ES2938257T3 - Container for a thixotropic product - Google Patents

Abstract

And the default crack point is worked on the first additional weld area. The invention further relates to a thixotropic food product packaged in a package according to the invention, and to a method for packaging a thixotropic food product in a package according to the invention. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Container for a thixotropic product

field of invention

The present invention relates to a container for a thixotropic product, in particular for a food product, especially for feed.

Background of the invention

From the documents EP 2432 330 A1, DE 102009022945 A1 or DE 21 2010000014 U1 is known a feed container made as a tubular bag, the upper and lower sides of which are welded at their front or rear ends respectively to a transverse weld surface. a predetermined breaking point for tearing the package being provided on a welding surface at the front end. Tubular bags usually have a longitudinal seam, which is located on the underside and is folded flush there. The packaging shown in the aforementioned publications is also called a "stick pack".

However, a packaging according to the preamble of this type entails certain drawbacks. For example, the package tearing process may fail so that the package remains unopened even though part of the package has been torn off.

Document FR 2126578 A5 shows a container for liquid, semi-liquid or powder contents. For tearing off the package, an additional welding line is provided with a perforation in the immediate vicinity of an end welding line. However, this container has poor ergonomics because it does not offer a sufficiently large gripping surface. Furthermore, the propagation of the tear is uncertain due to this construction. During the production of prior art packages, in particular during welding, excessively high temperatures can also develop, which affect the quality of the package.

Object of the invention

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved package that takes these problems into account. Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a container for a thixotropic product, the container having:

- a first longitudinal edge,

- a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge,

- a first butt weld surface at a first end of the container,

- a second end-weld surface at a second end of the container opposite the first end, - a predetermined tear point which is positioned and aligned such that a tear starting at the predetermined tear point can produce a opening in the package that is smaller than a cross section of the package, the package having a first further weld surface, which is spaced apart from the first and second butt weld surfaces and protrudes by the first longitudinal edge into the container, and the predetermined tearing point is incorporated into the first additional sealing surface, so that the first additional sealing surface, seen from the first longitudinal edge towards the second longitudinal edge, has a tapering course.

In some embodiments, the container has a longitudinal sealing surface, the longitudinal sealing surface being arranged on the second longitudinal edge and the opening being able to be produced as a first channel which is bounded by the additional first sealing surface and the sealing surface. longitudinal weld. In some embodiments, the opening can be produced as a second channel that is bounded by the first additional weld surface and the first butt weld surface.

In certain embodiments, the container has a longitudinal sealing surface and a shell, the longitudinal sealing surface being arranged on the first longitudinal edge and the shell on the second longitudinal edge, and the opening can be produced as a third channel that is limited by the first additional welding surface and the wrapper.

In special embodiments, the packaging has a longitudinal sealing surface and a shell, the longitudinal sealing surface forming the first or second longitudinal edge of the packaging and the packaging is thus realized as a bag sealed on three edges, the other forming respective longitudinal edge of the casing.

The predetermined tear point may comprise a perforation and/or a laser cut.

Viewed from the first longitudinal edge towards the second longitudinal edge, this perforation or laser cut can be incorporated into the first additional welding surface, an imaginary extension line of the perforation or laser cut running through a channel that it is limited either by the first additional weld surface and a shell or is limited by the first additional weld surface and a longitudinal weld surface.

The container can also have a second additional sealing face which is separated and spaced from the first additional sealing surface and the first and second end sealing surfaces and projects into the container by the second longitudinal edge, and the opening can be produced as a fourth channel which is bounded by the first additional weld surface and the second additional weld surface. Viewed from the second longitudinal edge in the direction of the first longitudinal edge, this second additional weld surface can have a tapering course.

The packaging according to one of the preceding claims is such that the predetermined tear point comprises a notch or incision which is incorporated into the first longitudinal edge.

In particular, the ratio of the length of the first or second longitudinal edge to the length of the first or second end is between 2 and 4, in particular 3.

In a preferred embodiment, the packaging is made from a film, the film being in particular a plastic film that is coated on its inside and/or on its outside.

The invention also relates to a thixotropic food product, in particular feed, which is packaged by means of a package as described herein.

The invention also relates to a process for packaging a thixotropic food product in a container as described herein, the process comprising the following steps:

- continuous feeding of a film and

- during feeding:

- fold the film, so that the wrapper is formed on the first longitudinal edge or on the second longitudinal edge,

- producing a longitudinal weld surface on the opposite longitudinal edge of the casing, - producing the second end weld surface,

- fill the container with the thixotropic food product,

- produce the first butt weld surface,

- producing the first additional weld surface, separate and spaced from the first and second butt weld surfaces,

- produce the default tear point on the first and

- separating from the package next to the first and second butt weld surfaces.

