 with a central protrusion 124 to form a central mandrel cap 126.

An alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 1-4 is shown in FIG. 2a and 3a. As shown, the container 10a generally has the same configuration as the container 10 shown in FIG. 1-3 and is made of the same materials. Specifically, the cartridge 22a is formed between the flexible film 18a and a very thin film-like coating 12a. 14a. in which a flowing substance is contained. As in the previous embodiment, the aperture forming the protrusion structure 30a is formed on the underside of the flat film 18. Similarly, the lid 110a is formed on the underside of the film 18. In such an arrangement, not only the throat and end protrusions 32a, 34a of the protrusion structure 30a are protected from unintentional. however, the container 10a also has a low cost for a flexible surface. In order for the protrusion structure 30a to be in fluid communication with the contents of the cartridge 22a, it is provided by a channel 11b that connects to the protrusion structure.

It will be appreciated that the aperture forming the protrusion structure 30 may be manufactured in different ways and with different devices. In accordance with the present invention, however, a preferably formed sheet of thermoformable material formed in the package 11 is first heated to a sufficiently forming temperature. The strip is then formed in a hollow cylindrical protrusion 12 with a closed end. The closed end portion of the cylinder 32 is then further deformed in its central portion to form the end 34. At the same time, the end 34 is fully formed, the intersection of the end base 34 and the cylinder 32 is compressed, reducing its thickness, thereby creating a fault line extending around the periphery of the end base 34th

Also in accordance with the present invention, as preferably provided herein, the aperture forming the protrusion 30 is formed by means of a self-centering and self-aligning punching and wrapping punch and pressing device, indicated generally by the number 40, as shown in FIG. 4-7.

The apparatus 40 includes feed wheels 42 or other means for advancing the web or film F of the thermoformable material to the heating station 44, wherein the heating block 46 advances against the film to compress the film against the stationary heating block 48, the temperature of which is controlled by the thermal coupling 50. The air cylinder 52 exerts a driving force to move the heater block 46 via the shaft 54. The heater block 46 includes two heater bodies that are powered by the power source 58.

competent

The two-stage piercing member 60 includes a first plug-in piercer 62 formed as a generally cylindrical, hollow piercer having a substantially planar end surface 64 at its operating end. As the first piercing member advances, the end surface 64 engages and deforms the heated sheet of a thermoformable, preferably plastic material F, compressing the plastic against a similarly shaped, opposed, generally cylindrical hollow anvil member 66 movable in the drill 68 of the support 70. the end face 71. The first piercer 62 has a clearance adapted to the drill 68 so that it can move towards it to face the end face of the anvil 66. The anvil 66 has a drill hole 67 formed as part of its hollow part.

The anvil 66 is part of a spring-actuated weighting member 72, preferably supported by a spherically shaped member

74. or other similarly curved scaling device in a larger base opening 75 so that both are resilient and self-centering and self-aligning

60. Although the weighing device 74 is preferably spherical in shape, relatively curved relative to the piercing member or has a flat surface in spring-elevated engagement with the base of the adjustable mechanism 89, it also provides self-centering of the opening of the anvil member 66 relative to the frustoconical surface 84 and tapered surface 83 of the second piercer 80, described in more detail below. The peripheral edge or edge of the aperture 67 in the anvil 66 is smaller than the punch drill 62 to form the inner arm 76 when opposed, substantially flat end surfaces 64, 71 of the hollow cylindrical punch member 62 and the anvil member 66 are brought together. The anvil and the first piercer are preferably made of hardened steel.

In use, at the end of the first step of shaping the aperture forming the protrusion 30 shown in FIG. 5, a plastic strip F is formed in the protruding, closed end, of the hollow generally cylindrical strip stretched by the hollow punch, of the end surfaces over

64, protruding end-shaped punch punch and similar to the first intermediate roller, with the plastic generally cylindrical opposed faces of the anvil member.

83, preferably a molded part 84 with a frusto-conical shape under the number 86. The second member 80 is 81 and

A second piercing whose operating end surface of the order of 45 °, the flat end face ending, the generally piercing member and its advances into a controlled engagement with the inner edge of the arm 76 formed on the opposing 62 and the anvil

The second piercing has passed along with the hollow drill bit of the first piercing member 62. 1 includes a shaft, a surface bevel in the conical 85 forming an indicated bevel of the peripheral end surfaces 64, 71 of the first piercer 66.

secured so that beyond the end faces 64, the member 80 includes terminating

In one aspect of this preferred embodiment of the invention, the second piercing member 80 may be constructed of multiple parts. For example, each of the frustoconical and tapered portions 84, 83 may be formed separately and removably attached to a leading end surface of the shaft 82, such as by threaded connections. Alternatively, the shaft 82 and the end pieces 83, 84 may be formed as an integral unit. The second piercing member is driven by the air cylinder 87.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the full length of the frustoconical end 86 of the piercer 80 continues to pass along the formed inner arm 76a into the anvil opening 67 until the bevelled surface 83 is introduced into a precisely controlled cooperative engagement with the inner peripheral edge of the inner arm 76 formed by the opposing end. the passage of the piercing surface 83 against the arm 76 is precisely controlled by the micrometric piercing adjusting mechanism 88 and the anvil adjustable locking mechanism 89.

