EP2760756A1 - Easy opening packaging article - Google Patents
Easy opening packaging articleInfo
- Publication number
- EP2760756A1 EP2760756A1 EP12778514.5A EP12778514A EP2760756A1 EP 2760756 A1 EP2760756 A1 EP 2760756A1 EP 12778514 A EP12778514 A EP 12778514A EP 2760756 A1 EP2760756 A1 EP 2760756A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- packaging article
- grip
- article
- seal
- flexible packaging
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 48
- 239000003999 initiator Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 79
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims description 38
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 claims description 38
- 238000009459 flexible packaging Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 230000000644 propagated effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 12
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 15
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 10
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920006257 Heat-shrinkable film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010894 electron beam technology Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001747 exhibiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021485 packed food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001138 tear Anatomy 0.000 description 1
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
- B65D75/5827—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion
- B65D75/5833—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion for tearing out a portion of the wall
-
- 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
- B65D75/5827—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion
- B65D75/585—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion the tear-lines being broken by deformation or bending
Definitions
- Various embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to packaging articles, particularly heat-shrinkable, easy opening packaging articles for packaging food products.
- Flexible packaging articles made from plastic film are commonly used for the packaging of a variety of products.
- food products e.g., meat
- plastic packaging articles In order to keep packed food products fresh and enhance shelf life, it is important for these packaging articles to possess moisture and oxygen barrier properties, as well as high impact strength, high seal strength, and high puncture resistance.
- packaging articles having these properties are typically tough and difficult to open.
- this process produces small, loose pieces of film that may lodge inside the packaging article during manufacturing of the packaging article.
- the '768 publication suggests cutting a partial hole in the packaging article's film that results in an opening and leaves a hanging chad connected to the packaging article. In this configuration, the aforementioned loose pieces of film are less likely to be produced during manufacturing of the packaging article.
- the user when a user opens a packaging article having grip-assisters of this type, the user typically inserts an index finger through a grip-assist hole, pinches the index finger with a thumb, and pulls away from the tear initiator.
- the user may inadvertently pinch the grip-assister's hanging chad between the index finger and thumb and tear the hanging chad off of the packaging article during opening. Hanging chads inadvertently removed from the packaging article in this way may easily fall into the packaging article as the user is opening the article.
- the flexible packaging article comprises a plastic film formed into an enclosure for receiving a product and defining at least one openable portion, at least one seal closing the openable portion of the enclosure, at least one article skirt comprising a portion of plastic film extending outwardly from the seal and opposite the enclosure, at least one tear initiator defined on the skirt, the at least one tear initiator being configured for initiating one or more manually-propagated tears capable of being propagated through the seal to open at least the openable portion of the enclosure, and one or more grip assisters defined on the skirt and configured for assisting grip of the plastic film during manual tearing.
- the one or more grip assisters comprise at least one cut in the skirt defining: an opening, a first hanging chad on a first side of the cut, and a second hanging chad on a second side of the cut.
- the first hanging chad comprises at least a pair of projected portions and a recessed portion in between the pair of projected portions
- the second hanging chad comprises at least one projected portion aligned with the first hanging chad's recessed portion.
- a flexible packaging article comprising a plastic film formed into an enclosure for receiving a product and defining at least one openable portion, at least one seal closing the openable portion of the enclosure, at least one article skirt comprising plastic film extending outwardly from the seal and opposite the enclosure, at least one tear initiator defined on the skirt, the at least one tear initiator being configured for initiating one or more manually-propagated tears capable of being propagated through the seal to open at least the openable portion of the enclosure, and one or more grip assisters defined on the skirt and configured for assisting grip of the plastic film during manual tearing, the one or more grip assisters comprising at least one curvilinear cut in the skirt defining an opening in the skirt and at least one hanging chad.
- the curvilinear cut includes first and second ends spaced apart from one another and the hanging chad comprises a base edge defined between the first and second ends of the curvilinear cut, and the lateral distance between the first and second ends of the curvilinear cut defining the hanging chad's base width.
