JPH05124679A - Easy open fin seal type package - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide a fin seal pouch type package in which packaged contents are smoothly poured out from the corners. The end seal 16 includes an extension 20 extending along a part of a side of the pouch portion 12.
Extend along the sides of the pouch portion 12 at a distance measured from the tips of the opposite edges 18. Extension 20
A notch 22, preferably V-shaped, is located in each of the. The notches 22 are preferably located on each side of the extension 20 such that their innermost portions are aligned along the centerline 24.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package for containing articles or materials, and more particularly to a package that is easy to open and at the same time keeps its contents intact but easy to put into them. The present invention relates to a sealed package having an array configuration that enables easy access and a method for forming the sealed package.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the packaging industry, many types of laminated pouches are commonly used to enclose and contain articles or materials. The contents of the pouch portion are generally sealed inside by a sealing portion along the top, bottom, sides and / or center of the pouch portion, thereby forming a package. Two such pouch parts are the "four-sided heat seal pouch part" and the "fin seal pouch part". Four-sided heat seal pouches are commonly used to enclose small amounts of liquids, powders and other products within. The fin seal pouch part can be used for accommodating a larger amount of liquid, powder or other products because of its structure and its inner volume being larger than that of the four-sided heat seal pouch part. All laminated pouch-type packages have opening problems due to their extremely high mechanical strength. This is especially true for fin seal pouch type packages. For example, the top or bottom of a fin-seal pouch type package is typically provided with a tearable notch that can be easily torn, but the tear notch does not provide a clear tear line. The obscure tear line is not sufficient, as it results in an uncontrolled opening. The stored product may spill carelessly. It is desirable to provide a fin-seal pouch type package that is easily opened while at the same time keeping its contents intact and conveniently accessible.
Unclear tear lines also create problems when attempting to pour liquid contents from the corners of a fin seal pouch type package. In particular, an obscure tear line can create dangling or protruding tears that block, obstruct or impede the flowable contents poured from the corners of a fin seal pouch type package. Send in the direction not to do.
What is desired is a means for pouring out smoothly and directionally from the corners of a fin-seal pouch-type package, such as using a wax.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a fin seal pouch type package in which the packaged contents are smoothly poured out from the corners thereof, which is easy to open and allows the sealed contents to be conveniently accessed. Fin seal pouch type package, and further,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for forming such a fin seal pouch type package.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a fin seal pouch type package (hereinafter referred to as a package at the end) that is easily opened and thereby provides easy access to its contents. The present invention relates to a forming method. The package according to the present invention includes a pouch portion for enclosing the contents, the pouch portion having a central portion sealed in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the ends of the pouch is sealed, the sealed end is provided with an extension, and the extension is further provided with a notch for tearing. The central seals are joined to form a major portion of the pouch, and one or more seals at the ends are joined to form the remainder of the pouch. The extension is positioned along a side of the pouch in a predetermined amount. In a preferred embodiment, the cleft notches are located on each side of the pouch and on the extension so that their innermost portions are aligned with each other. The package forming method according to the present invention includes:
(A) placing the product to be packaged inside a partially folded part of a moving web, and (b)
In the web, the step of forming a longitudinal fin seal for surrounding the product inside the pouch part composed of this web, and (c) forming a lateral seal in the pouch part, and forming a lateral seal on the side part of the pouch part. Forming the lateral seal having a longitudinal extension that is continuous along a predetermined amount along it; (d) forming a lateral fold line in the lateral seal of the pouch portion; Forming a notch to provide a tear notch in the directional extension,
(F) separating the pouch portion from the moving web along its fold line to provide the package formed thereby.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a sealed package which can be easily opened while maintaining its contents inside the package. The package according to the present invention is a flexible plastic film and aluminum foil in a laminated state, which cooperate with each other to provide mechanical strength and product stability. It is commonly formed from film and aluminum foil. The foil portion of the laminate is commonly used to reduce oozing of the package, and the plastic portion is used for mechanical strength. Polyethylene, aluminum foil, metallized polyester,
Many laminates are currently in use, such as polyester and polyethylene and combinations thereof. The use of such laminates, while providing a package with mechanical strength, creates problems with its tearing. The present invention is specifically intended to solve this dehiscence problem, the solution of which is first described with reference to FIG. 1 which illustrates a laminated package 110 according to the prior art.

