HU226272B1 - Easy opening, re-closeable bag - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a resealable pouch (10) after opening, such as powdered or granular detergents, pet food, coffee, cereals, etc. store.

The bag (10) has a front (12) and a back (14) face and two inwardly folded side panels (16 and 18) having a top (20) and a bottom (22) edge, and a front and a back (22). an upper (24) and a lower (26) portion formed by the joining of the tabs and comprising a post-opening closure means (32) adjustable according to the amount of content, characterized by a front (12) and a back (14) a weak line (28) extending over one of the two side panels (16 and 18), which facilitates opening of the bag (10).

HU 226 272 Β1

The length of the description is 12 pages (including 6 pages)

HU 226 272 Β1

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to bags for storing products, including, but not limited to, powdered or granular detergents, pet food, coffee, cereals, and the like. The bag has a weakened line that allows easy opening of the bag. The bags further comprise an adjustable means for resealing.

Nowadays, flexible bags are used for packaging many different consumer products, such as granular detergents. In order to be suitable as containers, these bags must be resistant to opening during transport and storage. The detergent bags currently marketed have several disadvantages. First, the current bags are difficult to open without the use of scissors, knives or other tools. In other cases, the consumer tries to break the bag, resulting in the contents being dispersed. Additionally, the bag and the text printed on the bag may be damaged by dragging and tensioning during the opening operation.

Second, the present bags, once opened, do not have an effective and efficient means for resealing the bag. The possibility of resealing the bag is requested by many consumers. This is especially the case for bulk packaging. Until now, methods of sealing such bags have not proved to be satisfactory. These methods include zippers, Velcro fasteners, and simple folding mechanisms. The main disadvantage of these methods is that contamination of the resealing device with the contents of the bag prevents the device from forming a reliable, reusable closure. In addition, simple folding mechanisms do not provide protection against product spillage.

Third, as the contents of the bag are gradually discharged, it is desirable that the closure device be adjustable so that the bag is tightly closed. The current flexible detergent bags do not provide a way to close securely.

Accordingly, there remains a need for flexible bags for packaging consumer products which can be opened easily, i.e. without the use of a knife, scissors or other means. There is still a need for a mechanism to securely seal the bag once it has been opened by the consumer. The reclosing mechanism must not be exposed to contamination. There is also a need for a resealable device that is adjustable to provide a secure and reliable closure even when the bag is less full.

WO 96/29256, however, describes a resealable bag package having a loop and hook (Velcro) closure, thereby allowing the package to be resealed and adapted to the varying amount of product it contains.

The present invention satisfies the needs outlined in the introduction with a new type of bag.

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages, ratios and parts are by weight in this specification.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a horizontal perspective view of a first embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical perspective view of a first embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 3 is also a vertical perspective view of a first embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a horizontal perspective view of a second embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 5 is also a horizontal perspective view of a second embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 6 is a horizontal perspective view of a third embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 7 is a vertical perspective view of a third embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Figure 8 is a representation of a typical graph obtained using ASTM D-882 for measuring tensile strength (tensile strength).

Figure 9 is a representative graph obtained using ASTM D-5733, measuring the tear strength of a trapezoid in a single sample.

Figure 10 is a vertical perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

Fig. 11 is a vertical perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bag according to the invention when closed.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

As will be apparent, the terms used herein to describe the front and back of the bag pages are for orientation purposes only and may otherwise be interchanged. As described in more detail below, the present invention relates to a flexible bag for receiving granular, powdered, or other materials, preferably comprising a granular detergent. The bag is provided with a weakened line to facilitate opening.

A particularly preferred bag 10 according to the invention is illustrated in Figure 1. As shown, the bag 10 has a front panel 12, a back panel 14, and side panels 16 and 18, each panel having a top 20 and a bottom 22. The bag 10 further has an upper portion 24 and a lower portion 26 which are closed by securing the front panel 12 to the rear panel 14 along the upper and lower edges 20. The bag 10 is provided with a weakened line 28, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the sheets 12 or 14 is not weakened by the line 28. In a preferred embodiment, line 28 extends beyond

221 and 18 have two side panels and one of the front panel 12 or rear panel 14.

Figure 2 also illustrates the bag 10 of Figure 1, wherein the weakened line 28 is opened by pulling on one side of the line 28.

Figure 3 also illustrates the bag 10 of Figure 1 and further includes a resealable device 30 (not shown in Figure 3) and a resealable device 32. The reclosable means 30 and 32 may be any mechanical fastening mechanism, and preferably a hook and loop fastening system, wherein one of the means 30 or 32 is a hook component and the other is a loop component. It is within the scope of the present invention that the two are interchangeable.

Figure 4 shows the resealable device 30 as a small strip (strip) near the upper edge 20 of the bag and attached to the front panel 12. It is also an object of the present invention that the resealable device is a hook-and-hook system rather than a hook-and-loop system.

