DE29704213U1 - Closure for packaging, in particular for folded shipping packaging - Google Patents

Description

Protection claims

1. Closure for packaging, in particular for folded shipping packaging (10)

with one-piece basic packaging cut (10),
comprising a first and a second closure element (12,14),

each of which comprises a region (22,28) provided with a part of a contact closure,
wherein said regions (22,28) are arranged on the same side of the one-piece base blank.

2. Closure according to claim 1,

in which the first of the closure elements (12) is assigned at least one recess (52) in a partial area of the packaging (10).

3. Closure according to claim 2,

in which the at least one recess (52) in the closed state of the packaging (10), preferably by a folding process, comes to lie opposite the associated closure element (12) in such a way that the first and the second of the closure elements (12, 14) can be brought into adhesive contact with one another through at least one recess (52).

4. Closure according to one of claims 2 to 3,

in which the recess (52) or the recesses together cover almost the entire width of the packaging (10).

5. Closure according to one of the preceding claims,

in which the said parts of the contact closure are bonded by one or several contact adhesives, preferably

DIEHL · GLAESER HILTL & PARTNER

Patent attorneys · Flüggenstraße 13 · D - 80639 Munich Dr. Hermann O. Th. Diehl · Graduate Physicist Joachim W. Glaeser ■ Graduate Engineer* Dr. Elmar HiItI · Graduate Chemist Erich Burger· Graduate Engineer Dr. Thomas Leidescher ■ Graduate Biologist

In cooperation with Diehl & Partner AG CH - 7513 Siivaplana ■ Switzerland

Patent Attorneys ■ European Patent Attorneys Munich · Hamburg*

Susanne Bleicher-Kaikkis Ruffinistraße 16/1 DE 8 0637 Munich GERMANY

07 March 1997

B7229-DE

DI/WR

Closure for packaging, especially for folded

Shipping packaging

Law firm ■ Office: Munich

Telephone ■ Telephone
(089) 17 86 36-0
(089) 17 7061

Fax · Facsimile (089) 1 78 40 33 (089) 1 78 40 34

Teleprinter ■ Telex 5 215145 zeusd Address Flüggenstraße 13 D - 80639 Munich

Postal address · Mailing address P.O. Box 19 03 D - 80603 Munich

07 March 1997 Our reference: B7229-DE

Description

Closure for packaging, especially for folded shipping packaging

The invention relates to a closure for packaging, in particular for folded shipping packaging. The invention also relates to a foldable packaging, in particular foldable shipping packaging, for flat data carriers.

Many companies are increasingly sending information material to customers and prospective customers in the form of information stored on data storage devices. The floppy disk has recently been replaced by compact discs, particularly computer-readable CD-ROMs. Packaging for sending such data storage devices, which not only provides protection but also provides an attractive presentation of the data storage device, is known from DE 295 20 990, for example. However, if such packaging is closed with a snap fastener, other items can get caught in the flaps or similar when being sent by post.

Furthermore, for technical or logistical reasons, some packaging can only be filled and closed outside of a packaging machine some time after the packaging has been manufactured. For example, some packaging contents have to be filled by hand due to their shape, or the contents are fragile and/or heat-sensitive. To date, the only sealing options for these cases are using agents that are only applied after the packaging has been manufactured in the packaging machine, or using such

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Agents that are applied during production but then have to be deactivated by protective measures before use. Both options are complex, expensive and generally involve additional time expenditure.

The invention is therefore based on the task of creating a closure that can be produced before or during the actual production of the packaging, that can be produced inexpensively, that does not cause any problems during production, storage or filling of the packaging, that functions reliably and is easy to open again and that is designed in such a way that the risk of other shipments getting caught in any closure parts such as tabs, slits or the like during transport is kept as small as possible. In addition, the closure should make it possible for the packaging to be filled and closed not only "inline" but also some time after the packaging has been produced. The invention is also based on the task of creating a foldable packaging with which flat data carriers can be sent safely and also presented attractively to the recipient.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by the closure according to claim 1 and the packaging according to claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments, details and aspects of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a closure for packaging, in particular for folded shipping packaging.

