DE60119141T2 - Packaging for compressible products and method of manufacturing the packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a unitary flexible package (10) for enclosing and containing in a sealed condition one or more compressible products (100) in both a compressed and uncompressed condition. The package (10) comprises a first closure member (12) capable of sealing the package (10) in a first closed condition defining a first volume, and a second closure member (14) capable of sealing the package (10) in a second closed condition defining a second volume, the second volume being greater than the first volume. A method for making the package (10) of the present invention is also disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

These The invention relates to packaging suitable for efficient packaging and sending compressible products can be used as well Procedure for the production of such packaging.

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

At the Transport of finished products from the place of production to the point of sale or to a temporary warehouse, it is often desirable to have a variety of products in a larger, more resistant package include. As a result, the products are not only longer in the desired kept sealed state, but it is also the number reduces individual elements that have to be handled, and it will generally be elements with a more uniform shape for stacking and handling provided.

About the For many years, such packaging often takes the form of conventional, Often rectangular, rigid or semi-rigid packaging on, the Corrugated or non-corrugated canon passed and over dimensions possessed, which were suitable for accommodating a predefined number of finished products. For others Products that are protected from dirt but not from physical damage become "soft", flexible packaging materials such as polymeric films and papers of varying thickness in a similar manner used. While Such packaging is considered effective for protecting finished products while of transport and storage, they are with regard to of the space they are more compressible during transport or storage Products with a big one Claim cavity volume, and in terms of the required material generally inefficient.

Around To fix this deficit, were different packaging types for the Inclusion of compressible products, d. H. of products under pressure, developed. Furthermore Various methods have been developed to compressive compressive forces Apply products before they are enclosed in a package so that the products in the packaging are kept under pressure, until this opens becomes. Such a package and method are described in EP-A-O 942 881 discloses a packaging for efficient packaging and transporting compressible products, and a method for the Production of such packaging will be disclosed.

One Disadvantage of common compressible packaging for the storage and transport of compressible products in compressed Condition is the problem of proper enclosing and / or correct Storage of compressible products after the transport packing, to Example from the consumer, opened has been. Many compressible products can take their original form Restore sufficiently, so after opening the Transport packaging the products contained therein show the tendency to their original one To return to form z. B. by expansion, so that the original packaging the product no longer properly enclose can. This causes problems for the user of the packaged products. For example, if the compressible product is in a sealed condition must be stored, the packaging may not be sealed against external influences become.

One Another problem more common Compressible packaging is often difficult to open are. A packaging for For example, compressed products are often stretched at the seams, so for the opening only a little material can be gripped. By opening the packaging with sharp Objects like knives, scissors and the like can be the content of damaged package become.

One Another problem more common Compressible packaging, especially in individually compressed Articles, the difficulty is the first (or first) packaged To take articles. The consumer often has to significantly make an effort to extract the first item from the packaging, because it is packaged in a highly compressed way.

In GB-A-2310652 discloses a receptacle, in which the product can be packed in a compressed state. Before the opening of the receptacle and the removal of the product, the packaging volume of the receptacle can be increased, by first unfolding the areas of the receptacle that over the Protruding intermediate floor, and then separated the intermediate floor or is torn off, so that the product can expand, without that it's out of the open Receptacle emerges.

Disposable absorbent products are one example of product types that are often transported in a compressed state, but the invention is not limited to such products. For example, disposable diapers can be highly compressed and packaged to minimize transport and storage space requirements. After the consumer the original Verpa However, the nappies may recover a certain percentage of their original, uncompressed volume so that they can no longer be adequately packaged in their original packaging. This poses a problem for the consumer who wants to re-seal the remaining diapers from external contamination and moisture.

Accordingly, one would be Packaging desirable, which may contain compressible products that are in a compressed state Condition can be packed with low volume, and the one again Sealing after opening as well as a restoration of the original form of the contained therein Products possible.

Besides, one would be Packaging for desirable to accommodate compressed products that are easily opened can.

Farther would be a Packaging for the transport and storage of compressible products desirable, the simple removal of the first packaged product when opening the Packaging possible.

Finally is a procedure for the production of such packaging desirable.