- the hanging chad extends outwardly from its base edge in a direction away from the at least one tear initiator, and the distance between the hanging chad's base edge and its outermost edge defining the hanging chad's length.
- the hanging chad further comprises a first outer lobe having a substantially convex rounded edge and a second outer lobe having a substantially convex rounded edge.
- the first and second outer lobes are defined on lateral sides of the hanging chad and extending laterally past the first and second ends of the curvilinear cut, the lateral distance between the widest points of the first and second outer lobes defining the hanging chad's full width.
- the ratio of the hanging chad's base width to its full width is between 0.881 : 1 and 0.75 : 1.
- Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an end-seal bag according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 2 shows a rear elevation view of the end-seal bag of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the end-seal bag of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figures 4A and 4B show top plan views of a grip assister according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the grip assister of Figures 4A and
- Figure 6 shows a top plan view of a partially opened end-seal bag with a product disposed therein according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 7A shows a side-seal bag according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 7B shows a U-seal bag according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 7C shows an L-seal bag according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 7D shows a back-seamed bag with a fin seal according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 7E shows a back-seamed bag with a lap seal according to one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 8A shows a top plan view of a grip assister according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 8B shows a top plan view of another grip assister according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an easy opening packaging article, such as an end-seal bag or the like, having a tear initiator and one or more grip assisters.
- the tear initiator and grip assisters are configured to assist a user in opening the packaging article.
- the grip assisters are configured to reduce the likelihood that a loose piece of plastic is generated during the opening process, and to reduce the likelihood that undesired tears in the packaging article are generated during the opening process.
- Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a lay- flat end-seal bag 10 formed from seamless plastic film tubing according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- the end-seal bag's seamless plastic film forms a first lay-flat side 12, a second lay-flat side 14, a first folded side edge 16, a second folded side edge 18, a bottom edge 20, and a top edge 30.
- the bottom end of the end-seal bag 10 is unsealed and forms an bag opening 22 dimensioned for receiving a product to be packaged within the end-seal bag 10 (e.g., a large cut of meat).
- the top end of the end-seal bag 10 includes an end seal 31, which extends across the width of the of the end-seal bag 10.
- the end seal 31 is a heat seal sealing the bag's fist lay-flat side 12 to the bag's second lay-flat side 14.
- the end seal 31 can be generated by various methods, such as impulse sealing, melt-bead sealing, thermal sealing, ultrasonic sealing, hot air sealing, hot wire sealing, infrared radiation sealing, ultraviolet radiation sealing, electron beam sealing, or other methods known in the art.
- the end seal 31 extends along an arcuate path across the width of the bag 10 in the embodiment of Figure 1, the end seal 31 may extend straight across the bag 10 or along a path having a different profile according to various other embodiments.
- the end seal 31 is made as part of the manufacturing process at a bag- making factory, rather than at the site where the bag 10 is used to package a product. As such, the end seal 31 may commonly be referred to as a "factory seal.”
- the interior volume of the end-seal bag 10 between the bag's end seal 31 and bottom edge 20 comprises an enclosure 19 for receiving a product to be packaged within the end-seal bag 10.
- a packers seal may be applied proximate the bag's bottom edge 20 and the bag 10 may be shrunk around the product to seal the product within the bag 10.
- the end-seal bag 10 also includes a skirt 32, which generally comprises the portion of the bag's plastic film outward of the end seal 31 (e.g., the excess film on the non-product side of the end seal 31, between the end seal 31 and top edge 30).
- the skirt 32 extends across the full width of the end-seal bag 10 and is contiguous with the end seal 31.
- the skirt 32 may comprise one or more portions of plastic film extending outwardly from the end seal 31, each portion extending along less than the full width of the end seal 31.
- the various features described herein as being defined on the skirt 32 may be defined on such skirt portions.
- the general shape and profile of the skirt 32 may be altered by changing the profile of the bag's end seal 31 and/or top edge 30.