The closure according to the invention has at least two closure elements, a first and a second closure element,

each of which comprises an area provided with a part of a contact closure. Such a contact closure is formed, for example, by a depression, such as a groove, as one part and a matching elevation as the other part. A contact closure is also formed, for example, by one or more tabs or the like as one part and one or more slots for receiving the tabs as the other part.

In a preferred embodiment, the contact closure is formed by adhesives, such as magnetic areas, such as magnetic strips. The two areas forming the contact closure can be provided with the same or a different adhesive.

In another preferred embodiment, the contact closure is formed by areas provided with adhesive. Here too, the two areas forming the contact closure can be provided with the same or a different adhesive. The use of a contact adhesive is particularly preferred, i.e. an adhesive that only sets when two areas provided with this contact adhesive come into contact with one another. Here too, the two areas forming the contact closure can be provided with the same or a different contact adhesive. The use of the same contact adhesive for all areas forming the contact closure is particularly preferred. The use of contact adhesive has the advantage that the closure can only be closed a long time after the packaging has been produced or filled. In addition, the closure can be closed by hand. If a hot glue is used, for example, the closure would have to be pressed by machine, which is not possible when filling the packaging with a compact disc due to the mechanical and thermal stress.

The area of a closure element provided with contact adhesive does not necessarily have to be continuous. It is also within the scope of the invention that the area of a closure element provided with contact adhesive consists of several smaller areas, such as a series of adhesive points. Preferably, however, the area of a closure element provided with contact adhesive forms a continuous surface.

The adhesive or contact adhesive can be applied to the packaging material using a variety of methods, such as spraying, rolling or printing. Applying the adhesive or contact adhesive using screen printing is particularly preferred. The adhesive can be applied thick enough and with a uniform thickness for secure bonding. Partial application is also possible, i.e. it is possible to leave out areas that are not supposed to stick later when applying the adhesive.

If the contact closure is formed by a contact adhesive, the application of the contact adhesive can advantageously be carried out before the actual production of the packaging by punching, folding, folding and the like, since each individual area coated with adhesive does not stick on its own. The contact adhesive is advantageously applied before the basic cut is punched out of the packaging material sheet or roll, since then the contact adhesive can be applied to several packages on the sheet or roll in one step, and the straight edges and right angles of the sheet or roll still provide good application options.

According to the invention, the packaging is formed by a one-piece basic cut, which enables simple and cost-effective production. The term basic cut is understood to mean a cut that can already be folded into a functional packaging on its own. Additional elements that are applied, inserted or attached, such as stickers that can also extend over one or more edges, seals, inserts and the like, are within the scope of the invention. For example, a holding device can be provided inside the packaging that serves to hold a flat data carrier. According to the invention, such a holding device does not have to be included in the basic cut of the packaging and can also be made up of several parts, as described in DE-OS 195 10 090.

According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if the closure elements of the closure are on the same side of the one-piece basic cut. The closure elements can then be applied during the manufacture of the closure without turning the sheet or roll of material. Furthermore, punched-out basic cuts are also easy to stack, since the areas provided with contact adhesive are only on one side and therefore cannot stick together.

Advantageously, the closure according to the invention can also contain more than two closure elements. For example, two of the closure elements can be used for closing during shipping, while other closure elements can then close the initially opened packaging again, for example for archiving purposes.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first of the closure elements of the closure is assigned at least one recess in a partial area of the packaging. Although in the following this at least one recess is referred to as 'the

recesses', according to the invention an embodiment with exactly one recess assigned to the first closure element is preferred and therefore 'the recesses ¹ always includes the case of exactly one recess.
Preferably, the recesses are arranged adjacent to the associated closure element and extend completely through the packaging material.

