EP3310678B1 - Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product - Google Patents

Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3310678B1
EP3310678B1 EP16731087.9A EP16731087A EP3310678B1 EP 3310678 B1 EP3310678 B1 EP 3310678B1 EP 16731087 A EP16731087 A EP 16731087A EP 3310678 B1 EP3310678 B1 EP 3310678B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strip
closure system
junctions
configuration
bag
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.)
Active
Application number
EP16731087.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3310678A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Vandamme
Frédéric BOURDIN
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.)
Gervais Danone SA
Original Assignee
Gervais Danone SA
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 Gervais Danone SA filed Critical Gervais Danone SA
Publication of EP3310678A1 publication Critical patent/EP3310678A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3310678B1 publication Critical patent/EP3310678B1/en
Active 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
    • B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
    • B65D31/10—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with gusseted sides
    • 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
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/007—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags for facilitating the separation of the two walls, e.g. walls of inequal height, tabs; for maintaining the mouth of the sack or bag open
    • 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
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
    • B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
    • 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
    • B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/22—Details
    • B65D77/24—Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers
    • B65D77/245—Utensils for removing the contents from the package, e.g. spoons, forks, spatulas

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pliable reclosable plastic package, possibly adapted to store a food product taken out from the package (for instance granular edible products, using a predetermined utensil serving as a measuring device). More particularly, the invention relates to a gusset style pouch comprising:
  • a package of this type is known for example from document US 2014/0014789 .
  • the main flexible part is provided with two opposite locking flexures rigidly coupled to the first end and the second end of the main flexible part, such locking flexures being in locking contact with a surface of a complementary flexible part in the second configuration.
  • Applying a slight pressure opens the arrangement to obtain a non-flat configuration and when the mechanism reaches a predetermined point, at least one of the ends (preferably the two ends) reaches a lock position, maintaining an open configuration.
  • Closing the mechanism only requires a slight pressure to be applied to the external surface of the flexible parts of the hold open arrangement, resulting in the flexures unlocking and rotating towards a closed configuration.
  • the open end of the pouch is typically sealed between uses in order to prolong the useful life of the remaining amount of product stored therein.
  • the bag can be maintained in the open configuration, which is advantageous when a product (preferably a flowable food product), for instance cereals, powdered milk, or similar granular food product has to be retrieved by the user.
  • a product preferably a flowable food product
  • cereals for instance cereals, powdered milk, or similar granular food product
  • Document US2014314342 shows another kind fitment to provide a mechanical lock, using hinges in a pair of strips.
  • a hold open arrangement is defined by the strips that extend above strips of the closure system. With such location, the user can directly handle the hold open arrangement, which facilitates repeated efficiency. The handling of this kind of hold open arrangement is not considered user-friendly.
  • US 5,174,658 discloses a hold open arrangement that is defined by the closure system strips.
  • the two strips are are made from a relatively stiff resilient material having a memory, such as Nylon or high-density polyethylene.
  • the pair of strips are shaped so that in an unstressed configuration they are circular or elliptical.
  • the bag when the bag is opened it will tend to form an almost circular opening to facilitate the filling or emptying of the contents of the bag.
  • a tearing action against one of the halves of the hold open mechanism may occur; and if one of the halves is not sufficiently secured to the flexible material of the bag, movement between the closed state and the open state of the pouch will be altered.
  • Such tearing action is likely to occur because the halves are only secured to a bag wall by their main flexible part, not by their ends.
  • a pouch container (gusset style pouch) disclosed in document JP 2013169993 is provided with a foldable portion configured as a spoon holding portion.
  • the manufacturing is also complex when adding this kind of foldable portion secured to the front and rear walls.
  • the parts fixed to a flexible sheet material below the closure system can impair usual foldability of a pouch container if these parts have to be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material.
  • the subject of the present invention is a gusset style pouch of the abovementioned type, wherein the main flexible part and at least one locking element of the locking means are formed by the first strip which is made of a determined semi-rigid plastic material, and wherein the second strip, which is made of a semi rigid plastic material (preferably also of the determined semi rigid plastic material) defines at least one contact surface for retaining said locking element in the second configuration, whereby the first strip and the second strip of the closure system define the hold open arrangement.
  • the gusset pouch can be manufactured with a simple assembly step, which is well adapted for mass production (i.e. with production equipment operating at a high rate).
  • the pouch is user-friendly because the strips of the closure system provide the additional features, here for having the open configuration. It is thus understood that the same strip material can be used for defining anchoring elements or similar fixation means of the closure system, and the one or more locking elements of the hold open arrangement.
  • the strips that include the one or more locking elements are provided with a sealing surface (at the interlocking area), thus advantageously forming a barrier against insects and/or humidity.
  • the interlocking area extends from one of the two junctions to the other one of the two junctions.
  • the locking elements are for example part of a zip-type closure (which comprise the Velcro® closures) for creating a reusable air tight seal at the open end of the pouch.
  • Each locking element (for example a locking tab) formed in the first strip is advantageously movable relative to the bag, in order to pivot with local increase of space between the bag and the sliding edge of such locking element. For this purpose, it is understood that each locking element extends in an non-sealed area.
  • the non-sealed areas for allowing pivotment of the locking elements may be adjacent to the continuous sealing surface that provides a barrier effect between the first strip and the corresponding inner face of the bag.
  • the pouch has here a gusset style since the interior volume is delimited by a flexible sidewall, preferably with a bottom gusset wall that optionnaly defines a seat (bearing means) for the pouch.
  • the pouch provided with the hold open arrangement is maintained in the open configuration such that the opposite rear wall and front wall of the pouch are widely separated making it easy to access withheld contents.
  • the term "gusset style pouch” applies for a pouch having one gusset and for a pouch having at least two gussets as well. It includes embodiments with double gusset options.
  • the pouch is typically a "stand up pouch”. It may be vertical with substantially horizontal opening (with the bottom forming the base of the pouch) but also horizontal. In some options, the opening may extend in a plane that is tilted relative to the base of the pouch.
  • a pouch in accordance to the invention may be obtained by a method only bonding two strips to the inner face of the bag to make the closure system, while having an efficient and robust hold open arrangement.
  • a method of producing a gusset style pouch in accordance to the invention comprising the steps essentially consisting of:
  • the strips are bonded in a simple and robust manner to the respective inner faces of the bag walls, while providing easy access to content for the consumer.
  • each of the first strip and the second strip are cut from a continuous extruded band of a same polyolefin material and the determined strip is cut to define two opposite locking elements, the two opposite locking elements being defined before a final cut to define a length of the determined strip and after forming anchoring elements of the determined strip.
  • the first strip and the second strip are each injected plastic elements (by injection ou co-injection).
  • the two respective ends of the first strip are each placed in a margin bonding area of the front wall used to define the junctions, when sealing the first strip to the front wall, while the two respective ends of the second strip are each placed in a margin bonding area of the rear wall used to define the junctions, when sealing the second strip to the rear wall.
  • the junctions are obtained by longitudinally bonding side edges of the font wall and the rear wall, parallel (typically with a small distance inferior to 5 mm) to the flexing lines.
  • the method of producing the gusset style pouch may be performed by using a horizontal form-fill-and-seal (FFS) machine or, alternatively a vertical FFS machine.