Figure 5 shows the resealable device 32 as a vertical strip attached to the rear panel 14. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the reclosable device 30. Figure 7 illustrates the bag when closed.

10 and 11 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the resealable system. 30 components of the resealable system include the hook or loop portion

facing the panel is attached to the panel or to the front panel 12 or back panel 14. A portion of component 30 is left free. The bag is closed by two successive folding of the upper portion 20 of the bag 10. The first drive leaves the non-secured portion of the resealable system loose and allows it to fit into the second component of the system. The second fold actually assembles the mechanical fastening devices. Figure 11 illustrates this alternative embodiment when closed.

Materials of the bag

The bags of the present invention are made of but not limited to elastic materials

- polymeric films, woven materials, nonwovens, preferably polyethylene films, more preferably single-layer films, coextruded, bilayer laminates, three-layer laminates and metallised laminates, all with or without varnish coating. The bags of the invention may be formed by any method known in the art. One method of forming flexible bags from a continuous web material is well known in the art and is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,054,619.

The weakened line

The ease of opening of the bags according to the invention results from the weakening of the film material in the desired path of opening or detaching the bag.

The weakened line is such that at least a portion of one of the sheets of the bag remains un weakened by the line. This prevents the entire top of the bag from separating when opened. Once opened, the sash, which comes from the broken line of weakness, provides the bag with a tab or handle so that the consumer will hold it while dispensing the product. This feature provides better handling and ease of dispensing.

The weakened line impairs the strength of the film by resisting the normal filling, packaging and handling operations and still being easily opened by the consumer. This behavior is achieved by reducing the tear strength of the original film trapezoid. A decrease in tear strength of a trapezoid usually results in a decrease in tear strength.

The weakened line is characterized by the following test methods: a) ASTM D-882 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties on Thin Plastic Sheeting; and b) ASTM D-5733 Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Nonwoven Fabrics by the Trapezoidal Procedure. The graphs obtained from these assay methods are shown in Figures 8 and 9. The samples used for making Figures 8 and 9 were taken from the weakened line 28 in Figure 1. According to the ASTM D-882 and ASTM D-5733 Test Methods, the weakened line 28 should be parallel to the shorter side (i.e., the width) of the sample. The weakened line 28 should cover the entire width of the pattern and be centered with respect to the length of the pattern. To begin cutting out the trapezoidal tear pattern, the gap must be at the top of the weakened line 28.

The weak line is characterized by three parameters obtained from the above standard tests. The first parameter is the yield stress value. Referring to Fig. 8, this graph illustrates the approximate tensile strength of a weakened film (Y _{2 in} Fig. 8) versus the tensile strength of a non-attenuated film (Y 8 in Fig. 8). Second, the final or tensile strength of the weakened film (R _{2 in} Figure 8) shall not be less than 90% of the tensile strength of the non-weakened film. -the.

Third, the tear strength of the weakened film according to ASTM D-5733 must be less than 40 N. Figure 9 illustrates a typical graph obtained from measuring the tear strength of a trapezoid on a weakened foil of a single sample according to ASTM D-5733. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the values indicated herein for force, elongation (Fig. 8) and tension (Fig. 9) are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

The weakened line may also have a pattern. The pattern may be a solid line, a dotted line, or a combination of both. However, the most preferred pattern is a dotted line, where the dotted line is made up of several incised segments. The length of the incised segments varies between 0.12 mm and 4.4 mm, pre3

Preferably, it is preferably between 0.3 mm and 2 mm, most preferably between 0.6 mm and 1 mm. The depth of the notch is a function of the film thickness.

An initial incision can be made at any point on the weakened line. The initial incision is a section that is easier to break because the incision is deeper. If the weakened line passes through the back panel, which also has a vertical closure, then the initial incision provides for a slight burst of the weakened line through multiple layers of vertical closure.

How to make a weak line

The attenuated line may be produced by, but not limited to, the following methods: incision, perforation, chemical treatment, preferably laser incision, laser perforation, mechanical incision, mechanical perforation, embossing processes, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the weakened line is formed in the film before it is formed into a bag.

One method of making an attenuated line in a flexible film is to use at least one laser. First, a sufficiently high wattage laser beam is focused on the film, which evaporates a portion of the film material. The use of laser technology makes it possible to precisely control the depth or penetration of the very small incision required for perforating the film. A laser using any form of electromagnetic radiation can be used. Suitable lasers for use in the present invention are based on CO ₂ gas.

The speed of movement of the film and laser beam depends on the pattern and depth of the desired notch and the type of film used. Suitable methods for laser engraving of films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,143, U.S. Pat. No. 3,790,744, U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,582, U.S. Pat.

