EP1136379B1 - Packaging with tear-off closure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pouch packaging from a packaging film according to claim 1 or 2. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing the pouch packaging and the use of the pouch packaging.

Flexible packaging must protect the contents from mechanical, chemical and physical influences. Therefore, such packages are made in many cases of multi-layer packaging material, with individual material layers or a material layer combination can be assigned a specific protective function. The packaging material, for example, must be tear-resistant. This requires very ductile or stretchable materials of high structural strength. Films or layers of such multilayer packaging materials are for example made of a polymer, such as e.g. thermoplastic, of cellulose-containing material, e.g. Paper or glassine or metal, e.g. Aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

Flexible packages are, for example, pouches such as flat pouches, sealed edge pouches, space pouches, stable pouches or tubular pouches. Accordingly, the packages have on at least one side edge a closing seam, e.g. a sealed seam, such as a hot or cold seal, weld or glue seam. For example, flat bags may have three or four sealing seams corresponding to three or four side edges, depending on the manner of manufacture. In turn, a tubular bag may include an upper and an opposing lower transverse seam or an upper and a lower transverse seam and a hull seam, such as an overlapping or folded hull seam.

Such packages are suitable, for example, for the packaging of bulk goods, liquids or physical, solid products, in particular from the field of food and beverage. Flat pouches or sealed-edge pouches serve, for example, for receiving powdery, instant-soluble coffee or granulated sugar. Chocolate bars or biscuits, for example, are offered in tubular bags. Dairy foods, such as yoghurt, as well as drinks are preferably packed in space bags.

To remove the contents of a bag packaging with zipper the envelope is torn open at one end. Since the film composite is designed tear-resistant, the tearing process is usually supported by a arranged in the opening area Anreisshilfe. The tearing process takes place along a tear line along which the package is separated into at least two parts and which at least in sections passes through the filling space of the package. The tear line can be controlled or uncontrolled through the packaging. The contents can then be removed by the resulting opening in the package in any way.

When tearing open the packaging thus creates a, usually relatively small, Aufreissteil, which is separated from the rest of the packaging, creating a mostly useless for the consumer waste part. The riser must usually be set aside before removal of the contents of the package, i. disposed of, e.g. to get hands free for further manipulation. Often these small pieces of rice are simply thrown away, unnecessarily polluting the environment.

US 4,974,732 describes a bag package for containing a liquid. The pouch packaging contains a channel-like outflow opening and an opening aid in the form of a notch arranged at the edge, from which the outflow opening is uncovered by completely separating a departure part along a tear line. So that the tear line does not propagate into the packaging space, a slot is arranged transversely to the tear line, which deflects the tearing operation to the side.

EP-A-1 072 531 discloses a pouch package for liquids having a seal area and a spout opening into the seal area. The package contains a tear line in the seal zone along which the package is opened and which results in a circular tear stop.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a package with zipper of the type mentioned, in which incurred after their opening no separate, separate Aufreissteile.

The object is solved by the features of claim 1 or 2.

The tear line is that stretch in the packaging film along which a tear zone propagates and the package is separated into at least two parts, the tear zone being understood to be the location on or in the packaging film at which the tearing process begins with appropriate separation forces His progress continues. The tear zone is generally described by the point at which two edges of one or the edges of two parting lines converge at an acute to obtuse, in particular acute angle, in a common point of intersection. The dividing line is to be understood in this context as a section penetrating the packaging film.

For example, the tear zone may be the end region of a parting line or a notch converging at an acute angle in an end point.

So that the separation of the packaging film runs along a predetermined, ie controlled tear line, the latter in the form of a partial cutting line, perforation or the like. Weakening line in the packaging film can be drawn in order in this way the tearing resistance to reduce or cause a controlled tearing. The tear line can also take without weakening lines and the like. Eg, starting from a Anreißhilfe solely due to the structure of the packaging film a more or less controlled course in a direction provided in the packaging film.

Partial section line is to be understood as a section line which only leads through part of the film layers or individual films of the packaging film and consequently only partially penetrates the packaging film.

Under a line of weakness in this text is a so-called predetermined breaking point in the form of a line or a limited, elongated surface section to understand, which has a significantly lower tensile strength than the rest of packaging or wall foil and tears under a certain tensile load, for example, a tearing movement enough with your hands. The weakening line can be produced for example by local weakening of a limited film section by means of chemical or physical or mechanical measures.