Hitherto hollow cylinder forming formed

i the first roller is in a similar bore of the second stage further cylindrical

34, i. Types

30. advancing or protruding the second heated closed end originally formed

32, structures 30.

a substantially truncated cone-shaped end of the aperture forming the piercing member structures until the bevelled surface 83 of the piercer 80 reaches the plastic film. At the same time, the second piercing surface 83 can be compressed, cooled and cured by the plastic web F against the inner circumferentially widening edge formed on the anvil arm 76 to reduce the thickness and thereby weaken the plastic wall at the local circumferential edge to form a narrow circumferentially widening. Knurling 100, known as a break or break line, at the base of the end of the protrusion 34. It will be seen that the break line 100 allows the end of the protrusion 34 to be readily torn off by light lateral finger pressure, thereby creating a nozzle similar .

It should be noted that changes in the dimensions of the tapered end 86 and, for example, the anvils 66 are within the scope of this invention. it is often desirable to provide a fine stream of cartridge content such as engine oil. Consequently, the opening formed by the base of the projection 34 of the projection 34 must be relatively small, as shown in FIG. 8a. To form such an aperture forming the protrusion structure 30, the end is tapered and the tapered surface 83 is located closer to the distal end 85. In addition, the anvil 66 is provided with a relatively narrow opening. Then, as shown in FIG. 7a, the break line 100 and the breakaway tip 34a are smaller. Alternatively, the entire piercer 82, and hence the protrusion structure 30, is made narrower.

In other applications where the container contains larger particles than cat food, the opening must be relatively large, as shown in FIG. 7b. To achieve greater opening, the entire piercer 82, and hence the protrusion structure 30, is made wider. Alternatively, the break line 100 and the breakaway tip 34 are made larger.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and 13, a single punch 90 may be used. The punch 90 includes a tapered surface 94 that engages a film or web F of thermoplastic material to form a generally frusto-conical hollow end projection 34. the thermoplastic web F is first clamped between the arm plate 96 and the face 97 of the outer piercing member similar to the piercer 62. Then the piercer 90 proceeds, causing the end 94 to form the belt F at the frustoconical end 34 as shown in FIG. 13. Alternatively, however, as best seen in FIG. 12, after the end 34 has been formed, the peripheral edge 76a of the anvil member is lowered and compresses the outer surface of the frustoconical wall 34 of the end 34 to form a circumferentially widening fault line 100a along the projecting end surface 34 between its base and apex.

In yet another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12a and 13a, a single piercer 91 with a bevelled, truncated end of a frustoconical hollow can be used. The individual piercer 91 to form a generally terminating protrusion 31 occupies a film or strip

F of a tapered surface thermoplastic material 93. As in the embodiments shown in FIG. 13 and 14, a thermoplastic strip

F is first clamped between the closure plate 95 and the clamping means 98 of the outer piercing member. Then, the piercer 91 proceeds, whereupon the end 93 forms a belt F in the frustoconical end 31. As best shown in FIG. 13a, contact of the peripheral edge 77 of the anvil member 71 compresses the outer surface of the frustoconical end 31 to form a circumferentially widening fault line 100b. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and 13, the closure plate 95 is disposed adjacent to the punch shaft 91 below the bevelled, trimmed end 93. As a result, the thermoplastic strip F is formed around the tapered end 93 as well as the right cylindrical shaft 91a. As best seen in FIG. 13a, the resulting frustoconical end 31 has a tear-off end 35, a permanent protrusion 33, and a clear cylindrical portion 33a. The right cylindrical portion 33a is an embodiment such that the cap can be engaged with the end 31.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12b, the individual piercer 91b has a spherical tip 93a. The spherical end 93a engages the thermoplastic strip F to form a protruding protrusion. As has been done, the thermoplastic web F is first clamped under the closure plate 95a. Then, the piercer 91b advances, whereby the spherical end 93a forms the belt F into a hollow protrusion. Further, the piercer 91b advances forward to the anvil 71a until the outer surface of the belt F engages the peripheral edge 77a of the anvil member 71a. thereby forming a fault line that extends around the end of the projecting structure. It has been discovered that the spherical end 93a allows self-monitoring of the piercer 91b. if the belt F engages the peripheral edge 77a of the anvil 71a.

In particular, FIG. 15-18 in the accompanying drawings, showing an alternative embodiment of a dispenser package according to the present invention, generally indicated under number 200. As disclosed herein, the package 211 includes a lateral extension 211a. which extends beyond one end of the cartridge cam 222 and the aperture forming the structure 230 and the reclosable cap member 240 are formed on the envelope extension 211a. The surface channel member 250 connects the aperture forming structure 230 and the contents of the cam 222. Further alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, the lateral extension 211a of the wrapper 211 is formed at an angle to the wrapper 11 so as to be inclined to the cam side of the wrapper 11.

