SACHET FOR A SAMPLE OF A FLUID PRODUCT

Abstract

The sachet (1) for a metered quantity of a fluid product comprises a first part (4a) and a second part (4b) in the form of sealed flexible layers having an annular attachment sector (8), a gripping region (13), and a sealed cavity (14), and, in a part of the gripping region (13), the layer portion of the first part (4a) and/or the second part (4b) is folded on itself from the edge (3) in a folded flap (18a, 8b), so as to form a thicker region (18) having a thickness at least twice the thickness of the layer portion of this part (4a, 4b), which makes up for at least part, or equalizes, or exceeds the overthickness in the region of the cavity (14), on account of the presence of the metered quantity of fluid product (P) located therein, so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of damage to the sachet (1) filled with the metered quantity of fluid product (P) when it is inserted into a magazine.

Description

This invention relates to a sachet for a sample of a fluid product for perfumery, cosmetics, personal care, or for medical use, specially adapted to be able to be inserted into a magazine. It has more particularly as its object such a sample sachet empty of product, such a sample sachet filled with product, and a process for manufacturing such a sample sachet filled with product.

A sachet for a sample of a fluid product for perfumery, cosmetics, personal care, or for medical use, specially adapted to be able to be inserted into a magazine, is already known.

According to the document EP-A-1034073, such a sample sachet comprises a lower fluidtight layer that has an inner surface and an outer surface, an upper fluidtight layer that has an inner surface and an outer surface, an annular seal that is fluidtight and that can be peeled off from the two layers, adjacent to the annular peripheral edges opposite the two layers that form the peripheral edge of the sample sachet, by means of a non-sealed part that forms gripping tabs for opening, and located in an annular contact zone of their two inner surfaces, a fluidtight cavity bounded by the annular seal and by the two zones that are not mutually bonded with the inner surfaces opposite the two layers that it bounds, a structure placed in the cavity such as a web of nonwoven polypropylene fibers in which the sample of fluid product is absorbed, the structure having the function of the forming of an applicator of the fluid product and having as another function the absorbing of the compressive forces that exist when sample sachets are inserted into stacked magazines, which makes it possible for the seal to resist. The thickness of the sample sachet is unequal, thinner on its peripheral edge where it is the one defined by the thickness of the two superposed and sealed layers, and thicker in its central part where it is defined by the thickness of the two separated layers and the thickness of the inner structure placed between both of them. To ensure its functions, the inner structure has a substantial thickness. Thus, the sample sachet exhibits an inequality of marked thickness, which can be a nuisance considering its insertion into a magazine and which inevitably affects its aesthetic appearance. In contrast, the non-sealed part that forms the gripping tab for opening proves to be inconvenient to use. The process for producing such a sample sachet necessitates having structures or providing a step for producing such structures. It also requires a step in which the fluid product sample is made to be absorbed by the structure and a step for insertion of the structure into the cavity. This production process is therefore complex with the inherent drawbacks pertaining to sample sachets for which the requirements of speed, simplicity, safety and manufacturing cost are significant.

The document US 2005/0061710 describes a sample sachet of the same general type that, in contrast with the preceding, does not require an inner structure and in which the compressive forces are absorbed as a result of the provision, concerning the lower layer, of a lower annular part that projects from its inner surface limiting the space for receiving the fluid product sample, and, concerning the upper layer, of an upper annular part that projects from its outer surface, the two lower and upper annular parts cooperating with one another and mutually reinforcing one another so as to be able to absorb the compressive forces that exist when the sample sachets are inserted into magazines that are stacked. Here, too, the thickness of the sample sachet is unequal, especially since the annular parts are projecting, and the aesthetic appearance of the sample sachet is affected as a result of the presence of the annular parts.

The document US 2005/0011794 describes a sample sachet attached to a stiffening card with the insertion of thickness wedges that form a brace so as to make a space for the sachet once inserted into a magazine and when a compressive force is exerted on it.

The document FR 2 599 716 describes a device for the packaging, the preserving over time, and the transport of samples of essences or mixtures of fragrant essences in the liquid state under conditions ensuring the stability of the olfactory properties of the essences, said device consisting of a support having absorbent and neutral properties with respect to the essential product, such as a paper or cardboard tab, said support being inserted into a hermetic envelope consisting of a sachet whose walls welded to one another are made up of a complex of a layer of synthetic material and a metal foil.

The document FR 2 908 748 describes a dosage sachet consisting of two walls with the same dimensions that are welded together on their outer periphery so as to constitute a flat sealed container containing a promotional sample of a fluid product and intended to be inserted into a magazine, said dosage sachet being such that it comprises a protuberant element welded approximately in the center of the surface of one of said walls so as to prevent said walls from being flattened against one another under the effect of an outside force and thus to prevent the risk of a rupture of said sachet.

The state of the art also comprises the document US 2007/158399.

The problem at the root of the invention is therefore to propose a sachet for a sample of a fluid product for perfumery, cosmetics, personal care, or for medical use, specially adapted to be able to be inserted into a magazine (empty, or filled with product) and a process for manufacturing such a sample sachet filled with product, which in the first place are such that the sample sachet thus inserted into a magazine, itself in a stack of magazines, withstands the compressive forces to which it is subjected; in the second place are such that the drawbacks known to date are overcome; in the third place are such that an inner structure can be dispensed with if that is desired, such an inner structure being possible however, with a stiffening card or with thickness wedges that form a brace, such that the thickness of the sample sachet is equal or at least as not-unequal as possible, apart from the fact of being thin, such that the aesthetic appearance of the sample sachet is ensured given that the two outer surfaces of the two layers can be substantially smooth, such that the opening of the sample sachet is easy, and such that the process for manufacturing the sample sachet fulfills the requirements of speed, simplicity, safety and production cost sought for this type of product.