  • An insertion step may be performed during operations of the FFS machine to have the closure system:
  • the insertion directly inside a bag is advantageous to better control position of the closure system relative to the bag and selectively seal areas (to obtain efficient barrier effect) without impairing mobility of the locking elements.
  • the strips of the closure system may be connected with the respective walls or panels of the bag using an intermediate layer of connecting material, such as thermoplastic weld material, disposed between and connecting an outer face of each strip with the respective rear and front walls.
  • a hot layer of thermoplastic weld material is applied between each strip of the closure system and the respective wall of the bag. Such hot layer melts and attaches to both the bag wall and the strip, thereby forming a thermoplastic weld therebetween, which may provide a good continuous air tight seal between each bag wall and the respective strips of the closure system.
  • the locking elements extend at a distance from such intermediate layer.
  • the closure system is inserted and sealed in a bag already defining an interior volume but not sealed at one end (typically the upper end).
  • the FFS machine is provided with:
  • a pouch of the invention may comprise:
  • At least one of the first strip and the second strip is made of a determined semi rigid plastic material and comprises:
  • the protruding contact part is adapted to be used in combination with a measuring utensil, the protruding contact part extending entirely below an interlocking area of the closure system and being preferably coupled to the lower edge of the corresponding strip; wherein the protruding contact part extends between at least one base portion (which may be proximal with respect to the interlocking area) and at least one free edge , preferably a same free edge, distal from the interlocking area (more distal than the base portion), wherein the protruding contact part:
  • the closure system of the flexible pouch has at least one of the strips that is provided with a specific tongue-like part or similar contact part (possibly defined by two spaced protruding members) that protrudes toward the content and is matching with the cup shape and/or retaining feature of a measuring utensil.
  • the pouch is here intended in particular for a food product in powder form, which comprises a fitment at the upper end that defines the single opening.
  • the protruding contact part is typically a tongue-like elastically deformable member, which protrudes sufficiently from the lower edge of the closure system, so that the leveling can be performed at a distance from the side wall of the bag.
  • the pouch is provided with a closure system enabling the particularly easy returning of a specific or nonspecific measuring device to the interior volume of the pouch, such that the user may retrieve this device during a subsequent use while limiting the risks of product contamination.
  • the pouch can be provided with a closure system enabling the particularly easy leveling of a measuring device that is specific or nonspecific measuring device, just above the content and below the opening plane defined by the closure system, using the free edge of the protruding contact part.
  • the closure system can be operated in any suitable manner, possibly without any anchoring elements.
  • the closure feature is not limited in any way and, for instance, strips provided with magnetic material or magnetic members to perform a magnetic closure could be used. In such option, magnetic members could be reusable with different pouches having a same housing above the opening plane to retain the magnetic means.
  • a leveling element proves useful in practice for leveling the contents of a spoon or any other more complex measuring device by sliding the open side of the cup of this spoon past the free edge of this leveling element.
  • the user When a granular or powdery product needs to be measured precisely, it is preferable for the user to use for each use the same utensil or measuring device the volume of which is precisely defined. Moreover, if variable volumes of product need to be measured, as is the case in particular for baby milk powder, where the volume to be taken out depends on the quantity of milk to be prepared, the measuring device may prove to be rather more complex than a simple spoon. It is therefore highly useful for the user to be able to retrieve the measuring device immediately for each use. However, for this purpose, the user should not have to carry out an unnatural or relatively tiresome operation at the end of the preceding use.
  • the fitment device has a simple structure with two strips that are interlockable strips, preferably made of a semi rigid material.
  • a method of using a closure system, in a gusset style pouch may facilitate operation of retrieving a food content inside the pouch by a measuring utensil. Indeed, user-friendly handling of a measuring utensil is needed.
  • the closure system can comprise a semi rigid fitment device secured to the flexible front wall and the flexible rear wall and configured to define a top opening of the pouch, at the opposite to a bottom, the method comprising the steps essentially consisting of:
  • the measuring utensil is immediately visible and can be withdrawn very easily if the handle free end is adjacent to the opening and orientation of the measuring utensil is already a vertical orientation. In other words, the measuring utensil is ready to be used immediately for each use.
  • the pouch 1 is a packing container having a flexible bag B and a closure system 2.
  • the bag B comprises a bottom 3, a front wall 4 and a rear wall 5 defining a flexible sidewall.
  • the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 are interconnected at two longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b extending parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the sidewall.
  • the two longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b may correspond to two stiffening welds (permanently sealed sides) of the bag B.
  • the bag B made of flexible material is provided with at least one gusset having an interior edge extending between the respective inner faces of the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5.
  • a mono-web construction may be used to obtain the bag B.
  • the bottom 3 is defined by a lower wall provided with a fold (so as to typically define a midsection 14 of gusset, here intersected by the longitudinal axis X). Such lower wall may be configured as a seat for the pouch 1.
  • a W-shape can be used to define the bottom 3 as shown in Figs 8A-8B .
  • the pouch 1 belongs to the group of the self-standing resealable pouches, so that the pouch 1 is suitable to display optional content information marked on an outer surface of the bag in an upright position.
  • the bottom 3 may be configured differently and one or more gussets may optionally be provided laterally, preferably at a distance from the opening 7.
  • gussets When two optional gussets are laterally interconnecting the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5, it is understood that such gussets belong to the flexible sidewall and define the two longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b. Stiffening welds can be provided to have a sealing between the front wall 4 and the gussets and/or a sealing between the rear wall 5 and the gussets.
  • the bag B can be a mono-web construction of a film.
  • the front wall 4, the rear wall 5 and the bottom 3 are obtained by assembling at least two different parts.
  • the bag B is obtained by assembling three parts (a lower wall and two flexible sidewall panels P1, P2 that are superimposed over one another and sealed together).
  • the bag B includes several seal areas 11a, 11b, 12a where the two flexible sidewall panels P1, P2 are sealed together, e.g., heat-sealed.
  • the panels P1 and P2 are sealed together along side peripheral edges to form the longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b respectively, and optionally along a top peripheral edge 12 to form top seal 12a ( Fig. 8B ).
  • Bottom peripheral edges 3a and 3b of sidewall panels P1 and P2, respectively, can also be sealed to one another to form a bottom seal and thereby complete a closed pouch structure.
  • a bottom gusset panel P3 having at least one fold is attached to the inner surface of sidewall panels P1 and P2.
  • These panels P1, P2 here define the flexible front and rear walls 4, 5.
  • the portion of the bottom gusset panel P3 above seal lines is not attached to the inner surface of the sidewall panels P1 and P2 such that midsection 14 of gusset is free and extends up into the interior of the bag B in a pleated fashion.
  • the bottom gusset panel P3 and the sidewall panels P1 and P2 can be made from the same web of material.
  • the bottom gusset panel P3 can be formed by folding the bottom portion of the continuous web in a "W" section as disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,380,646 issued to Doyen et al.
  • the flexible bag B in an open state of the pouch 1, defines an interior volume V having at least three sides (bottom side, right side and left side) that are sealed, whereby the opening 7 of the bag B opposite to the bottom 3 defines a single opening 7 of the bag B.
  • the interior volume V has here a determined height H measured between the bottom 3 and the single opening 7.
  • the longitudinal junctions 6a and 6b may be as long as the determined height H, as illustrated in Fig. 1A .
  • the film material used to form the bag B can be plastic, such as low, medium or high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester (PET), polyamide or any other material that is commonly used in the packaging industry, copolymers, or blends thereof.
  • the film material can be a single layer cast or blown film, a multi-layer coextrusion or laminate.