SHORT SUMMARY THE INVENTION

The The present invention comprises a one-piece flexible package for Enclose and including one or more compressible products, both in compressed as well as in a non-compressed state, in a sealed Status. The packaging comprises a first closure means is capable of packing in a first closed state seal, which defines a first volume, as well as a second closure means, that is able to wrap the packaging in a second closed Seal state that defines a second volume, the second Volume is greater as the first volume. The packaging can have at least one envelope for folding a portion of the package to a compact To form packaging with low volume.

Disclosed is a method for producing a package according to the present invention with at least one envelope, the method comprising the following steps:
Providing a first continuous material wrapper having a first open end and a second open end;
Attaching a second closure means to the first open end;
Folding the first open end at a fold to form an envelope;
Connecting the envelope with the continuous material wrap around a first
To form closure means at a first closed end;
Placing the products in the continuous material envelope;
Compressing the products;
Closing the second end of the material wrap to enclose the products in a compressed state.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

Even though this patent concludes with claims which represent and specifically claim the present invention It is assumed that the same from the following drawings in connection better understood with the accompanying patent specification, wherein like components are given the same reference number.

1 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the package of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the in 1 shown packaging prior to opening the first closure means.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging, which in 2 is similar to the packaging shown after opening the first closure means.

4 Figure 3 is a partial perspective sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a package of the present invention.

5 and 6 are partially cutaway perspective views of the in 4 illustrated embodiment in which compressive forces are shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As As used herein, the term "joined together" includes embodiments, where an element directly by means of direct attachment of the element on the other element is fixed to another element, and Designs, whereby an element indirectly by attaching the Elements on one or more intermediate elements, in turn attached to the other element, to the other element is determined.

As used herein, the term "integral" refers to packages made of different parts that intermesh to form a coordinated entity. Packages comprising a flexible polymeric film that is formed, folded, sealed, and, if possible, joined to other components, such as closure mechanisms, as a coordinated unit, are referred to, for example, as "integral." Similarly, a package such as a plastic bag would be separate contained in another package, eg in a cardboard box, with this not being considered "one-piece".

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a one-piece flexible packaging 10 for enclosing and enclosing one or more compressible products 100 in a sealed condition. As shown, the packaging 10 have a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, although other shapes can be used, primarily those of the compressible products 100 are dependent on it. The packaging 10 can be in any dimensions depending on the particular products 100 to be included in it.

The packaging 10 The present invention can be made from a variety of suitable materials including, but not limited to, paper, fabric, and plastic, including polymeric films. Polymeric films preferably have sufficient strength and resistance to creep deformation so that compressed articles can be packaged therein. Such polymeric materials are well known in the art for the packaging of compressed articles and include, for example, thermoplastic polymer films such as polyethylene, polyolefins and polyesters. A preferred material for packaging articles such as disposable diapers is LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) having a thickness between 5 microns and 5 mm. In general, the thickness of packaging material will depend on the products being packaged and the degree of compression. Thermoplastic polymer films facilitate sealing by the application of heat to seams, pleats and envelopes, as in the prior art. Other means of closing various seams and envelopes of the package 10 and for securing volume-reducing folds in the assembled state can be used, for. Adhesive tape, staples and adhesives, of which hot-melt adhesive is currently preferred. Once the packaging 10 According to the prior art method for producing and filling packages for compressed articles was manufactured, filled and sealed, the packaging is considered as "one piece".

The compressible products 100 may comprise solid, single compressible elements, but also individual compressible packages, all of which may include a compressible product or products in liquid, powdery, granular, particulate or discrete form. For products in "loose" form, such as liquids and particulate materials, suitable means for enclosing the product during the compression process should be used to prevent product loss 10 The present invention accordingly comprises a single single product 100 For example, a reusable product such as a sponge that exists between uses in the package 10 can be sealed again. The packaging 10 However, the present invention is particularly for the inclusion of a variety of products 100 suitable, which in turn may be packages or containers of individual product units.

Products 100 which are of particular interest in accordance with the present invention include products which are elastically compressible, that is, which can be compressed by a compressive force and yet fully, substantially, or at least partially recover their original volume as well as outer dimensions, when the compression force is released. Products of this type include clothing, cushions, sponges, cotton padding wadding, cotton balls, construction materials such as fiber insulating wadding, and disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, paper and tissue products such as paper towels, facial tissues, facial tissues, wipes, napkins, and the like a wide range of other products.