The recesses are preferably arranged in such a way that they come to rest on the associated closure element when the packaging is closed and that this closure element can have an adhesive effect with at least one other of the closure elements through at least one of the recesses. This superimposition of the recesses and the associated closure element can be achieved, for example, by a simple folding process, but also by several folding processes. According to the invention, it is particularly important here that the adhesive effect of the closure elements is strong enough that the closure elements form a sufficiently strong closure through the thickness of the recesses. By the recesses and the associated closure element being superimposed, it is achieved that the closure element, which according to the invention was applied to one side of the packaging, for example the later inside, points outwards through the recesses and can therefore be brought into contact with a second closure element.

For good adhesion through the cutouts, it is advantageous if the width of the cutouts together takes up almost the entire width of the packaging, as this creates a secure closure that adheres over a wide area and reduces the weight of the packaging. 'Width' is understood to mean the dimension along the fold lines and the closure flap of the packaging. The cutouts preferably extend along this width of the packaging. Furthermore

the recesses should be wide enough in the direction perpendicular to this width so that the closure elements come into good contact with each other through the recesses. The recesses are preferably completely continuous, i.e. they reach through the entire thickness of the surface structure in which they are attached.

The recesses can be filled with a number of

Technology known methods, preferred is

punching out the recess from the packaging material. This punching step can be advantageous

simultaneously with the punching of other areas in the

Packaging, such as an address window, attaching

Folding lines or punching out the entire basic cut from the material sheet or roll.

It is advantageous if, in the previous step, in which a contact adhesive is applied, the areas to be punched out afterwards are kept free of adhesive. This relieves the load on the punching tool and prevents the accumulation of adhesive on the punching tool. In addition, the punched out parts cannot accidentally stick to an undesirable place. However, it is advantageous to provide the area around the recesses and the corresponding areas on the associated closure element with contact adhesive so that the recesses are in close and secure contact with the associated closure element when closed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, in the step of applying the contact adhesive, all areas of the packaging that are to be connected later are provided with adhesive, i.e. also the adhesive areas that are not part of the closure. This means that a step that would otherwise have to be carried out in a packaging machine can be saved. For small runs where the folding is done by hand, for example

This means that the use of a packaging machine can be completely eliminated.

In a further embodiment, the second of the closure elements is assigned at least one perforation as an opening aid for opening the closure. The at least one perforation is preferably attached adjacent to the associated closure element. In an advantageous embodiment, the opening aid comprises two parallel perforation lines spaced apart from one another that extend across the entire width of the packaging. After tearing open the perforations, i.e. by removing the strip lying between the perforation lines, the packaging can be opened.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the opening aid is designed in such a way that when the closure is opened, at least part of a plug-in closure, such as one or more tabs, is created. In this embodiment, the opposite side has a device, in particular a slot, for receiving said part of the plug-in closure.

In order to avoid other shipments getting caught in parts of the closure, it is advantageous that the closure elements of the closure are connected to one another without interference during the closing process. It is also advantageous if the closure elements lie flat on top of one another when the packaging is closed and/or do not penetrate one another. Preferably, when the packaging is closed, no material area of the base cut penetrates the surface of the base cut and comes into contact with the opposite side.

The closure according to the invention is advantageously used in a foldable packaging, in particular a foldable packaging for flat data carriers. The present

In a second aspect, the invention therefore provides a foldable packaging, in particular a foldable shipping packaging for flat data carriers.

According to the invention, such a foldable packaging consists of at least two flat structures, with a first flat structure being flexibly connected to a second flat structure via a fold line. In addition, holding means are provided for receiving the flat data carrier, such that the holding means hold the flat data carrier in the unfolded state of the packaging in a plane that lies between the first and second flat structures, i.e. forms an angle greater than zero with the first flat structure and the second flat structure.

