EP2716568B1 - Packaging bag and method of manufacturing packaging bag - Google Patents

Packaging bag and method of manufacturing packaging bag Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2716568B1
EP2716568B1 EP12793612.8A EP12793612A EP2716568B1 EP 2716568 B1 EP2716568 B1 EP 2716568B1 EP 12793612 A EP12793612 A EP 12793612A EP 2716568 B1 EP2716568 B1 EP 2716568B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
easy
bag body
packaging bag
seal portion
disposed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP12793612.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2716568A4 (en
EP2716568A1 (en
Inventor
Shohei Yamada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd filed Critical Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Publication of EP2716568A1 publication Critical patent/EP2716568A1/en
Publication of EP2716568A4 publication Critical patent/EP2716568A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2716568B1 publication Critical patent/EP2716568B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5805—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a packaging bag for packaging various contents, such as medicines and food, with a film, and a method of producing the packaging bag.
  • a packaging bag for packaging contents by pillow packaging with a laminate film formed by laminating several types of plastic films As an example of known packaging bags, there is known a packaging bag for packaging contents by pillow packaging with a laminate film formed by laminating several types of plastic films. Such a packaging bag is easy to handle and contributes to a reduction in volume of garbage, and thus is preferably used.
  • a laminate film forming a packaging bag has various functions, such as high strength, high tension strength, gas barrier, moisture permeability, and aroma retention, for each film layer.
  • the packaging bag is formed by laminating plastic films having functions suitable for each type of the contents.
  • the packaging bag formed of plastic films is excellent in strength and tension strength, which makes it difficult for a user to cut an end of the packaging bag with hands and necessitates the user to use scissors, a knife, or the like to cut the end. Further, when the user forms a cut line with scissors or the like and opens the bag along the cut line, the cut portion is not always linearly formed. Thus, there is a possibility that the contents burst out of the packaging bag.
  • the pillow-type packaging bag includes a heat seal portion (back seal portion) formed on the back surface with a certain thickness. Accordingly, this back seal portion deteriorates the openability of the packaging bag. The problem of deterioration in openability is more remarkable for physically weak users such as patients and children.
  • Patent Document 1 For example, as a known technique in which the openability is improved, there is known a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. This technique improves the openability by forming an opening facilitating portion (rough surface having fine unevenness) serving as a starting point for opening the packaging bag, thereby improving the openability. Further, according to this technique, to prevent the packaging bag from being erroneously opened (to make it difficult to open the packaging bag) by an infant who plays a trick, for example, the opening facilitating portion is partially formed on the inside of the outer periphery of the packaging bag so as not to be formed on the outer periphery.
  • the opening facilitating portion is formed on the inside of the outer periphery, which makes it difficult for the user to cut the outer peripheral portion, even if he or she attempts.
  • the user pulls the film to thereby allow the opening facilitating portion to be moved to the outer periphery of the packaging bag. Accordingly, in this state, the user can open the packaging bag with the opening facilitating portion as a starting point of opening.
  • the operation for pulling the film is required for the user to open the bag, which makes the opening operation extremely troublesome.
  • US 6,726,363 B1 discloses a packaging for receiving liquid, pastry, powdery, granular or solid material having tear-open means that comprises a pair of end seal portions formed by sealing the film in a width direction which at one side is continuing in a lengthwise direction into an edge seal portion.
  • the packaging is formed of a foiled shaped composite material. At least one layer of the composite material does not have weakened areas. At least one layer of the composite material has weakened areas located in the packaging at least partly in the area of the filling space.
  • Fig. 4 shows a packaging unit with transverse seams formed in a width direction and disposed on the ends in a length direction. Disposed on one side end of the transverse seam is an extension in a longitudinal direction to form an edge seal portion.
  • a notch as a tear aid and a perforation extends substantially through the entire thickness of the transverse seam.
  • the weakened areas can be a sequence of cuts, where the direction runs in the tear direction. The cut sequence constitutes the extension of the perforation.
  • the packaging unit is opened, the packaging can be torn by way of the notch in the sealed area of the transverse seam.
  • the packaging material is torn further by the perforation.
  • the perforation ends in the sealed area. Due to the weakened zone over the filling area, it is easy to tear along at least one cut of the cut sequence formed by the weakened zones.
  • the second weakened zone lies on one of the side edges and at the point at which the laminate material and the strips lie above each other in two material layers.
  • the laminate surrounds the filing cavity.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent No. 3971910
  • a packaging bag E including an opening facilitating portion 32 formed along a side end 31 of a bag body 30 as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • the opening facilitating portion 32 of the packaging bag E bursts due to an impact of the drop.