FIG. 1 illustrates a "fin seal" type laminate package 110 of particular importance to the present invention. The laminated package 110 is formed of laminated pouch portions 112, and has a seal portion 114 in the central portion thereof, which is connected to the main portions of the pouch portions. Seal portion 114, like the other seal portions described herein, is preferably of the heat seal type. In addition, the sealing portion 114 is commonly referred to as a fin seal, whereby the laminated package 1
10 is classified as a "fin seal" type. The heat seal 11 is provided on the opposite edges 118 of the pouch 112.
6 is also positioned. These heat seals 116
Are mutually connected to the rest of the pouch 112. The heat seal 116 includes a plurality of tear notches 120 formed partially through the bottom. Without this cleaving notch, the cleaving force is applied along the heat seal 116 when attempting to cleave the package, which makes opening the laminated package 110 extremely difficult. The notch 120 concentrates such tearing forces at the innermost portion of the notch, which concentrated force makes the package much easier to open. However, in such prior art packages, the tearing that occurs during its opening is relatively obscure as explained with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, in order to sever the laminated package 110, it is common to pinch the notch 120 with the thumb and forefinger of one hand and hold it on one side (as indicated by reference numeral 120A). Simultaneously with pulling to the side, the thumb and index finger of the other hand pull the same notch 120 to the other side (as indicated by reference numeral 120B).
This applies a cleaving force to longitudinally cleave the package from its top to its bottom. This longitudinal tear generally begins at a position of one edge of the top of the laminate package 110 rather than through a pre-determined passage and toward the central portion of the laminate package 110 in the manner shown in FIG. And proceed along this central part. Such tears often cause inadvertent spillage or splashing of the sealed contents 122 inside the laminate package 110.
Hereinafter, the present invention for eliminating the scattering of the contents will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 illustrates a package 10 having a central longitudinal seal portion 14 formed from a laminated pouch portion 12 and similar to the seal portion 114 shown in FIG. Near the opposite ends 18 of the package 10 are laterally arranged end seal portions 16.
The end seal 16 and the central seal portion 14 are package 1
0 Seal related products inside. The end seal 16 is an extension 2 that extends along a portion of the pouch 12 laterally.
It has 0. This extension 20 extends along the sides of the pouch portion 12 at a distance measured from the tip of the opposite edge 18, as shown in FIG. Extension 2
A notch 22, preferably V-shaped, is located in each of the zeros. The notches 22 are preferably located on each side of the extension 20 such that their innermost portions are aligned along the centerline 24. In FIG. 3, the end seals 16 are each shown as having a width D ₁ , the notches 22 are positioned at a distance D ₂ from their respective ends 18, and each of the extensions 20 is said end. It extends from the portion 18 along the side of the pouch portion 12 by a distance D ₃ . Distance D ₁ and D
₂ is about 0.18 inch to about 0.25 inch (about 0.4
6 cm to 0.64 cm) and the distance D ₃ may be a value of about 2/3 of the distance D ₂ .

The notch 22 and its location shown in FIG. 3 are important features of the present invention by which a convenient opening of the package 10 is provided. This will be described below with reference to FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and described with reference to FIG. 2, the package 10 has a notch 22 on one side (as indicated by reference numeral 22A) with the thumb and index finger of one hand. Upon pulling, the notch 22 is pulled apart by pulling the notch 22 to the other side (as indicated by reference numeral 22B) with the thumb and index finger of the other hand. This exerts a cleaving force and beneficially cleaves the package in a well-defined manner, creating an opening in the pouch 12. This opening is generally perpendicular to the sealed package portion 28 which encloses the contents 30. Unlike the conventional laminated package 110, the opening portion of the package 10 can maintain the stored contents inside the non-delaminated portion of the package 10 as it is. The dehiscence line follows a pre-defined passage 32 consisting of segments 32A and 32B if dehiscence continues, and FIG.
It is formed by tracing the segment 32C as shown in FIG. The present invention achieves the formation of a tear line in the guided state, which allows convenient access to the contents 30 without inadvertently splashing the contents of the package. The present invention provides for easy tearing along the clear path of a fin-sealed pouch package, thereby creating an opening that generally surrounds the contents 30 of the sealed package 10 and is generally orthogonal. I want to be recognized.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a fin-sealed pouch package that is particularly suitable for pouring out the liquid contents. FIG. 5 illustrates a package 15 similar to the package 10 of FIG. 3, with the same elements being labeled with the same reference numbers. The package 15 incorporates all the previously described principles of the package 10, for example the extension 20. The package 15 differs from the package 10 in that the notches 22 are aligned in a skewed manner along a reference line 24 that intersects the corners 15a. Each of the notches 22 is arranged obliquely with respect to the corner 15a, as shown in FIG. Also, the end seal 16 of the corner 15a is preferably shaped to provide a separation or gap between the corners. The gap 17 is defined by the pre-determined dehiscence passage 3 between the notches 22 positioned opposite the corners 15a.
Support the occurrence of 2. The dehiscence passage 32 is shown by the reference line 24 in FIG.
Pass a position very close to. In operation, the package 15 is opened in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. In particular, the thumb and forefinger of each hand are positioned on each side of the corner 15a, respectively, and then a dehiscing force is applied, thereby causing the package, particularly the corner 15a, to follow the predetermined dehiscence passage 32. Is torn open. Implementation of the present invention provides a fin-seal pouch type package that is easily cleaved along a defined passageway, thereby creating an opening generally orthogonal to the portion containing the contents 30 of the package 10. Please understand.