If the angle between the first and second planar structures in the unfolded state is designated by α, the angle between the first or second planar structures and the plane in which the holding means hold said data carrier is designated by ct]_ or ct2, where αδ + a2 = α, then the above condition for the plane in which the holding means hold the data carrier states that α]_ and 0C2 should both be greater than zero. Preferably, α]_ and c*2 are both greater than a/6, particularly preferably a\ and a2 are both greater than a/3.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a]_ and a2 are approximately the same size and thus both approximately equal to a/2. When the packaging is then completely opened, the first and second flat structures form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. The flat data carrier then stands approximately perpendicular to the two flat structures and is clearly visible. In other embodiments of the invention, it is advantageous if the data carrier is not located symmetrically between the two flat structures, but one of the angles <x\, α 2 is larger than the other. For example, if α]_=α/3 and α2=2α

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/3, the data storage device stands at an angle of 60 degrees from the flat structures when the packaging is fully opened. This means that in the case of data storage devices where the front and back are different due to printing, as is common with CDs, the graphically more appealing side can be brought more easily into the viewer's field of vision.
Such an asymmetrical holding means is achieved, for example, by making the two surface structures forming the holding means of different widths.

For simple and cost-effective production, the packaging is formed according to the invention by a one-piece basic cut. For shipping and/or presentation, a secure, easy-to-open closure suitable for mailing according to one of the protection claims 1 to 13 is used according to the invention.

It is advantageous if the outline of the basic cut is designed in such a way that a number of such outlines can be placed as close together as possible on a sheet or roll of material. This reduces the amount of material required and, given the size of the machines used, such as the punching machine, more basic cuts can be processed in one operation. In addition, the amount of waste is reduced, which is to be welcomed for environmental protection reasons.

In an advantageous embodiment, each bulge in the outline of the basic cut is assigned a corresponding incision, such that when arranging a number of said basic cuts on a sheet or roll of the packaging material, a bulge of an outline extends at least partially into the corresponding incision of an adjacent outline.

In one embodiment, the packaging includes tabs for attaching one of the surfaces of the packaging. In the outline, these tabs appear as bulges. In order to achieve the tightest possible fit of the outlines on a sheet of material, cuts are then provided in a partial area of the basic cut, the shape of which corresponds to the bulges. If adjacent outlines are applied to the sheet of material in a suitably twisted manner, the bulges extend at least partially into the corresponding cuts and thus allow the packaging cuts to be applied more closely.

It should be emphasized that the provision of cuts, each of which corresponds to a bulge at another point on a packaging cut, is not limited to a specific design of the packaging. Rather, such cuts can be used advantageously in a variety of packaging. In addition to the closer attachment of the basic cuts to the material sheet or roll, with the advantages that the amount of material required is reduced, that more basic cuts can be processed in one operation and that the amount of waste is reduced, there is an additional advantage that the cuts reduce the weight of the packaging. This can save postage on shipping packaging, for example, or increase the amount of filling for the same postage.

Advantageously, the surface structures of the packaging are designed in such a way that the weight of the packaging is as low as possible. For example, a tab that holds an inserted mailing or letter in place is preferably reduced to the size absolutely necessary to hold the mailing securely. In addition, additional recesses can be made in other parts of the packaging, such as the holding means, which

further reduce the weight of the packaging without reducing stability.

For cost reasons and for environmental protection reasons, it is preferable to make the basic packaging cut from paper or cardboard.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the basic cut of a first embodiment of a hinged shipping packaging with an embodiment of the closure according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the packaging.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the basic cut of a second embodiment of the packaging.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the basic cut of a third embodiment of the packaging.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the basic cut of a fourth embodiment of the packaging.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the basic cut of a fifth embodiment of the packaging.

Fig. 7 Front and rear view of an embodiment of the shipping packaging for flat data carriers in the closed state.