  • the packaging bag For example, in the packaging bag, the surrounding portion of which is heat-sealed, as in a four-sided seal, the packaging bag hardly bursts. Meanwhile, in the pillow-type packaging bag including a soft side end which is not heat-sealed, the packaging bag is liable to burst.
  • a packaging bag having a large width and containing heavy contents for example, a packaging bag having a width of 70 mm and containing contents of 50 g
  • the packaging bag E illustrated in FIG. 8 When the packaging bag E illustrated in FIG. 8 is gripped by the user, the packaging bag is similarly deformed to be recessed into a square shape in the vicinity of the side end. When the grip force is centered on the portion deformed to be recessed into a square shape, a hole is formed in some cases. Thus, the packaging bag E illustrated in FIG. 8 cannot solve the problem of suppressing the formation of the hole 33 when the user grips the packaging bag with hands.
  • the packaging bag E illustrated in FIG. 8 has the opening facilitating portion 32 partially formed in the width direction. This may cause the user not to perfectly open the packaging bag from one side end to the other side end when the user is to open the wide packaging bag E. That is, the cutting may be stopped halfway. When the cutting is stopped halfway, there is a problem that it takes time and troublesome works for the user to transfer the contents of the packaging bag E to another container. Note that such a problem occurs also in the packaging bag disclosed in Patent Document 1.
  • the pillow-type packaging bag formed of soft plastic films is preferable in that the packaging bag is easy to handle and contributes to a reduction in volume of garbage.
  • the film is high in strength and tension strength, which makes it difficult for the user to easily open the packaging bag.
  • a packaging bag which includes a bag body for containing a content, the bag body including: a back seal portion formed by sealing a film in a length direction and disposed on a back surface; a pair of end seal portions formed by sealing the film in a width direction and disposed on ends in a length direction; an edge seal portion formed by sealing the film and disposed on one side end; and a notch being formed in the edge seal portion, the notch serving as a starting point for opening of the bag body; and an easy-to-cut portion disposed on an extension of the notch in an opening direction, the easy-to-cut portion being formed in a rectangular shape, and disposed to extend beyond the back seal portion between one side and the other side of the back seal portion, respectively, especially, the bag body does not include easy-to-cut portions (5) disposed at the side ends of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which each of the ends of the easy-to-cut portion is disposed 10 to 25 mm away from a corresponding one of the side ends of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which each of the ends of the easy-to-cut portion is disposed 10 to 15 mm away from a corresponding one of the side ends of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which each of the ends of the easy-to-cut portion is disposed at a distance of 14 to 36% of a width dimension of the bag body away from a corresponding one of the side ends of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which each of the ends of the easy-to-cut portion is disposed at a distance of 14 to 21% of a width dimension of the bag body away from a corresponding one of the side ends of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the back seal portion is formed by sealing both side edges of the film in a length direction and is folded at a proximal end of the back seal portion such that a distal end of the back seal portion faces the other side of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the edge seal portion is disposed along a length direction of the bag body from one of the pair of end seal portions and is disposed to overlap the easy-to-cut portion in the width direction of the bag body.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention may have a configuration in which the easy-to-cut portion is formed in a rectangular shape, and the notch is disposed at a central portion of the easy-to-cut portion in a length direction of the bag body.
  • the invention further provides a method according to claim 10.
  • the easy-to-cut portion is formed in a rectangular shape, wherein the bag body does not include easy-to-cut portions disposed at the side ends of the bag body.
  • FIGS. 1 to 5 a packaging bag according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 .
  • the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of FIG. 1 respectively correspond to the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of a packaging bag A.
  • the upper side and the lower side of FIGS. 2 , 4 , and 5 respectively correspond to the upper side and the lower side of each of packaging bags A and B.
  • the left side and the right side of FIGS. 2 , 4 , and 5 respectively correspond to the right side and the left side of each of the packaging bags A and B.
  • the packaging bag A includes contents X and a bag body 1 containing the contents X.
  • the contents X are powdery drug, but the contents X are not limited thereto.
  • the contents X may be liquid drug, granular drug, or aggregated solid food (such as individually-wrapped candies).
  • the bag body 1 is a pillow type packaging body having a flat rectangular shape as viewed from the front.
  • the bag body 1 is formed of a laminate film F.
  • the laminate film F is formed by sequentially laminating polymeric resin (SPE) serving as a binder, aluminum foil for giving a gas barrier property, polymer resin serving as a binder, and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) for preventing electrification on one surface of a film formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • SPE polymeric resin
  • LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
  • the bag body 1 includes a back seal portion 2 disposed on the back surface, and a pair of end seal portions 3 and 4 disposed on ends in a length direction.