The packaging 10 The present invention is a package for compressible products that can be compressed and transported in a small volume, yet still allowing easy opening, easy removal of the products contained therein after opening, and proper containment and sealing after opening and removing therein contained compressed products. The packaging 10 can therefore be two closure means 12 and 14 as in the 1 to 3 represented. The first closure means 12 keeps the packaging 10 closed in a first position, as in 1 and 2 shown, where 2 a cross-sectional view of the packaging 10 in a first closed state. In the first closed state, the packaging defines 10 a first volume V1, which is the volume of the enclosed internal space, that of the side walls 11 the packaging 10 is defined, if the products contained in it compressed state, for example during transport, and the packaging 10 is from a first closure 12 held in the closed position. The packaging can therefore in a first closed state at least one product 100 contained in a compressed, volume-reduced state.

The first closure means 12 can be any means that is able to handle a section of the package 10 , z. B. an envelope 16 to hold in a closed position to maintain the first volume V1 until the first closure means 12 withdrawn, loosened, removed or otherwise opened. The first closure means 12 may therefore be any known closure means, including hot melt, ultrasonic and mechanical closure devices such as hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, as in the 1 to 3 illustrated, the first closure means 12 an adhesive tape 18 its the envelope 16 sealed by adhesive action in a folded manner. The tape 18 may be any suitable prior art adhesive tape, but is preferably a tape having a line of weakness 21 , For example, a perforation, and / or a separating strip 22 like a string or a ribbon to pull (as in the 1 and 2 shown) to a simple opening of the first closure means 12 to enable. A weak line 21 , with or without separating strip 22 , facilitates the tearing of the tape into two parts, 12a and 12b , as in 3 shown. After the first closure means 12 torn in this way, it can be resealed.

After the first closure means 12 has been resolved, the envelope may 16 for example, like in 2 may be formed by a fold 20 in a section of the side walls 11 the packaging 10 unfold. The unfolding of the envelope 16 creates an extra volume in the packaging 10 , That is, once the envelope 16 is unfolded, there is additional space in 3 as a room 25 is shown in the packaging 10 to disposal. Compressible products 100 By doing so, they can partially expand back into their uncompressed volume while still in the package 10 are now in a second state, which, when closed by the second closing means defines a second volume V2 which is greater than the volume of the enclosed inner space, the from the Seitenwän the 11 the packaging 10 is defined when the second closure element is closed.

Compressible products 100 can be compressed to a fraction of their volume before compression, depending on the nature of the product. For example, certain sponges can be compressed to half their volume before compression. Absorbent disposable articles, such as diapers having absorbent cellulosic flocking cores, can be collapsed and compressed to a thickness that corresponds to 60% of their thickness in the folded, uncompressed state. In general, a package according to the present invention may have a volume V1 that is 10% to 90% of the second volume V2. The package according to the present invention may have a volume V1 that is 50% to 80% of volume V2. The package of the present invention, when used for the packaging of disposable absorbent articles, may have a volume V1 that is between 60% and 70% of volume V2. For highly compressible products, the volume V2 may be 200% or more of volume V1.

The second closure means 14 can the packaging 10 close and preferably seal when the packaging 10 is in a second closed state defining the second volume V2. The second closure means 14 may therefore be a sliding closure, such as the corresponding prior art ZIPLOC ^® closures. The second closure means 14 can also be resealable by adhesive action, for example with hot melt adhesive, or by an adhesive tape tab closure. The second closure element 14 may also include mechanical fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners.

If the second closure means 14 is an airtight seal, this can be before opening the first closure means 12 in a non-airtight condition. That is, the second closure means 14 can be unlocked prior to opening of the first closure means, so that the additional volume can be at least partially filled with air to allow adequate expansion of the volume of the package 10 from the first volume V1 to the second volume V2. The second closure means 14 may of course be in a closed, sealed position, which may need to be partially opened, to allow air to enter the volume expansion of the package 10 to enable.