Another suitable method for making a weak line is using blades (clipboards). The blades are mounted on an engraving roller mounted directly on the film processing machine so as to make the slits before the bag is formed. Different blade patterns can be used to make different patterns in the weakened line. The pressure applied to the blades also changes during the process to control the size and depth of the notches to ensure easy opening of the bag.

Embossing is another alternative method of making a weak line. Embossing technology weakens the film in specific areas through pressure, temperature, time and a deformation profile. The desired results are obtained by varying the thickness and / or material structure of the embossed track. The base structure used for embossing consists of a locking jaw that can exert pressure on a backsheet. A forming profile or template is attached to the clamping jaw and heated. The foil is pressed between the forming profile and the backsheet. This process is known to be influenced by the following main variables: heating temperature, cooling temperature, pressure, heating time, cooling time, film tension during embossing, film tension after embossing, backing material, backing thickness, backside temperature, jaw pattern, and jaw thickness. The embossing unit is located after a rolled-up portion of the foil, preferably mounted in the packaging line. Suitable examples of embossing are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,878,549.

Reclosable system

The resealable system is resistant to contamination of the contents of the bag. The main purpose of the system is to protect the granular product in the bag from spillage, moisture and other external factors that could affect the integrity of the product. The resealable system includes a mechanical fastener, preferably hook-and-loop or hook-and-hook type, attached to the flexible bag, which allows consumers to open the bags and re-seal securely each time the product in the bag is used.

The system consists of fasteners placed on opposite sides of the bag. In a preferred embodiment, the panels are front and rear panels, but other designs may be contemplated. The fasteners can be disposable (disposable) or industrial materials. Disposable materials are desirable to optimize costs. The mechanical fasteners can be of any shape and size and can be arranged in any arrangement. The special design of the components of the resealable system must be such that the bag can be closed throughout use while the product is in it. By "closable" we mean that no product is spilled when the bag is tilted on its side. Specifically, a reclosable system is characterized by the energy required to strip one component of the recorder from the other. The energy shall not be less than 0,024 J per kg of product in the bag.

The resealable system is designed to operate with the easy opening feature described above that facilitates the opening of the bag. At least one mechanical fastener is placed on one side of the bag, while one of the Matched fastener is placed on the opposite side of the bag. Preferably, one piece of the mechanical fastener is a vertical drop (strip). The upper part of the bag (with a small piece of fastener) is rolled up so that the two fasteners fit together and close the bag tightly as the product runs out. As more products run out, the latches close down vertically to ensure a tight fit. A variant of this construction is the button-to-button closure. This means that the mechanical fastener can also consist of two individual buttons that secure the lock. In this case, the closing is stationary rather than adjustable.

HU 226 272 Β1

The mechanical fasteners can be attached to the bag with glue. The adhesive may be a so-called "hot melt" or a pressure sensitive adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is applied to the mechanical fastener just before attaching the fastening piece to the bag. The pressure sensitive adhesive is attached as a piece to the fastener.

The mechanical fasteners can be attached to the bag in various ways. In one method, the fasteners are glued to the foil before making the bag. In this case, the pieces of mechanical fasteners are fastened to the foil while the foil roller is being manufactured or unwound on the machine. The mechanical fasteners can be glued to the bag even after it has been formed.

Claims (6)

An easy-to-open, resealable bag (10) comprising a front (12) and a back (14) sheet and two inwardly folded side panels (16 and 18), each sheet having an upper (20) and a lower (22) ), an upper portion (24) and a bottom (26) formed by the merging of the front and back panels, wherein the bag (10) comprises means (30 and 32) for resealing the bag (10) after opening; and wherein the resealing means (30 and 32) is adjustable, characterized in that the upper portion is further defined by a weakened line (28), the weakened line (28) being one of the front (12) and rear (14) panels and it overlaps two side panels (16 and 18). Bag (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bag (10) with the weakened line (28) has a tensile strength value as measured by the ASTM D-882 method of at least 90% of the tensile strength before the bag is provided with the weakened line. . The bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the bag has a final tensile stress as measured by the ASTM D-882 method of at least 90% of the tensile strength prior to supplying the bag with the weakened line. 4. A bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bag has an average tear strength of trapezoidal of less than 4 kg as measured by the ASTM D-5733 method. 5. A bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detergent. 6. The bag (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the weakened line (28) is formed by a method selected from chemical treatment, laser incision, laser perforation, mechanical incision, mechanical perforation, embossing processes or combinations thereof. HU 226 272 Β1 Int Cl .: B65D 75/58 Figure 2 HU 226 272 Β1 Int Cl .: B65D 75/58 HU 226 272 Β1 Int Cl .: B65D 75/58 HU 226 272 Β1 Int Cl .: B65D 75/58 HU 226 272 Β1 Int Cl .: B65D 75/58 Force, Figure 8 Figure 9 HU 226 272 Β1 Int Cl: B65D 75/58