  • the bag body 1 includes the back seal portion 2 formed by sealing (center sealing) both side edges of the band-like film F in the length direction so as to wrap the contents X; the upper-side end seal portion 3 formed by sealing an upper end of the film F in a width direction; and the lower-side end seal portion 4 formed by sealing a lower end of the film F in the width direction.
  • the bag body 1 includes an easy-to-cut portion 5 formed to be weaker than the surrounding portion so that the bag body can be easily cut therethrough.
  • the bag body 1 includes an edge seal portion 7 disposed on a left side end (one side end) 1a, and a notch 8 for an opening starting point formed in the edge seal portion 7. Note that a surface on the opposite side of the back surface of the bag body 1 is referred to as a front surface of the bag body 1.
  • the bag seal portion 2 is formed in a band shape and disposed at substantially the center in the width direction of the back surface of the bag body 1.
  • the back seal portion 2 is folded at a proximal end 2b such that a distal end 2a faces the right side (the other side).
  • the upper end seal portion 3 is formed in a band shape and disposed at an upper end serving as a short-side portion of the bag body 1.
  • the lower end seal portion 4 is formed in a band shape and disposed at a lower end serving as a short-side portion of the bag body 1.
  • Easy-to-cut portions 5 are provided in a pair and are respectively disposed on the front surface and the back surface of the bag body 1. Each easy-to-cut portion 5 is formed in a rectangular shape. Specifically, each easy-to-cut portion 5 is formed in a band shape. Ends 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 are disposed away from the side ends 1a and 1b, respectively.
  • Each easy-to-cut portion 5 is disposed on an extension of the notch 8 in the opening direction. Each easy-to-cut portion 5 is disposed along the upper end seal portion 3 of the bag body 1. One end (left end) 5a of the easy-to-cut portion 5 on the back surface side is disposed at a position on one side (left side) of the back seal portion 2, and the other end (right end) 5a of the easy-to-cut portion 5 on the back surface side is disposed at a position on the other side (right side) of the back seal portion 2.
  • the easy-to-cut portion 5 on the back surface side is disposed to continuously extend beyond the back seal portion between a portion on the left side of the back seal portion 2 and a portion on the right side of the back seal portion 2.
  • the easy-to-cut portion 5 on the back surface side is disposed to extend across the back seal portion 2.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is set to be in a range of 3 to 30 mm, preferably 3 to 10 mm, and more preferably 4 to 7 mm.
  • the distances "d” and “e” each are set to 10 to 25 mm, preferably 10 to 15 mm, and more preferably 13 to 15 mm.
  • the distances "d” and “e” each are set to 14 to 36%, preferably 14 to 21%, and more preferably 19 to 21% of the width dimension of the bag body 1.
  • the length dimension of the bag body 1 is 173 mm; the width dimension of the bag body 1 is 70 mm; the vertical dimension (length dimension) "a" of each easy-to-cut portion 5 is 5 mm; a horizontal dimension (width dimension) "b” of each easy-to-cut portion 5 is 42 mm; a distance “c” between the upper end of the bag body 1 and the upper end of each easy-to-cut portion 5 is 20 mm; a distance "d” between one side end (left side end) 1a of the bag body 1 and one end (left end) 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 is 13 mm; and a distance "e” between the other side end (right side end) 1b of the bag body 1 and the other end (right end) 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 is 15 mm.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 has a plurality of linear flaws (notches) arranged along the width direction.
  • work to be performed on each easy-to-cut portion 5 may be work for allowing the area of each easy-to-cut portion 5 to be easily opened.
  • the type of the work is not particularly limited.
  • the work may be scratch work for physically applying a force onto a target area of the film F a through contacting engagement, scratch work in a non-contact manner (for example, laser), or work for forming a non-penetrating perforation or a recess.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 penetrate through only a PET layer serving as a surface layer (outermost layer) of the film F. Note that any work may be performed on each easy-to-cut portion 5, as long as an aluminum layer (a layer made of aluminum foil) is not penetrated. That is, any work may be performed on each easy-to-cut portion 5, as long as the aluminum layer and a layer on the back side thereof (back-side layer) are not penetrated.
  • the edge seal portion 7 is disposed on an upper portion of the left side end 1a of the bag body 1 along the left side end 1a. Specifically, the edge seal portion 7 is disposed along the length direction of the bag body 1 from the upper end seal portion 3.
  • the edge seal portion 7 is disposed to overlap each easy-to-cut portion 5 in the width direction of the bag body 1. Specifically, the upper end of the edge seal portion 7 is disposed on the upper side of the upper end of each easy-to-cut portion 5, and the lower end of the edge seal portion 7 is disposed on the lower side of the lower end of each easy-to-cut portion 5.
  • the edge seal portion 7 is formed by sealing the film F.
  • the notch 8 is disposed at a central portion of each easy-to-cut portion 5 in the length direction of the bag body 1.
  • the notch 8 is formed in the edge seal portion 7 from the left side end 1a of the bag body 1 toward the inside.
  • a folding direction of the heat-sealed back seal portion 2 of the bag body 1 (a direction from the proximal end 2b of the back seal portion 2 toward the distal end 2a) and a cut direction of the notch 8 coincide with each other in the opening direction.
  • the contents X are powdery drug in the first embodiment, about 50% of the quantity that can be contained in the bag body 1 is contained in the bag body 1. This is because when the powdery contents X are filled, the content flies. Thus, when a large amount of the contents X are contained in the bag body 1, the contents X may be caught between the upper end seal portion 3 and the lower end seal portion 4. Note that when the contents X are individually-wrapped candies or the like, about 70 to 80% of the quantity of the contents X that can be contained in the bag body 1 are contained in the bag body 1.