For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the invention has as its object a sachet that can and is intended to contain a dose of a fluid product, comprising a first part in the form of a fluidtight layer portion with a certain flexibility and a second part in the form of a fluidtight layer portion with a certain flexibility.

The first part and the second part of the sachet are arranged opposite so that the sachet comprises:

• • an annular area for mutual bonding that is fluidtight and that can be detached by a suitable opening action of the first part and of the second part in a reciprocal contact area of their two inner surfaces,
  • a gripping zone that, toward the outside, is adjacent to the peripheral edge of the sachet and that, toward the inside, is adjacent to the bonding area, in which the first part and the second part are not mutually bonded so as to provide a gripping means of the tab type for the purpose of opening the sachet,
  • a fluidtight cavity bounded by the bonding area and by the two areas that are not mutually bonded of the inner surfaces opposite the first part and the second part that it borders, able to receive the dose of fluid product to be bagged.

The sachet is such that in at least one part of said gripping zone, the layer portion of at least one of the first and second parts is folded on itself at least from the peripheral edge in a folded flap, so as to form a raised surface region, with a thickness at least double the thickness of the layer portion of this part, the sachet thus having in the raised surface region a raised thickness that compensates for, at least in part, or equalizes, or exceeds the raised thickness in the region of the cavity, due to the presence of the dose of fluid product that is found there, so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of damaging the sachet filled with the dose of fluid product when it is inserted into a magazine.

According to an embodiment, the folded flap of the first and/or the second part is also bonded onto itself, forming a permanent folded flap.

According to the embodiments, the folded flap of the first part and/or of the second part extends in a longitudinal direction up to the vicinity of the annular bonding area.

According to the embodiments, a portion of the folded flap of the first part and/or of the second part extends in a longitudinal direction while being adjacent to a portion of the annular bonding area forming its starting point of rupture. In particular, according to the embodiments, said portion of the folded flap is located in a median way on said folded flap, and/or said portion of the annular bonding area is located in a median way on a segment of said annular bonding area.

According to an embodiment, the folded flap of at least one of the first and second parts is in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone, the gripping zone being merged, or substantially merged, with the raised surface region.

According to the embodiments, the gripping zone and/or the raised surface region extends peripherally along a portion of the peripheral edge over a certain length and extends in the perpendicular direction over a certain width, the length and the width being sufficient to make possible, on the one hand, the gripping for the purpose of opening the sachet and, on the other hand, the reduction or the elimination of the risk of damaging the sachet filled with the dose of fluid product when it is inserted into a magazine. In particular, according to the embodiments, said length is at least one-third of the length of the peripheral edge, in particular on the order of one-half or at least one-half of the length of the peripheral edge. Alternately or concurrently, said width is at least one-quarter of the length of the sachet in the same perpendicular direction, in particular on the order of one-third or at least one-third of the length of the sachet in the same perpendicular direction.

According to the embodiments, the gripping zone and/or the raised surface region extends peripherally outward either in totality, or substantially in totality, or over only a fraction of the peripheral edge of the sachet. Alternately or concurrently, the gripping zone and/or the raised surface region is either in a single section or in several sections that are separate, contiguous or spaced out, in particular in two diametrically opposed sections facing each other on the sachet.

According to an embodiment, the gripping zone and/or the raised surface region comprises, toward the inside, a boundary whose shape defines as a whole a line or a surface for folding and opening the two parts of the gripping zone and/or the raised surface region.

According to an embodiment, in at least one part of said gripping zone, the folded flap of the first part and the folded flap of the second part are located at right angles to the same raised surface region, with a thickness at least equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part. In particular, according to an embodiment, the folded flap of the first part and the folded flap of the second part are located opposite one another.

According to an embodiment, the sachet is bound on both sides by two outer surfaces that are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature.

According to an embodiment, the first part and the second part and the sachet all together exhibit a certain flexibility and an overall strength that is, in particular, flat.

According to an embodiment, the layer of the first part and/or the layer of the second part has/have a thickness on the order of 1/10^th of a millimeter.

According to the embodiments, the layer of the first part and the layer of the second part are either identical or different relative to the material and/or the thickness.

According to the embodiments, the peripheral edge of the sachet corresponds to the two coincident peripheral edges of the first part in layer portion shape and of the second part in layer portion shape, and in particular such that its peripheral edge has a contour of general shape, or falling within a general, polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape.

According to a particular embodiment, the layer portion of the first part and the layer portion of the second part are folded and bonded onto themselves opposite one another, in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone, in two folded flaps with bonding, forming a raised surface region, with a thickness equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part, the two folded flaps with bonding extending in a longitudinal direction up to the vicinity of a starting point for rupture of the annular bonding area, the gripping zone and the raised surface region extending peripherally over a certain length of the peripheral edge of the sachet, the sachet being bound on both sides by two outer surfaces that are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature and having a peripheral edge corresponding to the two coincident peripheral edges of the first part and of the second part.

According to a second aspect, the invention has as its object a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product, comprising a sachet such as the one previously described and a dose of fluid product received in the cavity of the sachet.

According to an embodiment, the dose of fluid product is received in the cavity of the sachet, without intermediate support.

According to another embodiment, the dose of fluid product impregnates a support, said support thus impregnated with fluid product being received in the cavity of the sachet.