The package 10 shown in FIG.
Although described as having two extensions 20 provided at four opposite end positions, each extension 20 having a notch 22, the present invention comprises a single notch 22. It should be appreciated that it may be implemented as having a single extension 20. Notch 2 for the above two examples
2 indicates that the dehiscence progresses along the portion for enclosing the package contents, that is, along the portion of the package 10 in which the product is contained or the portion diagonally traversing the corner 15a of the package 15. It is only necessary to initiate dehiscence.

A method of forming the packages 10 and 15 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Although the following description is directed to forming the package 10, it should be appreciated that the description is also applicable to forming the package 15. FIG. 6 shows the package 1 by accessing the web supply 52 of the laminate strip 54 which is controllably moved in the direction 56.
The functionality of device 50 that may be used to manufacture a zero is illustrated. Direction 56 may be generally horizontal as shown in Figure 6, or may be oriented vertically. Device 5
The zeros are generally arranged in a system forming a package which has the benefits of the present invention, although its operation is conventional. Generally, the method of the present invention accomplished by using apparatus 50 includes (a) placing the product to be packaged inside a partially folded portion of a moving web, and (b) At the step of forming a longitudinal fin seal for surrounding the product inside the pouch part composed of this web, and (c) forming a lateral seal in the pouch part along the side part of the pouch part. Forming a lateral seal having a longitudinal extension that is continuous by a predetermined amount; (d) forming a lateral fold line in the lateral seal of the pouch portion; and (e) the longitudinal extension. Forming a notch to provide a tear notch in the section, and (f) separating the pouch section along its fold line from the moving web to provide the package formed thereby. It is free.

An apparatus 50 for carrying out the method of the present invention may include six stations. The purpose and function of these stations are shown in Table 1.

[0014]

[Table 1] Station Function 58 (Bending) The moving laminate strip 54 is bent so that the contents are stored therein. 60 (fin seal) The fin seal 14 is arranged inside the moving strip. 62 (End Seal) Form the end seal 16 with the extension 20 on the moving laminate strip 54. 64 (crease) A fold line 70 is formed on the moving laminate strip 54. 66 (Notch formation) An incision is formed in the moving laminate strip 54 to provide a tear-like notch 22. 68 (Cutting) Separate package 10 from laminate strip 54 along fold line 70.

