FI131228B1 - Closure for a flexible package, flexible package with closure and method for producing a flexible package provided with a closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure (900) for closing an open side (921) of a flexible package (920). The closure (900) comprises a material blank having two folds (901, 902), a fastening surface (905), a reclosable closure surface (904) and a non-stick surface (903). The fastening surface (905) is provided with an adhesive (108) for attachment to a first outer wall of the flexible package. The reclosable closure surface (904) provided with an adhesive is arranged to be removably attached to a second outer wall of the flexible package (920) over the open side (921) of the flexible package (920) in the closed position of the closure (900) and to the non-stick surface (903) of the closure (900) in the open position. The invention further relates to a flexible package (920) comprising the aforementioned closure (900) or a closure (900) which is an extension of the first wall without a closure attachment surface (905). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a flexible package (920) comprising a closure (900).

Description

A flexible packaging closure, a flexible packaging with a closure and a method for manufacturing a package comprising a closure

Subject of the invention

The invention relates to a closure for a flexible package, with which the flexible package can be closed or reclosed after opening. The invention also relates to a flexible package with a closure and to a method of manufacturing a flexible package comprising a closure.

Background of the invention

Paper and fiber material flexible packaging such as bags are traditionally closed with an adhesive area, such as glue, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing. When opening the package, the different parts of the package are separated from each other mechanically, for example by pulling the parts apart in a direction transverse to the seam, or in the case of a flap, by tearing the flap off the side of the package to which it is sealed. Aluminum foil packaging, such as nut bags, can be opened, for example, by tearing the material area from the top of the bag across the entire width of the top of the bag. Plastic packaging, such as candy bags, can be opened similarly to foil bags by tearing the material area at the top of the bag across the entire width of the top of the bag or at the corner of the bag, or by pulling the front and back of the bag in opposite directions, whereby the seam formed by the glue or other adhesive area at the top of the bag opens by detaching from at least one surface.

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N The problem with many traditional flexible packaging is that once opened, it cannot be reclosed without a separate closure device. However, closure is advantageous for many products contained in the package, such as

I 30 — to ensure better preservation of food, but also to prevent material stored in an already opened package from accidentally leaking out of the package and

S mess up the environment, e.g. a handbag or backpack. Some foil bags or plastic packaging

The containers comprise a pressurizable resealable closure structure, e.g.

The so-called zip or Minigrip technology-based closure structure of the package — in the upper part, i.e., a pair of grooves on the first inner wall of the package and a groove on the second inner wall. This structure is closed by pressing a single groove between the pair of grooves. However, this solution is usually made of non-degradable plastic, and it is not inexpensive or suitable for all types of materials, e.g. paper bags, due to its poor tensile strength. There are also closures made of biodegradable plastic based on zip or Minigrip technology, but this material also interferes with the recycling of fibers. These closures can of course be removed from recyclable packaging by tearing or cutting before recycling, but this causes additional work. Flexible packages may also include a resealable tape strip, seal, or mucus strip or lines attached to either inner wall of the package or, in a flapped pouch structure, between the outer wall of the package and a flap attached thereto.

In tape and adhesive strip structures, a problem with resealing solutions can be that, since the slime structure is open when the bag is open, i.e. unprotected, it can collect material from either the environment or inside the bag that prevents or hinders the reattachment of the tape or adhesive strip.

Brief summary of the invention

The present invention aims to provide and introduce a novel closure for a flexible package, a flexible package with a closure and a method for producing a flexible package with a closure. The invention is characterized by what is stated in the independent claims and advantageous embodiments of the invention are stated in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a flexible packaging closure for closing the open side of a flexible packaging. The closure comprises a material blank comprising at least two

N fold points, fastening surface, resealable closure surface and non-stick

N man surface, on which said attachment surface is arranged an adhesive with which the closure is - intended to be attached to the first outer wall of the flexible package, and which attachment surface is between the first side of the closure and the first folding point. The non-adhesive surface of the closure is either between the first and second folding points, whereby the resealable closure surface is between the second folding point

S and one side of the shutter, or the non-stick surface of the shutter is on the other

A between the fold point and the second side of the closure, whereby the resealable closure surface is between the first and second fold points. The resealable — closure surface, on which an adhesive is provided, is arranged to be releasably attached to the flexible packaging over the open side of the flexible packaging in the closed position of the closure.

to the other outer wall of the package and, in the open position, to the non-stick surface of the closure.

In one embodiment, the non-stick surface is an uncoated material of the material blank. In one embodiment, the non-stick surface is silicone or comprises silicone. In one embodiment, the edge region of one side of the resealable closure surface does not comprise an adhesive and functions as a flap.

According to one embodiment, the edge area of the resealable closure surface on one side is folded and glued partially — twice in the direction of the other side to form a flap. According to one embodiment, a material strip is glued onto the edge area of the other side of the resealable closure surface to form a flap. According to one embodiment, the material of the material blank is recyclable paper fiber. According to one embodiment, the resealable closure surface and/or the non-stick surface are stiffened — with a separate material layer. According to one embodiment, the material of the material blank is compostable or biodegradable fiber material, compostable film material, plastic, laminate or aluminum foil. According to one embodiment, the closure comprises a handling projection arranged on the opposite side of the closure to the resealable closure surface, at the junction of the resealable closure surface and the non-stick surface. According to one embodiment, the adhesives on the fastening surface of the closure and the resealable closure surface are the same adhesive.

The invention further relates to a flexible package comprising the above-mentioned — closure or a closure according to one of its embodiments, which is attached

N on the outer surface of the first wall of the flexible packaging, the fastening surface of the closure

Alternatively, the closure is an extension of the first wall without a closure attachment surface, but comprises at least two folds, a resealable closure surface and a non-stick surface to which said resealable closure surface is attached.

I 30 — adhesive is provided on the closure surface, and each closure closes the flexible package when the 3 resealable closure surface is removably attached over the open side of the flexible package 2 to the outer surface of the other wall of the flexible package and the flexible

A When the package is open, the resealable sealing surface is against the seal.

I have a non-stick surface.

According to one embodiment, the material of the flexible packaging is recyclable paper fiber, compostable or biodegradable fiber material, compostable or biodegradable film material, plastic, laminate or aluminum foil. According to one embodiment, the material of the flexible packaging is fiber material and the openable side of which comprises a fiber tear stopper in connection with the seam closing the open side. According to one embodiment, the closure is wider than the flexible packaging in the closed position and each flexible packaging can be opened by removing the edge parts of the closure that are wider than the flexible packaging. — The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a flexible packaging with a closure. The method comprises at least the following steps: arranging at least one piece of flexible material as a first wall and a second wall of the flexible package, arranging the closure of the flexible package in a folded open position, attaching the closure to the first or second wall of the flexible package so that one side of the closure material faces the openable side of the flexible package, attaching the first wall of the flexible package and the second wall of the flexible package to each other with glue, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, and arranging an adhesive area between the first wall of the flexible package and the second wall, which forms a seal closing the openable side of the flexible package.