According to an embodiment, the thickness of the sachet containing a dose of a fluid product in the raised surface region compensates for, at least in part, or equalizes, or exceeds the thickness in the region of the cavity where the dose of fluid product is found. And the sachet containing a dose of a fluid product is bound on both sides by two large outer surfaces that are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature.

According to a third aspect, the invention has as its object a process for manufacturing a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product such as has just been described.

In this process, one or two strips of material in the form of a layer are used, and fluid product is used.

This process is such that, successively:

• • the strip or strips of layer-shaped material are unwound so as to form a layer-shaped continuous first-part strip and a layer-shaped continuous second-part strip, and the first-part strip and the second-part strip are pulled in synchronicity,
  • a longitudinal layer portion of at least one of the first-part and second-part strips is folded on itself, at least from the longitudinal peripheral edge while this strip is unwinding, in a folded flap, so as to form a longitudinal raised surface region, adjacent to the longitudinal peripheral edge of this strip,
  • when the first-part strip and the second-part strip are located opposite one another and in contact with one another toward their longitudinal peripheral edges, for each operation of a series of similar operations, the dose of fluid product to be bagged is inserted between the first-part strip and the second-part strip, and the first-part strip and the second-part strip are bonded in an annular area so as to form a cavity, each successive dose of fluid product being received in each successive cavity,
  • the folded flap of the first-part strip and/or of the second-part strip is bonded longitudinally on itself,
  • the first-part strip and the second-part strip, thus bonded, are cut at least crosswise between the successive cavities filled with doses of product, so that for each operation of a series of similar operations, a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product is separated.

According to the embodiments, either a single strip of layer-shaped material is used and from this a first-part strip and a second-part strip are formed, or two strips of material are used and thus a first-part strip and a second-part strip are used.

Now, several embodiments of the invention are described using drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a possible embodiment of a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product according to the invention, where the sachet has a peripheral contour of rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners, illustrating the outer surface of one of the two layer-portion-shaped parts of the sachet, the annular bonding area of the sachet bounding the cavity of the sachet for receiving the dose of fluid product, and the gripping zone of the sachet, here in two diametrically opposed sections facing each other on the sachet, the view being cut-away at right angles to the cavity to illustrate the dose of fluid product.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the sachet of FIG. 1 along the cutaway line II-II that is parallel to the sections of the gripping zone and at right angles to the cavity, illustrating the two layer-portion-shaped parts of the sachet, the annular bonding area, and the cavity for receiving the dose of fluid product, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 2A is a partial enlargement of FIG. 2, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the sachet of FIG. 1 along cutaway line III-III that is parallel to the sections of the gripping zone and at right angles to the gripping zone and with the raised surface region, illustrating a layer portion of the first part and a layer portion of the second part that are folded and bonded onto themselves, opposite one another in the gripping zone, forming the raised surface region, with a thickness equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 3A is a partial enlargement of FIG. 3, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of the sachet of FIG. 1 along the cutaway line IV-IV that is crosswise to the sections of the gripping zone, illustrating the two layer-portion-shaped parts of the sachet, the annular bonding area, the cavity for receiving the dose of fluid product, a layer portion of the first part and a layer portion of the second part that are folded and bonded on themselves, opposite one another in the gripping zone, forming a raised surface region, with a thickness equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part, the two folded and bonded layer portions extending crosswise up to the vicinity of a starting point for rupture of the annular bonding area, the two folded and bonded layer portions here being applied against one another, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 4A is similar to FIG. 4, the two folded and bonded layer portions here being separated from one another, preserving the integrity of the annular bonding area.

FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 4, the two folded and bonded layer portions here being separated from one another, with rupture of the integrity of the annular bonding area, the cavity being accessible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process for manufacturing a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product, in the case where two strips of material are used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the process for manufacturing a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product, in the case where a single strip of layer-shaped material is used.

A sachet 1 according to the invention is able and intended to contain a dose of a fluid product P, the reference P designating both the dose and the fluid product. The invention has as its object both the sachet 1 empty of the dose of the fluid product P and the sachet containing the dose of the fluid product 1+P.

For reasons of convenience, the description is made very specifically with reference to the filled sachet 1+P. Unless it is otherwise indicated, the description is made with reference to the sachet 1+P in the sealed state and in a configuration where it is on the whole flat in comparison with a reference plane Q (plane of FIG. 1 and of the lower part of FIGS. 5 and 6, plane perpendicular to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 4A and 4B).

The sachet 1+P is able and intended to be inserted into a magazine, and, for example, held in position on a page of such a magazine, and the magazines in question comprising such sachets 1+P being intended to be stacked. The sachet 1+P is also able to be used under similar circumstances where significant compressive forces are exerted that have to be absorbed so that the sachet maintains its integrity, without bursting, being pierced, or leaking. If you can do something complicated, you can do something simple: the sachet 1+P is also able to be used under circumstances where compressive forces, such as those that have been mentioned in connection with stacked magazines, are not exerted.

The sachet 1+P is intended to contain a fluid product P such as a product for perfumery, cosmetics, personal care, or for medical use, quite especially in the liquid or pasty state. These types of product cannot be limiting.

The sachet 1+P is suitable for a small dose of fluid product P, for example as a sample, such as, for example, an amount less than 30 ml, in particular less than 10 ml, more especially still less than 1 ml. These values cannot be limiting.

Such a sachet 1+P is thin and typically has an overall maximum thickness that is not very significant, for example less than 5 mm, in particular less than 2 mm, where these values cannot be limiting.