  • the packaging bag A is produced in this manner.
  • the packaging bag A may be continuously formed by continuously sealing the both side edges of the long band-like film (web) F in the length direction and sealing and cutting the film F in the width direction at predetermined intervals in the length direction.
  • Each easy-to-cut portion 5 is preferably formed in the film F having a uniform thickness (with no back seal portion 2 formed therein) prior to the formation of the packaging bag A. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , each easy-to-cut portion 5 is formed in a band shape at a central portion in the width direction of the film F so as to be disposed on the front surface of the bag body 1. The easy-to-cut portions 5 are formed in a pair in a band shape along the width direction of the both side ends (both ends in the width direction) of the film F so as to extend from one side of the back seal portion 2 to the other side of the back seal portion 2 on the back surface of the bag body 1.
  • a first function i.e., a function of facilitating opening when the user opens the packaging bag with hands, of the packaging bag A according to the first embodiment will be described.
  • a divided one area (upper end corner of the bag body 1) is gripped by one hand of the user, and the other area (the left side end 1a in the vicinity of the notch 8) is gripped by the other hand of the user. Further, the upper end corner of the bag body 1 is pulled toward the other end side by the user. Then, cutting is started from the right end of the notch 8 and the cut portion reaches the left end of each easy-to-cut portion 5.
  • the cutting advances along each easy-to-cut portion 5, the cut portion reaches the right end of each easy-to-cut portion 5. Then, the cut portion finally reaches the right side end 1b of the bag body 1. In this manner, the packaging bag 1 can be easily opened along the area extending from the left side end 1a to the right side end 1b of the bag body 1 even by a physically weak user.
  • the bag body 1 is divided into a lower side portion (large part of the bag body 1) of the easy-to-cut portions 5 and an upper side portion (a band-like cut piece) of the easy-to-cut portions 5.
  • a portion (a portion indicated by dot-dashed lines in FIG. 1 ) which is cut substantially linearly along the easy-to-cut portions 5 serves as an opening 10 of the bag body 1. This allows the contents X to be easily taken out.
  • the width of the opening 10 that is, the width of the edge seal portion 7) is set so that the contents X can be taken out from the opening 10 without difficulty.
  • the force acting on the bag body 1 is determined by the weight of the contents X, an acceleration generated by the gravity, and a drop distance. Accordingly, when the packaging bag A containing the heavy contents X drops, the above-mentioned force acting on the bag body 1 and a force (drop impact force) from the drop surface G, which is a reaction force of the force acting on the bag body 1, act on the packaging body A.
  • the packaging bag A drops with the upper side end seal portion 3 of the bag body 1 being on the lower side.
  • the strength of the upper end seal portion 3 and the strength of the both side ends (non-sealed portions) 1a and 1b of the bag body 1.
  • the impact received by the upper end seal portion 3 is concentrated on the corner portions on both sides of the bag body 1.
  • the corner portions are extremely bent or deformed and deformed in an angular shape. If the easy-to-cut portions 5 are formed at the portions deformed into an angular shape, the easy-to-cut portions 5 are bent or folded, so that a hole is easily formed in the easy-to-cut portions 5.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is spaced away from the side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1, respectively.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is formed at a position slightly inside the side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1 and at a position inside the portions deformed into an angular shape. Accordingly, even when the bag body 1 drops and deformed, the easy-to-cut portions 5 are not bent or folded and thus no hole is formed in the easy-to-cut portions 5. Therefore, the bag body 1 is prevented from bursting even when the bag body 1 drops and is subjected to impact.
  • the packaging bag A includes the bag body 1 containing the contents X.
  • the bag body 1 includes the back seal portion 2 formed by sealing the film F in the length direction and disposed on the back surface; a pair of the end seal portions 3 and 4 formed by sealing the film F in the width direction and disposed at ends in the length direction; the edge seal portion 7 formed by sealing the film and disposed on one side end 1a; the notch 8 being formed in the edge seal portion 7, the notch serving as a starting point for opening of the bag body; and the easy-to-cut portions 5 disposed on an extension of the notch 8 in the opening direction.
  • Each easy-to-cut portion 5 is disposed to extend beyond the back seal portion between one side of the back seal portion 2 and the other side of the back seal portion 2, and the ends 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 are disposed away from the side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is disposed to extend beyond the back seal portion between the position on the left side of the back seal portion 2 and the position on the right side of the back seal portion 2.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is continuously formed with a constant width and is formed to extend across at least the back seal portion 2.
  • the notch 8 for an opening starting point is formed in the edge seal portion 7 disposed on the left side end 1a of the bag body 1, and each easy-to-cut portion 5 is disposed on an extension of the notch 8 in the opening direction.
  • the notch 8 serves as a starting (cutting) point of opening.