Description of drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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N Figure 1a shows a flexible packaging closure according to one embodiment - seen from the direction of the closure surface, in which it comprises different surface materials, 0 x 30 — Figure 1b shows the flexible packaging closure of Figure 1a in a perspective view, 3 Figure 1c shows the closure and flexible packaging of Figure 1a from a lateral direction

A as a wedge cut pattern when the closure is attached to the flexible packaging but is not

N set to closed or open position;

Figure 1d shows a cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 1c in the lateral direction when the closure is in the closed position and closes the flexible package; Figure 1e shows a cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 1c in the lateral direction when the closure is in the open position and the flexible package is open; Figure 2a shows a flexible package closure according to one embodiment as seen from the direction of the closure surface, Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the flexible package closure of Figure 2a, Figure 2c shows a cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 2a in the lateral direction when the closure is attached to the flexible package but is not placed in the closed or open position; Figure 2d shows a side cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 2c when the closure is in the closed position and closes the open side of the flexible package; Figure 2e shows a side cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 2c when the closure is in the open position and the open side of the flexible package is open; Figure 3a shows a package closure according to one embodiment in a side cross-section of the package and closure when the closure is attached to the flexible package and in the open position;

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N Figure 3b shows a lateral cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 3a when the closure is in the closed position and closes the flexible package; 0

I 30 — Figure 4a shows a package closure according to one embodiment from the side of the package and a < closure, when the closure is attached to the flexible package and is

S in the open position; &

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Figure 4b shows a lateral cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 4a when the closure is in the closed position and closes the flexible package;

Figure 5a shows a flexible package closed with a closure according to one embodiment and seen from the direction of the opposite surface to that to which the closure is attached; — Figure 5b shows the flexible package of Figure 5a when the package is opened and the closure is in the open position; Figure 5c shows the flexible package of Figure 5a when the package is closed and the closure is in the closed position; — Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a paper package according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a package closure according to one embodiment from the side of the package and the closure, when the closure is attached to the flexible package, Figure 8a shows a flexible package closure according to one embodiment seen from the direction of the closure surface, in which it comprises different surface materials, Figure 8b shows a perspective view of the flexible package closure of Figure 8a, Figure 8c shows a cross-sectional view of the closure and the flexible package of Figure 8a from the side, when the closure is attached to the flexible package but is not placed in the closed or open position; — Figure 8d shows a cross-sectional view of the package and the closure of Figure 8c from the side

N times when the shutter is in the closed position and seals the flexible packaging and its

N open side; 2 Figure 8e shows a lateral cross-section of the package and closure of Figure 8c

I 30 —period when the shutter is in the open position and leaves the flexible packaging and its 3 open sides open; 2

Figure 9a shows a flexible packaging closure according to one embodiment.

N viewed from the direction of the closure surface, in which it comprises different surface materials, Figure 9b shows a perspective view of the closure of the flexible packaging of Figure 9a,

Figure 9c shows a side cross-sectional view of the closure and flexible packaging of Figure 9a when the closure is attached to the flexible packaging but is not placed in the closed or open position; Figure 9d shows a side cross-sectional view of the package of Figure 9c and the closure of Figures 9a, 9b when the closure is in the closed position and closes the flexible packaging and its open side; — Figure 9e shows a side cross-sectional view of the package of Figure 9c and the closure of Figures 9a, 9b when the closure is in the open position and leaves the flexible packaging and its open side open; Figure 10a shows a flexible packaging closure with a handling projection according to one embodiment, seen from the direction of the closure surface, in which it comprises different surface materials, Figure 10b shows the flexible packaging closure of Figure 10a, viewed from the end of the closure, Figure 10c shows the closure and the flexible packaging of Figures 10a, 10b in a cross-sectional view from the side, when the closure is attached to the flexible packaging, but is not placed in the closed or open position; — Figure 10d shows the closure of Figures 10a, 10b and the flexible packaging of Figure 10c

N in cross-section from the side when the shutter is in the closed position and closes

N flexible packaging and its open side; 2 Figure 10e shows the closure of Figures 10a, 10b and the flexible packaging of Figures 10c, 10d

I 30 in front of it; a

Figure 11 shows a front view of a closure according to an embodiment.

O

N tynä flexible packaging;

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— Figure 12a shows a flexible packaging closure according to one embodiment;

Figure 12b shows the closure of Figure 12a attached to a flexible package; Figure 13a shows the structure of a flexible package with a closure according to one embodiment in a cross-sectional view from the side; Figure 13b shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible package with a closure of Figure 13a with the opening side heat-sealed before the flexible package is opened; Figure 13c shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible package with a closure of Figure 13b from the side when the flexible package is opened; and Figure 13d shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible package with a closure of Figure 13c from the side when the flexible package is reclosed.

Detailed description of the invention

As already mentioned in the Background of the Invention section, flexible packaging such as paper, plastic or aluminium foil packaging and bags are traditionally closed with an adhesive area, such as with glue, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing. When the package is opened, the different parts of the package, most commonly the opposing walls, are mechanically separated from each other, for example by pulling the walls apart in a direction transverse to the seam, whereby the seam formed by the adhesive or other adhesive area of the upper part of the bag opens by detaching at least one of its surfaces or alternatively the seam cracks. A flexible packaging with a flap

In case of a leak, the package can be opened by removing the flap on the package.

N from the wall to which it is sealed. In this application, the wall refers to the wall or part of the wall that delimits the package. Some flexible packages, such as aluminum foil nut bags, can also be opened pre-

I 30 — mark by tearing the material area from the top of the package across the entire width of the top 3 of the bag. Plastic packages, such as candy bags, can be opened

S accordingly, by tearing the material area from the top of the package to the top of the entire bag

N from the width of the part or by removing the material area of the corner area of the package.

O

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The problem with many flexible packaging is that once opened, they cannot be closed without a separate closing device, such as a plastic or metal clip or clamp, or a metal wire-based closure that works by twisting or pressing parts together. However, closing an already opened package is advantageous in order to ensure better shelf life and hygiene of the products contained in the package, such as food products packaged in the package, but also because the products remain in the bag. Reclosable flexible packaging also increases the reusability of the flexible packaging and would reduce the need to transfer the products in the package to another package after opening.