The package of the present invention may therefore be broadly understood as integral flexible packaging 10 for enclosing and enclosing one or more compressible products 100 , in both compressed and uncompressed states, in a sealed condition. The packaging can be made with the products in a compressed state be placed and transported. In order for the package to be easily opened and closed again after the first opening, for example by the consumer, the package may be a first means of closure 12 capable of sealing the package in a first closed state defining a first volume and a second closure means 14 which is capable of sealing the package in a second closed state defining a second volume, the second volume being greater than the first volume. Because the second volume is larger than the first volume, the trapped products are much easier to remove because they are no longer in the compressed state.

The term "seal" as used herein with respect to the first and second closure means 12 . 14 The term may refer to airtight or watertight seals, but is not limited to such seals.

Various other packaging designs may be implemented without departing from the scope of the above description. For example, two or more envelopes 16 be used, depending on where the first closure means to be arranged on the finished packaging of the compressed products. In one embodiment, a fanfold may be used to perform the function of the envelope 16 to achieve. In another embodiment, two or more first closure means 12 used, one or more of which with each envelope 16 are connected. The larger the difference between V1 and V2, the larger the number of envelopes in general 16 that are needed to remove the excess sidewall material 11 the packaging prior to opening the first closure means 12 to package efficiently and correctly.

In another embodiment, the first closure means could 12 as in 4 be formed, in which the envelope 16 by a line of an adhesive, such as hot melt adhesive, is attached. Instead of an adhesive bond could be the envelope 16 in a first closed position by heat sealing the portions of the side wall made of a thermoplastic polymer packaging material 11 in the region of the first closure means 12 be attached.

In another version, also in 4 may be a compression resistant seal 24 adjacent to the area of the envelope 16 to be provided. In this way, the first closure means 12 solved and the envelope 16 unfolded before the of the compressed products 100 applied pressure is released. To the one of the compressed products 100 pressure applied and an expansion of the packaging 10 to allow the second volume V1, the seal must 24 be solved first. A method of creating the seal 24 consists of a releasable adhesive, ie, an adhesive that has sufficient adhesion to be compression resistant but still has a sufficiently low release force to permit separation of the portions of the packaging material that are stuck together. Although the compression-resistant seal 24 in relation to the in 4 dargestell th embodiment is shown, the seal 24 used in combination with other designs, for example with the in 2 shown.

That the invention herein is primarily embodied in an envelope (or envelope) embodiment. 16 is because such a design is currently the best approach for commercial viability. That is, an envelope 16 is a suitable way of designing the packaging 10 for compact transport without creating excess material that is loose and uncontrolled. However, certain embodiments may be considered in which, as illustrated, no envelope 16 at a fold 20 folded. In the 4 illustrated embodiment, for example, be redesigned so that no fold 20 or envelope 16 is present on the finished packaging. The seal 24 would then be the first closure element 12 with a device for opening, for example, by pulling apart a seam of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The packaging material between the seal 24 and the second closure element 14 would not have to be folded and sealed as an envelope, but could simply remain unlocked on the packaging. Such an embodiment may be advantageous in packages for which a small difference between the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is required.

5 shows a further embodiment of a package 10 of the present invention with an optional handle 26 on a side thereof, which may be formed in one unit with the package. The packaging 10 consists of a flexible packaging material such as polymer film or Kraft paper, so that the various folds and folds can be easily produced, for example, in accordance with the state of the art by high-speed production.

Known methods for packaging compressed products in flexible packaging can be NEN be used to produce the packaging of the present invention. Such methods may include continuous "on-line" processes or discontinuous "off-line" processes. For example, the known bagging technology may be adapted to provide the compression package by using continuous webs of polymeric film in a continuous envelope of material in the X-axis, as in FIG 4 represented, is formed. The material may then be molded and / or folded and heat sealed to the two open ends to form a closed, one-piece package 10 to build. Because the material is moldable / flexible and flexible, optional folds may be preformed or formed during compression of the product from the sheet material.