  • the film material can also include one or more layers of paper, metal foil, vacuum deposited metal or inorganic layer of aluminium or silicon oxide and/or a polymer barrier layer, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol or polyvinylidene chloride (or other barrier material). Of course, such materials are non limiting examples.
  • the material is flexible and capable of allowing a gusset to be formed. If the film is a multi-layer film, it is preferred that at least the inner layer of the bag B is a heat sealable layer.
  • the closure system 2 comprises two strips 8, 9 that are fixed one each other at the respective junctions 6a, 6b.
  • Such strips 8, 9 here define two halves of the closure system 2 and are arranged as a fitment proximate the opening 7.
  • the first strip 8 of the closure system 2 is sealed to the front wall 4, while the second strip 9 is sealed to the rear wall 5.
  • the inner layer of the bag B is thus covered by two strips 8 and 9, which are made of a semi rigid material.
  • the strips 8, 9 are typically sealed in a continuous manner to prevent any leak between the bag B and the strips 8, 9. This is of interest when adding inert gas inside the pouch 1 after filling with the content 13.
  • Such semi rigid material typically extruded polymeric material, can be the same for the two strips 8 and 9.
  • the semi rigid material can be high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PET, NylonTM, any other polymeric material feasible in the context of the present invention, or any combination thereof.
  • the term "memory" is intended to mean the phenomenon where a material returns to its original, unstressed configuration after having been deformed to a stressed configuration and the deforming force causing the deformation has been removed.
  • the two opposite ends 8a-8b, 9a-9b (see Figs 2A-2B ) of the two strips 8 and 9 are sealed in two areas that belong to or interfere with the longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b.
  • Such ends 8a-8b, 9a-9b thus extend outside the interior volume V and form part of the two longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b.
  • the two strips 8 and 9 may be provided each with a pull member 16 or 18 that protrudes upwardly from an upper rim.
  • This upper rim surrounds the opening 7 in an open state of the pouch 1.
  • a plane of the opening 7 is defined by such upper rim.
  • two rectilinear upper rim portions 81, 82, separated by the pull member 16 are provided in the first strip 8.
  • two rectilinear upper rim portions 91, 92, separated by the pull member 18, are also provided.
  • Such upper rim portions 81, 82, 91, 92 at the upper edges 8c and 9c of the strips 8 and 9 define a plane of the opening 7, as apparent in view of Figs 1A and 11 in particular.
  • the pair of opposite pull members 16, 18 are optionally in contact with each other in a first flat configuration of the closure system 2 as shown in Fig. 1B .
  • the pouch 1 assumes a generally flat configuration (especially at a distance from the bottom 3) after it has been formed, filled, and sealed.
  • the pull members 16, 18 are spaced away from the two longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b. Here they define central tabs, with similar height or with a difference of height.
  • the pull members 16, 18 can be arranged differently at the upper end of the closure system 2, possibly with a shift and/or a small spacing between the opposite pull members 16, 18.
  • the height H1 of the pull members 16, 18 is substantially the same and can be lower than 15 or 20 mm.
  • the pull members 16, 18 are rigidly coupled to the main flexible parts 28, 29 of the strips 8 and 9. With such arrangement, fingers of the user are well positioned, very close to the plane of the opening 7, and it prevents the pull members 16, 18 to be flexed. It is understood that appropriate pressure (outwardly for actuating the opening and inwardly for actuating the closure) is exerted without too significant effort for the user.
  • the pouch 1 is optionally provided with a top peripheral edge 12 and, before a cutting or tearing or peeling action to remove such top part of the pouch 1, the content of the pouch 1 cannot be poured or retrieved through the single opening 7.
  • the content 13 (powdered milk or other granular or powdery product for example) is perfectly preserved in the pouch 1 until used for the first time when the top peripheral edge 12 is removed, optionally with the aid of one or more peeling-off tongues, tearing tongues, weakened areas or the like.
  • the closure system 2 is not in the first flat configuration.
  • the upper level 19 of the content 13 extends below the closure system 2.
  • dash line could also be non rectilinear.
  • the top peripheral edge 12 could be removed without flexible material remaining at the left and right sides of the corresponding pull member 16 or 18.
  • the top portion 120 of the pouch 1 is preferably provided with a line of weakness 12b (at the dash line) that extends laterally across both walls 4 and 5 in close proximity to but below the top peripheral 12a and above the strips 8, 9, described below.
  • the line of weakness 12b may be formed by, for example, perforating or scoring the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 with a laser or knife either individually before these walls 4 and 5 are sealed together, or collectively after they have been sealed together.
  • One or both ends of line of weakness 12b preferably terminate with a notch 12c (see Fig. 8C ), which provides a stress concentration and aids in starting a tear along the line of weakness 12b when the pouch 1 is opened by a consumer.
  • any binding means that define a tight seal at the top peripheral edge 12 can be provided to have the resealable closure system 2 protected before the first use.
  • pull members 16 and 18 are covered by the binding means.
  • the pull members could extend externally with respect to the film material or foils 21, 22 defining the bag material.
  • the pull members protrude radially outwards from a part of the bag B in the upper end of the pouch 1, so that such part of the bag B is sandwiched between a strip 8 or 9 and the corresponding pull member.
  • the closure system 2 is in a second configuration, with the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5 widely spaced thanks to a hold open arrangement defined by the two strips 8 and 9.
  • one of the strips 8 and 9 sealed to the bag B, here the first strip 8, is provided with:
  • Two opposite pivot portions 31 and 32 are preferably provided in the same strip 8 near the opposite ends 8a and 8b, in order to provide a spacing between the main flexible part 28 and the junctions 6a, 6b that are typically more rigid.
  • the main flexible part 28 thus can be hingedly connected at the first and second flexing lines 25a and 25b to the pivot portions 31, 32 that are not attached to the second strip 9 (such pivot portions thus being distinct from any one of the two junctions 6a, 6b).
  • the thickness at the junctions 6a-6b can be about twice the thickness (here a constant thickness e1 as swhon in Fig. 3 ) defined in the main flexible part 28 and in the ends 8a, 8b.
  • the flexing lines 25a, 25b extend longitudinally and are obtained by locally reducing the thickness.
  • the distance d between the flexing lines 25a, 25b and the junctions 6a, 6b is reduced and is typically inferior or equal to 10 mm, preferably comprised bewteen 2 mm and 5 or 6 mm.
  • the determined thickness e2 of the semi rigid material is for example equal or less than 50 percent of a material thickness e1 of the main flexible part 28.
  • This determined material thickness e2 is preferably defined by respective outer slots 35, 36, 37, 38 that longitudinally extend from the upper edge 8c or 9c of the strip 8 or 9 to the lower edge 8d or 9d.
  • the same thickness profile can optionnaly be provided in the second strip 9.
  • the first end 28a and the second end 28b of the flexible part 28 can be each provided with a locking tab 41, 42, so as to define the locking means of the hold open arrangement.
  • first strip 8 is here described as having two locking tabs 41, 42, other arrangements can be provided, for instance with only one protruding locking element provided in the first strip 8 and/or one or more optional protruding locking elements formed in the second strip 9.
  • Respective hinge connections here spaced hinge connections 44a-44b and 45a-45b, are provided where the material thickness is locally reduced.
  • the position of the first predetermined flexing line 25a corresponds to the alignment position of the pair of hinge connections 44a and 44b.
  • the locking tab 41 is delimited by a cut and hinged at a base 41a thereof.
  • An opposite locking tab 42 is also delimited by a cut and hinged at a base 42a thereof, as shown in Figs. 2A and 5 . It is understood that the base 41a or 42a of each of the locking tabs 41, 42 here extends between two hinge connections 44a-44b, 45a-45b.
  • the locking tabs 41, 42 are configured to pivot between a flat configuration (when the strips 8, 9 of the closure system 2 are fastened one to each other) and a second configuration that is a bent, flexed or engaged configuration (when the strips 8, 9 are bent as shown in Figs 1A , 4 and 11 ).
  • Each locking tab 41, 42 may have an length (measured between the base 41a, 42a and the outer sliding edge) of about 2 mm. More generally it is preferred that such length be superior to the nominal thickness e1 of the first strip 8 but not superior to a threshold where the tab 41, 42 is significantly bent from the base 41a, 42a. Preferably, such length does not exceed three times the nominal thickess e1 of the first strip 8.
  • interlocking area 10 in the first flat configuration of the closure system 2, is elongated along a virtual axis Y that intersects the upper hinge connections 44a and 45a, and which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates that the hinge connections 44a-44b and 45a-45b can be defined by a simple cutting operation performed after having the anchoring elements 51 formed on the inner face of the first strip 8. Similar operation can be performed to obtain the second strip 9 but only the slots 37, 38 can be defined as two locking elements on the first strip 8 may be considered as sufficient.