However, there are flap-type resealable flexible packaging with an adhesive surface, for example 15 mm from the top edge of the bag. One reason for the location is presumably that fingers would not touch the adhesive surface when opening the bag. A weakness of such a solution is, among other things, that the bag does not close tightly with the flap, because the 15 mm gap remains in the corners after the flap is attached with adhesive. In addition, the adhesive surface often includes a separate strip that can be pulled off the adhesive surface, for example a paper or plastic strip, to protect the label before the label surface is put into use. After use, the unprotected adhesive surface is also exposed to contamination when the package is open. — There is therefore a need for a closure solution that is inexpensive, dirt-proof, easy to use and reliably closes and recloses the flexible package. The closure according to the invention is intended to close and reclose flexible packages, such as paper, plastic or aluminum foil packages and bags, as well as flexible packages made of other flexible materials or other packages that can be closed with the closure according to the invention.

N is suitable for packaging, packages and bags. With a closure according to the invention

There are therefore no material restrictions for N resealable flexible packaging, as the closure is suitable for use in various types of fiber, plastic and foil bags, 2 but also in some cases in rigid cardboard packaging. The closure and the flexible

I 30 — Several fiber materials that are still under development or will be developed are also likely to be suitable as tote bag materials. However, it should be noted that the closure according to the invention is a particularly advantageous solution for recyclable fiber materials.

Flexible packaging made from recycled materials, i.e. mainly recyclable paper,

In the case of paper, and especially when the closure is made of the same material as the flexible packaging, because in this case the plastic closure does not interfere with or prevent the recyclability of the flexible packaging with a closure. In the light of current research, paper can be recycled several times, up to 10 times, which further emphasizes the advantageous position of paper as a flexible packaging material. The situation is similar for cardboard, because cardboard, which is a biodegradable material, can be recycled many times, up to 25 times. On the other hand, food companies prefer or may prefer virgin fiber in packaging that is in direct contact with food, such as moist or fatty foods, such as chocolate, for hygiene reasons. It is also good to note that recycling the material is cheaper than composting it. It is therefore very environmentally friendly and advantageous to recycle the fiber of recyclable flexible fiber packaging for recycling and reuse instead of composting it until the mechanical properties of the fibers deteriorate.

The closure according to the invention comprises a material blank with at least two folds. Between the first side of the closure and the first fold there is a fastening surface, on which a first adhesive surface, e.g. hot melt adhesive, has been applied, with which the closure is fastened to the outer wall of the flexible packaging. If the adhesive surface is on the closure closing surface of the closure, i.e. the surface which, when the closure closes the package, faces the mouth of the closure, then the first side faces away from the open side of the bag, i.e. the mouth, and downwards. If the adhesive surface is on the opposite surface to the closure closing surface of the closure, then the first side faces the mouth of the bag and upwards.

Between the first and second fold points, the closure comprises a non-stick surface. It may be, for example, silicone or any other material such that there is a re-sealable surface between the fold point and the other side of the closure.

The sealing surface to be closed with a second adhesive surface, e.g. self-adhesive, has been applied to it.

N which does not permanently adhere when placed folded against each other in the open position. The adhesive on the resealable closure surface removably attaches the closure in the closed position over the open side of the flexible packaging.

I 30 —to the outer wall opposite the attachment surface for closing the flexible package 3. In other words, the closure is said to be open, i.e. folded.

When the sealing surface is attached to a non-stick surface, i.e. a release surface

A is releasably closed and the closure does not close the package. In this application, the term or-

The term “folding point” includes both the points at which the closure is folded or at which it is foldable or intended to be folded in use. When referring to flexible packaging and also to cardboard packaging, only the term “packaging” can be used in connection with this application. It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment, the non-stick surface and the resealable closure surface can interchange positions. —Of the flexible packages that can be closed with the closure according to the invention, paper packages are packages made of paper or combinations of paper and other materials, i.e. |laminates. The basis weights of the papers are typically less than 250 g/m?, less than 180 g/m?, or less than 125 g/m?, such as 20-250 g/m?, 40-180 g/m?, or 60-125 g/m?. The paper used in flexible packaging is preferably recyclable, but it can also be compostable or biodegradable, although the term recyclable paper flexible packaging only applies to flexible packaging made from recyclable paper. Although paper packaging is normally based on wood-based or other plant fibers, the material can also contain other fibers. The raw materials of recyclable paper flexible packaging material are therefore wood-based or pulp-based fibers and other plant fibers. The raw materials of compostable or biodegradable flexible packaging material also include biodegradable synthetic fibers.

The laminate of a paper package may comprise two or more layers of material, one of which is typically paper, i.e. the laminate may, for example, comprise one layer of paper and the second layer of another material or, for example, three different layers, one layer of which comprises paper and the other two layers comprise other materials. The order of the layers of the laminate may be chosen suitably according to the intended use. Typically, paper is the outermost layer in the laminate. One or more layers of the laminate may comprise fibrous materials.

N Paper or other wood- or pulp-based fibers can be used as fiber material.

N non-recyclable materials, such as wood fiber or non-woven materials. Preferably, however, the non-recyclable fiber material used in the laminate is biodegradable or compostable. One or more layers of the laminate may also comprise other

I 30 — wood or cellulose-based materials other than fibrous materials, such as film materials. Cellophane and laminate layers can also be used as film materials.

Plastics can be used as a substrate. The plastic used in the laminate can be selected

N from a group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),

N phthalate (PET), bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics, such as polycaprolactone (PLC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactide (PLA), and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the paper-plastic laminate comprises paper and biodegradable plastic,

which ensures the compostability of the package, particularly preferably paper and polylactide (PLA). A biodegradable or compostable barrier material (so-called barrier material) produced by water-based dispersion technology, which does not contain plastic, can be used as the layers of the laminate. If this barrier layer is the innermost layer in the laminate (as a layer remaining inside the package), it is preferably heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable. The paper package can also be made of a laminate comprising paper and a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable material. The packaging may also be made of a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable paper-plastic laminate or a laminate comprising paper and a biodegradable or compostable barrier material produced by water-based dispersion technology (so-called barrier material) that does not comprise plastic, or the paper packaging may be made of a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable, biodegradable paper-plastic laminate, such as a paper-polylactide (PLA) laminate. The heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable laminate may also comprise paper and a biodegradable or compostable barrier material produced by water-based dispersion technology (so-called paper-barrier laminate).

Plastic packaging can be, for example, polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) film or other plastic packaging material suitable for packaging the material in question, preferably recyclable plastic packaging material. Aluminum foil packaging is usually aluminum-plastic composite vacuum packaging bags. Such packaging is suitable for, among other things, the moisture, light and vacuum packaging of coffee, large precision machines, chemical raw materials and pharmaceutical intermediates.

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N The material of the blank of the closure intended for closing and reclosing a flexible package according to the invention, i.e. the so-called substrate material, can be selected according to the material of the flexible package. It can be of the same or different material.