In the in 5 The packaging shown is the products 100 a plurality of folded disposable diapers which have been compressed in the direction indicated by the X-axis, for example, during the final assembly of the package. The packaging process may, for example, in a batch or continuous process, form a ZY-axis continuous material shell 30 (ie, a material tube that can be made, for example, by heat-sealing opposing edges of a web to form a prior art flexible, formable, cylindrical tube). The material cover 30 can be cut to length so that it is open at two ends in the direction of the X-axis, with one of these ends, which is referred to herein as the first end, a second closure means applied (for example, the end on the right side of 5 and 6 .) The first end is then at the fold 20 folded to the envelope 16 to build. The first end is by connecting the envelope 16 with the packaging material 30 brought into the finished packaging state, as above with reference to the 1 to 4 described to the first closure element 12 to build.

The products 100 may, depending on the particular products to be packaged by any method in a continuous material sle le 30 to be placed. For those in the 5 and 6 The diapers illustrated can be provided with individual diapers in a predetermined quantity of folded, stacked diapers and according to the prior art into the material envelope 30 be introduced. After the products 100 in the material cover 30 can be placed in the direction of the X-axis, as in 6 represented by the arrows of the external force F applied. The external force F may be applied by a piston or other device known in the art while the package is attached. After a sufficient compression of the products 100 become wrinkles 32 by folding the material cover 30 formed at the second open end of the package to which the compression is applied. In a suitable procedure becomes a separate tail 34 of the packaging material 30 with the products 100 compressed. The wrinkles 32 be, for. B. by hot gluing, on the tail 34 folded and sealed to a closed, one-piece packaging 10 to build. In certain embodiments, the tail may not be required 34 include; the wrinkles 32 , which are folded at the corners and heat-sealed, for example, can have sufficient strength to the products 100 to keep in the compressed state. In all methods, the second open end of the material envelope becomes 30 closed to the products 100 sufficiently to receive in a compressed state.

In another process, the products 100 compressed first, z. B. in an off-line process, and introduced in the compressed state in the packaging material to close this in a one-piece package.

Once the wrinkles 32 were suitably formed and sealed and / or the tail 34 is completed, the external force F can be solved, so that a finished, one-piece, flexible packaging 10 The result is a large number of compressible products 100 in a first volume V in a sealed state.

Various modifications of the described method may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The products 100 For example, in a continuous material envelope 30 be placed before either the first or the second end of the package 10 is closed. Similarly, the second end (which does not have first and second closure members 12 . 14 first closed) before the first end can be closed.

Even though special embodiments of the present invention have been described it for the skilled person will appreciate that various other combinations and modifications can be made without the thought and Deviating scope of the invention. Therefore, in the attached claims all such combinations and modifications that are within the scope of protection The invention are covered.

Claims (10)

One-piece flexible packaging ( 10 ) for enclosing and enclosing one or more compressible products ( 100 ), both in the compressed and non-compressed states, in a sealed state, the packaging comprising a first closure means ( 12 ) which is capable of packaging ( 10 ) in a first closed state which defines a first volume, and a second closure means ( 14 ) which is capable of packaging ( 10 ) in a second closed state defining a second volume, the second volume being larger than the first volume, characterized in that the first closure means ( 12 ) has the ability to reseal. Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the packaging ( 10 ) Polymeric material, preferably low density polyethylene. Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first closure means ( 12 ) Comprises adhesive. Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive is in the form of adhesive tape ( 18 ) is present. Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive tape ( 18 ) a weak line ( 21 ) to rupture and open the first closure means ( 12 ). Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 5, wherein the adhesive tape ( 18 ) a tear strip ( 22 ). Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the second closure means ( 14 ) is again sealable and comprises an airtight sealant. Flexible packaging ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first volume is 10% to 90% of the second volume. Method for producing a flexible packaging ( 10 ) for enclosing products ( 100 ) in a compressed state, the method being characterized by the steps of: a. Providing a first continuous material envelope ( 30 ) having a first open end and a second open end; b. Attaching a second closure means ( 14 ) to the first open end; c. Folding the first open end at a fold ( 20 ) to an envelope ( 16 ) to build; d. Connecting the envelope ( 16 ) with the continuous material envelope ( 30 ), a first closure means ( 12 ) having the ability to re-seal at a first closed end; e. Placing the products ( 100 ) in the continuous material shell; f. Compressing the products ( 100 ); G. Closing the second end of the material envelope ( 30 ) to the products ( 100 ) in a compressed state. The method of claim 9, wherein steps (e) and (f) are reversed.