The packaging may have an initiating aid, wherein the initiating aid can form a potential tear-open zone and, for example, is a notch arranged in the packaging film. Furthermore, the marking aid may contain one or more cutting lines, partial cutting lines, perforations or the like, weakening lines that lead completely or partially through the wall of the packaging film.

Furthermore, the initiating aid may include a tear strip which may be e.g. is arranged between two layers of material. By pulling on the tear strip a division of the packaging material is effected along a controlled tear line. However, the tear strip preferably only leads to the tear-off stop.

The marking aid of a packaging according to the invention is preferably in the region of a closing seam and / or in areas in which the composite material is folded over and / or sealed one over the other by folding and / or sealing. The Anreißhilfe may, in particular, if it is partial cutting lines, perforations or the like. Weaving lines, for example, extend from an outer boundary of a sealing seam through this into the filling space limiting packaging film.

The attachment of the Anreißhilfe can be made before the production of the packaging, for example, during the production of the packaging film or after their production. Furthermore, the attachment of the Anreißhilfe can be integrated into the continuous production process of the package or packaging and attached, for example, before, during or after the preparation of the packaging or packaging.

The tear line expediently runs in sections longitudinally or transversely through at least one closing seam. There are, for example, bag packaging, in particular bag for receiving bulk materials or liquids, with at least one sealing seam and with a projecting into this tubular, neck or hose-like opening area known. On the edge side of said closure seam, an initiating aid is usually attached, from which starting the tear-open line passes through a closing seam section and subsequently through the tubular opening area corresponding to the volume and again longitudinally through the closing seam.

The tear line can also, starting from a, possibly limited by a closing seam, first packaging edge, through the filling space into a first packaging edge opposite, vertically oriented to the tear line and another packaging edge limiting seal lead.

In order to open the packaging, it is divided from the tearing line along the tearing line into a usually relatively small teasel part and into the remaining packaging, a tearing zone propagating along the tearing line during the opening process.

In order to complete the tearing process before the final separation of the riser from the rest of the package, the tear-off stop is provided in the tear-open line for the purpose of eliminating or eliminating the tearing zone.

The tear-off stop is preferably in a closing seam, for example a lateral or upper closing seam. To maintain the tightness of the packaging, a sufficiently wide closure seam strip is preferably provided between the tear-off stop and the filling region.

If there are places on a packaging where the packaging film lies above one another by folding or gluing in several layers of material, then the tear-off stop can also be arranged in this zone. For packaging units with a hull seam, the tear-off stop may be in the area of this hull seam.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Aufreissstopp forming recess in the shape of a circle, an oval or an ellipse. The tear line advantageously leads into the middle of the recess, so that the tear zone is eliminated when entering the recess. The above-described recess, thanks to its design in the tear-open direction, does not form a tear-open zone or an initiation aid and thus prevents the continuation of the tearing-open process. The ripping process can only be continued with an above-average use of force.

The tear-off in execution of a recess may also include a curved piece of a circle, oval or ellipse. Furthermore, said recess may also be crescent-shaped, wherein the recess in the direction of tearing leads in a concave arc through the tear line.

Advantageously, the recess of the tear-off stop runs completely through the packaging film.

The tear-off in execution of a recess, in particular a round recess, also serves as a hanging aid for attaching the package or the package in a frame.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the packaging includes as a tear stop at least one section or partial cutting line, perforation or the like. Weakening line. The tearing stop in the mentioned embodiment preferably runs essentially transversely through the tear line. The Auffreisslinie in turn is preferably in the middle of said, the tearing stop forming line or perforation. Furthermore, the said line or perforation is preferably substantially concave when viewed in the tearing direction. The ends of the section or partial section line, perforation or the like. Weakening line advantageously extend substantially opposite to the tearing direction.

The aforementioned section or partial section line, perforation or the like. Weakening line as a tear stop preferably describes a partial circle, a partial oval or a partial ellipse, wherein the line ends are oriented substantially opposite to the tearing direction. Although the ends of the section or partial section line, perforation or line of weakness also form tear-open zones or marking aids, these are effective only against the tearing direction and therefore have no effect.

It is also possible for only the tear-resistant layers or layers of a packaging film to be formed with a tear-off stop in the form of a cutting line.