I 30 — material other than the flexible packaging material to which the closure is attached. It can therefore be, for example, paper, plastic, recyclable or compostable textile material.

S rial, or compostable film or film material, i.e. film or film material

A aal such as NatureFlex™ or similar or can be made from a single monomer

N material range or it can be assembled from several strips of different materials — such as paper and cardboard, whereby the blank comprises several different materials. Examples include the following flexible packaging with a closure: recyclable paper flexible packaging, the closure of which is paper; paper flexible packaging, the closure of which is recyclable paper; paper flexible packaging, the closure of which is non-recyclable paper, biodegradable or compostable fiber flexible packaging, the closure of which is laminate, recyclable paper flexible packaging, the closure of which is laminate, — plastic flexible packaging, the closure of which is plastic, aluminum foil flexible packaging, the closure of which is aluminum foil, or any other combination of these materials and closures.

When the closure, or the material of the closure blank, is a laminate, e.g. NatureFlex™ film made of cellulose, which is a plastic-like material with low oxygen permeability, it has the advantage that the material in question acts as a protector for the resealable closure surface in the open position so that the glue arranged on it cannot dry out very easily, and secondly, there is no need to arrange a separate coating on the non-stick surface, but the blank material itself acts as a non-stick surface. The same situation is in the case of plastic and aluminum foil blanks, the oxidation of the glue is prevented by the blank material and the blank material acts as such as a non-stick surface for the glue of the closure surface in the open position or when the other surface of the closure blank, i.e. the surface on which no glue surfaces/areas are arranged, is coated with silicone.

The adhesive surfaces of the closure can be formed on the blank as an adhesive area, strip or strips of one or more different adhesives at the attachment surface and the resealable closure surface. Forming in this context means applying the adhesive, i.e. gluing, to the surface of the blank. Any suitable adhesive, which is preferably made from any suitable

N slime, known for its ability to adhere to pressure-sensitive labels such as hot melt, acrylic,

N in the manufacture of adhesive emulsions, transfer adhesives, glue, chemically reactive type adhesives, but it can also be formed from other suitable adhesives. The adhesive can be selected taking into account recyclability and compostability.

I 30 - quality requirements or not being taken into account. In addition, the choice of adhesive may be influenced by whether the packaging contains food or another product.

S Humidity and barrier may also impose their own requirements on the material used.

N for glue. It is possible to attach the closure by heat sealing, especially on plastic

N bags. The closure is primarily attached to paper and cardboard packages with hot glue, but liquid glue is also possible.

The material of the closure blank and/or its adhesive surface can also be selected, for example, according to the likely opening method of the packaging material. For example, if the package is likely to open unevenly when opened, as in Figures 5b-5c, it is advantageous for the closure to be of a more rigid structure and the fold point between its non-adhesive surface and the adhesive closure surface to act as a hinge, as in Figures 5b-5c with reference number 55. Even if the closure material is otherwise flexible, for example, at least the resealable closure surface can be stiffened with a separate layer of material. A closure with a more rigid structure is easier to open and close. If the upper edge of the flexible package is completely straight or remains completely or substantially straight when opened, it is possible for the closure surface to also be flexible, such as paper tape or ordinary plastic-based tape. In the case of a simple flap, the edge area of one side of the closure, for example between the other side and the closure surface

PART, is adhesive-free and the user can grasp it to place the closure in the closed position and in the open position. The flap can also be stiffened. The stiffening can be implemented with a second layer of material, i.e. by gluing one or more additional layers of material to the flap area, i.e. to the edge area on the other side of the closure surface, or in the case of thinner closure blank material, by folding the closure surface in the direction of the opposite side of the side attached to the package a small distance, i.e. a sufficient length, by a factor of two. For example, when the material of the closure blank is a laminate such as the above-mentioned NatureFlex™ film or the other surface is coated with silicone, a stiffened flap can be formed for the closure by folding part of the closure surface by a factor of two so that the film or silicone surface is folded over the adhesive surface, thus forming a sturdy flap that does not stick to the adhesive strip. The edge of plastic and foil packaging is not turned.

N net or it may not need to be turned, because the tensile strength of these materials

The strength of the flap itself is so great that it can easily withstand the pull required for opening and closing. The flap reinforcement and non-stick surface can also be achieved with a separate strip of material, e.g. tape or by gluing the flap to the flap.

I 30 ground to the edge area of one side of the closure surface and arranging the material strip 3 in line with it. 2

N The shutter is either functional as is or can be modified to close in a different way

N opening packages such as side-tear, where the material area is torn from the top of the package, or so-called ez2open bags (see figures 3a-b, 4a-b), coffee packages or perforated bags. It is also suitable for closing flexible packages that are not sealed or glued, such as ordinary top-seamless paper bags, plastic bags, etc.

The most economical way to manufacture and deliver a closure to a flexible packaging manufacturer is often in the form of a strip, which is formed into a roll. The closure can be folded in a roll into two or more layers, i.e. in the so-called open position, or it can be in the so-called straight strip in an unfolded form, as in Figures 1a and 2a. The closure can be folded in a roll so that its edges are even or they are not even.

The closure can be attached to the packaging material as a strip at the stage when the packaging material is unloaded from the roll into the machine that folds it into bags, with a suitable adhesive of sufficient strength for the purpose. The closure can also be attached to a finished flexible packaging or cardboard box only when the flexible packaging or box is ready, i.e. in its final form and possibly already filled.

It is advantageous that when the consumer opens the seal of the flexible packaging, the adhesive of the closure surface is completely protected inside the fold, i.e. in the open position, — whereby the consumer's fingers do not touch the adhesive surface area. In addition, if the package contains, for example, a flour-like product, then when the closure is in the open position, the flour cannot clog the adhesive of the resealable closure surface of the closure (Figures 1a-b adhesive surface 106), because it is attached against a non-stick surface (Figures 1a-b non-stick surface 107). In addition, as already mentioned above, in the open position, the adhesive of the closure surface of the closure is protected from drying

N like between two silicone, plastic, aluminum foil or similar surfaces. The invention

In a closure according to the invention, a separate adhesive surface-protecting strip is therefore not required at any stage over the adhesive, because the adhesive of the closure surface is always either against the non-stick surface of the closure in the open position or against the wall of the package in the closed position. 3 Figure 1a shows a flexible packaging closure 100 according to the invention.

A folded and seen from the direction of the closure surface, which when the closure 100 is compressed

N is attached to the package, and from which direction it is intended to — close the flexible package by closing the open side or mouth of the flexible package, which is often the top seam of the package, but not necessarily. The closure 100 of Figure 1a is a cut length or piece of a closure roll, the three dots indicating the directions in which the closure would continue. The closure 100 is elongated in shape or more elongated in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, but its shape and size depend on the shape, size of the package to be closed and/or the size of the open side of the package intended to be closed. The closure 100 comprises at least two horizontal fold points 101, 102. The closure surface of the closure 100 has at least three horizontal areas 103, 104, 105.