The above-mentioned procedural steps do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order listed. Thus, for example, the production of the first end weld surface and the first additional weld surface can be carried out first, and then the second end weld surface can be welded. The production of the additional weld surface and the incorporation of the predetermined tear point can also take place in a common step, ie essentially at the same time. The filling of the container with the thixotropic product can take place, for example, during the production of the longitudinal weld surface.

In one embodiment, the film is single layered, with the film material being plastic. In other embodiments, the film used may be made as a composite film containing aluminum or another metal as a barrier layer. However, in other embodiments, an aluminum-free or metal-free film is used, and barriers may be substituted for aluminum or metal. However, in each of the cases mentioned above, the barrier properties are optional.

A nozzle effect caused by the narrowing towards the generated opening mixes the product again before it exits the package. In case the contents have separated during the storage period, this is not noticeable during use. The content can also be ideally dosed through the constriction, so similar to a pipette. In addition, the opened container is not emptied by the narrowing, whereby a drip stop is achieved.

Another advantage of some embodiments of the packaging according to the invention is the improved handling, which is reflected in the fact that a reduced and constant force is required to open it. In general, due to the separate welding surfaces according to the invention, the gripping surfaces for the fingers during opening are larger and more clearly defined. In some embodiments, the package also prevents a sharp tearing behavior and thus unwanted splashing or escape of material during tearing.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and drawings.

Figure 1: is a plan view of a container that is known from the state of the art;

Figures 2a to 2d: show a first tearing problem that occurs in the case of a container of the state of the art, in a plan view, in a sectional view and in two perspective views separated in time;

Figures 3 and 4: show a second tear problem that occurs in the case of a prior art packaging, in a general top view in an unteared state with an indicated tear line and in a detailed top view in the already torn state;

Figures 5 and 6: show a third tear problem that occurs in the case of a packaging of the state of the art, in a general view from above in the unteared state with an indicated tear line and in a detailed view from above in the already torn state;

Figures 7a, 7b and 9: show examples of packages; and

Figures 8 and 10: show embodiments of a package according to the invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figures 1 to 6 show a package as is known from the state of the art (see documents EP 2432 330 A1, DE 102009 022945 A1 or DE 21 2010000014 U1), as well as the problems that can occur when opening such a package.

Figure 1 shows the tubular bag 1 in a side view. The container extends along a longitudinal axis. In the tubular bag manufacturing process, a film is folded twice parallel to the longitudinal axis (10 and 14) and welded on the rear side (11). This "flag" 11 extends along the longitudinal axis and is folded in such a way that it lies flush with the rear side of the tubular bag. Before or during this process, a product is introduced into the tube that is formed by welding. For the final sealing, the underside and the upper side are welded at the front and rear end (surface 15 at the rear end and surface 12 at the front end), a predetermined breaking point 13 (incision or perforation) being incorporated into the closure weld 12 at the front end, which should facilitate tearing of the container. The welding of the front and rear ends (12 and 15) then also fixes the above-mentioned "flag" (longitudinal seam) in the tubular bag at these locations. The predetermined breaking point 13 is incorporated into the weld surface 12 at the edge so that it faces the casing 10. In addition, the weld is rounded at the front end, in such a way that a kind of nozzle is formed when it tears optimally, and the product passes through the nozzle when pressed out of the package, which should have an advantageous effect, in particular in the case of thixotropic products.

It is intended that a user hold the part 120 of the soldering surface 12 shown on the left in Figure 1 "in front" of the predetermined breaking point 13 with one hand (for example, thumb and forefinger) and with the other hand (for example, also with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand) hold the part 121 of the weld surface 12 shown on the right in figure 1 "behind" the predetermined breaking point 13, in both cases as close as possible to the predetermined breaking point 13, and that a tear is produced by a lateral movement of separation of the two parts 120 and 121.

With such a design, as shown in figures 2a to 2d, when the package is torn it may happen that a discrepancy K must be compensated at the completion of the tearing process, which may cause the product to escape at least partially unintentional and/or an opening occurs in an unfavorable way. This is due in particular to the fact that the tear line is initially still single on the welded part 12, but then splits on the two tube surfaces 20 and 21, as can be seen in sectional view A of Fig. 2b. In detail views B (FIGS. 2c and 2d) it is illustrated that these tear lines 22 and 23 can give rise to a gap K that must be bridged at the time of tearing. Figure 2c thus represents the moment just before the tear and Figure 2d the moment just after the tear. A particular problem is that the two tearing lines 22 and 23 often do not go directly over each other at this time of tearing, but instead go along paths. strays that can lead to an unintentionally tearing of an unintentionally large area of the container (opening O). This can affect the precision and/or the dosage when the product is extracted later. Undesirable splattering of the content may also occur at the time of tearing.