  • each of the strips 8, 9 is provided with one or more locking elements such as locking tabs 41, 42.
  • one or more of the slots can be defined as inner slots.
  • the hinge connections 44a-44b and 45a-45b can be optionally shifted with respect to the base 41a, 42a of the locking tabs 41, 42, as shown in Figs 6-7 .
  • This can be advantageous to have a longer locking tab 41, 42, 141, 142 without increasing the distance d between the flexing lines 25a, 25b and the junctions 6a, 6b.
  • Such space can be as low as 5 mm or less for the first strip 8.
  • a corresponding distance can be identical in the second strip 9 when provided with similar flexing lines.
  • Fig. 4 it can be seen that the locking tabs 41, 42 are flexed when the strips 8, 9 are widened.
  • the actuation at the pull members 16, 18 causes the main flexible parts 28, 29 to be conformed according to an annular shape. Since the junctions 6a, 6b are sufficiently rigid and the adjacent pivot portions 31, 32 are very short when viewed in a transverse plane, such pivot portions 31, 32 are not significantly flexed (they still have a substantially flat aspect).
  • the ends 28a and 28b of the main flexible part 28 are thus in an angled configuration as compared to the junctions 6a, 6b. Because of such angle, the respective locking tabs 41, 42 are orientated away form the adjacent junction 6a or 6b and abut against respective contact surface CS1, CS2 of the second strip 9.
  • the contact surfaces CS1 and CS2 may be each adjacent to one of the two junctions 6a, 6b.
  • slots 37, 38 are provided to delimit the main flexible part 29 of the second strip 9, it is understood that such contact surfaces CS1 and CS2 extend at opposite ends 29a, 29b of the main flexible part 29.
  • the optional slots 37, 38 are advantageous to define predetermined flexing lines in the second strip 9 that are exactly facing the flexing lines 25a, 25b, so that pivot portions 31', 32' are also present in the second strip 9.
  • any locking element arranged proximate the pivot portions 31, 32 can be retained by such kind of contact surface CS1, CS2 when the closure system 2 is in a second flexed or bent configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 4 .
  • This open configuration corresponds to a predetermined configuration because of the hold open arrangement, which is here defined by the strips 8, 9 (only two pieces of plastic material is the advantageous depicted embodiments). Indeed, with locking elements such as the locking tabs 41, 42, a bistable pull-snap hold open arrangement is defined by the strips 8 and 9. As the strips 8, 9 extend as far as ends 8a-8b and 9a-9b inserted in the junctions 6a, 6b and are used to define the closure system 2, such hold open arrangement is robust.
  • the pouch 1 comprises at least one locking element or similar locking means.
  • locking refers to a structure that can be held in place by friction, adhesion or other forces feasible in the context of the present invention.
  • locking and derivative terms thereof may also refer to the engagement of a structure comprising more than one semi-rigid locking tab 41, 42, 141, 142 (see Fig. 5 for instance) or similar elements.
  • anchoring elements 51, 52 of the closure system 2 have to be disengaged. This is performed by simply grasping the upper portion of opposing walls 4, 5 and/or the optional pull members 16, 18 and pressure manually given to separate the anchoring elements 51, 52 is sufficient to have the strips 8, 9 sufficiently bent (beyond an angle threshold).
  • locking elements that here protrude and are configured as locking tabs 41, 42 are rigidly coupled to the respective first end 28a and the second end 28b and configured to pivot from a first flat configuration obtained when the closure system 2 is in the closed configuration to a second configuration, which is a bent, flexed, or engaged configuration.
  • the locking tabs 41, 42 can be provided with a sliding edge 49 generally parallel with that of the pivot portions 31, 32, which engages the corresponding contact surface CS1 or CS2 of the second strip 9. Because of the engagement by the locking tabs 41, 42 and since the first strip 8 having the locking tabs 41, 42 and the second strip 9 are made of a semi rigid material, the main flexible part 28 is held (here in a bent configuration) in a separated orientation relative to that of the second strip 9.
  • the complementary anchoring elements 51, 52 used to define the interlocking area 10 remain widened because of the specific orientation of the main flexible part 28.
  • the contact between the locking tabs 41, 42 and the corresponding contact surfaces CS1, CS2 can cause the second strip 29 to be similarly bent.
  • slots 37, 38 are optionally provided proximate corresponding pivot portions 31', 32' of the second strip 9.
  • each of the main flexible parts 28 and 29 is adapted to be easily bent due to a reduction in height at least in intermediate strip areas that extend between a central area provided with gripping means (pull members 16, 18) and the respective ends 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b.
  • the minimal height in such intermediate strip areas defines the minimal height of the main flexible parts 28, 29.
  • Such minimal height is inferior to 20 mm for instance in a preferred option.
  • Each strip 8, 9 is fixedly secured to the bag material in elongated areas parallel to the upper rim portions 81, 82, 91, 92.
  • Such elongated areas may have a height inferior or equal to the minimal height of the main flexible parts 28, 29. Accordingly, the respective pivot portions 31, 32 of the strips 8, 9 are not attached to the bag material since they extend below the elongated areas for securing the strip 8 to the bag material.
  • the pivot portions 31', 32' of the second strip 9 are also preferably not attached to the bag material for similar reasons. Especially, it is to be underligned that the respective outer slots 35, 36, 37, 38 may play efficient role for the locking effect, as illustrated in Figs 3-4 in particular.
  • the inner mating surfaces of the strips 8, 9 can be substantially in a same longitudinal virtual plane defined by the two opposite junctions 6a, 6b. In contrast in the second configuration, such mating surfaces are generally between about 90 degrees and 180 degrees of separation relative to one another.
  • a sealing contact is continuously defined by the anchoring elements 51, 52.
  • the reclose feature is performed by anchoring elements 51, 52 that are not made of brittle material.
  • the reclose feature may correspond to a zipper type feature.
  • the expression zipper type feature includes press-to-close zippers.
  • slide-style zippers can be used, preferably with the strips 8, 9 directly forming parts of such zipper.
  • Such anchoring elements 51, 52 may include male and female securement means, for instance male members in the first strip 8 and female members in the second strip 9 or vice versa.
  • such sealing contact is obtained by continuous mating surfaces provided in the anchoring elements 51, 52 and in the pivot portions 31, 32, while the ends 8a, 8b are deprived from such anchoring elements 51, 52. Accordingly, the longitudinal sealing between the ends 8a and 8b does not interfere with the interlocking area 10.
  • the strip 108 of the second embodiment essentially differs from the strip 8 of the first embodiment in that additional locking tabs 141 and 142 are provided, as shwon in Fig. 5 .
  • Three hinge connections may be provided to define the flexing lines 25a, 25b. It can be seen that the two upper locking tabs 41 and 42 are cut and oriented according to opposite directions in the first flat configuration. Similarly, the two lower locking tabs 141 and 142 are cut and oriented according to opposite directions in the first flat configuration.
  • the closure system 2 can be provided with pivot portions 31, 32 that are not containing any anchoring elements 51, 52 so that the interlocking area 10 is shorter than the distance L6 measured between the junctions 6a, 6b in the closed configuration of the closure system 2.
  • the interlocking area 10 is only provided in the main flexible part 28.
  • the pivot portions 31, 32, 37, 38 can be short portions which are not oriented substantially differently in the second open configuration, the closure system 2 is still efficient to seal access to the content 13.
  • the strips 8, 9 are sufficiently fastened in the first flat configuration to prevent insect from passing in the interior volume V.
  • first and second embodiments are preferred.
  • the anchoring elements 51 (here under form of a band) extend over the whole width or almost such width of the pouch 1.
  • the end 8b of the strip 308 (which is sealed to the end 9a of the strip 9) also comprises a margin part of the anchoring elements 51.
  • Such configuration is efficient to have a good barrier effect when the closure system 2 has been manually closed by the user.
  • Such arrangement for the anchoring elements 51, 52 can be used, of course, in the other depicted embodiments.
  • a fifth embodiment is shown with a first strip 408 very similar to the strip 108 of the second embodiment, but with anchoring elements 51 that extend between upper locking tabs 41, 42 and lower locking tabs 141, 142.
  • Such embodiment is of interest to have a robust hold open arrangement and provide more space above the interlocking area 10 for the fingers when grasping the pull members 16, 18.
  • the second strip (not shown) is provided with corresponding anchoring elements 52 and with two flexible parts (one above the interlocking area 10 and the other below the interlocking area 10) to form the opposite contact surfaces engaged by the locking tabs.
  • strips 8, 9 having one or more intermediate sections of lower height as compared to the height at the ends 8a-8b, 9a-9b can be preferred. As shown in Figs 2A-2B , 5 and 11 , amount of plastic can be saved, while having robust junctions at the ends 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b since height is greater. In such preferred embodiments, for at least one of the strips 8 and 9, there is an increase of height (here measured from the rectilinear rim portions 81, 82, 91, 92 of the upper edge 8c or 9c) with increased space from the pull member 16 or 18.
  • main flexible parts 28, 29 can flex more easily when having a reduced height, for instance as low as 6 mm or less (minimum of height, at a distance from the ends 8a, 8b,9a, 9b).
  • anchoring elements 51, 52 may act as stiffening elements of the corresponding strip 8 or 9.
  • the anchoring elements 51, 52 may be either integrally formed with strips 8, 9 (using the same plastic material) or coextruded with the strips 8, 9 or overmoulded.
  • the anchoring elements 51, 52 are for example made of a flexible material having a lower modulus than that of the strip material used to define the flexible parts 28, 29, the pivot portions 31, 32, 31', 32' and the ends 8a-8b, 9a-9b.
  • the locking tabs 41, 42 planarly extend in the first strip 8 but are free to pivot indepently with respect to the front wall 4.
  • the first strip 8 comprises a first outer surface s1 continuously sealed to the front wall 4 and at least one second outer surface s2 not sealed to the front wall 4 (see also Fig. 8A ).
  • Such second outer surface s2 is provided with the locking means (here defined by the locking tabs 41, 42).
  • the locking tabs 41, 42 are thus proximal (but not immediately adjacent, in preferred options) to the part of the strip 8 adhered to the front wall 4 and can simultaneously:
  • each locking tab 41, 42, 141, 142 has been illustrated as flush with the inner surface of the strip 8, 108, 208, 308, the closure system 2 may be provided with at least one tab 41, 42 having an excess in thickness E4 in the closed configuration of the closure system 2, as in embodiments of Figs 19-20 . Due to this excess E4, the locking tab 42 defines a bulged part BP protruding externally relative to the outer face of the corresponding strip 8. Typically, the same applies for the locking tab 41.
  • one tab 42 of the strip 8 may engage in a recess 39 of the strip 9 when the closure system 2 is in the open configuration.
  • a shoulder 39a ( Fig. 20 ) defines a receiving surface for the sliding edge of the locking tab 42 when the strips 8, 9 are bent (as in Figs 1A and 4 ).
  • the bulged part BP of the locking tab 42 is higher than wide and the shoulder 39a has same height than this part of the tab 42, which is of interest to have a sufficient length of contact between the shoulder 39a and the locking tab 42.
  • Cuts 48a and 48b which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strips 8, 9, delimit an upper end and a lower end of the locking tab 42.
  • Such cuts 48a, 48b may be longer than width of the bulged part BP.
  • the flexing line 25b extends at a distance from the part having the excess in thickness E4. This is advantageous to keep flexibility along the flexing line 25b at the base 42a.
  • the foil 21 of the bag B (as shown in Fig. 11 ) is in contact with the bulged part BP in a non adhering area of the foil 21, thus not interfering with the bending of the tab 42 when the strip 8 is bent.
  • the bag foil 21 is firmly attached to the strip 8 at least above the tab 42 and in the side junction 6a.
  • the strips 8, 9 may be obtained by injection for example. More generally, the bulged or thickened area is of interest to increase the tension and angle in the open configuration of the closure system 2. Of course, such configuration with the bulged or thickened area may optionally apply to define all or part of the tabs in the strips 108, 208, 308 shown in Figs 5, 6 and 8C .
  • the closure system 2 may be provided with any kind of anchoring elements 51, 52, preferably with elongated anchoring elements 51, 52 extending entirely above the lockings tabs.
  • each tab 41, 42, 141, 142 is hinged at a base 41a, 42a, 141a, 142a that defines a determined height h2 less than half the height H8 of the strip 8, 9 at the corresponding flexing line 25a, 25b.
  • the following relation may be satisfied: h2/H8 ⁇ 2/5.
  • the determined height h2 may be superior or equal to 4 or 5 mm.
  • a shoulder 39a is provided for engagement by the the tab 42, such shoulder 39a is defined at a distance from the lower edge 8d and may have same height (height h2) as the base 42a of the tab 42.
  • each strip 8, 9 is relatively high, for example superior or equal to 1 mm. Due to semi rigid material used to define the strips 8, 9, the anchoring elements 51, 52 are typically elongated and sufficiently flexible.
  • the number of anchoring elements 51, 52 in one strip 8 may be greater (here four elements 51) than the number of anchoring elements 52 (here three elements 52) in the other strip 9.
  • the anchoring elements 51, 52 are defined by mushroom-shaped stems on each inner face of the strips 8, 9. Such mushroom-shaped stems may provide an efficient snap (possibly an audible snap) when the two inner faces mate.
  • the engagement is performed at a thin outer edge of the respective heads 54 of the mushroom-shaped stems 53.
  • the overlapping distance D1 between opposite heads 54 may of about 1 mm only, in order to make separation of the strips 8, 9 easier.
  • the rod-like parts 53 of the anchoring elements 51, 52 extend parallel and have a same length D3, which may be superior to the size D2 of the heads 54 (the size D2 being measured in same direction as longitudinal extension of the rod-like parts).
  • the spacing D4 between the strips 8, 9 in the region adjacent to the anchoring elements 51, 52 may be equal to the nominal thickness e1, and is here of about 1 mm for instance.Of course, other shapes may be used for the anchoring elements 51, 52, in complement or in replacement of the illustared shapes. In some examples, tips may be used to replace some of the mushroom-shaped stems.
  • Figs 17 and 18A-18F it can be seen options where the fitment defined by the strips 8, 9 is obtained by injection. It is understood that the shape of the anchoring elements 51, 52 may vary. In all options, the anchoring elements 51, 52 extend at a distance from the tabs 41, 42 that are provided respectively in the first end 28a and the second end 28b.
  • the method of manufacturing the pouch 1 may proceed, inter alia, in the following manner.
  • the walls of the bag B here defined by two opposite panels P1 and P2 and the optional gusset wall P3 (see Figs 8A-8B ) are produced each in a conventional manner.
  • the flexible material of the bag B can include plastic and is preferably a multilayer compound forming a very effective oxygen barrier when the product is powdered milk, for example.
  • it may, of course, be a bag B produced from another material, in particular metal or composite material (one or more multilayer boards could also form at least some parts of the bag B).
  • the first strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 and the second strip 9 may be separately produced from a polyolefine material, preferably PP, using an extrusion apparatus 60 and a forming roller 62.
  • a barrel or similar section of the extrusion apparatus 60 melts and forces the molten plastic 20 through a die 61 into the nip 64.
  • the molten plastic 20 (also called molten resin) is continuously introduced to a gap formed along a peripheral surface of the rotating forming roller 62, such that the plastic forms at least a part of the strip-form base of the strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 or 9 at the peripheral forming roller surface and fills an array of fixed cavities defined in the rotating roller 62 to form portions of the fastener / anchoring elements 51, 52 as projections extending from a side of the sheet-form base.
  • the continuous band of molten plastic 20 may be as narrow as one strip 8 or 9 and the anchoring elements 51 can be formed as shown at the top of Fig. 6 , before a cutting step.
  • the cavities in the roller 62 are typically shaped to form anchoring elements 51 adapted to engage loops.
  • the cavities may be replaced by one or more grooves havig the complementary profile (constant profile) with respect to the desired shape for the anchoring elements 51, 52.
  • a base roller 63 is used in a conventional manner to have sufficient pressure when molding the anchoring elements 51 or 52. Such configuration is particularly suitable to define hook-like anchoring elements 51 in the first strip 8.
  • the second strip 9 provided with the loops or similar anchoring element 52 can be obtained in a conventional manner, and may optionally combine two layers of material (a base layer and a layer for forming the loops).
  • the loops are not necessarily totally closed loops and can be arranged as female hooks having a pronounced curvature, which are more flexible that the male hooks.
  • anchoring elements 51, 52 can be provided with a great multiplicity of fastener members (for example hooks and loops) or with continuous fastener members (for example press-to-close zippers or the like).
  • the strips 8, 108, 208, 308, 408, 9 provided with the anchoring elements 51, 52, after passing the nip 61, may travel around the periphery of the roller 62 and optionally around a stripping roller 67 which assists in pulling the strip 8 or 9 and extracting each relief from the corresponding cavity of the roller 62, and thence to a windup device, not shown.
  • a cutting step is performed by cutting means 65, 66, here downstream with respect to the roller 67.
  • the section S8 of the continuous band, obtained just after operation by the roller 62, has to be cut, in order to have:
  • the cutting means may comprise one or more modules 65, 66.
  • the locking means are precut and obtained using longitudinal cuts and transverse cuts.
  • the cutting means are thus adapted to perform cuts at short distance from the strip ends 8a, 8b such a shown in the non-limiting example of Fig. 6 .
  • One ore more locking tabs 41, 42, 141, 142 or similar locking elements are formed in the strip material and are able to form protrusions in the second configuration.
  • Some parts, instead of being cut (using a cut module to define slots 35, 36, 37, 38), can be weakened by any suitable means (for example, by forming recesses when forming the anchoring elements 51, 52).
  • the first strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 and the second strip 9 are each cut from a continuous extruded band and the same polyolefin material is preferably used to define the closure system 2.
  • At least one of the strips 8, 108, 208, 308, 408, 9 may optionnaly be obtained by combining more than one layer of extruded plastic material.
  • a sheet-form base may serve as support for an outer layer provided with the anchoring elements 51, 52.
  • an outer layer is supplied, such outer layer become permanently bonded to the molten plastic of the base layer and become part (when solidifying the resin) of the strip-form base of the strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 or 9 so that one cannot distinguish the two layers on the final strip.
  • the semi rigid plastic material of the continuous band has memory features and is typically stiff, for instance as stiff as Nylon® and in a plastic material less brittle as Nylon® (preferably with an elastic modulus superior to 1 GPa).
  • Polypropylene, Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) and similar materials may be used because the living hinges defined at the flexing lines 25a, 25b, are stronger and the locking tabs 41, 42, 141, 142 are stiff enough.
  • the strips 8, 108, 208, 308, 408, 9 having the anchoring elements 51, 52 are retrieved, preferably after a final cut (not shown) to define a length of the strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 or 9. These strips 8, 108, 208, 308, 408, 9 are then each bonded to either the inner face of the front wall 4, or the inner face of the rear wall 5.
  • first strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 and the second strip 9 of a same closure system 2 may be obtained simultaneously from a same sheet of plastic material (with a longitudinal junction intersected by a virtual median transverse plane of the sheet).
  • a folding step may advantageously be performed to obtain a closed configuration of the closure system 2.
  • a longitudinal cut is performed to separate, at a lower edge defined by the longitudinal junction, the first strip 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 and the second strip 9.
  • a slot may be initially provided at the junction when extruding the two adjacent strips. This facilitates the folding operation toward the closed configuration of the closure system 2 before attachment to the bag B.
  • Figs 8C and 12 show typical position of the first strip 308, 408, with the ends (here only the end 8b is shown) interfering with a margin bonding area 30 of the front wall 4.
  • Such margin bonding area 30 is used to define the junction 6b (operating bonding area during the fastening between the front wall 4 and the rear wall 5).
  • each end 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b of the strips 8, 108, 208, 308, 408, 9 can be placed in such manner, in order to have these strips partly inserted in the junctions 6a, 6b.
  • junctions 6a, 6b (which can extend between the bottom 3 and the top peripheral edge 12 or other suitable end beyond the opening 7) and at least one lower seal are obtained in a a first sealing step before a filling step.
  • the bottom peripheral edges 3a and 3b extend transversally to the longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b and two lower corner portions CP1, CP2 are defined at intersection between the junctions 6a, 6b and the edges 3a, 3b, respectively.
  • the top seal 12a at the top portion 120 is defined in a second sealing step after the filling step for filling the interior volume V with the content 13.
  • an additional box typically more rigid than the bag B, can be provided to house one or more pouches 1. While the embodiments depicted in the figures show rectangular margin bonding areas 30, it is understood that other shapes can be used, depending of the kind of pouch 1 to be produced. Additionnaly, some steps such as one ore more cutting steps could be performed at earlier or later stage.
  • the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b thus are not necessarily formed by a slitting operation performed after molding (or similar forming) of the anchoring elements 51, 52.
  • the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b can be formed by die cutting, or directly in an injection molding process, or laser engraving, among other possible techniques.
  • the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b can have a material thickness that is 10 percent or less of a material thickness of the adjacent locking tab 41, 42 and the adjacent pivot portion 31, 32.
  • the material thickness of the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b can be between about 0.2 mm and about 0.5 mm in some constructions.
  • the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b are provided by a separate material and/or multi-piece hinge mechanism coupled between the main flexible part 28 or 29 and each locking tab 41, 42, 141, 142.
  • the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b may be provided as any portion that enables folding, bending, or pivoting.
  • the hinge connections 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b may be provided by only a fold or crease in the material.
  • a closure system 2 suitable to be used as a fitment in a pouch 1 will be now described, referring to Figs 2A-2B , 5 , 8C , 9A-9C and 10-11 , 14 , such closure system having two strips and a tongue-like contact part 55, 55' interacting with a measuring utensil 100.
  • the closure system 2 can have all the features that have been described above. However, the hold open arrangement and/or the specific way of implementing the interlocking area 10 are considered as options. For sake of conciseness and simplicity, addititional description of the bag B will be not provided since the walls of the bag B can be typically as in the preceding part of the description. But the way the closure system 2 is connected to the upper end of the bag B is no way limited to the preceding examples when considering the following part of the description.
  • the measuring utensil 100 as illustrated in Figs 9A and 11 , this is similar to a spoon in the embodiment shown, that is to say it has a cup 101 which defines a fixed measuring volume and is, in such option, substantially cylindrical up to the open side of this cup 101.
  • a handle 102 extends from the cup 101 to a free end 102a.
  • the measuring device 100 thus has an elongate form and is made of plastic material or equivalent material.
  • the measuring utensil 100 is a measuring device of predetermined form, preferably designed to be sold with the whole pouch 1 and the fixed measuring volume of which is specific to the content 13 in question, here a food product.
  • the measuring utensil When sold with the pouch 1, the measuring utensil may be initially wrapped in a bas shown in Fig. 9a , inside the interior volume V or in a separated houding defined by the top portion 120 or in a bag fastened onto an outer suface of the bag B.
  • a predetermined measuring utensil 100 enables a coupling free edge 56 of a contact part 55 integrally formed with one of the strips 8 and 9 to be configured such that it engages tightly with a corresponding portion, here a rear slit 103 and/or the annular rim 14 of the cup 101, of the measuring utensil 100 that has a known and precise geometry.
  • each of the strip 8, 9 that are actuated to close the opening 7, directly or indirectly, can be be provided with a tongue-like (but other shapes can be used) contact part 55 for interacting with a measuring utensil 100.
  • the contact part 55 is arranged entirely below the interlocking area 10 and defines a leveling element not directly fastened to the inner face of the bag B.
  • the contact part 55 may be provided with a recess or a central hole 50.
  • Two arm portions 40a, 40b extend downwardly from a base portion 55a proximal with respect to the interlocking area 10 to an insert portion 55b provided with the rectilinear free edge 56.
  • the insert portion 55b is configured to slide inside the rear slit 103 and, because of a clamping effect at the handle 102, the measuring utensil 100 is retained by the contact part 55.
  • the contact part 55 is defined as a lower extension protruding downwardly, the movement to connect the handle 102 is thus a short upward movement.
  • the contact part 55 is made of strip material, typically as thin as the first strip 8,108, 208, 308, 408 and the second strip 9.
  • Each of the opposite faces defined by the contact part 55 may be deprived from any relief. Accordingly, no powder can accumulate on such faces, which is of interest for having a correct connection of the insert portion 55b through the slit 103.
  • some projections may be formed on one of the opposite faces, for example for guiding movement of the handle 102 during insertion of the insert portion 55b. Such optional projections may be distributed around the contact area between the handle 102 and the insert portion 55b.
  • the rear slit 103 may be defined between a main portion of the handle 102 and at least one clamping member 106, 107 that longitudinally extends between a connection part 106a, 107a and a free end 106b, 107b.
  • the slit 103 is here not laterally delimited by left and right walls, in order to facilitate insertion of the insert portion 55b.
  • the contact part 55 may be a protruding contact part that is connected to the edge 8d or 9d of the corresponding strip 8; 9.
  • An interspace is defined between the inner face of the bag B and the contact part 55 so that a leveling can be performed by use of the free edge 56.
  • the term "rear” should not be interpreted in a strict manner (not necessarily having a rear orientation in the measuring utensil 100). It simply means that the slit 103 is arranged at or close the free end 102 of the measuring utensil 100.
  • the measuring utensil 100 can be of simple construction with the slit 103 opening forwardly and with a slit access provided on the same side as the open side of the cup 101. Such configuration can be obtained with a single longitudinal cut, substantially as wide or almost as wide as the handle 102.
  • a clip element 110 here defined by a single elastic tongue, is defined because of the cut (but the cut may be significantly shorter than the clip element 110 to improve strength of the connection of the clip element 10).
  • the hole 50 is required to define a passage for the clip element 110, when engaging the contact part 55 in the rear slit 103.
  • the clip element 110 may have a structure similar to a clip of pen cap and the insert portion 55b of the contact portion 55 may be engaged into the slot 103 by a consumer without placing fingers below the contact portion 55. Indeed, only the free end 102a will be touched by the consumer when storing the measuring utensil 100.
  • leveling is performed by sliding the open side of the cup 101 of the measuring utensil 100 against the rectilinear free edge 56, thereby obtaining a volume of product in the measuring utensil 100 which corresponds very precisely to the volume of the cup 101.
  • length of the rectilinear portion of the free edge 56 is at least equal to the open side of the cup 101.
  • the free edge 56 it is necessary for the free edge 56 to be sufficiently spaced from the bag sidewall of the bag B so that the user is not obliged to incline the measuring device 100 almost vertically which could cause some of the product to fall out and thereby lead to a mismeasurement.
  • the interspace is here obtained because the material BM of the bag B is flexible and cannot stop the cup 101 when leveling is performed.
  • the flexure of the bag B allows an angle ⁇ to be locally formed behind the contact part 55, and the free edge 56 can thus be radially spaced with respect to the material BM of the bag B, while the base portion 55a remains along this sheet material BM.
  • the contact part 55 defines a leveling element, it is understood that it can be configured as a tongue that cannot flex significantly, and typically that cannot be folded (without cracks or rupture). In the non-limiting depicted embodiments, because of memory effect of the semi rigid material forming the strip 8 or 9 provided with the contact part 55, the contact part can extend parallel to a plane defined by the interlocking area 10 in the closed configuration of the closure system 2, even after several leveling operations and repeated closures of the pouch 1.
  • extension L5 of the protruding contact part 55 is lower than height of the ends 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b of the strips.
  • Such small extension for example less than 20 mm and preferably less than 15 mm, is advantageous to perform the leveling sufficiently above the upper level 19 of the content 13 while having a pouch 1 sufficiently filled with the product.
  • the contact part 55 defines a leveling element and an insertion edge for retaining the free end 102a of the handle 102.
  • the measuring utensil 100 is of shorter length than the determined height H of the interior volume V.
  • one or more pressing members 59 or similar immobilizing members can engage directly the insert portion 55b when the insert portion 55b is in an engaged configuration within the rear slit 103.
  • These members 59 are here arranged on an infer face of the clamping members 106, 107.
  • the slit 103 thus can have an increased clamping action proximate the free end 102a, which is advantageous when the members 59 are engaged in the central hole 50 or similar recess.
  • a clip function can be provided near the free end 102a of the handle 102 for retaining the insert portion 55b.
  • the user attaches the measuring utensil 100 by engaging the contact part 55 in the slit 103, so that the contact part 55 then forms a holding part.
  • the maximum of spacing between the two strips of the closure system 2 is defined in a median plane between the junctions 6a, 6b. Accordingly, it is of interest of having a contact part 55 that intersect such virtual median plane P5 ( Figs 8C and 12 show such media plane P5).
  • the contact part 55 has a length (large size thereof) typically strictly lower than one third of length of the interlocking area 10, preferably lower than one quarter of length of the interlocking area 10.
  • the length of the contact part 55, here measured at the junction 55a may be strictly lower than 50 mm and the rectilinear continous portion of the free edge 56 is typically comprised between 15 mm and 40 mm.
  • the open side of the cup 101 is oriented toward the bottom 3.
  • the measuring utensil 100 is then held in position, here a longitudinal position, and immobilized in this position after the pouch 1 has been closed by fastening the strips 8, 9 each other or suing any suitable closure system 2 suitable for this kind of flexible package. Should the pouch 1 be handled energetically in a closed state, immobilization of the measuring utensil 100 by the insert portion 55b can be sufficient to prevent the measuring utensil 100 from falling into the content 13.
  • the measuring utensil 100 is immediately visible and can be withdrawn very easily if the handle 102 is adjacent to the opening 7 and orientation of the measuring utensil 100 is already a vertical orientation.
  • the content of the pouch 1 could also be retrieved with a standard teaspoon or tablespoon, but no user-friendly retaining of the spoon would be obtained and advantages of a longitudinal storage position of the measuring utensil 100 would be lost.
  • the contact part 55 formed on a first strip 8 or 9 can only be shaped as retaining means for holding a predetermined measuring utensil 100 and either a tongue-like leveling element is provided on the other strip 8 or 9, or no leveling element is provided.
  • no rear slit 103 is provided in the measuring utensil 100 but a hook-like projection is formed proximate the free end 102a, allowing retaining of the measuring utensil 100 in a same longitudinal storage position (same general position as shown in Fig. 11 ) when the projection is engaged in the central hole 50 or similar recess defined by one of the strips 8, 9 of the pouch 1.
  • the tongue-like contact part 55 is provided as separated element that can be fastened to one of the strips 8, 9, below the interlocking area.
  • Such tongue can for example be wrapped in the same bag where the measuring utensil 100 is initially housed.
  • the protruding contact part 55' can also be provided with two tongue like members, separated by a slot 75, and integrally formed with the main flexible part 28.
  • the slit 103 may be replaced by at least one kerf or similar groove, for example two opposite side grooves, and/or one or more sliding projections 103a, 103b (here rib like projections). Such projections 103a, 103b may be used to cooperate with the edges of the slot 75.
  • each projection 103a or 103b which is the first to be in contact with the contact part 55' when placing and storing the measuring utensil 100, may be provided with small ribs R1, R2 or similar relief elastically engaged at the locally wider rear end of the slot 75. A snap fitting is thus provided in such option.
  • one or more pressing members 59 such as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 9C may be used to produce a snap at the end of placing the handle 102.
  • Two holes 50 are here optionnally provided for facilitating the curving of the main flexible part 8 when the pouch 1 has to be open. While two free edges 56a, 56b are shown in Fig. 14 for allowing a leveling, such free edges 56a, 56b of significant size (with a rectilinear portion as in most of the other preceding embodiments) can be partly or entirely replaced by narrow tongues.
  • the leveling element is produced, in the same way as one of the strips, from extruding plastic, this enables geometric forms which are rather precise. This can provide good adaptability to the geometry of the measuring utensil 100, especially if the latter does not have a well-known predetermined form.
  • the closure system 2 may be of a different kind with the two locking tabs 41, 42 removed (with or without equivalent feature to hold open the pouch 1), for example when only having the contact part 55, 55'.
  • the single opening 7 is preferably as wide as the bottom 3 for a closed pouch 1, as shown in the depicted embodiments. But in some constructions, the opening 7 may be shaped and sized differently. For instance, a tapered part or similar transition section may be provided in the bag B.
  • the two strips 8 and 9 have been described as two pieces of semi rigid plastic material, options with a single annular piece of semi rigid plastic material or with at least three interconnected pieces of semi rigid plastic material are not excluded.
  • the section or assembly parts fixed to the front wall 4 have to be considered as defining the first strip 8
  • the section or assembly parts fixed to the rear wall 5 have to be considered as defining the second strip 9.
  • the bag B can advantageously have a front wall 4 and a rear wall 5 in a flat configuration when the interior volume V is empty, in the first configuration of the closure system 2, one can form another kind of bag, for example with additional panels (for instance in order to define an assembly of two front panels functionnaly similar to the front wall 4 depicted in the figures) or one or more intermediate walls defining all or part of the longitudinal junctions 6a, 6b. More generally, it will be obvious that the use of the verb "to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of any other elements besides those defined in any claim.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
EP16731087.9A 2015-06-19 2016-06-15 Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product Active EP3310678B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2015/002369 WO2016203287A1 (en) 2015-06-19 2015-06-19 Gusset style pouch in particular for food product containing a closure system and a hold open arrangement
PCT/EP2016/063766 WO2016202865A1 (en) 2015-06-19 2016-06-15 Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3310678A1 EP3310678A1 (en) 2018-04-25
EP3310678B1 true EP3310678B1 (en) 2020-04-15

Family

ID=55178183

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16731087.9A Active EP3310678B1 (en) 2015-06-19 2016-06-15 Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product
EP16731088.7A Active EP3310679B1 (en) 2015-06-19 2016-06-15 Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product, containing a measuring device

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16731088.7A Active EP3310679B1 (en) 2015-06-19 2016-06-15 Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product, containing a measuring device

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US20180155088A1 (pt)
EP (2) EP3310678B1 (pt)
CN (2) CN107912033B (pt)
BR (2) BR112017025669B1 (pt)
NZ (1) NZ737783A (pt)
RU (2) RU2685871C1 (pt)
WO (3) WO2016203287A1 (pt)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11958676B2 (en) 2017-03-08 2024-04-16 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with magnetic closure
US11992104B2 (en) 2022-02-16 2024-05-28 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with resealable closure
US11992103B2 (en) 2017-03-08 2024-05-28 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with magnetic closure

Families Citing this family (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9663271B2 (en) 2012-07-16 2017-05-30 ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc. Bistable pull-snap hold open mechanism and method
WO2018218101A1 (en) * 2017-05-25 2018-11-29 Verma Vishaal Boehm Bistable pull-snap hold open mechanism and method
CN112399950B (zh) * 2018-08-14 2022-07-29 宝洁公司 自适应包装
US10954037B1 (en) * 2018-09-14 2021-03-23 Antonio Valdes Ibarra Container with internally incorporated hook assembly
JP7199548B2 (ja) * 2018-09-25 2023-01-05 テクソム インターナショナル リミテッド 袋および関連方法
CN113423647B (zh) * 2018-10-05 2022-09-16 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 四凸缘防儿童开启的拉链和袋
US11535440B2 (en) * 2020-01-22 2022-12-27 Sonoco Development, Inc. Magnetic reseal
US11124330B2 (en) * 2020-02-06 2021-09-21 Stasher, Inc. Shaped elastomeric container with integrated leak resistant seal and pressure shield
US11291336B2 (en) * 2020-06-12 2022-04-05 Jessica Jill Porter Marais Coffee bean package assembly
CN111657630A (zh) * 2020-07-08 2020-09-15 中国皮革制鞋研究院有限公司 一种鞋内腔快速取型方法和装置
US11647853B1 (en) * 2020-08-11 2023-05-16 Ryan P Newland Ring for holding knife inside jar
US11327443B1 (en) * 2020-10-23 2022-05-10 Anexa Labs Llc Wearable device for monitoring health metrics
EP4277856A1 (en) 2021-01-12 2023-11-22 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Silicone food and beverage storage containers
EP4074618A1 (en) 2021-04-13 2022-10-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Re-closable paper-based package
USD1022606S1 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-04-16 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Combined food and beverage storage container
USD1044409S1 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-10-01 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Food and beverage storage container
USD1044408S1 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-10-01 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Food and beverage storage container
USD1022604S1 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-04-16 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Combined food and beverage storage container
USD1045508S1 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-10-08 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Food and beverage storage container
USD1022605S1 (en) 2022-01-11 2024-04-16 Instant Brands Holdings Inc. Combined food and beverage storage container
US12084251B2 (en) 2022-03-30 2024-09-10 Grand Marlin Capital, LLC Holder assembly for bottles and containers
CN115416990B (zh) * 2022-09-05 2023-12-29 临武县华诚贸易有限公司 一种免对位式塑料包装袋
US11897661B1 (en) 2022-10-11 2024-02-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Re-closable paper-based package

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL126868C (pt) 1962-11-14 1900-01-01
JPH04339778A (ja) * 1991-05-07 1992-11-26 Ishigaki Shokuhin Kk コーヒー等の浸出バッグ
US5174658A (en) * 1991-07-12 1992-12-29 The Procter & Gamble Company Self-expanding and reclosable flexible pouch
US6017412A (en) 1998-07-06 2000-01-25 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method for attaching reclosable zipper strip transversely to thermoplastic film material
US7029178B2 (en) * 2002-10-04 2006-04-18 Ght Ventures, Llc Zip-lock closure
FR2886122A1 (fr) * 2005-05-24 2006-12-01 Pascal Lepaitre Dispositif de support de cuillere pour contenant a couvercle
US7464475B2 (en) * 2005-11-10 2008-12-16 Charng-Shing Tsao Concealed spoon in milk powder container
WO2008041808A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2008-04-10 Gab Pyo Park Structure of vessel for powdered milk and spoon
US20100272377A1 (en) * 2009-04-23 2010-10-28 Herbig Natalie R Emesis bag
US20110188785A1 (en) * 2010-02-03 2011-08-04 Turvey Robert R Hold-Open Mechanism Usable With a Flexible-Walled Pouch
EP2467308A1 (en) * 2010-04-12 2012-06-27 Velcro Industries B.V. Reclosable pouch
US20110268373A1 (en) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-03 Alex Polland Pull tabs for a flexible plastic bag
US20120045152A1 (en) * 2010-08-23 2012-02-23 Turvey Robert R Slider actuated opening feature
US9102423B2 (en) * 2011-05-31 2015-08-11 Vishaal Verma Flip-lock instant closure mechanism and method
JP2013079095A (ja) * 2011-10-04 2013-05-02 Fuji Seal International Inc パウチ容器
JP5974271B2 (ja) 2012-02-21 2016-08-23 株式会社フジシール パウチ容器
US9663271B2 (en) 2012-07-16 2017-05-30 ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc. Bistable pull-snap hold open mechanism and method
US11634253B2 (en) * 2012-09-28 2023-04-25 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Storage bag with colored lips
US9309036B2 (en) * 2012-10-25 2016-04-12 Mark Steele Package with enclosed utensil
US8651311B1 (en) * 2012-12-20 2014-02-18 Sonoco Development, Inc. Measuring scoop and support for a container
US9499291B2 (en) 2013-04-23 2016-11-22 ProAmpac Intermediate, Inc. Hold-open device and package having same
CN203372609U (zh) * 2013-06-24 2014-01-01 乐清市风杰电子科技有限公司 具有取物勺的包装罐
FR3008395B1 (fr) * 2013-07-09 2016-04-15 Ardagh Mp Group Netherlands Bv Structure de conditionnement pour le stockage et la distribution d'un produit en vrac
WO2015006930A1 (zh) * 2013-07-16 2015-01-22 Wang Changyou 一种软包装容器和定量容器

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11958676B2 (en) 2017-03-08 2024-04-16 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with magnetic closure
US11992103B2 (en) 2017-03-08 2024-05-28 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with magnetic closure
US11992104B2 (en) 2022-02-16 2024-05-28 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container with resealable closure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN107912033A (zh) 2018-04-13
BR112017025670A2 (pt) 2018-08-07
BR112017025670B1 (pt) 2022-09-20
WO2016202865A1 (en) 2016-12-22
CN108112246B (zh) 2020-05-26
CN107912033B (zh) 2019-07-19
WO2016203287A1 (en) 2016-12-22
CN108112246A (zh) 2018-06-01
US20180155088A1 (en) 2018-06-07
NZ737783A (en) 2023-06-30
EP3310679A1 (en) 2018-04-25
RU2693863C1 (ru) 2019-07-05
RU2685871C1 (ru) 2019-04-23
EP3310679B1 (en) 2020-05-20
BR112017025669A2 (pt) 2018-08-07
EP3310678A1 (en) 2018-04-25
BR112017025669B1 (pt) 2022-04-19
US20180148225A1 (en) 2018-05-31
WO2016202873A1 (en) 2016-12-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3310678B1 (en) Gusset style pouch, in particular for food product
JP4377250B2 (ja) マチ付きバッグ
US6988828B2 (en) Closure for containers and reclosable containers including the same
US20060285777A1 (en) Reclosable packages with two-dimensional zipper attachement
US7665895B2 (en) Bag having a deformable member attached thereto
MXPA01003917A (es) Cierre hermetico recerrable, envase, metodo y aparato.
US20040208400A1 (en) Closure for containers and reclosable containers including the same
AU2480801A (en) Reclosable packaging bag and method for manufacturing same
US20140072247A1 (en) Gusseted Pouches
US20040058103A1 (en) Flat-bottomed reclosable package with gussets
EP2658794A1 (en) Package having a resealable pour spout
JP4893149B2 (ja) 開口保形機能および開口補助機能を有するジッパ付き包装体
WO2005030600A1 (en) Combination device with fasteners having rib and groove tracks
JP2007119076A (ja) 包装袋
US20180125116A1 (en) Pouch for Tobacco with an Improved Zipper Closure
WO2006132733A2 (en) Disposable seal and lock foil beverage pouch and the operating machinery to manufacture such product
JP2007008500A (ja) スライドファスナー付きスタンディングパウチとその作製方法
JP2003081284A (ja) 再閉自在包装袋およびその製造方法
JP2009143581A (ja) 物品収容袋
JPS5927385Y2 (ja) 開閉自在な袋
JP4269591B2 (ja) 注出機能付き袋状容器及びその製造方法
JP2011042398A (ja) ジッパー付袋及びその製法
JP2019059519A (ja) 食品包装袋とその製造方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20171120

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200107

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

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: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016034044

Country of ref document: DE

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: 1257017

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: VALIPAT S.A. C/O BOVARD SA NEUCHATEL, CH

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: 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: 20200415

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: 20200817

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: 20200716

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200815

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: 20200715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1257017

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200415

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

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: 20200415

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: 20200715

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016034044

Country of ref document: DE

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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: 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: 20200415

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: 20200415

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210118

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: 20200615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200630

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20200615

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: 20200630

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

Ref country code: MT

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: 20200415

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: 20200415

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200415

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230526

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230702

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20240524

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240626

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240613

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240521

Year of fee payment: 9