The attachment surface 105 is the surface between the horizontal first side 110 of the closure 100 and the first fold point 101 and is a so-called adhesive surface.

An adhesive 108, e.g. hot melt adhesive or some other adhesive suitable for the purpose, has been applied to it, with which the closure 100 is attached to the outer wall of the flexible package so that the first side 110 is downwards and the horizontal second side 111 of the closure is in the same direction as the mouth opening of the package to be closed, i.e. upwards when the closure 100 does not close the package. The non-stick surface 104 is between the first and second folding points 101, 102 and may be the blank material of the closure 100 or a material area, e.g. silicone, which is formed or glued to the blank material of the closure 100. The closure surface 103 of the resealable closure is between the second folding point 102 and the second side 111 of the closure 100 and is also a so-called adhesive surface and to which an adhesive has been applied, e.g. the same or a different adhesive 108 than the adhesive 108 of the attachment surface 105. The adhesive 108 can be applied either to the entire attachment surface 105 or only to a part of it. The same also applies to the closure surface 103, i.e. the adhesive area 106 can be the entire size of the closure surface 103 or only a part of it. In order for the closure to adhere better to the package, however, the adhesive 108 used on the attachment surface 105 often has a stronger bond strength than

N closure surface 103 adhesive.

OF

- In the closed position, the closure 100 closes the flexible package and the reclosable 2 closure surface 103 is removably attached over the open side of the flexible package

I 30 —to the outer wall of the flexible packaging opposite the fastening surface 105. 3 In the open position of the flexible packaging, the closure surface 103 is removably fastened

S against, i.e. placed against, a non-stick surface 104, from which it is non-stick

Thanks to the non-stick nature of the N surface 104, the closures can be easily removed.

N country packaging over the open side of the packaging, but on the other hand it also remains clean in the open position, because the adhesive surface is not unprotected even then. Opening and closing the packaging, i.e. changing the packaging in the open position

from the closed position and vice versa is facilitated by the adhesive-free portion, i.e. flap 109, between the closure surface 103 and the other side 111. As can be seen from Figure 1a, there is no adhesive on the entire closure surface 103, but the edge area of the closure surface 103 on the other side 111 is adhesive-free. The flap 109 may, for example, be made of the material of the closure 100 blank.

Figure 1b shows the closure 100 of Figure 1a folded at the fold points 101, 102 and in a perspective view. — Figure 1c shows the closure 100 of Figure 1a in a side cross-sectional view when the closure 100 is attached to the flexible package 120. In Figure 1c, the closure 100 is attached to the flexible package 120, but is not placed in a closed or open position, but is between them, and the package 120 and the open side 121 are open and the closure surface 103 and its adhesive area 106 are not against the other outer wall or non-stick surface 104 of the package 120.

Figure 1d shows a cross-sectional view of the package 120 and the closure 100 of Figure 1c from the side, with the closure 100 attached to the flexible package 120, more specifically to the first outer wall of the flexible package 120, and in a closed position, whereby the closure 100 closes the flexible package 120 and the open side 121. The closure surface 103 and its adhesive area 106 are against the package 120, i.e. the second outer wall of the flexible package 120.

Figure 1e shows the package 120 and closure 100 of Figure 1c from the side — in cross-sectional view with closure 100 attached to the flexible package

N 120 and in the open position, whereby the flexible packaging 120 and its open side 121

N are open. The closure surface 103 and its adhesive area 106 are against the non-stick surface 104. ©

I 30 — Figure 2a shows a flexible packaging closure 200 according to the invention unfolded and viewed from the direction of the closure surface, from which direction it is intended

S attaches to flexible packaging for use in closing flexible packaging

N with the open side of the flexible packaging. The closure 200 of Figure 2a is also covered

N-banded length or piece of closure roll. Closure 200 corresponds to closure 100 essentially — in other respects, but its flap 230 is reinforced by folding a part of closure surface 203 by a factor of two, i.e. by folding the length or the edge area of closure surface 203 on one side 211, i.e. flap portion 209, from closure surface 203 towards the other side, partly onto closure surface 203. This folding point is marked with reference number 215. This forms a reinforced or stiffened flap 230, which is more structurally robust than flap 109 of Figures 1a-e, so that it can be easier to grip and close and open the package, especially if the material of the closure 200 blank as such were thin. In this Figure 2a, the flap portion 209 is unglued, but it is nevertheless possible that glue could have been applied to the entire area of the closure surface 203, including the flap portion 209, before forming the flap. The closure 200 therefore comprises at least three horizontal fold points 201, 202, 215 due to the flap fold.

The attachment surface 205 is between the horizontal first side 210 of the closure 200 and the first fold point 201 and is a so-called adhesive surface and has been applied with glue, e.g. hot glue or some other adhesive suitable for the purpose, with which the closure 200 is attached to the outer wall of the flexible package so that the first side 210 is downwards and the horizontal second side 211 of the closure is in the same direction as the mouth opening of the package to be closed, i.e. upwards when the closure 200 does not close the package. The non-adhesive surface 204 is between the first and second fold points 201, 202 and may be the blank material of the closure 200 or other non-adhesive material that is formed or glued to the blank material of the closure 200 in the area of the non-adhesive surface 204. The closure surface 203 of the resealable closure is between the second fold point 202 and the second side 211 of the closure 200 and is also a so-called adhesive surface and has been coated with glue, e.g. the same or a different glue than the glue on the attachment surface 205.

N In the closed position, the closure 200 closes the flexible packaging and the resealable

N closure surface 203 is removably attached over the open side of the flexible package to the opposite outer wall of the flexible package than attachment surface 205 for closing the flexible package. It should be noted that the resealable closure

I 30 — the attachment point of the surface 203 on the opposite outer wall of the flexible packaging may vary, depending on, for example, the amount of material inside the packaging.

S räst. In the open position of the flexible packaging, the closure surface 203 is attached to the

N firmly against the non-stick surface 204, from which it is again easily removable.

N vissa to close the package over the open mouth of the package. Opening and closing the package, i.e. changing from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, is facilitated by a stiffened flap 230 made of non-stick material.

Figure 2b shows the closure 200 of Figure 2a folded and in perspective. Figure 2b also shows the fold points 201, 202, 215. Figure 2b also shows an arrow indicating how the flap portion 209 of the attachment surface 203 is folded at the fold point 215 to partially form a stiffened flap 230 over the attachment surface 203.