Not all, but certain embodiments of the invention solve this problem shown in connection with figures 2a to 2d. In addition to reducing the force required, in some embodiments the risk of inaccurate tearing or uncoordinated tearing moment is reduced.

However, other drawbacks result in the state of the art, as shown in figures 3 to 6. For example, if the user does not correctly hold the container on the gripping surfaces 120 and 121 and/or the predetermined breaking point 13 does not it is manufactured in a completely clean way and, therefore, excessive resistance has to be overcome that causes an uncontrolled sharp tearing movement, the fragments are oblique in shape, with which very little or a lot is removed from the container.

Figures 3 and 4 show an inadvertent removal of too little packaging material ("fragments") in a general view (Figure 3) and in a detailed view (Figure 4) in the torn but unopened state. This forces the user to subsequently use a tool, for example a pair of scissors, for opening, the tool also being able to come into unfavorable contact with the product.

By an unintentional deflection in the other direction, see Figures 5 and 6, an opening is produced in the container that is too large, which can make it difficult to press out the contents of the container. In particular, the conical shape of the spout is weakened, whereby a thixotropic product is not subjected to sufficient shear forces and can therefore be more difficult to press out of the container. Excessive tearing of this type can also eventually lead to an intensification of the problem described in connection with figure 2, ie the tearing can continue along the longitudinal axis in an uncontrolled manner.

According to the invention the problem presented in figures 3 and 4 is solved, and in certain embodiments also the problems that were presented in connection with figures 5 and 6.

Figures 7a, 7b and 9 show examples of packages. FIGS. 8 and 10 show embodiments of a packaging according to the invention, which have in common that a "default tear point" is provided within the context of the explanation of the prior art, called a predetermined breaking point, i.e. a drilling or a laser cut, which is incorporated into an additional welding surface. This additional weld surface is separated and distanced from the "end weld surfaces" (referred to as weld surfaces 12 and 15 in the context of the explanation of the prior art) and has a tapering course, seen from the first view. longitudinal edge towards the second longitudinal edge. In particular, this first additional weld surface is arranged between the first and second end weld surfaces, viewed along a longitudinal axis of the package. By this additional welding surface the risk of the package remaining unintentionally unopened after the fragment has been torn off is at least eliminated, as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

According to the invention with the first additional welding surface the probability of creating an opening that meets the requirements of the thixotropic content of the container is significantly increased, i.e. an opening of a defined diameter is created that allows a nozzle effect when the product is pressed out.

The packages 7, 7' and 8 respectively have a first additional weld surface 75, 75' or 85, which is spaced apart and spaced from the first end weld surface 74, 74' or 84 and from the second butt surface. end seal 77, 77' or 87, in which the predetermined tear point 72, 72' or 82 is incorporated. This spacing prevents too much heat from being transferred to the packaging material during sealing, which would result in example to a thermal distortion, so that the gripping surface in front of the predetermined tear point 72, 72' or 82 (on the left in the drawing) - that is, the zone 74, 74' or 84 plus the channel 73' , 73''' or 83' between the welding surfaces 74, 74' or 84 and 75, 75 or 85 - is increased and therefore handling is also improved.

If, for example, the predetermined tear point 72 of the container 7 is accidentally torn obliquely in the direction of the end weld surface 74 (as in the problem of FIG. 3), an opening is nevertheless created, since by the separated weld 75 the channel 73' is formed in the container, through which an opening is produced during such a tearing movement.

The package 8 of Figure 8 is even better because the separate weld surface 85 offers a larger clamping surface and also directs tear propagation in the direction of the end weld surface 84. This is further enhanced if optionally (as shown here in Figure 8) the predetermined tear point 82 is also obliquely aligned there. The probability is increased by the fact that the channel 83 or, if necessary, the channel 83', is created as an opening.

The container 7' of FIG. 7b differs from the container 7 in that the longitudinal weld surface 71' lies on the same longitudinal edge as the additional weld surface 75'. Although there are still problems described in connection with figures 2a to 2d, at least the problem described in connection with figures 3 and 4 is solved.