- the portion of the bag's first lay-flat side 12 and second lay-flat side 14 defining the skirt 32 are sealed together with a pair of perimeter seals 34 positioned proximate the bag's top edge 30.
- the perimeter seals 34 are heat seals and may be generated using any of the methods referenced above in relation to the end seal 31. As shown in Figure 1, the perimeter seals 34 are generally configured to keep the skirt portions of the bag's first lay-flat side 12 and second lay-flat side 14 laid substantially flat against one another.
- the skirt 32 also defines a tear initiator 50 and a pair of grip assisters 100.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 are, together, configured to enable a user to manually initiate and manually propagate a tear along the end-seal bag 10 in order to open the bag 10 and remove a product contained therein.
- Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the end-seal bag 10.
- the tear initiator 50 comprises a plurality of longitudinally aligned slits 52 cut through the skirt 32.
- the tear initiator 50 may comprise a single slit cut through the skirt 32.
- the term "cut” refers to penetration through the plastic film or shearing through the film (e.g., with a shearing or cutting instrument). Unless specified otherwise, a "cut” in a portion of the end-seal bag 10 refers to a cut through both lay-flat sides 12, 14 of the bag 10. Accordingly, the slits 52 comprising the tear initiator 50 are defined in both the first lay-flat side 12 of the skirt 32 and the second lay-flat side 14 of the skirt 32.
- the tear initiator 50 is oriented generally perpendicular to the nearest point on the end seal 31 and in a generally longitudinal direction with respect to the end-seal bag 10.
- the end-seal bag 10 is configured such that a tear initiated via the tear initiator 50 will tend to propagate in a longitudinal direction with respect to the end-seal bag 10.
- the tear initiator 50 may be oriented in other directions and the end-seal bag 10 may be configured such that a tear initiated via the tear initiator 50 will tend to propagate in other desired directions.
- the tear initiator 50 in Figure 3 is oriented in a machine direction.
- machine direction generally refers to the direction in which the plastic film emerged from its manufacturing die, which corresponds with the direction the plastic extrudate is forwarded during the film production process.
- machine direction includes not only the direction along the plastic film that corresponds with the direction the film traveled as it passed over idler rollers in the film production process, it also includes directions that deviate up to 44 degrees from the direction the film traveled as it passed over idler rollers in the production process.
- the phrase “transverse direction” refers to a direction perpendicular to the machine direction.
- the transverse direction also includes directions that deviate up to 44 degrees from the direction the film traveled as it passed over idler rollers in the production process.
- various embodiments of the tear initiator 50 may be oriented in the machine direction or the transverse direction with respect to a bag's plastic film depending on the bag's dimensions and the bag's type (e.g., end-seal, side-seal, pouch).
- preferred films to be used to make the packaging article of the invention include films in accordance with U.S. Serial No.
- each grip assister 100 is defined by a curvilinear cut in the skirt 32.
- Figures 4 A and 4B provide a more detailed illustration of one of the grip assisters 100 according to one embodiment.
- the curvilinear cut 102 has a first end 104 and a second end 106.
- the cut 102 forms a curvilinear path between its ends 104, 106 that results in the formation of a first hanging chad 200 and a second hanging chad 300.
- the term "hanging chad” refers to a portion of material (e.g., plastic film) that is not completely separated from its respective article (e.g., the end-seal bag 10). Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, no fully separated pieces of film are produced by the cut 102 and the hanging chads 200, 300 remain attached to the end-seal bag 10.
- the terms "width,” “length,” “outward,” “inward,” and other like terms are used to describe the chads 200, 300 in relation to the grip assister 100 itself and are not intended to indicate the orientation of the grip assister 100 with respect to other features of the end-seal bag 10. Indeed, a description of the grip assister' s orientation and positioning with respect to features of the end-seal bag 10 is provided herein in relation to Figures 1, 3, and 5.
- the first hanging chad 200 extends outwardly from a first base edge 202, which is defined between the ends 104, 106 of the curvilinear cut 102. As described in more detail herein, the first hanging chad's base edge 202 connects the first hanging chad to the skirt 32 from which it "hangs.”
- the first hanging chad 200 generally includes a pair of projected portions comprising a first outer lobe 204 and a second outer lobe 206. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the first outer lobe 204 includes a substantially convex rounded edge 208 and extends laterally to a widest point 212 and outwardly to an outermost point 216.
- the second outer lobe 206 includes a substantially convex rounded edge 210 and extends laterally to a widest point 214 and outwardly to an outermost point 218.
- the first hanging chad 200 includes a recessed portion 220 positioned between the outer lobes 204, 206 and defined by a substantially concave rounded edge 222.
- the rounded edge 222 has an innermost point 219 (e.g., the point along the rounded edge 222 nearest to the first hanging chad's base edge 202).
- Each of the rounded edges 208, 210, 222 is defined by a curved portion of the curvilinear cut 102.
- the second hanging chad 300 extends outwardly from a second base edge 302 in a direction opposite that of the first hanging chad 200.
- the second base edge 302 is defined between the outermost points 216, 218 of the first hanging chad 200.
- the second hanging chad's base edge 302 connects the second hanging chad 300 to the skirt 32 from which it "hangs.”
- the second hanging chad 300 generally includes a projected portion comprising a medial lobe 304.
- the second hanging chad's medial lobe 304 includes a substantially convex rounded edge 308 that corresponds to the concave rounded edge 222 of the first hanging chad 200.
- the second hanging chad's convex rounded edge 308 is defined opposite the first hanging chad's concave rounded edge 222 along the same portion of the curvilinear cut 102.
- the medial lobe's outermost point 319 corresponds to the innermost point 219 of the first hanging chad's rounded edge 222.
- Figure 4B also illustrates various dimensions of the grip assister 100.
- the first hanging chad 200 has a base width Wl generally defined by the lateral distance between the ends 104, 106 of the curvilinear cut 102.
- the base width Wl of the first hanging chad 200 corresponds to the length of the first hanging chad's base edge 202.
- the first hanging chad's base width Wl can be between 0.69 inches and 0.88 inches.
- the first hanging chad's base width Wl is 0.83 inches.
- first hanging chad 200 has a full width W2 generally defined by the lateral distance between the widest points 212, 214 of the first hanging chad's outer lobes 204, 206.
- the first hanging chad's full width W2 can be between 0.75 inches and 1.0 inches.
- first hanging chad's full width W2 is 1.0 inches.
- the rounded edges 208, 210 of the outer lobes curve inwardly such that the ends 104, 106 of the curvilinear cut 102 are positioned inward from the outer lobe's widest points 212, 214.
- the first outer lobe's rounded edge 208 has a radius of curvature Rl and the second outer lobe's rounded edge 210 has a radius of curvature R2.
- the radii Rl and R2 can be between 0.14 inches and 0.2 inches.
- the radii Rl and R2 are the same.
- the radii Rl and R2 are each 0.19 inches.
- the inward curvature of the rounded edges 208, 210 results in the cut's first end 104 being positioned a lateral distance Dl inward from the widest point 212 of the first outer lobe 204, while the cut's second end 106 is positioned a lateral distance D2 inward from the widest point 214 of the second outer lobe 206.
- the distances Dl and D2 can be between 0.06 inches and 0.15 inches. In certain embodiments, the distances Dl and D2 are the same. For example, in one embodiment, the distances Dl and D2 are each 0.09 inches.
- the first hanging chad's base width Wl is generally desirable for the first hanging chad's base width Wl to be nearly as wide as the first hanging chad's outer width W2, as increasing the chad's base width Wl can improve chad's resistance to being torn off of the skirt 32 by a user.
- the distances Dl, D2 it is also desirable for the distances Dl, D2 to not be too small, as positioning the ends 104, 106 of the cut 102 away from the chad's widest edges 212, 214 can improve the grip assister's resistance to generating an undesired tear in the skirt 32 when it is used to open the bag 10.
- the ratio of the first hanging chad's base width Wl to its full width W2 can be between 0.881 : 1 and 0.75: 1.
- first outer lobe 204 has a length LI defined by the distance between the first outer lobe's outermost point 216 and the base edge 202.
- second outer lobe 206 has a length L2 defined by the distance between the second outer lobe's outermost point 218 and the base edge 202.
- the greater of these two lengths LI, L2 defines the "length" of the first hanging chad 200.
- the lengths LI and L2 can be between 0.3 inches and 0.38 inches.
- the lengths LI and L2 are the same.
- the first outer lobe's length LI and the second outer lobe's length L2 are 0.34 inches.
- the "length" of the first hanging chad 200 would be 0.34 inches as LI and L2 are the same.
- the second hanging chad 300 has a width W3 generally defined by the lateral distance between the outermost points 216, 218 of the first hanging chad's lobes 204, 206.
- the second hanging chad's width W3 corresponds to the length of the second hanging chad's base edge 302.
- the second hanging chad's width W3 can be between 0.12 inches to 0.75 inches.
- the second hanging chad's width W3 is 0.62 inches.
- the second hanging chad 300 has a length L3 defined by the distance between the medial lobe's outermost point 319 and the base edge 302.
- the second hanging chad's length L3 can be between 0.12 inches and 0.20 inches.
- the second hanging chad's length L3 is 0.19 inches.
- the rounded edge 308 of the medial lobe 304 has a radius of curvature R3.
- the rounded edge 222 of the first hanging chad's recessed portion 220 will have the same radius of curvature R3 as it is defined by the same portion of the curvilinear cut 102.
- the radius R3 can be between 0.12 inches and 0.20 inches.
- the radius R3 is 0.19 inches.
- the second hanging chad's radius of curvature R3 may be equivalent to its length L3 and equivalent to the radii Rl and R2.
- the curvilinear cut 102 defining the grip assister 100 comprises a single, continuous cut through the skirt 32.
- the cut 102 may comprise a series of perforations aligned in the shape of the cut 102 shown in Figures 4 A and 4B.
- the cut 102 extends through both lay- flat sides 12, 14 of the skirt 32.
- each grip assister 100 will be understood to comprise a first grip assister defined on the first lay-flat side 12 of the skirt 32, and a second grip assister defined on the second lay-flat side 14 of the skirt 32.
- these first and second grip assisters are aligned and, effectively, function together as a single grip assister 100.
- each grip assister' s first hanging chad 200 extends away from the tear initiator 50 in a direction generally perpendicular to the tear initiator 50, while each grip assister' s second hanging chad 300 extends toward the tear initiator 50 in a direction generally perpendicular to the tear initiator 50.
- the base edge 202 of each grip assister 100 is generally parallel to the tear initiator 50. As described in greater detail below, this orientation ensures that when a user pulls the grip assisters 100 away from the tear initiator 50, the force of the user's finger is applied against the base edge 302 and towards the second hanging chad 300. Opening the End-Seal Bag Using the Tear Initiator & Grip Assisters
- each of the grip assisters 100 includes a curvilinear cut 102 in the skirt 32.
- Figure 5 shows one of the grip assisters 100 with its hanging chads 200, 300 pushed upward and extending away from the surface of the skirt 32.
- the curvilinear cut 102 defines an opening 110 in the skirt 32, which exists between the first hanging chad 200 and second hanging chad 300.
- each grip assister 100 is configured such that its opening 110 is large enough for an adult finger to fit through.
- the hanging chads 200, 300 are generally moved to the position shown in Figure 5.
- the first hanging chad 200 bends upward about its base edge 202
- the second hanging chad 300 bends upward about its base edge 302.
- each grip assister 100 comprises a first grip assister defined on the first lay-flat side 12 of the skirt 32, and a second grip assister defined on the second lay-flat side 14 of the skirt 32.
- both the first lay-flat side 12 and second lay-flat side 14 of the grip assister' s chads 200, 300 are substantially aligned.
- the curvilinear shape of the grip assister' s cut 102 results in a larger opening 110 than a straight, linear cut would provide. This makes it easier for a user to insert a finger through the grip assister 100.
- Figure 6 shows the end-seal bag 10 with a product 120 (e.g., a cut of meat) sealed therein.
- the product 120 has been disposed within the bag's enclosure 19 (e.g., via the opening 22 at the bag's bottom edge 20 shown in Figure 1).
- a packer's seal 122 e.g., a heat seal
- the bag 10 has been heat-shrunk around the product 120.
- a user may insert at least one finger through each of the grip assisters 100 and pull the grip assisters 100 away from one another (e.g., by pulling each grip assister 100 in a direction away from the tear initiator 50 and in a direction generally perpendicular to the tear initiator 50).
- This action applies a force to the tear initiator's longitudinally aligned slits 52 that initiates a tear in the direction of the longitudinally aligned slits 52.
- a user can continue pulling the grip assisters 100 away from one another. This causes the tear to propagate through the bag's end seal 31 and continue along the bag 10.
- a tear 130 has been initiated and propagated along a portion of the bag 10.
- the tear initiator's slits 52 are generally aligned in the bag's longitudinal direction in the illustrated embodiment.
- the tear 130 has propagated longitudinally along the length the bag 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this longitudinal direction is also the machine direction of the bag's plastic film.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 are defined on both lay- flat sides 12, 14 of the bag 10, the tear 130 has initiated and propagated along both lay-flat sides 12, 14.
- each of the user's fingers will apply a force to the skirt 32 proximate the base edge 302 of a respective grip assister 100 (shown in Fig. 5).
- the user's finger will pull the base edge 302 in a direction away from the first hanging chad 200.
- the force generated by this action can result in stress concentration points 61, 62 generated near the widest points of the curvilinear cut 102 on the skirt 32 (e.g., the points along the edge of the cut 102 on the skirt 32 corresponding to the widest points 212, 214 of the first and second outer lobes 204, 206).
- the skirt 32 In order for the grip assisters 100 to be most effective, it is important to prevent the skirt 32 from tearing in response to these stress concentrations as the bag is opened, as this can result in a stress gradient. If the stress gradient is such that the stress at the ends 104, 106 of the cut 102 is greater than the tear propagation limit of the material, then the skirt 32 will tear.
- the ends 104, 106 of the curvilinear cut 102 are positioned distances Dl, D2 inward from the lobes' widest points 212, 214.
- the stress concentrations resulting from the force applied by a user's finger when opening the bag 10 are concentrated away from the ends of the cuts and, instead, on the cut's rounded edges (e.g., the edges of the cut corresponding to the rounded edges 208, 210 of the first hanging chad 200).
- these stress concentration points remain in this position at least until the tear propagated via the tear initiator extends through the seal.
- the second hanging chad's recessed portion 220 reduces the likelihood that the second hanging chad 200 will be inadvertently pinched between a user's fingers by reducing the length of the chad 200 in the area where that is most likely to occur. By reducing the likelihood that the chad 200 will be pinched between the user's fingers, the likelihood that the second hanging chad 200 will be inadvertently torn off is also reduced.
- the chad 200 is dimensioned to resist being torn off of the skirt 32.
- the second hanging chad's base width Wl is relatively wide and provides a greater contact area between the chad 200 and skirt 32 than a chad having a narrower base width.
- the grip assisters 100 are also capable of being used with a machine configured for opening packaging articles.
- certain machines may include components (e.g., rods) that are inserted through the grip assisters 100 and pulled away from one another in order to automatically open the end-seal bag 10.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 can be used by an automated machine to initiate and propagate a tear in the end-seal bag 10.
- the end-seal bag 10 shown and described in Figures 1-6 represents only one embodiment of the present invention.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 described in relation to the end-seal bag 10 may be provided on various types of bags and in various orientations.
- Figure 7 A illustrates the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 provided on a side-seal bag 710.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 are positioned on a skirt defined on the sides of the bag 710 and are configured to initiate a tear in the machine direction of the bag's plastic film.
- Figure 7B illustrates a U-seal bag 720 and Figure 7C illustrates an L-seal bag 730.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 may be defined on a skirt located on the side of the bags 720, 730 or on an end of the bags 720, 730.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 may be configured to initiate a tear in either the machine direction or the transverse direction of the plastic film.
- Figure 7D illustrates a back-seamed bag 740 having a fin seal.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 can be provided on a skirt proximate the bag's fin seal or bottom seal.
- Figure 7E illustrates a back-seamed bag 750 having a lap seal.
- the tear initiator 50 and grip assisters 100 can be provided on the skirt proximate the bag's lap seal or bottom seal.
- a tear generated from a tear initiator 50 positioned on a skirt extending outwardly from the back-seamed bag's 740 fin seal, or the back-seamed bag's 750 flap seal could propagate from the skirt, through the fin seal / lap seal, and thereafter propagate as two tears in opposite directions around the bag 740 or 750.
- a tear initiator 50 and pair of grip assisters 100 may be provided at more than one location on one or more skirts of a particular bag to enable a user to tear the bag open in more than direction.
- a grip assister may define a single hanging chad not having a recessed portion.
- Figure 8 A shows a grip assister 500 according to one such embodiment.
- the grip assister 500 is defined by a curvilinear cut 502 forming a single hanging chad 501.
- the curvilinear cut has ends 504, 506 forming a base edge 507 therebetween.
- the hanging chad 501 includes a pair of outer lobes 510, 512 and a substantially linear medial edge 520 joining the outer lobes 510, 512.
- the outer lobes 510, 512 each include a convex rounded edge 514, 516.
- the ends 504, 506 of the curvilinear cut 502 are positioned inward of the widest points of the outer lobes 510, 512.
- the hanging chad 501 can have the same base width, full width, and length dimensions described above in relation to the first hanging chad 200.
- the grip assister 500 retains many of the advantageous properties of the grip assister 100. For example, as the ends 504,506 of the curvilinear cut 502 defining the hanging chad 501 are positioned inward of the chad's widest edges, the curvilinear cut 502 will be resistant to generating a tear in the skirt 32.
- the chad 501 has a wide base edge 507 and relatively short length, the chad 501 will be less likely to be inadvertently pinched by a user and, even if it is, will be resistant to tearing off of the skirt 32.
- Figure 8B shows a grip assister 600 according to another embodiment.
- the grip assister 600 is defined by a curvilinear cut 602 forming a single hanging chad 601.
- the curvilinear cut has ends 604, 606 forming a base edge 607 therebetween.
- the hanging chad 601 includes a pair of outer lobes 610, 612 and a convex, rounded medial edge 620 joining the outer lobes 610, 612.
- the outer lobes 610, 612 each include a convex rounded edge 614, 616.
- the dimensions of the hanging chad 601 are substantially similar to those of the hanging chad 501, with the exception of the chad 601 's curved medial edge 620.
- the grip assister 600 would also retain many of the advantageous properties of the grip assister 100 for the reasons discussed in relation to the grip assister 500.
- the dimensions of the various grip assisters described herein represent certain embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated from the description herein, the grip assisters provided in other dimensions and configured to perform as described herein are within the scope of the present invention.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/247,747 US20130077899A1 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2011-09-28 | Easy opening packaging article |
PCT/US2012/057052 WO2013049023A1 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2012-09-25 | Easy opening packaging article |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2760756A1 true EP2760756A1 (en) | 2014-08-06 |
EP2760756B1 EP2760756B1 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
Family
ID=47076386
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12778514.5A Not-in-force EP2760756B1 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2012-09-25 | Easy opening packaging article |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130077899A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2760756B1 (en) |
AU (2) | AU2012316281A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112014007281B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2667017T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2014003665A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013049023A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140231493A1 (en) * | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-21 | Delkor Systems, Inc. | Package Assembly with Tear Away Film and Manufacturing System |
US20150055896A1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2015-02-26 | Winpak Films, Inc. | Easy Tear Packaging |
JP7156773B2 (en) | 2016-04-14 | 2022-10-19 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | flexible packaging bag |
Family Cites Families (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3339820A (en) * | 1965-08-18 | 1967-09-05 | Milprint Inc | Closure for the outer carrier in a combination package |
JPS57202943U (en) * | 1981-06-22 | 1982-12-24 | ||
US4846587A (en) * | 1988-09-30 | 1989-07-11 | The Proctor & Gamble Company | Flaccid bag having improved integrally formed carrying handle |
DE4028508C2 (en) * | 1990-09-07 | 1994-01-20 | Sengewald Karl H Gmbh | Pack, in particular for compressible packaged goods |
US5338118A (en) * | 1993-01-14 | 1994-08-16 | Dematteis Robert B | Plastic bags and handle construction for plastic bags |
US5593229A (en) * | 1995-07-10 | 1997-01-14 | Rex-Rosenlew International Corporation | Heavy duty bag with easily-removable corner for pouring |
US5558438A (en) * | 1995-07-10 | 1996-09-24 | Rex-Rosenlew International Incorporated | Bag with reenforced handle and resealable pour spout opening |
CA2264755C (en) * | 1996-09-06 | 2005-11-15 | Lohmann Gmbh & Co. Kg | Bag-type package to be torn for easy access to the product |
US6065871A (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2000-05-23 | Rex International Incorporated | Bag with tear-resistant handle |
US6402379B1 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2002-06-11 | Rex International Incorporated | Bag with arcuate-transition tear line |
US8104959B2 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2012-01-31 | Cargill, Incorporated | Multi-handled sealed bag |
US7716901B2 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2010-05-18 | Price Charles E | Packaging for particulate and granular materials |
DE202007002960U1 (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2007-09-13 | Sca Hygiene Products Gmbh | Packaging for hygiene products |
US9561889B2 (en) * | 2007-05-21 | 2017-02-07 | Cryovac, Inc. | Easy opening packaging article made from heat-shrinkable film exhibiting directional tear |
US10202229B2 (en) | 2007-05-21 | 2019-02-12 | Cryovac, Inc. | Easy opening packaging article made from heat-shrinkable film exhibiting directional tear |
BRPI0921064B8 (en) * | 2008-11-20 | 2022-10-04 | Cryovac Inc | EASY-OPENING PACKAGING ARTICLE PRODUCED FROM HEAT SHRINK FILM SHOWING DIRECTIONAL BREAKAGE |
JP4891371B2 (en) * | 2009-07-22 | 2012-03-07 | 伊丹産業株式会社 | Rice bag |
-
2011
- 2011-09-28 US US13/247,747 patent/US20130077899A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-09-25 MX MX2014003665A patent/MX2014003665A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-09-25 WO PCT/US2012/057052 patent/WO2013049023A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-09-25 BR BR112014007281-7A patent/BR112014007281B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-09-25 AU AU2012316281A patent/AU2012316281A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-25 ES ES12778514.5T patent/ES2667017T3/en active Active
- 2012-09-25 EP EP12778514.5A patent/EP2760756B1/en not_active Not-in-force
-
2017
- 2017-04-03 AU AU2017202193A patent/AU2017202193A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20130077899A1 (en) | 2013-03-28 |
NZ622262A (en) | 2016-07-29 |
ES2667017T3 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
AU2012316281A1 (en) | 2014-04-17 |
AU2017202193A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 |
BR112014007281A2 (en) | 2017-03-28 |
EP2760756B1 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
MX2014003665A (en) | 2014-05-14 |
BR112014007281B1 (en) | 2020-09-29 |
WO2013049023A1 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
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