Figure 2c shows a side cross-sectional view of the closure 200 of Figure 2a when the closure is attached to the flexible package 220. In Figure 2c, the closure 200 is attached to the flexible package 220, but is not placed in a closed or open position, but is between them, and the package 220 and the open side 221 are open.

Figure 2c also shows the two-layer structure of the stiffened flap 230.

Figure 2d shows the package 220 and the closure 200 of Figure 2c from the side — in a cross-sectional view with the closure 200 attached to the flexible package 220 and in the closed position, whereby the closure 200 closes the flexible package 220 and the open side 221. This figure also shows the two-layer structure of the stiffened flap 230 and how, due to the two-layer structure, it remains slightly detached from the surface of the flexible package 220 for easier gripping.

Figure 2e shows a side cross-sectional view of the package 220 and closure 200 of Figure 2c with the closure 200 attached to the flexible package 220 and in an open position, with the flexible package 220 and its open side 221 open and the closure surface 206 against the non-stick surface 204. Figure 2e also shows the two-layer structure of the flap 230.

OF

Since the upper surfaces of the walls of the open sides 121, 221 of the packages 120, 220 of Figures 1c-e and 2c-e are flat, the open sides 121, 221 can be closed tightly and even in some cases almost airtightly with the closures 100, 200.

I 30 3 The invention therefore also relates to a spring comprising a closure according to the invention.

S to packaging, i.e., flexible packaging with a closure. And one such closure

So-called flexible packaging is paper packaging, for example recyclable paper

N package, in which a fiber tear stopper is arranged in connection with the sealing seam of the package. The paper package comprises at least a first package wall and a second package wall, and an adhesive region between the first wall and the second wall. The adhesive region forms the sealing seam of the package. The paper package further comprises at least one fiber tear stopper at the edge of the adhesive region or at a distance therefrom in the direction of the interior of the package. The fiber tear stopper is arranged to delimit the separation point of the first wall and the second wall at the edge of the adhesive region or at a distance therefrom in the direction of the interior of the package when the package is opened.

The fiber tear stopper may also be located some distance from the edge of the adhesive area toward the end of the wall of the package. The end may be a point where said wall has a fold, or the junction of the wall and the bottom of the package.

The advantage of such a paper package is that it is easy to open compared to traditional paper packages sealed with glue, — ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing. The package opens without the fiber tear continuing along the wall of the package, so the package opens neatly and only at the desired point. The package according to the invention cannot tear from the wall of the package when the fiber tear stops at the fiber tear stopper. The different embodiments of the fiber tear stopper are presented in more detail in the applicant's earlier international patent application under number PCT/F12022/050484.

Figure 3a shows a side cross-section of the above-mentioned paper package with a closure according to the invention, in which the closure 30 is attached to a paper package 37 comprising a fiber-tear stopper 33, when the closure 30 is

N in the open position. The package 37 comprises at least a first wall 31

N and the second wall 32, and an adhesive region 34 between the first wall 31 and the second wall 32. The adhesive region 34 forms a seal closing the opening side of the package 37 and 2 thereof. The package 37 further comprises at least one

I 30 of the fiber tear stopper 33 at the edge of the adhesive area 34. The fiber tear stopper 33 is arranged to delimit the separation point of the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 at the edge of the adhesive area 34 of the package 37

A when opening.

OF

The first wall 31 and the second wall 32 of the package 37 may be attached to each other at the sides of the package by an adhesive, such as glue, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, or by another suitable method.

The first wall 31 and the second wall 32 may each be formed from one or more pieces of material. The walls 31, 32 of the package 37 may be formed from one continuous piece of material, or from two or more pieces of material attached to each other. The wall 31 or 32 of the package 37 may have a vertical seam or several vertical seams. The package 37 may be formed in such a way that it is hermetically sealed, in which case it is particularly suitable for packaging food products. The package is opened by separating the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 from each other at the adhesive area 34. The separation is facilitated by the fact that outwardly from the adhesive area 34 (as viewed from the direction of the package) the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 are separated from each other, forming adhesive flaps. By gripping the grip flaps from the outside of the package, the walls 31, 32 can be easily torn apart. In Figure 3a, the closure 30 is in the open position attached to the outer surface of the first wall 31 of the package 37. In Figure 3b, the closure 30 and the package 37 of Figure 3a are shown, but here — in Figure 3b, the package has been opened and reclosed with the closure 30, which closes the opened top side of the package 37, since the closing surface of the closure 30 is attached to the outer surface of the second wall 32 of the package 37 over the opened top side of the package 37. — Figure 4a shows a cross-section from the side of an embodiment of the invention

N flexible packaging closure 40 attached with two fiber tear stoppers 43

N comprising a flexible package 47. The closure 40 is in the open position. A first fiber tear stopper 43 is arranged on the inside of the package 47 on the side of the first wall 41 of the adhesive area 44, and a second fiber tear stopper 43 is arranged on the inside of the package 47 on the side of the first wall 41 of the adhesive area 44, and a second fiber tear stopper 43 is arranged on the inside of the package 47 on the side of the adhesive area 44 of the first wall 41 of the adhesive area 44.

I 30 — a tear stopper 43 is arranged on the inside of the package 47 on the side of the adhesive area 44 of the second wall 42. The advantage of this embodiment is that

S that the fiber tear cannot continue on either side of the adhesive area 44. The

A case 47 always opens in such a way that the fiber tear does not continue to the mouth of the package 47 46

N or beyond the edge of the adhesive area 44. Neither wall 41, 42 of the package 47 is therefore damaged when the package 47 is opened. The contents of the package 47 and the walls 41, 42 remain in first-class condition when the package 47 is opened. In the figure

4b is the closure 40 and package 47 of FIG. 4a, but in this FIG. 4b the package 47 has been opened and closed again with the closure 40 and the closure 40 is in the closed position and it closes the opened top side of the package 47, when the closing surface of the closure 40 is attached to the outer surface of the second wall 42 of the package 47 over the opened top side of the package 47.

In some packages, the fiber tear stopper may be formed as a slit or cut in the first wall or second wall of the flexible package. The slit automatically stops the fiber tear, making it easy to open the package and preventing damage to the wall of the package due to the fiber tear.

In some packages, the fiber tear stopper is formed from a strip, such as a paper strip or a strip of paper tape, arranged between the first wall and the adhesive area or the second wall and the adhesive area such that the edge of the strip and the edge of the adhesive area substantially overlap.

The package can be opened by tearing from the top of the package as in Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. The edge of the strip acts as a fiber tear stopper when the strip and the adhesive area are positioned so that their edges run substantially overlapping, i.e. along the same line parallel to the top edge of the package, or when the fiber tear stopper is positioned a distance d from the adhesive area in the direction of the interior of the package.