An additional sealing surface that is located on the opposite side of the longitudinal sealing surface allows the tearing of the packaging on the side where the casing is located and allows the tear to end at the longitudinal sealing surface (= longitudinal seam). . Even if here the tear lines first branch out on the two side surfaces of the package 7, 8, 9 or 10, they meet again at the longitudinal seam. This causes a leveling of the course of the force that must be applied for tearing. In addition, a clean tear is produced without unwanted fringes or branches, as represented in Figure 2d. The course of the force during opening is uniform and reduced, which is particularly ideal for users with little manual force.

The package 9 of figure 9 is based on the package 7 of figure 7a and has been supplemented with a second additional welding surface 96, which is intended to intercept unintentional over-wide tears, as explained in figures 4 and 5 Viewed along a longitudinal axis of the package, the second additional weld surface lies between the second end weld surface and the first additional weld surface. Then, even if the user inadvertently tears the predetermined tear point 92 obliquely in the direction of the second additional welding surface 96, so that the tear line reaches the second additional welding surface 96 and through it directly to the surface of longitudinal welding 91, a defined opening 93" ensures that the desired nozzle effect is possible. As described above, by a straight tear the channel 93 is ideally created, and in the event that the tear is too short, the channel 93'.To prevent the danger of the tear running obliquely, so that after passing the second additional sealing surface 96 separates the tubular bag again, the packaging can be modified again, for example as shown in figure 10.

10 shows the packaging 10 as an exemplary embodiment which is based on the packaging 8 from FIG. 8 and has been completed with a second additional sealing surface 106. The second additional sealing surface 106 is improved compared to the second sealing surface 96 in figure 9, as it offers more clearance for an unintentionally oblique tear line and thus offers a high level of security that - even in the worst case - after it is has torn the fragment, only a single opening is generated, which is defined by the channel 103" between the first additional welding surface 105 and the second additional welding surface 106. As in the previous examples, the channel 103 is ideally formed and, in case that the tear is too short, channel 103'.

In addition, embodiments 7, 7', 8, 9 and 10 allow an opening to be generated in the container despite unintentional tearing of too small a fragment, which is defined by the respective end weld surface (74 , 74', 84, 94, 104) and the respective first additional weld surface (75, 75', 85, 95, 105). In either case, the likelihood is significantly increased that when the package is torn, an opening will result which offers the desired spouting effect.

As a further measure to prevent accidental lateral tearing, the longitudinal weld surfaces 71, 71', 81, 91, 101 can for example be directionally structured, so that this structure deflects or mitigates uncontrolled tear propagation. The cross hatching of the butt weld surfaces shown here means that the solder dies used are equipped with a "waffle shaped" profile. The lining of the longitudinal weld surface implies that this surface is continuously sealed with a longitudinal profile. However, other structures can also be achieved using other corresponding tools. As shown, longitudinally structured welds are not only an option, but can also achieve an effect to be used deliberately. In particular, this means that, for example, the second additional weld surface or the longitudinal weld surface can have a deliberately directed longitudinal structure, which, viewed in a view as in the figures, runs from top right to bottom left for direct the tear line to the lower left as much as possible. A longitudinal structuring on the first additional welding surface is also conceivable from top to bottom, ie from the first longitudinal edge to the second, in order to guide the tearing downwards as directly as possible. Stiffness gradients achieved through structuring can also have a favorable influence on tearing behavior.

Figures 7a, 7b and 8 to 10 respectively show various individual aspects that can also be combined with each other in any configuration, but due to the need for conciseness they are not all illustrated here. By way of example only, it should be mentioned that, for example, the longitudinal weld surface of embodiments 8, 9 or 10 can also be provided, for example, on the opposite longitudinal edge. The packaging is mentioned or shown solely by way of example as a three-edge sealed bag or as a tubular bag. According to the invention, the packaging can also be another film bag and for example have no or two longitudinal seams. In the case of an embodiment as a "3-edge sealed bag", as the name already expresses, the longitudinal seam forms an edge of the package. Although figures 7a, 7b and 8 to 10 indicate that a three-edge sealed bag is shown, it can also be a tubular bag, the longitudinal seam of which is folded at the edge.

As can be seen in all the figures of the embodiments, the invention makes it easier or more likely to create an opening of a defined size. For example, note that channels 73, 73', 73", 73"', 83, 83', 93, 93', 93", 103, 103' and 103" all have at least essentially the same diameter. Such a relatively narrow outlet is necessary for the thixotropic product in the package, since shearing forces must occur during removal from the package to soften and/or mix the product.