The break-up stop, i. the edges of the recess or the section or partial section line, perforation or the like. Schächungslinie can be additionally reinforced, so that a renewed scribing in the region of these edges is further difficult. The gain can be achieved, for example, by changing the local film structure, e.g. caused by heating or imprinting.

The packaging film is on or preferably multi-layered or multi-layered. The individual material layers can be paint jobs, metal foils, metallized layers or Films of plastics, in particular thermoplastics or composites of metal foils and plastic films be. One or more layers of material may be extruded and in particular melt-extruded, layers or films of thermoplastics, in some cases in combination with films of metals or plastics. At least one layer of material may be a coating application, such as a clearcoat, a color finish, a hotmelt coating, etc. At least one layer of material may be a metallized layer or a vacuum deposited ceramic thin film. Adhesives, extrusion adhesives, adhesion promoters and / or primers can be located between the individual layers. To increase the adhesion of the layers with each other, the surfaces of the films, layers resp. Material layers, for example, a corona, flame, ozone or plasma treatment experienced.

The thermoplastic material layers can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The material layers, in particular the material layers, films or layers arranged on a packaging in the outermost layer, can have a printing.

The wall thickness of the packaging film is, for example, 10 to 500 μm, preferably 50 to 300 μm, in particular 50 to 150 μm.

As foils of metal, for example, steel foils and preferably aluminum foils are used. The thickness of the films may, for example, be from 5 to 100 .mu.m, preferably from 8 to 45 .mu.m, in particular from 10 to 35 .mu.m.

Suitable films of plastics are suitably made of thermoplastics, such as polyesters, polyolefins, e.g. Polypropylene or polyethylene, or as polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or cellulose-containing materials such as cellophane or paper. The plastic films can be present as monofilms or film composites. The thickness of the films made of plastics can be, for example, from 8 to 100 .mu.m, preferably from 12 to 35 .mu.m, and in particular from 12 to 23 .mu.m.

Extruded or melt extruded layers may be, for example, polyolefins such as polypropylenes or polyethylenes. The thickness of the extrudates can be, for example, from 8 to 100 .mu.m, preferably from 12 to 30 .mu.m, and in particular from 12 to 23 .mu.m.

The side of the packaging film facing inwardly on a packaging is advantageously sealable. In some cases, the outwardly facing side of the packaging film can be sealed.

Examples of a multilayer packaging film are film composites comprising a first material layer and a second material layer. The first material layer can be a foil, like a Mono- or composite film, of thermoplastic materials, such as polyesters, polyolefins, such as polypropylenes or polyethylenes, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, etc. or from cellulosic materials, such as cellophane or papers. The second material layer may, for example, be a metal foil or a metal foil with a sealing layer, such as a sealing lacquer or a sealable foil, applied to the side facing the finished packaging. In a further embodiment, the second material layer can be a sealable film made of thermoplastic material or an extrusion layer made of a thermoplastic material which is preferably sealable. Optionally, as a second material layer and papers, such as coated papers are used. Optionally, paint coats or paint jobs can be used as a second material layer.

According to the product to be packaged, the packaging film may have barrier properties against the passage of e.g. Liquids, gases, vapors, water vapor, flavors or odors. To obtain the desired barrier properties, metal foils, metallized layers, e.g. of aluminum, ceramic thin films, e.g. of silicon oxides and / or alumina applied by sputtering or by vacuum deposition, or plastic films e.g. of materials of the styrene copolymer series, the ethyl vinyl alcohol polymer or the polyvinylidene chloride.

Examples of sealable materials for the films or extrudates are polyolefins such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes or copolymers and terpolymers of ethylene with acrylic acid. The sealability of the composite material can also be achieved by applying a sealing wax.

The present invention also relates to a packaging film for producing a packaging according to the invention with tear-off stop. The packaging film is characterized in that it is film-shaped and single-layered or multi-layered or multi-layered and contains an optionally prefabricated tear-off stop.

The described packaging film may also contain an initiation aid and / or a tear line delineated by means of a section or partial cut line, perforation or the like.

The present invention further relates to a method for producing a tear-open packaging according to claim 1 or 2 the method is characterized by the characterizing features of claim 8. The knives may be, for example, oscillating knives or rotating knives attached to a cylinder. High-energy radiations, such as laser beams or electron beams, are used in particular for generating microperforations.