The strip can therefore be made of recyclable paper, like the walls, i.e. a paper strip, or paper tape, i.e. a paper tape strip. It can also be made of the same or a different material as the walls of the package. Instead of recyclable paper, the strip — can therefore be made of compostable fiber material, i.e. be compostable.

It may be a strip of fibrous material or it may be made of a laminate comprising paper.

N of the paper-containing laminate strip. Since the adhesive area is attached to this strip, fibers from the strip may stick to it when the package is opened, but thanks to the fiber tear stopper, this damage caused by the sticking is prevented.

I 30 —the tear cannot advance beyond the fiber tear stopper. A strip made of paper or 3 other compostable fiber material can therefore also

S be a piece, strip or area of paper tape comprising a first planar

A surface with compostable or recyclable pressure-sensitive adhesive (Pres-

N sure Sensitive Adhesive) and on the opposite or second surface a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable material. Instead of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, it may also be possible to use a heat-sensitive adhesive on the first planar surface. The heat-sensitive adhesive adheres to the packaging material at a substantially lower temperature than the heat-sealable material on the first surface can seal. The heat-sensitive adhesive may also be a compostable or recyclable material. The heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable material may comprise paper and a biodegradable or compostable barrier material produced using water-based dispersion technology, i.e. a so-called barrier material, which does not comprise plastic. A prerequisite for problem-free opening of a package or bag is that the strips are separated from each other outside the adhesive area so that they can be grasped — from the outside of the package or bag and ensure that the package tears open cleanly at the adhesive area.

Figure 5a shows a flexible packaging with a closure 51 according to one embodiment. The flexible packaging with a closure 51 comprises a closure 50 according to the invention and a bag-like plastic flexible packaging 52. The closure 50 is attached with its attachment surface (not shown) to the wall of the packaging 52, which in the position shown in the figure is the so-called rear wall of the packaging 52. In Figure 5a, the closure 50 is shown with a dashed line because the closure 50 remains behind the packaging 52 in this angle of view. The closure is in the open position. The packaging 51 has a hanging hole 53, for example a so-called euro hole for hanging on bars in stores. The bag shown in Figure 5a is particularly suitable for packaging sweets or other snacks. Below the hanging hole 53 is a point from which the packaging 51 is intended to be opened by tearing from the side. The point may be, for example, a small notch on the side of the package 51, which facilitates tearing off the top of the package 51.

OF

N Figure 5b shows the flexible package 51 with the closure of Figure 5a when the package 51 has been opened by tearing off the top of the package 51. As can be seen, the torn opening line 54 is uneven. The closure 50 is still in the open position, i.e. the closure

I 30 — 50 the closure surface is glued against the non-stick surface of the closure 50. The upper part of the closure 3 50 is now visible, but the lower part of the closure, on the attachment surface of which, for example,

By heat sealing, the closure 50 is attached to the package 52, is still

A is shown with a dashed line because it falls behind package 52.

O

OF

— Figure 5c shows the flexible packaging 51 with a closure 50 of Figures 5a and 5b, when the packaging 53 is closed with the closure 50, i.e. the closure 50 is in the closed position and its closure surface is glued against the outer surface of the front wall of the packaging. The torn opening line 54 is now shown in dashed lines because it is below the closure 50.

A flexible package with a closure, i.e. comprising a closure, according to the invention can be manufactured by a method, which method comprises at least the following steps: - — a piece of material is provided, e.g. a recyclable piece of paper, which forms the first wall of the package and a piece of paper, which forms the second wall of the package, the piece of paper can also be one continuous piece of paper, from which two pieces of paper have been formed by folding; the first for the first wall and the second for the second wall, - — a closure roll is arranged, preferably folded in the open position, - the closure material is attached to the wall of the package in such a way that one side of the closure is towards the side of the package to be opened, - the first wall of the package and the second wall of the package are attached to each other, for example, at the sides of the package or at the back seam, e.g. in the case of a continuous piece of paper, which attachment is carried out by an adhesive, such as glue, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, and - an adhesive zone is provided between the first wall and the second wall of the package, which forms a seal closing the package.

In the above-mentioned method, any material suitable for the purpose can be used in the flexible packaging. The blank material for the closure can be

You can also use whatever is suitable for the purpose and flexible packaging.

N piva closure material. But in the case of a paper package, the method may - comprise a further step before the last method described above - 2 steps: arranging at least the first wall of the package or the package

I 30 —at least one fiber tear stopper connected to the second wall of the package, which stopper may therefore be a slit or cut made in the first wall of the package and/or the second wall of the package 2, the first wall and/or the second

A the edge of a strip arranged by gluing to the wall, for example, or to a glued strip

The slot or cut made in the pattern, in addition or alternatively, the stop may also be the edge of a folded wall, such as the edge of the second wall of the pattern, or just the edge of the wall, such as the edge of the first wall of the pattern.

The method can be applied in a packaging machine, for example, by feeding a closure to the packaging material, which is unloaded as a continuous web from a roll into the packaging machine. The closure material is fed into the packaging machine from its own roll in such a way that it adheres to the surface of the packaging material web with its adhesive so that when the packaging blanks are separated from each other, the closure of each packaging blank is suitable for closing the side of the package intended to be opened or open.

The closed flexible packaging can be manufactured using machines, equipment and methods typically already in use in the industry.

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a method 60 for manufacturing a paper package according to the invention. The method 60 comprises at least the following steps, the order of execution of which may vary. In method step 61, at least one piece of flexible material, such as recyclable, is arranged as a first wall and a second wall of the package. In method step 62, the closure of the flexible package is arranged in a folded open position. In method step 63, the closure is attached to the first or second wall of the flexible package so that one side of the closure material is towards the openable side of the flexible package. In method step 64, the first wall and the second wall of the flexible package are attached to each other by means of glue, ultra-dane sealing or heat sealing. In method step 65, an adhesive area is arranged between the first wall of the package and the second wall, which forms a seal closing the openable side of the paper package.

N Figure 7 shows a flexible packaging closure 70 according to the invention attached

N to the flexible packaging. The fastening surface of the closure 70 is fastened to the first wall 71 of the flexible packaging, for example, either with hot melt adhesive or some other adhesive 73. The closure 70 has a sealing surface 76 on its closing surface.

I 30 between the sealing surface 76 of the closure 70 and the second side, from which it is heat-sealed to the second wall 72 of the package after filling the package, i.e. a heat seal 74 is formed between the sealing surface 76 of the closure 70 and the second wall 72 of the package. The package

A season is opened by tearing off the top of the package including the closure 70

N heat-sealed sealing surface 76 is removed. The tear point 75 is shown in dashed lines. After tearing, the closure 70 operates in the manner described above, i.e. in the closed position, the closure surface of the closure 70 is attached to the second wall 72 over the open side. A hanging hole may be provided in the tear-off part of the package.