It has been discovered that the embodiments of FIG. 14-17 are advantageous in that they facilitate dispensing of the contents of the package on the surface, such as butter or spread cheese on a slice of bread or toothpaste on a toothbrush.

In particular, FIG. 18-20, showing some other embodiments of the cap member of the present invention. Then, in FIG. 18, the top of the releasing cap 110 shown may include bristles or projections to form a brush member; FIG. 19, the top of the cap 110 may have a flattened surface 270 that can act as a spreading means; FIG. 20a-d, cap 110 may be opened terminated and have a contoured configuration as shown under 280. 281. 282 and 283. so that the contents of the package may be extruded by the contoured stream.

Referring to FIG. 21a-b and 22a-c, an alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be shown and described. According to this alternative embodiment, an independent thermoformed unit is used to form the outlet opening in the container. The independent thermoformed unit may be in the form of a resealable exit opening forming structure 300. The resealable exit opening forming structure 300 may generally include a cap 310, a fastening 320, a base 330, and a tear-off end of the outlet opening 340. The cap 310 may be connected to the base 330 through fastening The notch 325 facilitates detachment of the cap 310 from the structure 300. The reclosable exit opening forming the structure 300 may have a pre-applied adhesive or sealant in the area surrounding the base 330 to facilitate application of the structure 300 to a container such as a milk box 302. Such structure 300 it may be sealed or adhesively attached to any surface of the container requiring an outlet. The structure 300 may be sealed or adhered to the cartridge, particularly in the region surrounding the opening in the cartridge, but not in the region of the lid 310 or fastening 320, which must be free at the surface of the cartridge. It will be appreciated that the reclosable exit opening forming the structure 300 may be attached to cartridges, such as a milk carton 302, prior to filling. Such a structure 302 may be applied to cartridges where the surface is additionally cut.

Referring to FIG. 22a-d, the use of the reclosable exit opening forming the structure 300 will now be shown and described. By supplying the cartridge 302, the exit opening forming the removal of the tear-off has ensured that the tear-damaged and contents of the cartridge 302. are removed from the base to the tear-off ready for opening.

Referring to FIG. 22a, before the cap 310 is positioned over the base structure 330 before the ends 340 so that the ends 340 will not accidentally 302 not escape in transit in FIG. 23b, the cap 310

330 to provide access 340. The cartridge is at this time referring to FIG. 23c, then the tear-off tip 340 is removed to create an opening 350. The opening 350 leads to an opening (not shown) in the cartridge 302 to allow the contents of the cartridge 302 to be poured therethrough. Referring to FIG. 23a, the reclosable outlet opening forming the structure 300 can be resealed by simply placing the cap 310 on the base 330.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base 330 and the tip are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, although it will be understood that other shapes may be used. In this embodiment, the opening 350 is made of PET-PVC-BAREX. It will be understood that other materials may be used in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 22d, the cylindrical outlet orifice 330 and the orifice 350 act to spout the flow of the contents of the cartridge 302 into the controlled stream.

Referring to FIG. 23-26, there is shown a low tear-off cap profile in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In general, reducing the height of the tear-off cap 360 will reduce the possibility that the cap 360 may be unintentionally opened during transit or business. However, lowering the tear-off height will make it difficult to grasp and remove the tear-off tip. This problem is alleviated by forming notches or notches 370 in the side wall of the tear-off end 360. These notches or notches 370 allow the user's fingers to grip and tear off the end-piece 360 in one movement. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a low tear-off profile with the tear-off end shown illusory. With reference to FIG. 23-25, the slits or notches 370 are preferably arranged in an opposed location to facilitate use and manufacture. It will be appreciated that the amount and location of the notches / notches 370 may vary. When the tear-off cap 360 is removed from the base 380, the cap 394 may be used to re-open the opening (not shown) by uncovering the cap 360 at the base 390. The notches 392 on the base 380 are shaped and dimensioned to obtain opposite inner protrusions 396 of the cap 394 These protrusions 394 fit into the notches of the notches 392, thereby securing the cap 390 to the base. The attachment (not shown) can also be used to attach the cap 390 to the base 380.

As shown in FIG. 23a and 24a, the base 390a may have a generally triangular cross-sectional area. Such a cross-sectional area may aid in the dispensing of various materials. In addition, the relatively large lower portion of the base 390a helps avoid inadvertently tipping the cartridge.

It will also be appreciated that this embodiment of the present invention can be used for a wide range of applications, including cream dispensers, drug dosage units, salad dressings, beautifying preparations, dental products, seasonings, preserves, syrups, granular products and the like. It will also be appreciated that this embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured using a push-through piercing member in conjunction with a self-centering and receding wrapping anvil system as previously shown and described.