Fig. 1 shows the basic cut of a first embodiment of a hinged, folded shipping packaging 10 with an embodiment of the closure according to the invention. The closure contains a first closure element 12 and a second closure element 14, each of which comprises an area provided with contact adhesive, 22 and 28 respectively.
The recess 52 is assigned to the first closure element 12 and covers almost the entire width of the packaging 10. By folding along the fold line 74, the recess 52 comes to lie on the closure element 12.

The contact adhesive is applied in the area 22 in such a way that the area surrounding the recess 52 on the flat structure 36 and the corresponding area on the flat structure 38 are each provided with contact adhesive. After folding along the fold line 74, these areas come into contact and bond the flat structures 36 and 38 in the area of the recess 52 so that the recess 52 lies tightly on the flat structure 38. The area of the recess 52 itself is, however, kept free of adhesive beforehand so that the punched-out piece of material does not stick undesirably elsewhere.

In addition, contact adhesive is applied to areas 20 and 24 so that after folding along fold line 74, the sheets 36 and 38 are securely bonded together. In addition, contact adhesive is applied to areas 26 and 27. By bonding these two areas together, the position of the holding means 40 is fixed.

By folding the packaging along the fold lines 70, 72, 76, 78 and 80, the packaging can be closed. A perspective view of the packaging after some of the folds is shown in Fig. 2. If all of the folds are carried out, the second closure element 14 comes to rest on the first closure element 12 through the recess 52 in such a way that the contact adhesive-coated

14 .. _v

Areas 22,28 face each other. The closure can now be closed by pressing the closure elements 12 and 14 together. The packaging in the closed state is shown in Fig. 7 in front and rear views. Internal parts, such as a holding means 40 or an inserted compact disc 90, are shown as a phantom. In the closed state, the closure elements 12 and 14 lie flat on top of each other, they are connected to each other without engagement over almost the entire width of the packaging 10. This prevents other mail items from getting caught in parts of the closure during shipping.

To open the closure, two parallel perforation lines 60 and 62 are provided, which extend over the entire width of the sheet-like structure 30. After tearing open the perforations, i.e. by removing the strip lying between the perforation lines 60, 62, the packaging 10 can be opened again and the closure is opened.

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a foldable shipping packaging for compact discs (CD) in perspective, Fig. 1 shows the corresponding basic cut. A first sheet 32 and a second sheet 37, consisting of the sheet structures 36 and 38 glued together, are flexibly connected to one another via the fold line 72. After folding along the fold line 78, the sheet structures 41 and 43 form the holding means 40 due to the shape of the recess 50. The holding means 40 receives the CD 90 with the recess 50. The recess 50 is essentially oval, with two sections tapering to the fold line 78. This ensures that the CD is held securely in the shipping packaging.

Fig. 2 shows the shipping packaging 10 in the unfolded state.

A standard letter can be inserted between the flat structures 32 and 42, the address of which is visible through the address recess 54 during shipping. In the unfolded state, in which the flat structures 32 and 37 form an angle of 180 degrees, the holding means 40 with the CD 90 is perpendicular to the plane spanned by said flat structures. As a result, the CD 90 is presented in an appealing and easily removable manner for the recipient. In order to keep the packaging 10 securely closed during shipping and to prevent other shipments from becoming caught in parts of the closure, the packaging comprises a closure according to the present invention.

Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 show further embodiments of the foldable shipping packaging. In Fig. 3, the tabs 34 are rectangular in shape. At the same time, cuts 56 were provided in the flat structures 41 and 43, which correspond to the tabs 34 in shape and size. This means that the basic cuts, each rotated 180 degrees against each other, can be placed much closer together on the sheet of material, thereby saving material and work steps. The cuts 56 do not restrict the function of the holding means 40, but reduce the weight of the packaging. This has the additional advantage that postage can be saved or the filling can be increased with the same postage.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the sheet-like structure 42 is significantly shortened compared to the first embodiment. This means that the packaging with a CD and a one-sided mailing weighs less than 50 g, which results in significant postage savings. The inserted mailing is still held securely in the closed position by the remaining flap 42. Additional recesses, for example in the sheet-like structures 41, 43 or 38, are advantageous if the weight is to be increased further, for example due to a higher filling.