Although six stations are shown with reference to apparatus 50, it should be understood that several stations can be easily combined. For example, station 66 and station 64 can be implemented simultaneously, thereby reducing the number of stations to five. In operation, the laminate strip 54 is controllably moved along the direction 56 from the web supply 52. Direction 56 preferably establishes the direction of the seal to be formed. In particular, the longitudinal seals are preferably formed along the direction of web travel, while the lateral seals are formed transverse to this direction of travel. Such an orientation is preferred in that it facilitates movement of the laminate strip 54, but can be changed if a seal in another orientation for the package 10 is desired. The moving laminating strip 54 is first directed by the device 50 inwardly on its sides so that it is inside the inwardly directed and partially folded section of the moving web of the product to be packaged. Positioned. A longitudinal fin seal is then formed in the web to contain the product. By forming this longitudinal fin seal, the moving web becomes a pouch member. The pouch member is then attached to the end seal 16 by a lateral fold line 70.
Are formed and thereby separated from the downstream side of the web. The end seal 16 comprises an extension 20 in its longitudinal direction. The extension 20 extends a predetermined amount along the lateral portion of the pouch member. Then the extension 20
A notch is formed in the to create a tear-like notch 22. Finally, the pouch member is separated from the web along transverse fold lines 70, preferably by cutting, to provide a formed package with the benefits previously described. It should be appreciated that the present invention provides a method for forming a package for easy opening and thereby convenient access to its sealed contents. Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific examples, it should be noted that various modifications can be made within the present invention.

[0016]

【The invention's effect】

1. A fin seal pouch type package is provided in which the packaged contents are smoothly poured out from the corners. 2. A fin seal pouch type package is provided that is easy to open and conveniently accessible to its sealed contents. 3. A method of forming such a fin seal pouch type package is provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional fin seal pouch type package.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an unsealed state of a typical prior art package in a typical tearing operation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fin seal pouch type package according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an opened state of the fin seal pouch type package of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a formation state of a fin seal pouch type package according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a step of forming the fin seal pouch type package of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10: Package 20: Extension part 22: Notch 24: Center line 50: Device 52: Web feeder 54: Laminate strip 70: Lateral folding line

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A package including a pouch portion for sealing a product therein, wherein the pouch portion is at least one of a body portion, a longitudinal fin seal portion, and an opposing end portion of the package. A lateral end seal having a longitudinal extension extending longitudinally along a lateral portion of the pouch and having a notch for tearing formed in the bottom. A package including a pouch portion for sealing the product therein including a part seal. 2. The lateral end seals are located on opposite sides of each of the opposite ends of the pouch, each lateral end seal comprising a longitudinal extension, the longitudinal ends of which are longitudinal. The package including a pouch for sealing the product of claim 1, wherein the extension has a cutout for tearing. 3. A package including a pouch for sealing the article of claim 2 therein, wherein the notches for dehiscence in the longitudinal extension are aligned with each other at their innermost portions. .. 4. A package including a pouch for sealing the article of claim 3 therein wherein the notch for dehiscence in the longitudinal extension has a V-shape. 5. The product of claim 1, wherein the pouch portion is in the form of a laminate made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, aluminum foil, metallized polyester, polyester, polyethylene and combinations thereof. A package that includes a pouch for sealing inside. 6. The product of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal extension is located at a corner of the pouch and has at least one notch diagonally arranged with respect to the corner to seal the product therein. Package including the pouch part. 7. A package including a pouch portion for sealing the product of claim 6 in which two notches positioned diagonally opposite each other are formed at the corners of the pouch portion. 8. The lateral end seal is about 0.46 cm to 0.64 cm (about 0.18 inch to about 0.25 cm).
A package including a pouch for sealing the article of claim 1 therein having a width dimension of inch). 9. The longitudinal extension extends from about 1.91 cm to about 2.86 cm (about 0.7) along the sides of the pouch.
A package comprising a pouch portion for sealing the article of claim 4 therein extending a distance of 5 inches to about 1.125 inches. 10. A V-shaped notch for positioning the product of claim 6 therein, wherein the V-shaped notch is positioned at a distance in the range of 2/3 of the longitudinal extension along the side of the pouch. Package including pouch part. 11. A method of forming a fin-sealed package, the method comprising: (a) placing a product to be packaged inside a partially folded portion of a moving web; and (b) in the web. , Forming a longitudinal fin seal to enclose the product inside the pouch part composed of this web, and (c) making a lateral seal in the pouch part and predetermining along the sides of the pouch part. Forming the lateral seal having a continuous lengthwise extension, (d) forming a lateral fold line in the lateral seal of the pouch, and (e) forming the longitudinal extension. Forming a notch to provide the tear notch, and (f) separating the pouch portion from the moving web along its fold line to provide the package formed thereby. Method of forming a fin seal package for free. 12. The step of forming a lateral seal and the step of forming a notch provide a corner in the lateral seal, the corner being at least one notch arranged obliquely with respect to the corner. The method for forming a fin-sealed package according to claim 11, further comprising: