EP3235750B1 - Blok of packages with label strips for medically sealed closure - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a packaging block of interconnected individual packaging with label strips for medically sealed closure of the individual packaging. The term individual packing refers to a single plastic packing sleeve, e.g. is made of a hard plastic material which is open on one side, via which opening the item held in the package is accessible.

Stackable individual packages are widely known in the art. For example, the subject of the FR 2 622 174 A1 . DE 83 07 615 U1 or the WO 99/17910 A1 directed.

A feature of these individual packages which can be lined up is that any number of individual packages with mechanically releasable connection means are lined up to one another and each individual packaging can be detached from the adjacent individual packaging by a pulling or pushing movement.

For reasons of simplification, in the following description of the invention, only one attachable individual packaging is described, although under the Invention ideas of the present invention also juxtaposed to fall over connecting means mechanically coupled together packaging blocks.

When storing small medical instruments, equipment and devices, it is important that each medical device, device or accessory be stored in its own medical-grade packaging.

Using the example of implant screws can be shown that such an implant screw is arranged in a single hard plastic packaging, and is held in a arranged in the interior of the packaging clamping device.

The Medical Device Ordinance requires that each individual package be provided with a separate label, and that there be additional label carriers and removable adhesive labels that allow it to be peeled from the packaging label and adhered to another location, such as on a record carrier ,

It has been found that for economic reasons it is not possible to provide each individual packaging with a separate label, because the attachment of separate labels on very small individual packaging is expensive and is associated with high costs for the alignment.

It makes sense to glue several individual packages which are lined up to form a packaging block with a continuous label strip, in order to ensure that the label strip covers all individual packaging.

When attaching a label strip that covers a plurality of juxtaposed individual packages, there is also the possibility to use a serial label strip, in which the first Single packaging bears a different number than, for example, the last individual packaging in this packaging strip of juxtaposed individual packaging.

Incidentally, the same description also applies to packaging blocks, with the only difference that then in a packaging block several, not separable individual packages are present, but which are also pasted over with a common label, and several juxtaposed packaging blocks in turn with a continuous, contiguous Label strips can be pasted.

When using continuous, not separated label strips that are to be glued positionally accurate over a variety of lined individual packaging or packaging blocks, various difficulties have been found.

The US 2 205 437 A1 shows a packaging block according to the preamble of claim 1, with one another from mechanically coupled and by acting along the respective parting line thrust separable from each other individual packages. The packaging block is pasted over by a label strip, wherein the label strip consists of perforation lines with interconnected individual labels.

With this packaging, however, no medically sealed seal is possible because the tearing of the individual labels from the label strip by the separation of the pre-punched perforation creates an undesirable particle load, which prevents a medically sealed sealing of the individual packaging.

This disadvantage also occurs in the US 2011/297559 A1 on, which shows a packaging block according to the preamble of claim 1 and a label strip consisting of interconnected individual labels, wherein the labels are connected to each other via perforation lines and form the label strip.

The WO 2015/076107 A1 shows a medically sealed seal of a multi-chamber container whose chambers are sealed by a removable film. However, these are not individual containers which can be arranged in rows, but rather an elongated multi-chamber container which can be removed from a transport box at one go.

It is an object of the invention to provide a row-individual packaging with a continuous label strip for medical tight closure of the individual packages, the label strip covers several individual packaging and is ensured when uncoupling the individual packaging from the packaging block a clean separation of the individual label from the label strip.

The first requirement is therefore that the label strip is glued accurately to the front of the packaging row, so that when separating the individual packages which are connected to each other via the releasable connection means, it is ensured that the parting line between the individual packaging with the perforation line or the cut line on the label strip is aligned. This is to ensure that when detaching the one individual packaging from the mechanical composite of the packaging block, the individual label securely and unbreakably adheres to the individual packaging, without residues of this single label still adhere to the remaining packaging block.

It should therefore be a clean and smooth demolition of the label on the individual packaging of the remaining remainder of the label on the packaging block of the lined individual packages.

A second requirement is that the unilaterally upwardly open container opening of the individual packaging is closed by the individual label, resulting in a medically sealed closure of the container opening.

A third requirement is that at least the portion of the individual label that closes the container opening permits sterilization of the interior of the container. This label part is hereinafter referred to as a closure sheet.

According to the invention, a sterility of the interior of the container is not necessarily required, it is sufficient germ reduction or sterility.
For this purpose, it is necessary that the - closing the container opening - sealing sheet of the label is applied on all sides and circumferentially sealing on the upper peripheral edge of the container to prevent the ingress of germs into the container inside.

It must be a seal of the container opening, which is particularly tight and secured against tearing forces. Likewise, it must be a secure bond, which is designed so that when separating the individual packages from each other, it is ensured that during the separation process, the tight closure of the individual label with the closure sheet, which seals the peripheral edge of the container is not canceled. Thus, various requirements with regard to the separating force of the individual label with regard to the front side of the individual label and the top side of the individual label in the area of the closure opening sealingly sealing the container opening must be met.

The bond between the cover-side closure sheet and the sealing surface at the top of the individual packaging must ensure that even when the individual packaging is separated, when the label strip is separated, the composite is maintained.

Accordingly, in forming such a label strip consisting of individual individual labels separated by means of cutting, dividing or perforating lines, there are the various requirements described above.

Such a label strip with individual labels may have different shapes.

A first embodiment provides that the base material or the base carrier of the label consists of a vapor and / or gas-permeable membrane-like material, which is under the brand name "Tyvek" in the trade and which is characterized in that it is a kind of a nonwoven which is sterilizable and vapor-permeable.

This makes it possible to sterilize the sealed with such a label material and lined up in the composite individual packages in the region of the closure sheet, because the sterilizing agent can diffuse through the closure sheet, but can not penetrate from the interior of the container to the outside. It is therefore a membrane material, which is used according to the invention for a label strip consisting of juxtaposed and separable individual labels.

In another embodiment of the invention, a label strip is provided, which consists of a paper-like base support, which is about fleece-like and consists of a non-woven polyethylene plastic, this fleece consists of ultrafine filaments.

As a result, this membranous fabric is a textile fabric made of fibers.

The invention is not limited to the use of a textile membranous film or a nonwoven fabric, but also all other film-like labels are claimed, in which it is possible, a closure sheet covering the container opening of the individual packaging so making it permeable to sterilants from outside to inside.

Biological substances, such as. For example, organic cell clusters, but can not diffuse through such a membranous closure sheet.

The advantage of the invention is that a stackable individual packaging is designed so that it can be covered with a label strip, that the label strip in the upper peripheral edge provides a reliable seal and adhesion, and also on the front and possibly on the back even more Adhesive surfaces forms, with which the label strip can be glued to the front and back of the packaging block.

The closure sheet, which sealingly closes the upwardly open container opening, is membranous over its entire cross section (permeable to certain substances on one side).

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that only a punctiform region, for example, is provided in the region of this closure leaf through which the aforementioned sterilization measures can take place.

The solution of the problem is achieved by the features of the technical teaching of claim. 1

A feature of the invention is that the stackable individual packaging is associated with a label strip consisting of individual juxtaposed individual labels, wherein the juxtaposed individual labels are connected to each other via a continuous separating edge, wherein the adhesion properties of the individual labels on the surfaces of the individual packaging in conjunction with the continuous separating edge so are formed, that in the region of the container opening covering the closure sheet, a separation of the separating edge in the region of this container opening side separating edge on the closure sheet can be done without the adhesive force of the closure sheet is lifted at the peripheral container opening.

Consequently, different requirements for the adhesive force and the separation force acting in the direction of thrust are placed on the label strip in the region of the continuous separating edge.

In a preferred embodiment, the juxtaposed individual packages are separable from each other in the direction of their longitudinal axis, that is, there is an opposing thrust movement when separating the individual packaging from the side surface of a packaging block forming packaging instead.

This push movement is to be used to rupture the front edge portion of the label without leaving any residue on the opposite label.

This thrust is favorable for the separation, this front edge part of the single label, but is counterproductive with respect to the separation effect in the region of the closure opening closing the container opening. This is namely undesirably raised in the edge-side juxtaposition of the individual packages and tends to the sealing edge and the seal-tight seal are repealed.

For this reason, care must be taken in the region of the cover sheet, on the edge part running there, that the edge part can be separated particularly easily, without the sealed seal at the container opening being released during the separation and the associated lifting of the closing sheet.

In an analogous manner, as in the arranged on the front edge portion which easily tears at an opposite sliding movement of the individual packaging, this also applies to the optionally located on the back part of the label, which may also have an edge portion arranged there, which as a perforation line or is formed as an incised broken line, and the particularly easy tears, because the shear forces that arise when moving against each other of the individual packages, directly parallel and act in the same plane on the perforation lines in the sense of a fracture movement.

The problem with the invention is thus the undesired increase of the closure opening closing the container opening when the individual packages sealed by the label strip are displaced against each other.

This problem is solved in that the label strip consists of several, already separated by cut lines individual labels. The problem of unclean separating the individual labels when removing a labeled individual packaging from the packaging block is therefore no longer because the individual labels are already separated from the beginning of each other.

The packing block consists of mechanically coupled and separated by a force acting along the respective parting line from each other separable individual packages that are medically tight sealable at least in the area of their container openings of a continuous label strips, the continuous strip of labels consists of the above cut lines separated individual labels, the cut lines the individual labels are aligned with the joints between the individual packaging and further wherein an auxiliary strip on the The top of the individual labels is adhered at least until they are sealed yet on the container openings of the packaging block.

1. 1 es werden die entlang ihrer Längskanten miteinander verbundenen Einzeletiketten entlang von Schnittlinien voneinander abgetrennt,
2. 2 zur Lagensicherung der abgetrennten Einzeletiketten wird vor, während oder nach dem Abtrennen mindestens ein Hilfsstreifen auf die Oberseite der abgetrennten Einzeletiketten geklebt,
3. 3 die mit dem mindestens einen Hilfsstreifen lagengesichert zusammen gehaltenen Einzeletiketten werden mit ihren siegelfähigen Verschlussblättern auf die Behälteröffnungen des Verpackungsblocks aufgelegt und gesiegelt,
4. 4 die weiteren klebefähigen Teile der Einzeletiketten werden mit geeigneten Andrückwerkzeugen auf der Vorder- und gegebenenfalls Rückseite der Einzelverpackungen angeklebt,
5. 5 der mindestens eine Hilfsstreifen wird vor oder während oder nach dem Verfahrensschritt 4 entfernt.

All the individual labels described above can be used. The problem with this labeling is that the separated individual labels must at least temporarily be fixed in their position by one or more adhesive auxiliary strips until they have been sealed at least with their closure sheet onto the peripheral container openings of the individual packages. For this reason, independent patent claim 20 also claims a novel labeling method:
Such a method for labeling a packaging block with a continuous label strip is characterized by the following method steps:

1. 1 the individual labels interconnected along their longitudinal edges are separated from one another along cutting lines,
2. 2 for securing the position of the separated individual labels, at least one auxiliary strip is glued to the top of the separated individual labels before, during or after the separation,
3. 3 the individual labels held together with the at least one auxiliary strip are placed on the container openings of the packaging block with their sealable closure sheets and sealed,
4. 4 the other adhesive parts of the individual labels are glued on the front and, if necessary, back of the individual packaging using suitable pressure tools,
5. 5, the at least one auxiliary strip is removed before or during or after method step 4.

For the individual labels used here and the label strips derived therefrom, all explanations given above apply.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

• Figur 1: perspektivische Ansicht eines Verpackungsblocks, der aus drei aneinander angereihten und zueinander lösbar gestalteten Einzelverpackungen besteht
• Figur 2: die Draufsicht auf eine Einzelverpackung nach Figur 1
• Figur 3: die perspektivische Ansicht von zwei verschiedenen Ausführungsformen von Einzelverpackungen mit seitlich unterschiedlichen Verbindungsmitteln
• Figur 4: die Draufsicht auf die Anordnung nach Figur 1
• Figur 5: eine gleiche Ausführung wie etwa in Figur 1, wo erkennbar ist, wie eine Einzelverpackung an dem Verpackungsblock lösbar angereiht wird
• Figur 6: eine gegenüber Figur 5 abgewandelte Ausführungsform
• Figuren 7-10: die Darstellung unterschiedlicher Verpackungsblöcke unterschiedlicher Längen, die entweder aus einzelnen aneinander angereihten Verpackungsblöcken nach Figur 6 oder aus Einzelverpackungen nach Figur 5 bestehen können
• Figur 11: die perspektivische Darstellung einer ersten nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Etikettenstreifens
• Figur 12: schematisiert die Darstellung eines vom Etikettenstreifen 17 eines Einzeletiketts abhebbaren Kennzeichnungsstreifens
• Figur 13: schematisiert die Anbringung eines Etikettenstreifens - wo lediglich aus Vereinfachungsgründen die Anbringung eines Einzeletiketts auf eine Einzelverpackung gezeichnet ist
• Figur 14: die Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen Einzeletiketts
• Figur 14A: Schnitt gemäß der Mittenlinie in Figur 14
• Figur 15: die Rückseite des Einzeletiketts nach Figur 14
• Figur 16: die Draufsicht auf die zweite Ausführung eines Etikettenstreifens
• Figur 17: die Draufsicht auf die erste Ausführungsform des Etikettenstreifens
• Figur 18: Schnitt durch eine andere Ausführungsform der Ausbildung von Klebe- und Siegeletiketten auf dem Einzeletikett
• Figur 19: schematisiert der Kräfteverlauf der Trennkraft beim Abreißen der Siegelfläche im Bereich des Verschlussblattes
• Figur 20: eine gleiche Darstellung mit Darstellung der Verschiebekraft bei der Gegeneinanderbewegung der Einzelverpackungen mit dem Ziel der Auftrennung des Etikettenstreifens im Bereich der längeren Trennlinie
• Figur 21: eine erste Ausführungsform für die Ausbildung einer Trennkante
• Figur 22: eine zweite Ausführungsform für die Ausbildung einer Trennkante
• Figur 23: eine dritte Ausführungsform für die Ausbildung einer Trennkante
• Figur 24: eine vierte Ausführungsform für die Ausbildung einer Trennkante an der ersten Etikettenform
• Figur 25: eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer Trennkante für die zweite Art von Etiketten
• Figur 26: schematisiert die Kräfteverhältnisse beim Auftrennen des Etiketts im Bereich des Verschlussblattes
• Figur 27: eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform eines Etikettenstreifens

Show it:

• FIG. 1 : Perspective view of a packaging block consisting of three juxtaposed and detachably designed individual packages
• FIG. 2 : the top view of a single box behind FIG. 1
• FIG. 3 : The perspective view of two different embodiments of individual packaging with laterally different connecting means
• FIG. 4 : the top view of the arrangement after FIG. 1
• FIG. 5 : same version as in FIG. 1 , where it can be seen how a single package is detachably attached to the packaging block
• FIG. 6 : one opposite FIG. 5 modified embodiment
• Figures 7-10 : the representation of different packaging blocks of different lengths, either from each lined up lining blocks after FIG. 6 or from individual packaging FIG. 5 can exist
• FIG. 11 : The perspective view of a first non-inventive embodiment of a label strip
• FIG. 12 : Schematically illustrates the appearance of an identifiable from the label strip 17 of a single label identification strip
• FIG. 13 : schematized the attachment of a label strip - where only for reasons of simplicity, the attachment of a single label is drawn on a single package
• FIG. 14 : The plan view of a second embodiment of a non-inventive individual label
• Figure 14A : Section according to the center line in FIG. 14
• FIG. 15 : the back of the single label after FIG. 14
• FIG. 16 : The top view of the second embodiment of a label strip
• FIG. 17 : The top view of the first embodiment of the label strip
• FIG. 18 : Section through another embodiment of the formation of adhesive and seal labels on the individual label
• FIG. 19 : schematized the force distribution of the separation force when tearing off the sealing surface in the region of the closure sheet
• FIG. 20 : A similar representation showing the displacement force in the mutual movement of the individual packages with the aim of separating the label strip in the region of the longer parting line
• FIG. 21 a first embodiment for the formation of a separating edge
• FIG. 22 a second embodiment for the formation of a separating edge
• FIG. 23 a third embodiment for the formation of a separating edge
• FIG. 24 a fourth embodiment for the formation of a separating edge on the first label form
• FIG. 25 A fifth embodiment of a separation edge for the second type of label
• FIG. 26 : schematizes the balance of power when separating the label in the area of the closing blade
• FIG. 27 an embodiment of a label strip according to the invention

In FIG. 1 In general, a packaging block 3 is shown, which consists of individual juxtaposed individual packages 1, 2.

Between the individual packaging 1, 2 separating joints 11 are formed, and each individual packaging 1, 2 has a front side 44 and a side surface 46, wherein the front side 44 of a rear side 45 opposite.

The sleeve-like individual packaging 1, 2 each form an upwardly open container opening 14, and in the interior of the container opening 14 is - as an example - a plug-in receptacle 10 shown for the holder of the medical implant screws.

The lateral connecting means between the individual packages 1, 2 can be designed in various ways.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 is shown on the right side that a downwardly open connecting element 6, which lateral projections according to FIG. 2 has and in an associated undercut groove 8 of a counter element 9 is inserted.

Instead of a downwardly open connector 6, as the right side after FIG. 3 shows, could also be a rearwardly open connection element 7 is present.

The formation of the mutual connection means, which are easy to solve each other by a relative force between the individual packages 1, 2, is arbitrary. It is also possible to use various other connecting means belonging to the prior art and, for example, in US Pat WO 99/17910 A1 or in the US 2002/0079313 A1 are described.

While the FIG. 5 the connection principle of the individual packages 1, 2 according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 represents is in FIG. 5 yet put out that each individual package 2 can be queued with the arrow shown movement to the respective side surface 46 of the existing packaging block 3. In deviation from this execution shows the FIG. 6 in that a plurality of individual packages can also form a contiguous packaging block 5, and that individual packaging blocks 5 can also be arranged on one another via the mechanical connecting means 6, 8, 9, as shown in FIG FIG. 5 is shown.

Accordingly, the show FIGS. 7 to 10 All different combination options that are possible to continue the individual packages shown there in the form of packaging blocks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c in any way.

While the FIGS. 7 to 9 individual packaging blocks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c of different lengths show, it is also clear to the person skilled in the art that the packaging blocks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c shown there are of different lengths with the packaging blocks shown in FIG FIG. 5 shown mechanical connection means also arbitrarily lined up and separated from each other.

The FIG. 6 also shows that the packaging blocks formed from a plurality of individual packages can be plugged onto a holding plate 15, wherein a plug-in frame 16 is used.

The FIG. 1 shows in comparison to FIG. 3 Still, that the upper peripheral container opening 14 prior to the attachment of associated label strips 17 (see FIG. 11 ) can be provided with an additional coating 13. The container edge 12 is thus formed as a sealing surface.

The FIG. 11 shows as a first embodiment, a label strip 17 which consists of a plurality of individually attached individual labels 18, 19, 20, which are detachably connected to each other via separating edges 32.

As indicated in the general description, there are particular difficulties in separating a single package 1 in the direction of arrow 53rd from the rest of the composite individual packaging, because by the pushing movement (relative movement between the individual packaging 1 and 2 in the region of the parting line 11) and the separating edge 32 of the label strip 17 must tear.

As will be explained later, with respect to the front edge portion 35 and the rear edge portion 33 no particular difficulties, because they are relatively moved by the thrust movement in the same plane against each other and tear easily.

The problem is in the separation of the upper edge portion 34, which relates to the closure sheet 23 of the label strip. This closure sheet 23 must namely adhere absolutely securely and sealingly on the peripheral container edge 12 and must not be lifted by the resulting thrust in the direction of arrow 53.

The invention therefore proposes the measures described below.

The label strip 17 after FIG. 11 consists of a nonwoven, membranous, textile material, which is under the brand name "Tyvek" in the trade. On the base support 21, one or more identification strips 22 are glued to the front, according to FIG. 12 can also be replaced.

The closure sheet 23 forms a material integral piece with the base support 21 and continues to the rear in a further base support 25 on the back.

At this rear base support 25, a tear tab 24 may be formed, which protrudes beyond the base support 25, as in FIG. 13 shown. It is possible to detach the tear tab 24 together with the base carrier 25 glued to the container rear side, or tear open the tear tab 24 alone so as to tear off the closure sheet 23 as well, which remains connected to the base carrier 21 along a folding edge 28.

In another embodiment, it may also be provided that the folding edge 28 is formed as a perforation edge, to ensure that the closure sheet 23 can be completely demolished by the base support 21, and the base support 21 then adheres to the front side 44 of the individual packaging.

Based on FIGS. 14, 14A and 15 a second embodiment of the label strip 17 is shown, which consists of different types of individual labels 18a.

Several individual labels 18a then also form a label strip, which is not shown contiguous only for graphic reasons.

It is therefore in the FIGS. 14 to 18 only a single label described.

In FIG. 14 It is shown that the second embodiment of such a single label 18a consists of a base support 21, on the front side of an identification strip 22 is adhered.

The base support 21 merges in the direction of the closure sheet 23 via a folding edge 28 into the closure sheet 23, where it can be seen that in the region of the closure sheet 23 a central membrane surface 29 is arranged which can be square, rectangular or round.

The membrane surface 29 can be designed in any desired manner and is distinguished by the fact that it is not provided with an adhesive layer either on the upper side or on the rear side so as to ensure a membranous access to the container opening 14 and the inner space of the individual packaging 1.

The peripheral edge, which extends around the membrane surface 29, is referred to as edge region 30, and it may be coated on its back with a sealing wax or another adhesive adhesive.

At the top of the closure sheet 23, a tear tab 24 connects. It lacks the rear base support 25, the in FIG. 11 is shown. Accordingly, this individual label does not extend beyond the back 45 of the individual packaging.

In the FIG. 14 It is shown that the membrane surface 29 is uncoated and forms a free passage for vapor or gaseous sterilant.

The Figure 14A shows a section along the center longitudinal line FIG. 14 with a slight modification.

First, it can be seen that the entire rear side of the individual label 18a is provided with a sealable coating 27, which consequently also extends over the membrane surface 29. If the thickness of the coating 27 is not chosen too strong, nevertheless a free passage of steam or gaseous sterilizing agents through the membrane surface 29 and through the coating 27 closing this membrane surface is ensured.

Thus, two different embodiments are shown, wherein in the first embodiment, the membrane surface 29 is uncoated, while in the second embodiment according to Figure 14A the membrane surface is sealed with the sealable coating 27.

At the front - in the region of the base support 21 - the identification strip 22 is glued in a conventional manner, according to FIG. 18 may also be provided with an adhesive layer 38.

The FIG. 15 shows the back of the single label FIG. 14 , where it can be seen that on the back of an open space 31 is present, which may be provided with an adhesive layer, but need not.

The FIG. 18 shows a section through the embodiment according to FIG. 14 , where it can be seen that the sealable coating 27 does not extend over the membrane surface 29, but this spares.

Otherwise, the same reference numerals apply to the same parts, wherein it is additionally stated that the pull tab 24 is connected to the material of the base support 21 via a folded edge 26.

The FIG. 18 shows, moreover, that in the region of the closure sheet 23 a sealable coating 27 is present, which ensures an absolutely tight seal with the peripheral container opening 14, while in the same plane, but underneath and at the back of the base support 21, a different coating 39 is arranged , which is preferably designed as a simple adhesive coating.

However, this coating 39 does not have to be sealable.

At the back of the pull tab 24 no adhesive coating is attached to make it so easily accessible.

The FIG. 16 shows the label strip 17 after FIG. 11 in a plan view, where it can be seen that the adjoining individual labels 18, 19, 20 are connected to each other via vertical separating edges 32.

Each separating edge 32 is subdivided into the upper edge part 33, the middle edge part 34 and the lower edge part 35.

The edge portions 33 and 35 have the same separation properties, while the middle edge portion 34 has a different separation property.

Furthermore, it can still be seen that an edge region 30 with a high-strength sealable coating is present in the region of the closure sheet 23.

The FIG. 17 shows in a modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 18 the other embodiment of a label strip 17a, which consists of the individual labels 18a, 19a and 20a, and wherein in the region of a continuous separating edge 32, an edge portion 34 is defined, which is arranged in the region of the closure sheet 23 and extending into the downward edge portion 35th continues.

There may be various tear tabs 24 whose shape is arbitrary.

The middle edge part 34 thus extends between the crossing points 36 and 37. It must now be ensured that, when separating the individual labels 18, 19, 20 or 18a, 19a, 20a along the edge part 34, the peripherally sealed edge region 30 is in no way damaged becomes.

To solve this problem, the invention provides various measures, which are described below.

FIG. 19 shows a force diagram in which the ordinate, the separation force F _{T is} recorded and on the abscissa, the separation time t, which is needed to separate the interconnection between the individual labels.

In the 0-point of the coordinate system, the release force F _T begins to act in the form of a withdrawal force 42, which increases in the direction of arrow 41 and in any case must exceed the maximum connection force between the individual labels 18, 19, 20 in the region of the edge portion 34 to a separation of the edge portion 34 to ensure.

There is a differential force 43 indicated as the difference between the maximum connection force and the minimum sealing force in the region of the container opening 14 in the peripheral edge region 30, which must not be exceeded under any circumstances when the withdrawal force 42 acts. Therefore, there must always be a safety force reserved differential force 43 to ensure that the minimum sealing force S _{S is} always greater than the separation force F _T.

Therefore, at the separation point 40, the edge part 34 tears open without the minimum sealing force or adhesive force in the peripheral edge region 30 being removed.

The FIG. 20 shows, however, the relative movement of the longitudinal edge portions 33 and 35, wherein the displacement force between the individual packages 1, 2, starting from the zero point of the coordinate system, acts in the direction of arrow 41 and the displacement force is selected so that the tearing force along the edge portion 35 and 33 exceeded so that these edge parts tear open. It is then the tearing force along the edge portions 33 and 35 exceeded, which are thus separated from each other, because the force relationships after FIG. 19 with respect to the central edge portion 34 must be maintained.

With the differential force 48 it is shown that the adhesive force in the shear direction, which the base carrier 21 has on the front and rear sides 44, 45, is not exceeded. That is, the label should stick to the front and back and it should only the edge portion 33, 35 are torn open. It is therefore at the separation point 47 to a separation between the abutting edge portions 33, 35th

The FIGS. 21 to 26 show various embodiments of such separating edges 32nd

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 21 to 23 is the separating edge 32 of a label strip 17a shown while in FIG. 24 a separating edge 32c for a label strip 17 is shown.

In FIG. 21 It is shown that the critical edge portion 34 may be formed by a free punch 49 which extends to the folding edge 28.

The free punch 49 is therefore open in each case on the front side and goes down into a perforated edge portion 35, which has the perforation 50.

The perforation may be formed in various embodiments. It can include punctiform punching, linear punching or any other punching. It can also be designed as a microperforation.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 22 on the other hand, it is shown that the free punch 49 is closed on the front side via connecting webs 51, so that when tearing open the entire separating edge 32, the two opposing connecting webs 51 must first be torn open before the free punch 49 can be opened and then the following tearing force can be introduced into the perforation 50 the lower edge portion 35 continues.

In FIG. 23 is in a modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 22 shown that instead of a continuous free punching 49 with upper and lower end-side connecting webs 51, the connecting webs parallel and can extend at a distance from each other via the free punch 49, so that between each empty spaces as a free punch 49 are present. The FIG. 24 shows a single label, as provided for a label strip 17, wherein for the edge portion 34 shown there, all the above explanations after the FIGS. 21 to 23 be valid.

It is merely exemplified that the free punch 49 is continuous, although all other embodiments according to FIGS. 21 to 23 can be used.

It is also shown that adjoining the lower perforated edge portion 35 of the opposite rear edge portion 33, which is also provided with a perforation 50.

In the non-inventive embodiment according to FIG. 25 It is shown that instead of a free punch 49 and a perforation 52 may be provided in the region of the critical edge portion 34, wherein this perforation portion 52 is preferably formed as a micro-perforation. Otherwise, the same reference numbers apply to the same parts.

The FIG. 26 schematically shows a tearing operation in a lateral view, when a label strip with a single label after FIG. 25 is torn open. It can be seen that the separation force F _T must lead to the left tearing of the edge portion 34, while in the adjacent part of the adhesive force F _S must remain to prevent tearing of material in the neighboring area.

In FIG. 27 an embodiment of the invention for labeling a packaging block 3-5 is shown. For ease of description, only the novel label strip 17 b is shown, which is characterized in that in a previous step, the parallel juxtaposed and contiguous individual labels were completely separated by cutting lines 54. That's why they do not hang together anymore. In order to ensure a layer security of the already separated individual labels, it is provided that before, during or after the attachment of the cutting lines 54, the individual labels are fixed by an auxiliary strip 55.

It is preferred if the auxiliary strip 55 is glued with its longitudinal extent over the parallel and loosely juxtaposed individual labels with its lower-side adhesive surface 56 that it covers the sealable closure sheets 23. The position assurance in this area is particularly important, because the closure sheets 23 should be sealed with their sealable bases correct position on the peripheral container edge 12 of the container openings 14.

Therefore, it is preferred that the auxiliary strip 55 remain on the individual labels during the sealing process. Incidentally, all individual labels 18, 19, 20; 18a, 19a, 20a; 18b, 19b, 20b, which have been described in detail in the above description.

Instead of using a single auxiliary strip 55, which is preferably adhered transversely over all the individual labels in the area of their closure sheets, it may instead be provided in another embodiment to glue the auxiliary strips either at a different location over all the individual labels or to use more than one auxiliary strip ,

After the closure sheets 23 of the individual labels have been sealed together onto the container openings 14, the at least one auxiliary strip 55 can be pulled off before, during or after the sealing operation. The still protruding, further sealable parts of the individual labels can then be glued with a suitable pressure tool on the remaining surfaces of the individual packaging.

The advantage of the technical teaching of independent claim 15 and the related further claims is that when separating labeled individual packaging 1, 2 from the packaging block 3, 5 no longer the risk that a - no longer present - frangible separation edge between the individual labels, the adjacent single label is damaged.

drawing Legend

1

individual packaging

2

individual packaging

3

packaging block

4

5

packaging block

6

connecting element

7

connecting element

8th

groove

9

counter-element

10

plug-in receptacle

11

parting line

12

container edge

13

coating

14

container opening

15

retaining plate

16

Steckrahmen

17

Label strips a

18

Single label a, b

19

Single label

20

Single label

21

Basic carrier (front)

22

Marker strips

23

shutter blade

24

pull tab

25

Basic carrier (rear)

26

fold

27

Coating (seal)

28

fold; 28a (back)

29

membrane area

30

border area

31

open space

32

separating edge

33

Edge part (rear)

34

Edge part (top)

35

Edge part (front)

36

intersection

37

intersection

38

adhesive layer

39

Coating (adhesive)

40

split point

41

arrow

42

Withdrawal force (on 24)

43

differential force

44

Front side (from 1, 2)

45

Back side (from 1, 2)

46

side surface

47

split point

48

difference

49

Free punch

50

perforation

51

connecting web

52

Perforation section (top)

53

arrow

54

intersection

55

auxiliary strip

56

adhesive surface

Claims (20)

1. Package block (3, 5) with a label strip (17), which consists of individual labels (18-20) connected to one another, consisting of individual packages (1, 2) which are separable from one another and which are medically tightly sealable by a label strip (17) at least in the region of their container openings (14) and which consists of individual labels (18-20) connected to one another, characterised in that the individual packages (1, 2) are mechanically coupled and are separable from one another by a shearing force acting along the respective parting line (11), and in that the label strip consists of several individual labels (18, 20) already separated from one another by parting edges (32) consisting of cut lines (54) and open perforations (49) and the parting edges (32) of the individual labels (18-20) are aligned with the parting lines (11) between the individual packages (1, 2) and in that the individual labels (18, 20) separated from one another by cut lines (54) and open perforations (49) are fixed by an auxiliary strip (55).
2. Package block (3, 5) according to claim 1, characterised in that each individual label (18) of the label strip (17) consists of a front backing (21), which sticks adhesively on the front side (44) of the individual package (1, 2), and in that the backing (21) is adjacent to an upper closing sheet (23), which seals the container opening (14), via a folded edge (28).
3. Package block according to claim 2, characterised in that the upper closing sheet (23) is adjacent to a backing (25) adhesively covering the rear side (45) of the individual package via a rear folded edge (28a).
4. Package block (4, 5) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that a tear-open flap (24) is arranged on the rear part of the closing sheet (23) or on the rear backing (25).
5. Package block (4, 5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the closing sheet (23), which closes in sealing manner the container opening which is open at the top, is designed to be membranous, that is, to be permeable on one side for certain materials, over its entire cross-section.
6. Package block (4, 5) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the closing sheet (23) is designed to be membranous only in a point-like region.
7. Package block (4, 5) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the upper annular container opening (14) is provided with an additional coating (13) before attaching assigned label strips (17) and in that the container edge (12) is designed as a seal surface.
8. Package block according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the auxiliary strip (55) is adhered to the upper side of the individual labels at least so long as the latter are not yet sealed on the container openings (14) of the package block (4, 5).
9. Label strip for generating the package block (3, 5) according to claim 2 or 8, characterised in that the auxiliary strip (55) with its longitudinal extension is adhered over the individual labels (18, 20) arranged parallel and loosely next to one another with its under-side adhesive surface (56) so that it covers the sealable closing sheets (23).
10. Label strip according to claim 9, characterised in that one or more identification strips (22) are adhered on a backing (21) on the front side.
11. Label strip according to claim 10, characterised in that the closing sheet (23) with the backing (21) forms a material-integral piece and is continued towards the rear in a further backing (25) on the rear side.
12. Label strip according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that a tear-open flap (24), which projects beyond the backing (25), is arranged on the rear backing (25).
13. Label strip according to claim 12, characterised in that either the tear-open flap (24) is releasable together with the backing (25) adhered from the container rear side or only the tear-open flap (24) alone is tearable open in order to thus also tear off the closing sheet (23), wherein the latter remains connected to the backing (21) along a folded edge (28).
14. Label strip according to claim 13, characterised in that the folded edge (28) is designed as a perforation edge in order to guarantee that the closing sheet (23) is tearable completely off from the backing (21) and the backing (21) then remains adhering on the front side (44) of the individual package.
15. Label strip according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that the backing (21) in the direction of the closing sheet (23) merges into the closing sheet (23) via a folded edge (28), and in that a central membrane surface (29) is arranged in the region of the closing sheet (23).
16. Label strip according to claim 15, characterised in that the annular edge region (30), which extends around the membrane surface (29), is coated on its rear side with a sealing lacquer or a further sticky adhesive.
17. Label strip according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterised in that the entire rear side of the individual label (18a) is provided with a sealable coating (27) which also extends over the membrane surface (29).
18. Label strip according to claim 17, characterised in that the thickness of the coating (27) is selected so that free passage of vaporous or gaseous sterilisation agents through the membrane Surface (29) and through the coating (27) closing this membrane surface is guaranteed.
19. Label strip according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that a sealable coating (27), which ensures an absolutely tight closure with the annular container opening (14), is present in the region of the closing sheet (23), whereas in the same plane, but lying underneath and on the rear side of the backing (21), a different coating (39) is arranged which is preferably designed as a simple adhesive coating.
20. Method for labelling a package block (3, 5) with a continuous label strip (17, 17a, 17b) characterised by the following method steps:

    1 the individual labels (18, 18a, 18b-20, 20a, 20b) connected to one another along their longitudinal edges are separated from one another along cut lines (54),

    2 for positional security of the separated individual labels, an auxiliary strip (55) is adhered to the upper side of the separated individual labels before, during or after separation,

    3 the individual labels held together in positionally secure manner by the auxiliary strip (55) are placed onto the container openings (14) of the package block (4, 5) with their sealable closing sheets (23) and sealed,

    4 the further adhesive parts (21, 25) of the individual labels are adhered on the front side (44) and optionally rear side (45) of the individual packages (1, 2) using suitable pressing tools,

    5 the auxiliary strip (55) is removed before or during or after method step 4.

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