Although the use of a fixture limits the rotation of the cap compressed to the base molding, a twisted closure or twist-adjusting arrangement may also be used to secure the cap to the base. Referring to FIG. 28, an embodiment of the present invention is shown that utilizes a twist lock or twist-adjusting arrangement 400 to secure the cap 410 to the basic molding 420. In this arrangement, the cap 410 has an inner protrusion 415 that engages the cam surface 430 of the base. Due to the rotation of the cap 410 relative to the base 420, the inner protrusion engages the cam surface 430 to form a twisted cap or twist-adjusting arrangement. It will be appreciated that a fastening (not shown) may also be used in such an arrangement.

As an alternative to the tear-off cap and the fixed cap arrangement, the present invention also includes the fixed mandrel / punch and the cut surface arrangement shown in FIG. 28a-c, 29a-c and 30a-d. Fig. 28a and 28b are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention in which a fixed mandrel is used to open and close the cut surface. In this arrangement 450, a mandrel 460 is used to open the cut surface 470 of the exit orifice

480. In this embodiment, the cut is in the form of a dotted circle, although it is clear that other types of cut surfaces may be used, such as shown in FIG. 29a-d. Fig. 28b and 28c illustrate a flap 485 that is formed when a mandrel 460 is used to penetrate the cut surface 470. The attachment 490 can also be formed by using a cut 495 in the arrangement 450. The mandrel 460 which can be connected to the arrangement 450 through this attachment 490 It can also be used as a cork stopper to close the outlet opening. As such, the mandrel 460 may be used simultaneously as a closure and opening means for forming and / or closing the opening in the cut surface. In this embodiment, the mandrel 460 has a conical shape, although it is clear that other shapes may be used. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 28a and 29a-d, the cut may have a partially circular shape, a V shape, an X shape, a star shape, a square shape, although it is clear that other models may be used. Depending on the shape of the cut surface, the flap formed by the penetration of the mandrel 460 will vary. For example, the penetration of the cut V-shaped surface 490 will form the flap 491; penetration of the slit X-shaped surface 492 forms a flap 493; penetration of the slit star-shaped surface 494 forms a flap 495 and penetration of the slit star-shaped surface 496 forms a rectangular shaped flap 497.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 31-36. According to this alternative embodiment, the cartridge is provided with a reclosable exit opening forming structure 510. More specifically, the exit opening forming structure 510 includes a curved arc or protrusion 530 and a dual-purpose punch / mandrel 520. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the cartridge 500 it includes an aperture, not shown, through which a protrusion 530 is provided. Since the punch / mandrel 520 must be lifted and inverted for insertion into the cut area 532, it must not be sealed to the cartridge 500. On the other hand, the protruding 530 portion of the exit aperture it must fit securely through the opening on the cartridge 500.

As best seen in FIG. 34, the exit aperture forming the structure 510 includes a film layer 534 laminated with the plastic forming the exit aperture forming the structure 510. The film portion 534 at the bottom of the protrusion 530 should not be provided other than the adhesive used to secure it to the protrusion 530. It should also be noted that the film 534 is secured to the cartridge 500 around the opening on the cartridge 500 such that the contents do not leak from beneath the outlet opening forming the structure 510 outward. The adhesive-laminated film should be the only one that provides adequate adhesion but at least due to its own tensile force. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive may be brittle.

The protrusion 530 further comprises a kink or pruning model 532. The kink line 532 may have any number of models as shown in FIG. 29a-d. As shown in FIG. 35 and 36, the film 534 is laminated to the overall surface of the protrusion 530 and is preferably not cut. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive may be omitted from the frangible line model 532.

The piercer / mandrel 520 is secured to the outlet opening forming the structure 510 by a fastening 524. The fastening 524 is formed by cutting through a laminate of foil / plastic. As best seen in FIG. 22, the cut 522 preferably has a curved nature following the periphery of the outlet opening forming the structure 510. Such cut 522 provides a tapered fastening 524.

In the operation, the piercer / mandrel 520 is pushed into the model of the break line 532 to interrupt the incised protrusion 530. This operation is best shown in FIG. 35. When the piercer / mandrel 520 is forced to pass through the slit region 532 of the ridge 530, an opening is provided to dispense the contents of the cartridge 500. The piercer / mandrel 520 is offset from the exit 530 so that the contents of the cartridge 500 can be dispensed. deformed to the shape of the piercer / mandrel 520. the piercer / mandrel 520 may be reinserted into the slit region 532 and thereby reseal the cartridge 500.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the film layer 534 can span the hollow base of the protrusion 530 only by laminating to the periphery of the protrusion. Of course, in such an embodiment, the piercer / mandrel must be long enough to extend to the plane of the film 534 so that the film 534 can be pierced. The punching of the punch / mandrel 520 as it is inserted into the protrusion 530 increases the opening of the film.

It should be noted that the protrusion 530 strengthens the outlet opening forming the structure 510. In addition, the shape of the protrusion 530 performs the function of a nozzle controlling the contents of the cartridge 500 into the flow. Depending on the contents of the cartridge 500, the dimensions and shape of the protrusion 530 may be varied to provide the desired flow.