The sachet 1+P is bound by a peripheral edge 3 whose contour, according to the embodiments, is of a general shape, or is inscribed in a general, polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, but that can also, if necessary, be curved. The envelope of the peripheral edge 3 has a side on the order of a centimeter or several centimeters. For example, in an embodiment, the sachet 1+P has a rectangular contour, optionally with rounded corners, from about 6 cm to 8 cm to about 3.5 cm to 5.5 cm. This embodiment and these values cannot be limiting.

The sachet 1 comprises a first part 4a in the form of a layer portion that is extended on the surface, fluidtight, and with a certain flexibility. It also comprises a second part 4b also in the form of a layer portion that is extended on the surface, fluidtight, and with a certain flexibility. The first part 4a and the second part 4b are arranged with one another while being combined facing one another, so that the peripheral edge 3 of the sachet corresponds to the two peripheral edges 3a, 3b coincident with the first part 4a and with the second part 4b. In the embodiment shown, the sachet 1 or 1+P, the first part 4a, and the second part 4b have an edge 3, 3a, 3b comprising two large sides 5 that are longitudinal, parallel to each other, and two small sides 6 that are crosswise, parallel to each other, and four corners 7 that, if necessary, can be rounded.

“Longitudinal” is defined as that which extends parallel to the, or to a, large dimension of the sachet 1 or 1+P, defined here by the direction of the large sides 5. “Crosswise” is defined as that which extends parallel to the, or to a, small dimension of the sachet 1 or 1+P, defined here by the direction of the small sides 6. Thus, “longitudinal” and “crosswise” are defined as two perpendicular directions in the plane Q. Furthermore, “longitudinal” can also be defined as that which is in the direction of feed of a layer-shaped continuous first-part strip and of a layer-shaped continuous second-part strip used to manufacture the sachet 1+P.

According to the embodiments, the layer of the first part 4a and the layer of the second part 4b are identical or in contrast are different as to material and/or thickness.

Typically, the layer of the first part 4a and the layer of the second part 4b are made of a material of the type of, or having a base of, plastic material, if necessary a complex, for example comprising aluminum. Such a layer of material has the characteristics of having a certain flexibility, at the same time as a certain overall strength such that, in the absence of load, it remains substantially flat, in a plane parallel to the plane Q. The same holds true for the sachet 1 or 1+P taken as a whole. Such a layer of material also has the characteristics of being fluidtight, of being weldable onto itself, and of being peelable to break a welded bond on itself, by means of the exertion of a sufficient pulling (tearing) force. It also has the characteristics of being thin and of constant thickness, being able to be on the order of 1/10^th of a millimeter, where this value cannot be limiting. It also has the characteristic of being able to be folded on itself with a well-defined fold line. “Layer” is defined as a thin and solid wall, whether it is homogeneous or not in its thickness (for example, a co-extruded material).

“Outer” is defined as that which is normally accessible from the outside of the sachet 1 or 1+P, when it is sealed, and “inner” is defined, conversely, as that which is not normally accessible. “Outside” is defined as that which is in or in the vicinity of the zone of the edge 3 or the closest to it, and “inside” is defined, conversely, as that which is away from the edge 3.

The first part 4a and the second part 4b respectively define the two outer surfaces 4aa and 4ba of the sachet 1 or 1+P, which extend parallel—or substantially parallel—to the plane Q. These two surfaces 4aa and 4ba are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature.

The sachet 1+P comprises a mutual annular bonding area 8 of the first part 4a and of the second part 4b in a reciprocal contact area of their two inner surfaces 9a and 9b. This annular bonding area 8 is fluidtight. It can be detached by a suitable opening action. By that is meant that the fluidtight bond can be broken, which makes it possible to open the sachet 1+P. “Area” is defined as a certain surface expanse.

In a typical embodiment, the annular bonding area 8 is produced by flush welding of the two layers of the two parts 4a and 4b by their two inner surfaces 9a and 9b in contact, and it comprises an inside edge 8a and an outside edge 8b. The distance between the edges 8a and 8b is sufficient to ensure a suitable bond. For example, in an embodiment where the edge 3 of the sachet 1+P has a dimension on the order of several centimeters, as previously indicated, the distance between the edges 8a and 8b can be on the order of 2 mm to 5 mm. These values cannot be limiting.

In the embodiment shown, the annular bonding area 8 comprises, forming a continuous ring, two longitudinal direction segments 10 that are straight or approximately straight, adjacent to the two large sides 5 of the edge 3, connected at the ends by two segments 11 in the general crosswise direction, named hereafter “crosswise segments,” that are slightly curved having a concavity turned inward, whose median part 12 of each of them (median in relation to the crosswise direction of the segment 11), forming a peak, is distal and outermost.

Each of the two crosswise segments 11 is transversely separated from the small side 6 toward which it is found, so as to form between the two a zone 13 of the sachet 1 or 1+P. “Zone” is defined as a certain surface expanse.

The sachet 1+P also comprises a cavity 14 bound in the first place by the annular bonding area 8, more specifically by its inside edge 8a, and in the second place by the two areas 15a and 15b that are not mutually bonded of the inner surfaces 9a and 9b, opposite, of the first part 4a and of the second part 4b that it bounds. The cavity 14 is thin, and its thickness can be on the order of the thickness of a layer of material of the first part 4a or of the second part 4b. This value cannot be limiting.

The cavity 14 is able to receive the dose of fluid product P to be bagged, and its capacity is therefore suitable for this dose. According to a first possible embodiment of the invention, the dose of fluid product is received directly in the cavity 14 of the sachet 1+P, without being incorporated into an intermediate support such as a web of nonwoven fibers, etc., and without the sachet 1+P running the risk of being damaged when it is inserted into a magazine. This first embodiment is possible, an intermediate support not being necessary.