  • the bag body 1 is cut along each easy-to-cut portion 5 disposed on an extension of the notch 8. Accordingly, the bag body 1 is cut substantially linearly along the area extending from the left side end 1a to the right side end 1b. This enables anybody to easily open the packaging bag A.
  • the packaging bag A when a physically weak user is to open the packaging bag A to transfer the contents X to another container (for example, a glass-like container) and add water into the container to drink it, the packaging bag A can be easily opened with even a small force.
  • the opening 10 is formed linearly, which enables the user to easily transfer the contents X to another container without troublesome works.
  • the ends 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 are disposed away from the side ends 1a and 1b. Specifically, none of the ends 5a of the easy-to-cut portions 5 are connected to the notch 8 (that is, all the ends 5a of the easy-to-cut portions 5 are spaced away from the notch 8), and all the ends 5a of the easy-to-cut portions 5 are positioned at portions slightly inside the side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1.
  • the deformed portions which are bent or folded into an angular shape are formed at the corners of the bag body 1, but can be prevented from reaching the easy-to-cut portions 5.
  • the ends 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 are disposed 10 to 25 mm (specifically, 10 to 15 mm, more specifically, 13 to 15 mm) away from the side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1.
  • the ends 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5 are disposed at a distance corresponding to 14 to 36% (specifically, 14 to 21%, more specifically, 19 to 21%) of the width dimension of the bag body 1 away from the side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 are disposed a predetermined distance away from both side ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1. This prevents each easy-to-cut portion 5 from being deformed even when the packaging bag A drops, causing deformation of the bag body 1. Therefore, the bag body 1 can be prevented from bursting.
  • the back seal portion 2 is formed by sealing the both side edges of the film F in the length direction, and is folded at the proximal end 2b of the back seal portion 2 such that the distal end 2a of the back seal portion 2 faces the other side of the bag body 1.
  • the back seal portion 2 is folded at the proximal end 2b, and the distal end 2a of the back seal portion 2 is positioned on the right side.
  • the proximal end 2b of the back seal portion 2 is positioned on the left side.
  • the edge seal portion 7 is disposed along the length direction of the bag body 1 from the end seal portion 3 on one side, and is disposed to overlap each easy-to-cut portion 5 in the width direction of the bag body 1.
  • the edge seal portion 7 is disposed along the length direction of the bag body 1 from the upper end seal portion 3. Furthermore, the edge seal portion 7 is disposed to overlap each easy-to-cut portion 5 in the width direction of the bag body 1. Thus, the portion (left side end 1a) of the edge seal portion 7 of the bag body 1 is not deformed when the packaging bag A drops, thereby reliably preventing deformation of the left end of each easy-to-cut portion 5.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is formed in a rectangular shape and the notch 8 is disposed at a central portion of each easy-to-cut portion 5 in the length direction of the bag body 1.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is formed in a rectangular shape, more specifically, a long band shape in the width direction of the bag body 1. Further, the notch 8 is disposed at a central portion of each easy-to-cut portion 5 in the length direction of the bag body 1. This allows the cut portion started from the notch 8 to reliably reach the left end 5a of each easy-to-cut portion 5.
  • the method of producing the packaging bag A according to the first embodiment includes: forming the back seal portion 2 by sealing both side edges of the film F having a band shape in the length direction to form the film F into a cylindrical shape; and forming a pair of the end seal portions 3 and 4 by sealing the film in the width direction F having a cylindrical shape to form the film F into a bag shape.
  • the film F includes the easy-to-cut portions 5 formed on both side ends such that the easy-to-cut portions 5 is formed to extend beyond the back seal portion between one side of the back seal portion 2 and the other side of the back seal portion 2.
  • the film F includes the easy-to-cut portions 5 on the both side ends.
  • each easy-to-cut portion 5 is disposed to extend beyond the back seal portion 2 between the position on the left side of the back seal portion 2 and the position on the right side of the back seal portion 2.
  • FIG. 5 portions denoted by the same reference symbols as those of FIGS. 1 to 4 represent components (elements) identical or corresponding to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
  • a packaging bag B according to the second embodiment includes a rectangular (substantially square) easy-to-cut portion 5A, which is wider than the back seal portion 2, at a position closer to the upper end seal portion 3 of the bag body 1, that is, at a central portion on the upper side of the bag body 1.
  • the easy-to-cut portion 5A is disposed at an upper portion of the back seal portion 2, as compared with the packaging bag A according to the first embodiment.
  • the length dimension of the bag body 1 is 173 mm; the width dimension of the bag body 1 is 70 mm; the vertical dimension "a" and the horizontal dimension “b” of the easy-to-cut portion 5A are 30 mm which is larger than the width dimension of the back seal portion 2; the distance “c” between the upper end of the bag body 1 and the upper end of the easy-to-cut portion 5A is 15 mm; the distance “d” between the side end 1a of the bag body 1 and an end 5A1 of the easy-to-cut portion 5A is 20 mm; and the distance "e” between the side end 1b of the bag body 1 and the end 5A1 of the easy-to-cut portion 5A is 20 mm.
  • a packaging bag C of Comparative Example 1 illustrated in FIG. 6 and a packaging bag D of Comparative Example 2 illustrated in FIG. 7 were prepared.
  • the packaging bag C of Comparative Example 1 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a band-shaped easy-to-cut portion 5B formed to extend across the both ends 1a and 1b of the bag body 1.
  • the packaging bag D of Comparative Example 2 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes band-shaped easy-to-cut portions 5C and 5C formed to extend between the upper end seal portion 3 and the lower end seal portion 4 of the bag body 1. Note that the packaging bag C of Comparative Example 1 and the packaging bag D of Comparative Example 2 are not provided with the edge seal portion 7 and the notch 8.
  • the unit drop test is a test in which each packaging bag is allowed to drop from a position at a height (drop distance) of 80 cm.
  • the number of samples used in the unit drop test was set as follows. That is, the number of the packaging bags A of the first embodiment was 63; the number of the packaging bags B of the second embodiment was 63; the number of the packaging bags C of Comparative Example 1 was 60; and the number of the packaging bags D of Comparative Example 2 was 60.
  • the packaging drop test is a test in which an outer box filled with 21 packaging bags is allowed to drop three times in succession from a position at a height of 1.2 m.
  • the packaging bags A of the first embodiment and the packaging bags B of the second embodiment did not burst in the unit drop test and the packaging drop test.
  • each easy-to-cut portions 5 (easy-to-cut portion 5A) (to determine whether the cutting in the width direction is linear or not) was conducted on the packaging bags A of the first embodiment and the packaging bags B of the second embodiment.
  • the cut portion (opening 10) was formed along each easy-to-cut portion 5, so that the straightness was favorable.
  • the cut portion (opening 10) deviated upward and downward to some extent within the easy-to-cut portion 5A because the width of the easy-to-cut portion 5A was wide, but no problem was posed.
  • the packaging bags A of the first embodiment and the packaging bags B of the second embodiment can be easily opened with even a small force and can be opened with the cut portion being substantially linearly, thereby facilitating transfer of the contents X to another container. Furthermore, the packaging bags A of the first embodiment and the packaging bags B of the second embodiment can withstand the drop impact. These functions have been demonstrated from the test results.
  • the packaging bag A and the packaging bag B of the present invention it is possible to provide a packaging bag having two incompatible functions, i.e., the function of allowing a user to easily open the packaging bag with hands, and the function of preventing formation of an unwanted hole when an unexpected external force acts.
  • the packaging bag A (packaging bag B) can be easily opened even by a physically weak user such as a patient.
  • the opening 10 is formed linearly, which enables the user to easily transfer the contents X to another container.
  • the packaging bag A (packaging bag B) is prevented from bursting even when the packaging bag A (packaging bag B) having the contents X enclosed therein drops.
  • the packaging bag A (packaging bag B) of the present invention can improve both the function of preventing bursting and the function of facilitating the opening. Further, the packaging bag A (packaging bag B) can be designed into a vertically long stick shape of a pillow type, or can be designed with a large width. This enables such a design that the powdery contents X can be easily transferred to another container such as a glass. Therefore, the packaging bag A (packaging bag B) of the present invention is a packaging bag particularly suitable for physically weak users such as patients and children.
  • the packaging bag of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the design of the packaging bag can be arbitrarily changed and modified, for example, as needed, without departing from the gist of the invention.
  • the constituents, methods, and the like of the plurality of embodiments described above can be arbitrarily employed and combined (the constituents, methods, and the like of one embodiment can be applied to the constituents, methods, and the like of the other embodiments), and the constituents, methods, and the like of various modified examples described below may be arbitrarily selected and employed as the constituents, methods, and the like of the embodiments described above, as a matter of course.
  • the easy-to-cut portion 5 (easy-to-cut portion 5A) is provided on each of the front surface and the back surface of the bag body 1.
  • the packaging bag may have a structure in which the easy-to-cut portion 5 (easy-to-cut portion 5A) is provided only on the back surface of the bag body 1.
  • the packaging bag may include the easy-to-cut portion 5 (easy-to-cut portion 5A) on the back surface of the bag body 1 such that the easy-to-cut portion 5 (easy-to-cut portion 5A) is disposed to extend beyond the back seal portion 2 between one side of the back seal portion 2 and the other side of the back seal portion 2.
  • the packaging bag according to the present invention is provided with a notch and an easy-to-cut portion in combination, thereby obtaining the favorable opening property. Further, the packaging bag according to the present invention enables formation of the opening with a width that allows the contents to be easily taken out, while the notch (edge seal portion) is provided. In addition, the packaging bag can be prevented from bursting when the packaging bag drops, while the easy-to-cut portion is provided. Moreover, the packaging bag according to the present invention can be adopted as a packaging bag for various contents (powder, granular or aggregated solid, and liquid) such as medicines and food. The packaging bag according to the present invention is a packaging bag suitable for physically weak users.
EP12793612.8A 2011-05-27 2012-05-18 Packaging bag and method of manufacturing packaging bag Not-in-force EP2716568B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011119517 2011-05-27
PCT/JP2012/062839 WO2012165180A1 (ja) 2011-05-27 2012-05-18 包装袋及び包装袋の製造方法

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2716568A1 EP2716568A1 (en) 2014-04-09
EP2716568A4 EP2716568A4 (en) 2015-03-18
EP2716568B1 true EP2716568B1 (en) 2017-09-13

Family

ID=47259042

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12793612.8A Not-in-force EP2716568B1 (en) 2011-05-27 2012-05-18 Packaging bag and method of manufacturing packaging bag

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20140086514A1 (ja)
EP (1) EP2716568B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP6069196B2 (ja)
KR (1) KR20140025399A (ja)
CN (1) CN103608267B (ja)
CA (1) CA2834764A1 (ja)
SG (1) SG194844A1 (ja)
TW (1) TW201311518A (ja)
WO (1) WO2012165180A1 (ja)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3061155B1 (fr) * 2016-12-28 2019-05-31 Andros Emballage pour le conditionnement d'un produit, notamment alimentaire
JP7209937B2 (ja) * 2017-03-02 2023-01-23 キョーラク株式会社 多重袋
WO2018230565A1 (ja) * 2017-06-16 2018-12-20 凸版印刷株式会社 包装袋
JP7222186B2 (ja) * 2018-06-18 2023-02-15 凸版印刷株式会社 ピロー包装袋
US20230054277A1 (en) * 2021-08-12 2023-02-23 Cj Cheiljedang Corporation Pouch for retort food

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3403840A (en) * 1965-11-03 1968-10-01 Procter & Gamble Opening device for packages wrapped with shrinkable plastic films
US3608815A (en) * 1969-07-03 1971-09-28 Dixie Wax Paper Co Opening aid for packages
JPS59106874U (ja) * 1983-01-07 1984-07-18 桜井　伝平 口の開き易い合掌貼り包装体
JPH04327138A (ja) * 1991-04-22 1992-11-16 Taisei Ramick Kk 易開封性包装袋
JPH09132249A (ja) * 1995-11-02 1997-05-20 Toppan Printing Co Ltd 包装袋及びその製造方法
JP3883666B2 (ja) * 1997-09-19 2007-02-21 大日本印刷株式会社 包装袋
JP2000103437A (ja) * 1998-09-30 2000-04-11 Hosokawa Yoko Co Ltd 包装袋
CH692980A5 (de) * 1999-01-21 2003-01-15 Alcan Tech & Man Ag Verpackung.
US6318894B1 (en) * 1999-10-06 2001-11-20 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Resealable flexible packages having hook design tear line
JP2001225850A (ja) * 2000-02-16 2001-08-21 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 易開封袋
JP4150513B2 (ja) * 2001-04-23 2008-09-17 株式会社サンエー化研 加熱処理用包装体
US20040252920A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2004-12-16 Yoshiji Moteki Packaging member with easy-opening means
AU2003272889B2 (en) * 2002-09-25 2010-01-07 Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd. Packaging bag
EP1464587A1 (en) * 2003-03-28 2004-10-06 Alcan Packaging Italia S.r.l. Packaging of the stickpack type with improved opening and method for manufacturing the same
AU2005290612B8 (en) * 2004-10-01 2009-06-04 Orihiro Co., Ltd. Pillow packaging bag, pillow type packaging body, heat seal bar for pillow packaging machine, and pillow packaging machine
JP2008127042A (ja) * 2006-11-20 2008-06-05 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 貼付薬用包装袋
US20090285511A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-11-19 Pliant Corporation Cross Direction Tear Film and Package

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN103608267B (zh) 2016-02-10
WO2012165180A1 (ja) 2012-12-06
TW201311518A (zh) 2013-03-16
CN103608267A (zh) 2014-02-26
KR20140025399A (ko) 2014-03-04
EP2716568A4 (en) 2015-03-18
EP2716568A1 (en) 2014-04-09
SG194844A1 (en) 2013-12-30
CA2834764A1 (en) 2012-12-06
JP6069196B2 (ja) 2017-02-01
JPWO2012165180A1 (ja) 2015-02-23
US20140086514A1 (en) 2014-03-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4139643A (en) Snack food package
EP2571782B1 (en) Easy open flexible film packaging products and methods of manufacture
JP3380487B2 (ja) 開封容易なバッグ及びパッケージ用素材
EP2716568B1 (en) Packaging bag and method of manufacturing packaging bag
CA2735697C (en) Childproof individual dose packaging for transdermal therapeutic systems or film-like forms of administration
US9382053B2 (en) Flexible packages having multiple lines of weakness to facilitate opening
EP0363540A2 (en) Pouch for containing retort food
WO2007086023A1 (en) Packaging bag with pour spout
JP2007533553A (ja) 構造化再閉止自在な包装
CA2715695A1 (en) Packaging pouch
EA012379B1 (ru) Пленочная емкость
US20110233267A1 (en) Pack having tear-open aid
JP6681563B2 (ja) 包装袋
EP3253679B1 (en) Pouch for liquids and method for making the same
JP7382738B2 (ja) ガゼット袋および内容物収納体
JP2015217970A (ja) 包装体
JP2013039932A (ja) 注出口付き包装袋
JP2005029196A (ja) 開封容易包装袋
JP6126411B2 (ja) 包装袋
JP2006321517A (ja) 包装袋
JP6612569B2 (ja) 詰め替え袋及び内容物収容袋
JP2023012828A (ja) 包装袋
JP2015174660A (ja) 包装袋
JP2019077489A (ja) 三角錐包装体
JP2005145490A (ja) 袋状容器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20131029

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1191622

Country of ref document: HK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20150217

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65D 75/62 20060101AFI20150211BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20160202

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20170413

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 927895

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602012037360

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171213

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 927895

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171214

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171213

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: GR

Ref document number: 1191622

Country of ref document: HK

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180113

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602012037360

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20180614

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602012037360

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180518

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181201

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180518

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180518

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120518

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170913

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170913