While the invention has been described by virtue of its preferred embodiment(s), many other modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims should cover modifications and variations that are contained within the actual scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. Container (8, 10) for a thixotropic product, presenting the container: - a first longitudinal edge, - a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, - a first end-weld surface (74, 74', 84, 94, 104) at a first end of the container, - a second end-weld surface (77, 77', 87, 97, 107) at a second end of container opposite the first end, - a predetermined tear point (72, 72', 82, 92, 102) which is positioned and aligned in such a way that a tear starting at the predetermined tear point can produce an opening in the package that is smaller than a cross section of the container, the container presenting a first additional weld surface (75, 75', 85, 95, 105) which is separated and spaced from the first and second end weld surfaces and which protrudes into the container by the first longitudinal edge, and in wherein the predetermined tear point (72, 72', 82, 92, 102) is incorporated into the first additional weld surface (75, 85, 95, 105), characterized in that the first additional weld surface (85) has a tapering course when viewed from the first longitudinal edge towards the second longitudinal edge. 2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein - the container has a longitudinal weld surface (71,71', 81,91, 101), - the longitudinal weld surface (71, 81, 91, 101) is arranged on the second longitudinal edge, and - the opening can be produced as a first channel (73, 83, 93, 103) which is limited by the first surface of additional welding (75, 85, 95, 105) and the longitudinal welding surface (71,81,91, 101). Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, in which the opening can be produced as a second channel (73', 73''', 83', 93', 103') which is limited by the first additional welding surface (75, 75', 85, 95, 105) and the first butt weld surface (74, 74', 84, 94, 104). 4. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein - the packaging has a longitudinal sealing surface (71') and a casing (70, 70', 80, 90, 100), - the longitudinal sealing surface is arranged on the first longitudinal edge, - the casing is arranged on the second longitudinal edge and - the opening can be produced as a third channel (73") which is limited by the first additional welding surface (75') and the casing (70'). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the container has a longitudinal sealing surface (71') and a shell (70, 70', 80, 90, 100), - the longitudinal sealing surface (71, 71', 81, 91, 101) forms the first or second longitudinal edge of the package and the package is therefore made as a bag sealed on three edges, the respective other longitudinal edge forming the wrapper (70, 70', 80, 90, 100). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, in which the predetermined tear point (72, 72', 82, 92, 102) comprises a perforation and/or a laser cut. Packaging according to claim 6, in which the perforation or laser cutting, viewed from the first longitudinal edge towards the second longitudinal edge, is incorporated into the first additional welding surface (75, 85, 95, 105), an imaginary extension line of the perforation or the laser cut runs through a channel (73, 73", 83, 93, 103) which is limited either by the first additional welding surface (75') and a casing (70') or is limited by the first additional weld surface (75, 85, 95, 105) and a longitudinal weld surface (71,81,91, 101). Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the package has a second additional weld surface (96, 106) which is separated and spaced from the first additional weld surface (95, 105) and from the first and second end weld surfaces (94/97, 104/ 107) and protrudes from the second longitudinal edge inside the container, and - the opening can be produced as a fourth channel (73, 73', 83, 83', 93, 93', 93", 103, 103', 103") which is bounded by the first and second additional weld surface additional solder surface. Packaging according to claim 8, in which the second additional sealing surface (106), seen from the second longitudinal edge in the direction of the first longitudinal edge, has a tapering course. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, in which the predetermined tear point comprises a notch or an incision which is incorporated into the first longitudinal edge. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, in which the ratio between the length of the first or second longitudinal edge and the length of the first or second end is between 2 and 4, in particular 3. Packaging according to one of the preceding claims, the packaging being made of a film, in particular the film being a plastic film that is coated on its inside and/or on its outside. Thixotropic foodstuff, in particular animal feed, which is packed by means of a container according to one of the preceding claims. Process for packaging a thixotropic food product in a container according to one of claims 1 to 12, the process comprising the following steps: - continuous feeding of a film and - during feeding: - folding the film, so that the wrapper (70, 70', 80, 90, 100) is formed on the first longitudinal edge or on the second longitudinal edge, - producing a longitudinal weld surface (71, 71', 81, 91, 101) on the longitudinal edge opposite the casing, - producing the second butt weld surface (77, 77', 87, 97, 107), - fill the container with the thixotropic food product, - producing the first butt weld surface (74, 74', 84, 94, 104), - producing the first additional weld surface (75, 75', 85, 95, 105) separated and spaced from the first and second butt weld surfaces, - producing the predetermined tear point (72, 72', 82, 92, 102) on the first additional weld surface (75, 75', 85, 95, 105) and - separating the container along the first and second butt weld surfaces.