If you can do something complicated, you can do something simple: according to a second possible embodiment, the dose of fluid product P is not received directly into the cavity 14, but indirectly, by means of a support impregnated with the dose of the fluid product. In this case, this support that is thus impregnated with fluid product is received in the cavity 14 of the sachet. Such a support can, for example, be semi-rigid, semi-flexible. However, such a support does not necessarily have to absorb the compressive forces due to the insertion into a magazine and to the stacking of the magazines, although this is not ruled out.

Consequently, the expression “dose of fluid product,” moreover, targets the dose of fluid product without intermediate support or the support impregnated with the dose of fluid product, depending on the embodiment.

Given that the first part 4a, the second part 4b, and the annular bonding area 8 are fluidtight, the cavity 14 is also fluidtight.

In an embodiment where the edge 3 of the sachet 1+P has a dimension on the order of several centimeters, as previously indicated, the cavity 14 can have a length on the order of 3 cm to 7 cm. These values cannot be limiting.

The sachet 1+P also comprises a gripping zone, which is the previously mentioned and described zone 13.

Toward the outside, the gripping zone 13 is adjacent to the peripheral edge 3, 3a, 3b. Toward the inside, the gripping zone 13 is adjacent to the bonding area 8, more specifically to its outside edge 8b. In the embodiment shown, the gripping zone 13 is in two sections that are distinct and separated from one another, diametrically opposite facing each other on the sachet 1+P, these two sections being adjacent to the two small sides 6. “Section” is defined as a certain surface expanse.

In the gripping zone 13, in contrast with the bonding area 8, the first part 4a and the second part 4b are not mutually bonded and consequently can be moved in a relative way, in relation to one another.

This constructive arrangement makes it possible to provide a gripping means of the tab type that can be pinched between two fingers for the purpose of opening the sachet 1+P so as to access the cavity 14 and the dose of fluid product P.

In the embodiment shown, in all, or at least substantially all, of the gripping zone 13, the layer portion of the first part 4a and the layer portion of the second part 4b are folded and bonded on themselves in zones 16a and 16b, respectively, by their inner surfaces 9a and 9b that come into contact on themselves, typically by flush welding. For the first part 4a, a fold 17a coincident with the edge 3, 3a is formed. For the second part 4b, a fold 17b coincident with the edge 3, 3b is formed. “Zone” 16a, 16b is defined as a certain surface expanse.

The part of the layer portion of the first part 4a thus folded and bonded on itself is designated “first folded flap” (here with bonding) and referenced 18a, and the part of the layer portion of the second part 4b thus folded and bonded on itself is designated “second folded flap” (here with bonding) and referenced 18b. “Flap” (18a, 18b) is defined as a certain surface expanse.

When the sachet 1 or 1+P is flat, the first folded flap 18a and the second folded flap 18b are placed facing one another, one against the other, but without being bonded to one another, given that they are a part of the zone 13. This constructive arrangement makes it possible to form a raised surface region 18 that here is merged, or substantially merged, with the gripping zone 13. “Region” 18 is defined as a certain surface expanse.

In the embodiment shown, the thickness of the raised surface region 18 is equal to the thickness of the first folded flap 18a plus the thickness of the second folded flap 18b. It is therefore equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part 4a plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part 4b.

This embodiment is not limiting. More generally, the sachet 1 or 1+P is such that, in at least only one part of the gripping zone 13, the layer portion of at least one of the first and second parts (4a, 4b) is only folded on itself at least from the peripheral edge 3a, 3b, so as to form the raised surface region 18. Thus, the raised surface region 18 can comprise only a single folded flap and not two as in the embodiment shown. Also, in contrast with the embodiment shown, the folded flap 18a, 18b can be without bonding. Finally, more generally than in the embodiment shown, the raised surface region 18 can have a thickness at least double the thickness of the layer portion of the part 4a or 4b that is folded on itself to form the flap 18a or 18b.

In all cases, the raised thickness of the raised surface region 18 is such that, according to the embodiments, it compensates for, at least in part, or better equalizes, or exceeds the raised thickness in the region of the cavity 14 due to the presence of the dose of fluid product P that is found there (if necessary, with the impregnated support). Thus, the risk of damage to the sachet 1+P is reduced or eliminated when it is inserted into a magazine. In contrast, the raised thickness of the raised surface region 18 reinforces the gripping zone, which facilitates the operation of opening the sachet 1+P.

The first folded flap 18a and/or the second folded flap 18b extends in the longitudinal direction and toward the inside, up to an inner edge 19a, 19b, respectively, which is the edge of the first-part strip or of the second-part strip used for manufacturing the sachet 1+P. According to the embodiments, the edge 19a and/or the edge 19b is located in the vicinity of the annular bonding area 8 and its outside edge 8b, here the crosswise segment 11. In the embodiment shown, a part 20 of the first folded flap 18a and/or of the second folded flap 18b extends in the longitudinal direction and toward the inside so as to be adjacent or close to a part of the annular bonding area 8 that forms a starting point of rupture of the latter. In the embodiment shown, the part 20 is located in a median way in relation to the crosswise direction of the folded flap 18a, 18b. In contrast, the part of the annular bonding area 8 that forms a starting point of rupture is the median part 12, previously mentioned and described. This arrangement cannot be limiting.

So as to best make possible, on the one hand, the gripping for the purpose of opening the sachet 1+P and, on the other hand, the reduction or the elimination of the risk of damage to the sachet 1+P filled with the dose of fluid product P when it is inserted into a magazine, the gripping zone 13 and the raised surface region 18 extend peripherally along a part of the peripheral edge 3 over a sufficient peripheral length and extend in the perpendicular direction over a sufficient width. “Length” and “width” are defined as certain distances. The term “length” has been adopted in connection with the distance along the peripheral edge 3, and the term “width” has been adopted in connection with the distance in the direction that is perpendicular to the preceding, for the reason that most often, the first distance mentioned is greater than the second distance mentioned. This arrangement cannot be limiting.

Generally, said length is at least one-third of that of the peripheral edge 3, in particular on the order of one-half or at least one-half of the length of the peripheral edge 3. For its part, said width is at least one-quarter of the length of the sachet 1+P in the same perpendicular direction, in particular on the order of one-third or at least one-third of the length of the sachet 1+P in this same perpendicular direction. These values cannot be limiting.

In an embodiment where the edge 3 of the sachet 1+P has a dimension on the order of several centimeters, as previously indicated, the gripping zone 13 and the raised surface region 18 can have a length on the order of several centimeters and a width on the order of a centimeter, which ensures a good grasp by the fingers. These values cannot be limiting.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping zone 13 and the raised surface region 18 extend peripherally outward over only a fraction of the peripheral edge 3, and they are in several distinct, spaced sections, here two diametrically opposed sections.

In other embodiments, the gripping zone 13 and/or the raised surface region 18 extends peripherally outward over the whole, or substantially the whole, of the peripheral edge 3. Or else they are made of a single section or of several distinct, but contiguous, sections.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping zone 13 and/or the raised surface region 18 comprises, toward the inside, a boundary 19 whose shape defines altogether a line or a surface for folding and opening the two parts of the gripping zone 13 and/or of the raised surface region 18. This boundary 19 is defined in particular by the inner edges 19a and 19b or the vicinity of the inner edges 19a, 19b, between the inner edges 19a, 19b and the outer edge 8b.

The use and the implementation of a sachet 1+P as has just been described in its various embodiments is illustrated by FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, to which reference will now be made.

FIG. 4 illustrates the sachet 1+P in its embodiment where it has two folded flaps with bonding, 18a and 18b, filled, in the sealed state and in a configuration where, on the whole, it is flat. The two flaps 18a and 18b are then against one another and extend parallel to the plane Q, the sachet 1+P being itself flat.

As stated, the overall thickness H in the raised surface region 18 is either just slightly lower or better equals or exceeds the thickness h in the region of the cavity 14, with the previously described effects and advantages.

To open the sachet 1+P and access the dose of fluid product, the user takes hold of the two folded flaps 18a and 18b of one of the pairs, or of the two pairs, of folded flaps 18a, 18b, and, with the fingers diagrammed by the references D, separates them toward the edge 3, more specifically here the small side 6, while making them pivot around the boundary 19, or the edges 19a, 19b, or toward the edges 19a, 19b. This separation movement is diagrammed in FIG. 4A by the arrows F₁. In this step, the spacing between the folded flaps 18a and 18b is not yet sufficient to have an effect on the bond in the nearby bonding area 8.

The user carries on with his action and continues to separate the folded flaps 18a, 18b, the separation movement being diagrammed in FIG. 4B by the arrows F₂. In this step, the spacing between the folded flaps 18a and 18b has the effect of breaking the bond in the nearby bonding area 8, then little by little in the major part or in the whole of the area 18. Thus, the user opens the sachet 1+P and accesses the cavity 14 and the dose of fluid product P that can be used as seems appropriate.

The process for manufacturing a filled sachet 1+P is preferably performed continuously. It is derived from the process that makes it possible to manufacture a series of sachets of the type containing a dose of a fluid product.

The process comprises two variant embodiments depending on whether a single continuous strip 21 of material in layer form is used at the beginning or whether two continuous strips 21a and 21b of material in layer form are used, the material of the strip or strips 21, 21a and 21b being intended for the production of the first part 4a and of the second part 4b of the sachet 1. The strip of material 21 or the two strips of material 21a and 21b are, originally, wound, respectively on a spool 22 or two spools 22a and 22b from which it is or they are taken by unwinding for the manufacturing of the sachet 1+P.

Typically, the spool or spools 22, 22a and 22b are arranged with their axis (axes) horizontal and is (are) placed in an upper position.

In the two variant embodiments, by means of this single strip 21 or by means of these two strips 21a and 21b, a first-part strip 23a and a second-part strip 23b are made. If a single strip 21 is used, a longitudinal-slot operation is initiated so as to form the two strips 23a and 23b. If two strips 21a and 21b are used, it is the latter that constitute the two strips 23a and 23b.

The first variant embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 5 and the second variant embodiment by FIG. 6. With the first variant embodiment, it is possible to have a first-part strip 23a and a first part 4a and a second-part strip 23b and a second part 4b, respectively, which are different as to material and/or thickness. With the second variant embodiment, the first-part strip 23a and the first part 4a and the second-part strip 23b and the second part 4b, respectively, are identical as to material and thickness. With the embodiment of sachet 1+P or 1 shown, the two strips 23a and 23b have the same width.

The first-part strip 23a is bound by two longitudinal edges 19aa and 19ab, and the second-part strip 23b is bound by two longitudinal peripheral edges 19ba and 19bb. These edges are intended to constitute the inner edges 19a and 19b, respectively, of the sachet 1+P.

In the two variant embodiments, the first-part strip 23a and the second-part strip 23b are fed in synchronicity, thanks to suitable synchronicity feed means, typically vertically and downward, parallel to a vertical feed direction designated as “longitudinal.” This unwinding is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows De₁. The term “longitudinal” used for the description of the process corresponds to the term “longitudinal” used for the description of the sachet 1 or 1+P.

Then, a longitudinal layer portion of at least one of the first-part and second-part strips 23a and 23b is folded on itself, at least from a corresponding longitudinal peripheral edge 19aa, 19ab, 19ba and 19bb of the strip that is unwinding longitudinally, as indicated. Thus, on at least one longitudinal edge, at least one folded flap 18a, 18b is made, so as to form at least one raised surface region 16.

With reference to the embodiment of sachet 1 or 1+P shown, the two longitudinal layer portions both of the first-part strip 23a and of the second-part strip 23b are folded from the four longitudinal peripheral edges 19aa, 19ab, 19ba and 19bb, which makes it possible to produce for the first-part strip 23a and for the second-part strip 23b, respectively, two opposite flaps facing each other. This folding can be performed when the strip 23a, 23b is unwinding, by means of one or more deflection bars or any other similar manner. This folding is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows Pl.

When the first-part strip 23a and the second-part strip 23b are located opposite one another and in contact with one another toward their longitudinal peripheral edges 19aa, 19ab, 19ba and 19bb, for each operation of a series of similar operations, the dose of fluid product P to be bagged (dose of fluid product without intermediate support or support impregnated with the dose of fluid product) is inserted between the first-part strip 23a and the second-part strip 23b, and the first-part strip 23a and the second-part strip 23b are bonded in an annular area 8 so as to form a cavity 14, each successive dose of fluid product P being received in each successive cavity 14. This insertion of a dose and this bonding can be performed by means of dose insertion and bonding devices that are known or within the scope of a person skilled in the art. This insertion of a dose and this bonding are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows In and So₁.

Then, the folded flap 18a, 18b of the first-part strip 23a and/or of the second-part strip 23b is bonded longitudinally on itself, and this in the case where the flaps 18a, 18b are folded with bonding. This bonding can be performed by means of a bonding device that is known or within the scope of a person skilled in the art. This bonding is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows So₂.

Then, the first-part strip 23a and the second-part strip 23b, thus bonded, are cut at least crosswise between the successive cavities 14 filled with doses of product P, so that for each operation of a series of similar operations, a sachet 1 containing a dose of a fluid product P is separated. This cut-out can be performed by means of a cutting device that is known or within the scope of a person skilled in the art. This cut-out is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows De₂.

Claims

1. Sachet (1) able and intended to contain a dose of fluid product (P), comprising a first part (4a) in the form of a fluidtight layer portion with a certain flexibility and a second part (4b) in the form of a fluidtight layer portion with a certain flexibility, the first part (4a) and the second part (4b) being arranged opposite so that the sachet (1) comprises: characterized by the fact that in at least one part of said gripping zone (13), the layer portion of at least one of the first and second parts (4a, 4b) is folded on itself at least from the peripheral edge (3) by a folded flap (18a, 18b), so as to form a raised surface region (18), with a thickness at least double the thickness of the layer portion of this part (4a, 4b), the sachet (1) thus comprising in the raised surface region (18) a raised thickness that compensates for, at least in part, or equalizes, or exceeds the raised thickness in the region of the cavity (14), due to the presence of the dose of fluid product (P) that is found there, so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of damaging the sachet (1) filled with the dose of fluid product (P) when it is inserted into a magazine.

an annular area (8) for mutual bonding that is fluidtight and that can be detached by a suitable opening action of the first part (4a) and of the second part (4b) in a reciprocal contact area of their two inner surfaces (9a, 9b),

a gripping zone (13) that, toward the outside, is adjacent to the peripheral edge (3) of the sachet (1) and that, toward the inside, is adjacent to the bonding area (8), in which the first part (4a) and the second part (4b) are not mutually bonded so as to provide a gripping means of the tab type for the purpose of opening the sachet (1),

a fluidtight cavity (14) bounded by the bonding area (8) and by the two areas that are not mutually bonded (15a, 15b) of the inner surfaces (9a, 9b) opposite the first part (4a) and the second part (4b) that it borders, able to receive the dose of fluid product (P) to be bagged,

2. Sachet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the folded flap (18a, 18b) of the first part and/or the second part (4b) is also bonded onto itself, forming a permanent folded flap (18a, 18b).

3. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the folded flap (18a, 18b) of the first part (4a) and/or of the second part (4b) extends in a longitudinal direction up to the vicinity of the annular bonding area (8).

4. Sachet (1) according to claim 3, wherein a portion (20) of the folded flap (18a, 18b) of the first part (4a) and/or of the second part (4b) extends in a longitudinal direction while being adjacent to a part (12) of the annular bonding area (8) forming its starting point of rupture.

5. Sachet (1) according to claim 4, wherein said part (20) of the folded flap (18a, 18b) is located in a median way on said folded flap (18a, 18b), and/or said part (12) of the annular bonding area (8) is located in a median way on a segment (11) of said annular bonding area (8).

6. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the folded flap (18a, 18b) of at least one of the first and second parts (4a, 4b) is in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone (13), the gripping zone (13) being merged, or substantially merged, with the raised surface region (18).

7. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surface region (18) extends peripherally along a part of the peripheral edge (3) over a certain length and extends in the perpendicular direction over a certain width, the length and the width being sufficient to make possible, on the one hand, the gripping for the purpose of opening the sachet (1) and, on the other hand, the reduction or the elimination of the risk of damaging the sachet (1) filled with the dose of fluid product (P) when it is inserted into a magazine.

8. Sachet (1) according to claim 7, wherein said length is at least one-third of the length of the peripheral edge (3), in particular on the order of one-half or at least one-half of the length of the peripheral edge (3), and/or said width is at least one-quarter of the length of the sachet (1) in the same perpendicular direction, in particular on the order of one-third or at least one-third of the length of the sachet (1) in the same perpendicular direction.

9. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surface region (18) extends peripherally outward either in totality, or substantially in totality, or over only a fraction of the peripheral edge (3) of the sachet (1), and/or the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surface region (18) is either in a single section or in several sections that are separate, contiguous or spaced out, in particular in two diametrically opposed sections facing each other on the sachet (1).

10. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surface region (18) comprises, toward the inside, a boundary (19, 19a, 19b) whose shape defines as a whole a line or a surface for folding and opening the two parts of the gripping zone (13) and/or of the raised surface region (18).

11. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in at least one part of the gripping zone (13), the folded flap (18a) of the first part (4a) and the folded flap (18b) of the second part (4b) are located at right angles to the same raised surface region (18), with a thickness at least equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part (4a) plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part (4b).

12. Sachet (1) according to claim 11, wherein the folded flap (18a) of the first folded part (4a) and the folded flap (18b) of the second part (4b) are located opposite one another.

13. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein it is bound on both sides by two outer surfaces (4aa, 4ba) that are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature.

14. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first part (4a) and the second part (4b) and the sachet (1) all together exhibit a certain flexibility and an overall strength that is, in particular, flat.

15. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the layer of the first part (4a) and/or the layer of the second part (4b) has/have a thickness on the order of 1/10th of a millimeter.

16. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the layer of the first part (4a) and the layer of the second part (4b) are either identical or different relative to the material and/or the thickness.

17. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein its peripheral edge (3) corresponds to the two coincident peripheral edges (3a, 3b) of the first part (4a) in layer portion shape and of the second part (4b) in layer portion shape, and in particular wherein its peripheral edge (3) has a contour of general shape, or falling within a general, polygonal shape such as a square or rectangular shape.

18. Sachet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the layer portion of the first part (4a) and the layer portion of the second part (4b) are folded and bonded on themselves opposite one another, in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone (13), in two folded flaps with bonding (18a, 18b), forming a raised surface region (18), with a thickness equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part (4a) plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part (4b), the two folded flaps with bonding (18a, 18b) extending in a longitudinal direction up to the vicinity of a starting point for rupture (12) of the annular bonding area (8), the gripping zone (13) and the raised surface region (18) extending peripherally over a certain length of the peripheral edge (3) of the sachet (1), the sachet (1) being bound on both sides by two outer surfaces (4aa, 4ba) that are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature and having a peripheral edge (3) corresponding to the two coincident peripheral edges (3a, 3b) of the first part (4a) and of the second part (4b).

19. Sachet (1) containing a dose of a fluid product (P), wherein it comprises a sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and a dose of fluid product (P) received in the cavity (14) of the sachet (1).

20. Sachet (1) containing a dose of a fluid product (P) according to claim 19, wherein the dose of fluid product (P) is received in the cavity (14) of the sachet (1), without intermediate support.

21. Sachet (1) containing a dose of a fluid product (P) according to claim 19, wherein the dose of fluid product (P) impregnates a support, said support thus impregnated with fluid product being received in the cavity (14) of the sachet (1).

22. Sachet (1) containing a dose of a fluid product (P) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein its thickness in the raised surface region (18) compensates for, at least in part, or equalizes, or exceeds the thickness in the region of the cavity (14) where the dose of fluid product (P) is found and wherein it is bound on both sides by two outer surfaces (4aa, 4ba) that are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notable raised feature.

23. Process for manufacturing a series of sachets (1) of the type containing a dose of a fluid product (P) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: wherein, successively:

one or two strips (21, 21a, 21b) of material in the form of a layer is/are used,

fluid product (P) is used,

the strip or strips (21, 21a, 21b) of layer-shaped material is/are unwound so as to form a layer-shaped continuous first-part strip (23a) and a layer-shaped continuous second-part strip (23b), and the first-part strip (23a) and the second-part strip (23b) are pulled in synchronicity,

a longitudinal layer portion of at least one of the first-part and second-part strips (23a, 23b) is folded on itself, at least from the longitudinal peripheral edge while this strip is unwinding, in a folded flap (18a, 18b), so as to form a longitudinal raised surface region (18) adjacent to the longitudinal peripheral edge of this strip,

when the first-part strip (23a) and the second-part strip (23b) are located opposite one another and in contact with one another toward their longitudinal peripheral edges, for each operation of a series of similar operations, the dose of fluid product (P) to be bagged is inserted between the first-part strip (23a) and the second-part strip (23b), and the first-part strip (23a) and the second-part strip (23b) are bonded in an annular area (8) so as to form a cavity (14), each successive dose of fluid product (P) being received in each successive cavity (14),

the folded flap (18a, 18b) of the first-part strip (23a) and/or of the second-part strip (23b) is bonded longitudinally on itself,

the first-part strip (23a) and the second-part strip (23b), thus bonded, are cut at least crosswise between the successive cavities (14) filled with doses of fluid product (P), so that for each operation of a series of similar operations, a sachet (1+P) containing a dose of a fluid product is separated.

24. Process according to claim 23, wherein a single strip (21) of layer-shaped material is used, and from this, a first-part strip (23a) and a second-part strip (23b) are formed, or two strips of material (21a, 21b) are used and thus a first-part strip (23a) and a second-part strip (23b) are used.