should be reduced. The flat structures 41, 43 and 38 are completely inside the packaging, so that recesses in these flat structures cannot lead to any problems during shipping.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show various other advantageous embodiments for the shape and size of the tabs 34 and the corresponding incisions 56. It should be emphasized again that the provision of incisions 56, each of which corresponds to a bulge 34 at another location on a packaging blank, is not limited to a specific design of the packaging. Rather, such incisions can be used advantageously in a variety of packaging.

Claims (16)

17.' Protection claims 1. Closure for packaging, in particular for folded shipping packaging (10) with one-piece basic packaging cut (10) ,
comprising a first and a second closure element (12,14), each of which comprises a region (22,28) provided with a part of a contact closure,
wherein said regions (22,28) are arranged on the same side of the one-piece base blank. 2. Closure according to claim 1, in which the first of the closure elements (12) is assigned at least one recess (52) in a partial area of the packaging (10). 3. Closure according to claim 2, in which the at least one recess (52) in the closed state of the packaging (10), preferably by a folding process, comes to lie opposite the associated closure element (12) in such a way that the first and the second of the closure elements (12, 14) can be brought into adhesive contact with one another through at least one recess (52). 4. Closure according to one of claims 2 to 3, in which the recess (52) or the recesses together cover almost the entire width of the packaging (10). 5. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said parts of the contact closure are bonded by one or several contact adhesives, preferably formed by one or several contact adhesives. 6. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, in which said parts of the contact closure are formed by areas (22,28) to which the same contact adhesive is applied. 7. Closure according to one of claims 5 to 6, in which contact adhesive is applied in at least a partial area around the at least one recess (52), and in the area opposite this partial area in the closed state, contact adhesive is also applied. 8. Closure according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the contact adhesive applied to the areas (22,28) is used simultaneously for all areas (20,24,26,27) of the packaging that are connected to one another. 9. Closure according to one of claims 5 to 8, in which one or more contact adhesives can be applied using screen printing technology. 10. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second closure element (14) is assigned at least one perforation (60, 62) as an opening aid for opening the closure. 11. Closure according to claim 10, in which the opening aid is designed in such a way that when opened at least part of a plug-in closure is created and the closure has a slot on the opposite closure side to accommodate said part of the plug closure. 12. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, in which the closure elements (12,14) can be connected to one another without interference during the closing process. 13. Closure according to one of the preceding claims, in which the two closure elements (12, 14) lie flat on one another in the closed state, preferably without a material area of the basic cut penetrating the surface of the basic cut and coming into contact with the opposite side. 14. Hinged packaging, in particular hinged shipping packaging for flat data carriers (10), containing
at least two flat structures (30, 37), a first flat structure (32) being flexibly connected to a second flat structure (37) via a fold line (72), holding means (40) for receiving the flat data carrier (90), such that the holding means (40) hold the flat data carrier (90) in the unfolded state of the packaging (10) in a plane which forms an angle greater than zero with the first flat structure (32) and second flat structure (37), and a closure according to one of claims 1 to 13 for closing the packaging, wherein the sheet-like structures (32,37) each form a region of the one-piece basic blank of the packaging (10). 15. Hinged packaging according to claim 14, in which the outline of the basic cut is designed in such a way that a number of such outlines lie as close together as possible 20.". can be applied to a sheet or roll of material. 16. Hinged packaging according to one of claims 14 to 15, in which each bulge (34) in the outline of the basic blank is associated with a corresponding notch (56) such that when a number of said basic blanks are arranged on a sheet or roll of material, each bulge (34) of an outline, next to which an adjacent outline lies on the sheet or roll of material, extends at least partially into the corresponding notch (56) of the adjacent outline.