The break-up stop is e.g. For example, before processing the packaging film into a package in the packaging film introduced. The tear-off can be applied in particular during or after the production of the packaging film. Furthermore, the tear-free stop can be carried out during or after the production of the packaging, wherein the relevant process section is integrated as far as possible in the continuous production process. For this, e.g. an additional device, such as a cutting or punching device, be installed or integrated into the packaging machine for performing the tear-stop at a suitable place.

The tear-off can be introduced during the production of the packaging film. The packaging film can be produced, for example, by providing a first material layer, occasionally with one or both sides printing of the first material layer and at the same time applying the tear-off stop in the register, so that the tear-off stop and the printing are always in the same position relative to each other. For example, the tear-off stop can only be applied in individual material layers. It is also possible to carry out the tear-off before a paint or protective lacquer coating provided if necessary.

In addition to the tear-off, additional marking aids can also be attached. The tear-open stop and the tear-off aid are preferably carried out simultaneously or in an immediate sequence of method steps on the packaging film or packaging.

The tear-stop is carried out continuously, for example, on a packaging film in the form of endless or roll goods. The treatment of leaves or arches is also possible.

The packaging film can be introduced, for example in endless or roll form, into a packaging machine and used for packaging of products. Due to the manufacturing method described, the printing and the tear-off and optionally the Anreißhilfe the composite material in a fixed position to each other. High-quality packaging units are characterized by the fact that the printing always in accordance with the size of the package and against the Contents are always positioned the same. Thus, when using existing packaging film tear-in accordance with the printing always in the same place in each packaging unit.

Typical packaging units are in plan view, for example, polygonal, elliptical or lenticular and in the side view, for example, polygonal and in particular rectangular.

The present packages are suitable, for example, for holding liquid, powdery, granulated, solid or pasty products. Liquid fillings range from beverages, juices, etc., to cleansers and the like. Typical examples of fillers are powdered and granulated foods and luxuries such as instant soups, instant coffee, coffee powder, custard powder, spices, etc. The solid contents may e.g. in block, tablet or rod form. These are chocolate bars and cereal bars as examples. In addition, the packages can also be used for pasty foods, such as yoghurt and other dairy foods, and other pasty substances, for example in the field of personal care and cosmetics, such as shampoos or lotions or in the field of pharmacy. Finally, the packages according to the invention can also accommodate medical devices or applicators and technical articles.

Fig. 1a

eine Seitenansicht einer Beutelverpackung;

Fig. 1b

einen Ausschnitt aus einer Seitenansicht einer geöffneten Beutelverpackung gemäss Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2a

einen Ausschnitt des Öffnungsbereiches einer weiteren Beutelverpackung in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2b

einen Ausschnitt eines Öffnungsbereiches einer weiteren Beutelverpackung in Seitenansicht.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. These show schematically in:

Fig. 1a

a side view of a bag packaging;

Fig. 1b

a detail of a side view of an opened pouch packaging according to Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2a

a section of the opening region of another bag packaging in side view;

Fig. 2b

a section of an opening portion of another bag packaging in side view.

FIG. 1a shows a pouch packaging 1 with a volume 6 and circumferential sealing seams (5, 10). The bag package 1 is used in particular for receiving drinkable liquids. The opening area is designed in the form of an opening neck 7 projecting into an upper sealing seam 5, which corresponds to the volume 6. The opening neck 7 adjoins the sealing seam surface of the upper sealing seam 5 at its two lateral edges and at its upper edge. Laterally from the opening neck 7, in the edge region of the upper sealing seam 5, a Anreißhilfe 2 in the embodiment of a tear notch is attached. Starting from the Anreißhilfe 2 performs a tear line 3 in the tear (x) across the opening neck 7 and through the upper sealing seam 5 in the longitudinal direction. The tear line 3 may be marked by a perforation, a partial cut or weakening line, so that a controlled separation takes place when opening the package.

The bag package 1 further includes a drinking straw 8, which allows the immediate consumption of the liquid content after opening the bag packaging.

In the upper sealing seam, a tear-off stop 4 is provided in the form of a circular recess in the tear-open line 3.

By tearing the bag package 1 'on the tearing aid 2 and tearing open the bag package 1' in the tearing direction (x), a tearing strip 9 is formed along the dividing line produced, which propagates until tearing stop 4 (FIG. At Aufreissstopp 4 of the tearing process is stopped because the tear-open in the recess of the tear-stop 4 ends and the edge region of the recess forms no further Anreißhilfe.

The drinking straw 8 preferably extends beyond the tear line 3, so that after tearing open the bag package 1 ', the drinking straw 8 protrudes from the packaging opening by a certain amount in accordance with drinking.

FIG. 2 a shows a section of a further bag packaging 11 with an upper sealing seam 12 and a volume 6, wherein a tear-open line 3 leads through the upper sealing seam 12. The tear line 3 is limited by a tear stop 13 attached in the form of a part-circular cut line. The pitch circle is concave in the tear direction (x).

FIG. 2 b shows a section of a further bag packaging 14 with an upper sealing seam 15 and a volume 6, wherein a tear-open line 3 leads through the upper sealing seam 15. The tear line 3 is delimited by a tearing stop 13 which is provided in the form of a part-circular recess. The part-circular section line is concave in the direction of tear (x).

Claims (11)

1. Bag-type package (1) made from a packaging film, comprising at least one closing seam (5), a tear-off closure uncovering an opening for removing the contents, a tear line (3) and a tear-arresting means (4) situated on the tear line (3) in the tearing direction (x), wherein the tear-arresting means is a hanging aid in the form of a recess arranged within the closing seam and penetrating the packaging film, a closing seam portion extends between the tear-arresting means and the filling volume of the package in order to ensure the tightness of the unopened pack and the tear line is in the form of a partial cutting line or perforated line marked on the packaging film for the purposes of a controlled tearing direction so that a tear zone develops along the tear line (3) and becomes ineffective when it reaches the tear-arresting means (4) and the tearing process is stopped and ended before the tear-off part is finally separated from the remainder of the package.
2. Bag-type package (1) made from a packaging film, comprising at least one closing seam (5), a tear-off closure uncovering an opening for removing the contents, a tear line (3) and a tear-arresting means (4) situated on the tear line (3) in the tearing direction (x) in the form of a cutting line extending essentially transversely through the tear line (3) or a partial cutting line, perforation or similar line of weakness partially penetrating the packaging film, the tear-arresting means being arranged within the closing seam and a closing seam portion extending between the tear-arresting means and the filling volume of the package in order to ensure the tightness of the unopened pack, characterised in that the line of weakness or cutting line of the tear-arresting means is concave as viewed in the tearing direction (x), the ends of the line being aligned essentially against the tearing direction (x) so that a tear zone developing along the tear line (3) becomes ineffective when it reaches the tear-arresting means (4) and the tearing process is stopped and ended before the tear-off part is finally separated from the remainder of the package.
3. Package according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the closing seam (5) is a heat-sealing, cold-sealing, weld or glued seam.
4. Package according to claim 1, characterised in that the tear-arresting means is a circular, elliptical or oval recess (4) or the recess (13) describes part of a circle, part of an ellipse or part of an oval which is preferably concave as viewed in the tearing direction (x).
5. Package according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the closing seam comprises an upper closing seam (5), the package (1) comprises a tubular or neck-like opening region (7) projecting into the upper closing seam (5) and corresponding to the filling volume (6), the tear line (3), departing from a lateral edge of the package, extends along the upper closing seam (5) and transversely through the opening region (7), the tear line (3) is delimited by the tear-arresting means (4) in the upper closing seam (5) following the opening region and the package (1) preferably comprises a tearing aid (2), in particular on the lateral edge of the package in the upper closing seam (5).
6. Package according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the closing seam (5) comprises a lateral closing seam (10) extending along the edge of the package transversely to the tearing direction (x), the tear zone leads into this closing seam (10) after the opening of the filling volume and the tear-arresting means is arranged in this closing seam.
7. Package according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the packaging film is in film form and is single-layered or multi-layered.
8. Method of producing a bag-type package (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the packaging film is in the form of a roll or web, a tear-arresting means (4) is produced at a predetermined point of the packaging film by means of mechanical means, such as knives, punching knives or needles. or by energy-rich radiation, preferably laser beams or electron beams, during or after the production of the packaging film, but before the production of the bag-type package, and a bag-type package is produced from the packaging film with the prefabricated tear-arresting means.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the tear-arresting means (4) is applied at a predetermined point immediately after the production of the packaging film.
10. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the application of the tear-arresting means (4) is integrated into the continuous process for the production of the bag-type package or bag-type pack.
11. Use of the bag-type packages (1) comprising a tear-arresting means (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2 to receive liquid, pasty, powdered, granular or solid products.

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