The orifices forming the structure 510 of FIG. 31-36 are preferably manufactured with a piercer similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 12b. Of course, the piercing tip may not be round, but may be elliptical, parabolic, or any other curved shape. In addition, it is preferred that the film and plastic be laminated into a single strip prior to forming a pitch that is pierced. Thus, the dimensions of the pitch defined by the shape of the piercing end will be limited only by the physical properties of the materials used.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, which will now be described with reference to FIG. 37-38, a resealable exit aperture forming structure 610 with a flexible plastic-film cam 600 is utilized. Generally, the film cam 600 is formed by folding a piece of film-plastic combination of generally rectangular shape in half and sealing its three open edges. The resealable exit aperture forming the structure 610 is secured to the ends of the cam 600 without the flange 605. The exit aperture forming the structure 610 which is sealed to the end of the cam without the flange 600 using adhesive around the periphery of the base 612 includes an outlet opening (not shown) in the cam 600. .

The outlet opening forming structure 610 may be of any type already discovered, as described with reference to FIG. 1-3, 8-9 13 and 13a. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 37 and 38, the exit aperture forming the structure 610 includes an aperture forming the protrusion 630. More specifically, the aperture forming the structure 630 includes a hollow cylindrical base 632 and a tear-off end 634. more specifically, the break line 636 is a tapered, pressure-centering region.

The exit aperture forming structure 610 also includes a cap 620. The cap 620 is a hollow conical member having an inner base diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base 632 of the protrusion structure 630. The cap 620 is secured to the exit aperture forming structure 610 by fastening 624. formed through a cross-section 622 over the lower surface 612 of the outlet opening forming the structure 610. As best seen in FIG. 39, the curved cross-section 622 separates the cap 620 from the protrusion structure 630 and follows the periphery of the base 612. In such a model, the cross-section 622 is relatively long and consequently forms a relatively long fixation 624. Because of the long fixation

624 and the fact that the base portion 612 that supports the lid 620 is not attached to the pouch 600. The lid may be lifted to provide a structure 630.

placed through the outlet opening

In operation, the user applies lateral finger pressure to the protrusion protrusion end 634, causing it to tear away from the base 632 along the fault line 636. Because the protrusion structure 630 is substantially hollow, an aperture (not shown) is formed. In addition, since the protrusion member 630 has been connected to the cam 600 through a cam opening (not shown), the contents of the cam 600 can be dispensed through the now open protrusion neck 632. The lid 620 is positioned over the base 632 during delivery so as to prevent unintentional break In addition, cap 620 is positioned over base 632 to reseal package 600 when only a portion of package 600 can be dispensed.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 39, the same exit opening forming the structure 610 is secured from the side of the cam 640. In this arrangement, the cam 640 is formed of two generally rectangular foil-plastic laminate parts which are sealed together around all four sides thereof. As in the previous embodiment, the protrusion structure 630 is connected to the cam 640 through an opening (not shown) such that the protrusion neck 632 is in flow communication with the contents of the cam 640.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the structure-forming exit port will now be located on the foil cam 640a. described with reference to FIG. 37a, 38a and 39a. Briefly, the exit orifice forming structure 610a is substantially the same as the exit orifice forming structure described in FIG. 37-39. Specifically, the exit orifice forming structure 610a includes a cap 620a and a protrusion member 630a at the same time. As best seen in FIG. 39a, the foil cam 640a includes an overlap flange on the opposite side of the outlet opening forming structure 610a.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. A fixed piercer / mandrel and base member with a star-shaped break pattern made as a unit 700 are shown. Attachment 730 is attached to the base 710 at its proximal end, a circular structure 740 is attached to its distal end, and a conical piercer / mandrel 760 The piercer / mandrel 760 is made separately from other components.

As the opening 750 shown, the opening circular structure of the scraper / mandrel scraps the scraper / mandrel circumferential notching

760

760

750 is greater than even less than

740 defines end 762 of base 764

In addition, the piercer / mandrel 760 includes 766. The notch 766 is formed on the piercer / mandrel 760 just below the point where the outer diameter of the piercer / mandrel 760 becomes larger than the inner diameter of the opening 750.

Then, since the components have been made separately, the piercer / mandrel 760 is inserted into the opening 750. On insertion of the piercer / mandrel into the opening 750, the slightly resilient circular structure 740 expands until the circular structure 740 reaches the notch 766. Once the notch 766 is reached, it snaps into place. As a result, the piercer / mandrel 760 becomes attached to the ring structure 740 and other components.

In use, as shown in Fig. 40a, the piercer / mandrel is used to pierce the slit portion 722 of the protrusion structure 720. Such an operation is described in more detail with reference to Figures 28-30d.

In FIG. 41, one embodiment for producing a reclosable outlet opening forming the structure of the present invention is described. Specifically, the pair of reclosable exit apertures forming structures 870 and 880 is formed from the same piece of thermoplastic web F. Each reclosable exit aperture forming structure 870, 880 includes a protruding structure 872, 882 as well as a cap 874, 884. As in the previously disclosed embodiments. , each cap 874, 884 is connected to a corresponding protrusion structure 870, 880 by means of fastening 876, 886.

It will be appreciated that the associated horseshoe arrangement of the exit orifice forming structures 870, 880 provides several benefits, such as laying down the waste portions of belt F, and that the manufacturing approach can be repeated along the length of belt F.

In FIG. 42-44 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. It should be noted at the outset that the illustrated container 1000 is made of similar materials to those described above with reference to Figs. 1-3.

The cartridge 1000 includes a first deformable cam 1010 and a second deformable cam 1020. The two cams 1010, 1020 are joined by a surface passage 1030. The deformable cams 1010, 1020, as well as the connecting passage 1030 are sealed by a generally flat foil 1040 of thermoformable plastic material. The hollow protrusion 1050 is integrally formed with the flat film of thermoformable plastic 1040. The hollow protrusion 1050 extends from the flat film 1040. The protrusion 1050 is directly above and in fluid communication with the passage 1030. The cartridge 1000 further includes a piercer / cap 1060.

As best seen in FIG. 43, the hollow protrusion 1050 has cross sections or kink lines 1055 at the top of its forehead.

Although the fault line 1055 weakens the protrusion

The container remains sealed. Further, in FIG. 46, the piercer / cap 1060 shown is partially separated from the remainder of the cartridge 1000 by a slitting 1062. The slitting 1062, which is parallel to one peripheral edge of the cartridge 1000, forms a fixation 1064.

To open the cartridge 1000, the piercer / cap 1060 is positioned over the protrusion 1050.

The piercer / cap 1060 and more specifically the pierced tip 1066 of the piercer / cap

1060 is pushed through the cross-section or kink line 1055, thereby opening the hollow protrusion 1050. When the punch / cap 1060 is displaced from the hollow protrusion 1050, an opening (not shown) exists. The opening is formed by permanently deforming the portion of the protrusion member 1050 between the break lines 1055. By inverting the cartridge 1000 and gently pushing out each or both of the cams 1010, 1020, the material contained in the cams is dosed through the opening in the protrusion.

1050th

It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the protrusion 1050 is positioned directly above the passage 1030. As a result, the contents of the cams 1010, 1020 can be dispensed in a controlled manner. Specifically, the surface passage 1030 provides stability to flowing contents such that the contents do not spray uncontrollably from the open protrusion 1050, especially when the protrusion 1050 is initially pierced.

As shown in FIG. 44, if less than the entire material contained in the cams 1010, 1020 is dispensed. The cartridge 1000 may be reclosed. Specifically, the piercer / cap 1060 is inverted by turning the fixture 1064. Since the piercer / cap 1060 is hollow and has an inner diameter substantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the protrusion 1050, the piercer / cap 1060 can be securely positioned on the protrusion 1050.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 42-44, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the type of outlet opening forming the structure that is used. Specifically, any combination of a tear-off tip, a protruding protrusion member, a piercer, a mandrel, and a cap may be employed. Moreover, it is clear that the distinctive shape of the cams may vary according to the properties of the content therein.

Referring to FIG. 45-47, an alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As shown in FIG. 45, the exit aperture 1070 includes a cap member 1072 and an aperture aperture 1074. As in the embodiments described above, the cap member 1072 is connected to the aperture 1074 by the mounting 1076. As can be seen, the cap member 1072 and the aperture 1074 are also formed. are formed on a curved base 1078.

Since the outlet opening forming the structure 1070 is formed on the curved base 1078, it can be disposed on a cartridge 1080 having a similar curved surface. As shown in FIG. 46a-c, one such container 1080 is generally spherical and is formed of two halves 1082, 1084. The two halves 1082, 1084 are joined at one point along their circumferences and are thus articulated. One half 1084 of cartridge 1080 includes an aperture 1086 formed therein.

In the operation as shown in FIG. 47, the exit aperture forming the structure 1070 is coupled to the cartridge 1080 so that the aperture forming the structure 1086 is aligned with the aperture 1086 in the cartridge 1080. As shown in FIG. 47, the cap member 1072 shown in a sectional view may be positioned over the aperture forming the structure 1074 thereby securing and sealing the cartridge 1080. It will be appreciated that the shape of the cartridge 1080 is merely representative of those cartridges that may be practiced with the present invention where the outlet opening forming the structure may be formed on a curved base which in fact has any shape.

Referring to FIG. 48-51, another alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The cartridge 1090 generally includes a rectangular film 1091 of a thermoformable material. At the center of the rectangular film 1091 is an aperture forming a structure 1092 having a base and a tear-off end, as already described with respect to the preceding embodiments. On each side of the aperture forming the structure 1092, the cams 1098 are formed from the side of the film 1091 to hold any flowing substance. The cams 1098 are in fluid communication with the aperture forming the structure 1092.

The rectangular film 1091 of thermoformable material also includes a cap member 1094. The cap member 1094 is preferably formed at one corner of the rectangular film 1091 and is attached to the cartridge 1090 by a fastening 1096. The fastening 1096 is formed by a cut 1097 extending along the periphery of the cartridge 1090.

The cartridge 1090 may be folded generally into two halves along the flexible grooves 2006 disposed on each side of the opening forming the structure 1092. Specifically, the ends of the cartridge 1090 are given together as shown under A in FIG. 49. Since the ends are brought together, the wrapping buckle of the package 2000 and the wrapping buckle of the package 2002, both integrally formed on the foil of the thermoformable material 1091, are engaged together.

The engagement of the wrapper clamp 2000 and the clipper clamp 2002 keeps the cartridge 1090 in the configuration shown in FIG. 50 and 51. In the operation, the lateral finger pressure to terminate the aperture 1092 causes the break line to be broken, thereby creating an opening in the aperture 1092. Then, the contents of the cartridge 1090 may be dispensed from the aperture. As shown in FIG. 51, the cap member 1094 may be positioned over the aperture forming the structure 1092. thereby preventing inadvertently breaking the break line or inadvertently dispensing contents after relocating the end of the aperture forming the structure 1092.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 52-54. As shown in FIG. 52, the orifice forming structure 2016 of the present invention may be disposed on a threaded paper-cardboard tube 2012, thereby forming a sealed container 2010. The orifice forming structure 2016 includes a generally hollow truncated cone 2018. a hollow cylindrical part 2019 and a tear-off end 2020. Integrally with the aperture forming the structure 2016, a cap member 2022 and an associated mounting 2024 are formed. As best seen in FIG. 54, the fastening 2024 is formed by a curved cut that allows the cap member 2022 to be partially separated from the aperture forming the structure 2016 so that the cap member 2022 can be positioned over the cylindrical member 2019 and the tear-off end 2020. Because the cap member 2022 has a slight internal diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 2019. the cap member 2022 securely engages therein, thereby sealing the cartridge 2010.

As in the previously described embodiments, in the operation, the lateral finger pressure on the tear tip causes it to separate from the remainder of the aperture forming structure 2016, thereby creating an opening to the generally hollow aperture forming structure 2016. Thereafter, the contents of the cartridge 2010 can be separated therefrom.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention in broader aspects is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein, and that variations thereof may be made without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its main advantages.

Claims (29)

PATENT CLAIMS An aperture forming a package or container means comprising a tear-off end made of a thermoformed plastic comprising a hollow protrusion from a surface, the total intersection of said surface including a kink point. Aperture-forming means according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow protrusion is frustoconical. The aperture generating means of claim 1, wherein said surface having said hollow protrusion sits on top of a container cylindrical base member formed and protruding from the thermoformable plastic film. The aperture generating means of claim 1, wherein said hollow projection is relatively deep, said hollow projection having at least one side notch. The aperture generating means of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional hollow protrusion adjacent said wrapper cylindrical base member. The aperture generating means of claim 5, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is a cap member for said hollow protrusion. The aperture generating means of claim 6, wherein said cap member has a protrusion therein and said cylindrical base member has a respective cap member such that upon rotation said cap member is pushed into said cylindrical base member. The aperture-forming means of claim 6, wherein said cap is bevelled. The aperture generating means of claim 3, further comprising at least one additional hollow protrusion shaped to act as a cap member for securely engaging around said wrapper cylindrical base member and through said hollow protrusion. The aperture generating means of claim 5, wherein said at least one other hollow protrusion has an open end and a closed end, said open end is a cap member, and said closed end is a piercer / mandrel. The aperture generating means of claim 5, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is shaped such that the cap member with the centrally formed punch / mandrel extends along a longitudinal axis within said at least one other hollow protrusion. 12. An orifice generating means according to claim 5, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is shaped to function as a means of engaging on top of the lid. 13. The aperture generating means of claim 5, further comprising a portion of a thin thickness material adjacent to and between said protrusion and said at least one other hollow protrusion, so cut to form a fastening therebetween. 14. An aperture generating means comprising a protrusion that is cylindrical, said protrusion is formed from a thermoformable plastic with one integral wrapping end, said wrapping end having a fracture line model whose pattern, when pressed into the space defined by said protrusion, interrupts the predetermined model to form a predetermined hole. The aperture generating means of claim 14, wherein said fracture line model forms a circular aperture. 16. The aperture generating means of claim 14, wherein said fracture line model forms a polygonal aperture. 17. The aperture generating means of claim 1 wherein said protrusion is a hollow projection. 18. An aperture generating means comprising a thermoformable member having a hollow truncated conical protrusion from a surface at the top of a hollow cylindrical base member, wherein the intersection of said hollow truncated conical protrusion with said surface on top of said hollow cylindrical base member comprises: instead of a breakaway line to form a tear-off end with an adjacent fixed cap member, said tear-off end and said fixed cap member are securely connected to a container in which said cylindrical base member is positioned directly through an opening on said container. 19. A device for forming a hollow protrusion from a heated thermoplastic film, wherein said hollow protrusion intersects said heated thermoplastic film, said total intersection comprising a fault line location, comprising: a) piercing means comprising an end piece with a surface conical shape at the base of said end piece; and b) an encircling die having a precisely drilled hole on the flat die block, said orifice having a slightly larger diameter than the base of said end piece of said piercing means, so dimensioned that said piercing means are introduced into said enveloping die to form the base edge of said piercing die of the heated thermoplastic film, if advanced to contact said frustoconical shape, instead of such contact, the circle will be located approximately midway between the larger base circle and the smaller end-frustoconical shape. 20. An apparatus for forming a hollow protrusion from a heated thermoplastic film, wherein said hollow protrusion intersects said heated thermoplastic film, said total intersection comprising a break line location, comprising: a) supply of a thermoplastic film; b) means for controlling the portion of said film in a controlled manner; c) means for transferring a portion of said heated film to a location in the center of said device; d) piercing means comprising a terminating member having a surface frustoconical shape at the base of said terminating member extending from the shaft; e) resiliently positioned film clamping means with a central aperture through which said piercing member can pass; f) controlled support of the plate means, into which said clamping means are concentrically positioned with means positioned below the resilient clamping means and the piercing means by said piercing clamping face mentioned and concentrically with a central opening for alternating and controllable advancement and retraction of said resiliently positioned film clamping means and piercing means means with respect to the encircling die; and g) an encircling die having a precisely drilled hole on a stationary flat die plate positioned in exact alignment with said piercing means, said drilling diameter being so dimensioned that when the piercing means have advanced, said drilling edge will be precisely aligned with said surface-conical shape at the base of the piercing end, and if they have advanced to contact said surface frustoconical shape, instead of said contact, the circle will be located approximately midway between the larger base circle and the smaller end circle of the frustoconical shape. 21. An apparatus for forming a hollow protrusion from a heated thermoplastic film, wherein said hollow protrusion intersects said heated thermoplastic film, said total intersection comprising a fault line location that the hollow protrusion extends from a closed hollow substantially cylindrical base piece, comprising: a) piercing means comprising an end piece with a surface conical shape at the base of said end piece; (b) a spring loaded by a self-centering retractable encasement die configured to engage said piercing means; and c) a spring loaded by the film holding means with a central aperture through which said piercing member can pass by cylindrical means extending from said central aperture, the outer diameter of which acts as a piercing means for forming an inner diameter of a closed hollow substantially cylindrical base member and height an inner height of said protrusion when cooperating with said enclosing die member. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the encircling die comprises a spherically terminated base, wherein the movement of said encircling die is constrained in one direction of the spherically terminated base contacting the adjustable closure means, the spring member being supported on said adjustable compressor closure means. a rim disposed on the encircling die member, pressing said flange against the fixed closure means for engaging the encircling die member. 23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising means for forming an adjacent projection cap member and fastening from said heated portion of the thermoplastic film, said additional means comprising: (a) secondary piercing means comprising an end formed to form a hollow thermoplastic tapered cap member for firmly engaging said hollow substantially cylindrical base member when used in conjunction with a cooperating enclosing die member; b) an encircling die member comprising an aperture in the plate of dimensions such as to allow the piercing member and the heated thermoplastic film to pass therethrough with low resistance; c) said piercing and die means disposed adjacent said device for forming said hollow cap member at a distance such as to allow the cutting means to form a fastening between said cap means and said hollow base member; and d) cutting means for forming a fastening. An apparatus for forming a hollow tapered protrusion from a heated thermoplastic film, wherein the break line may be formed by encircling the outer surface of said protrusion at various predetermined heights, including: a) piercing means comprising a bevelled end extending from the annular shaft member; b) a film closing plate with an opening large enough to allow said punching means and said heated thermoplastic film to be passed therethrough in order to achieve the encircling die means; c) encircling die means comprising a drilled die block, said bore having a diameter such that the break line is located on the outer surface of the tapered protrusion member in a predetermined location when cooperating with said piercing member. The aperture generating means of claim 5 integrated with an extrudable tube-like dispensing container having a rib seal at one end and a longitudinal seal at each end. The aperture generating means of claim 25, wherein said dispensable tube-like dispensing container is made of paperboard adapted to provide suitable barrier characteristics to the product it contains. The aperture generating means of claim 25, wherein said dispensable tube-like dispensing container is made of a thermoplastic, wherein the aperture generating means is thermoformed into a hollow portion of the tube. 28. The aperture generating means of claim 27, wherein said at least one additional hollow protrusion is formed at the end of the rib seal, said rib seal being cut to form a fastening for the at least one further hollow protrusion. The aperture-forming composition of claim 25, wherein the thermoplastic is Barex coated with polyvinyl dichloride.