Figure 8a shows a flexible packaging closure 800 according to the invention in an unfolded or straight position and viewed from the direction of the closure surface or surface on which it is arranged to close the open side or mouth of the flexible packaging, which is often, but not necessarily, the top seam of the package. The closure 800 of Figure 8a is a cut length or piece of a roll or length of closure, the three dots indicating the direction in which the closure material would continue. The closure 800 is often elongated or more elongated in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, but its shape and size depend on the shape, size of the package to be closed and/or the size of the open side of the package intended to be closed. The closure 800 comprises at least two horizontal fold points 801, 802. The closure 800 has at least three horizontal areas 803, 804, 805 and two fold points along its length, a first fold point 801 between areas 804, 805 and a second fold point 802 between areas 803, 804.

The attachment surface 805 is between the horizontal first side 810 of the closure 800 and the first fold point 801. In this embodiment, however, the attachment surface 805 is on the opposite side of the closure surface and therefore the attachment surface 805 is shown in dashed lines. The attachment surface 805 is, as in the case of Figures 1a-1e, a so-called adhesive surface and has been applied with an adhesive such as hot melt adhesive or some other adhesive suitable for the purpose, with which the closure 800 is attached or with which the closure 800 is arranged to be attached to the first outer wall of the flexible packaging, but in this embodiment so that

The first side 810 of the N is facing upwards towards the mouth of the package. The glue can be

N can be applied either to the entire mounting surface 805 or only to a part of it. The difference with the closure 100 shown in Figures 1a-1e is that now the mounting surface 805 is on the opposite surface of the closure 800 to the mounting surface 105 of the closure 100.

I 30 3 The non-stick surface 804 is between the first and second fold points 801, 802 2 and may be the blank material of the closure 800 or other non-stick material.

A. The non-stick material may be, for example, silicone, which is formed,

N is arranged or glued to the blank material of the closure 800 at the non-stick surface 804. The closure surface 803 of the reclosable closure is between the second fold point 802 and the second side 811 of the closure 800 and is also a so-called

an adhesive surface to which an adhesive has been applied. The adhesive may be the same or a different adhesive than the adhesive on the attachment surface 805. However, in order to better adhere the closure 800 to the package, the adhesive used on the attachment surface 805 is often of a stronger bond strength than the adhesive on the closure surface 803. The adhesive may be applied to either the entire closure surface 803 or only a portion thereof, i.e. the adhesive area 806 may be the entire closure surface 803 or only a portion thereof. With respect to the non-stick surface 804 and the closure surface 803, the closure 800 corresponds, for example, to the non-stick surface 104 and the closure surface 103 of the closure 100. — In the closed position, the closure 800 closes the flexible package and the resealable closure surface 803 is releasably attached/glued over the open side of the flexible package to the outer wall of the flexible package opposite the attachment surface 805 to close the flexible package. In the open position of the flexible package, the closure surface 803 is releasably attached, i.e. placed against the non-stick surface 804, from which it can be easily removed again to reclose the package due to the non-stickiness or non-adhesion of the non-stick surface 804.

When the package is open and the closure surface 803 is folded against the non-stick surface 804, the closure surface 803 remains clean because the adhesive surface is not open to contaminants even then. Opening and closing the package is facilitated by the non-adhesive portion of the closure 800, the flap 809, i.e. the flap surface between the closure surface 803 and the other side 811. The closure 800 may also be flapless. The flap 809 may, for example, be made of material from the blank of the closure 800 to which no adhesive has been applied.

Figure 8b shows the fold points 801, 802 of the closure 800 of Figure 8a folded and in a perspective view.

OF

N Figure 8c shows the closure 800 of Figure 8a in a lateral cross-sectional view, - when the closure 800 is attached to the flexible package 820. In Figure 8c, the closure 800 2 is attached to the first outer surface or side of the flexible package 820,

I 30 but is not set in the closed or open position, but is in an intermediate position, whereby the package 820 and the open side 821 are open and the closure surface 803 and

S its adhesive area 806 unprotected. As shown in Figure 8c, the attachment

A surface 805 is attached to the package 820 so that the first side 810 is

N towards the open mouth 821 of the package 820, because the adhesive surface 805 is on the opposite side of the closing surface of the closure 800. The closing surface is therefore the surface that faces the open side of the flexible package when the closure 800 is in the closed position.

Figure 8d shows the package 820 and the closure 800 of Figure 8c in a lateral cross-sectional view with the closure 800 attached to the flexible package 820 and in a closed position, whereby the closure 800 closes the flexible package 820 and the open side 821 from above. The closure surface 803 and its adhesive area 806 are against the second outer wall of the package 820. — Figure 8e shows the package 820 and the closure 800 of Figure 8c in a lateral cross-sectional view with the closure 800 attached to the flexible package 820 and in a folded or open position, whereby the flexible package 820 and its open side 821 are open. The closure surface 806 is against the non-stick surface 804. — Figure 9a shows a flexible package closure 900 according to the invention unfolded and viewed from the direction of the closure surface, i.e. the surface on which it is arranged to close the open side or mouth of the flexible package. The closure 900 of Figure 9a is a cut length or piece of a closure roll, the three dots indicating the directions in which the closure 900 would continue. The closure 900 is often elongated in shape or — more elongated in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, but its shape and size depend on the shape, size of the package to be closed and/or the size of the open side of the package intended to be closed. The length of the closure 900 has at least three horizontal regions 903, 904, 905 and two horizontal fold points 901, 902, the first fold point 901 between regions 904, 905 and the second fold point 902 between regions 903, 904.

N in. & - In this embodiment too, the attachment surface 905 is between the horizontal first side 910 of the closure 900 and the first folding point 901 and it

I 30 is a so-called adhesive surface and has been coated with glue, e.g. hot glue or some other suitable adhesive, with which the closure 900 is attached or with which the closure

The S 900 is intended to be attached to the outer wall of the flexible packaging so that the first

The A-shaped side 910 is facing downwards. In this embodiment, the resealable

The closure surface 904 of the N closure is indeed between the first and second folding points 901, 902 — and it is a so-called adhesive surface and to which glue has been applied, e.g. the same or a different glue than the glue of the fastening surface 905. The glue can be applied either to the entire fastening surface 905 or only to a part of it. The same also applies to the closure surface 904, i.e. its glue area 907 can be the size of the entire closure surface 904 or only a part of it. The non-adhesive surface 903, on the other hand, is in this embodiment between the second folding point 902 and the second side 911 of the closure 900 and it can be the blank material of the closure 900 or another non-adhesive material, e.g. silicone, which is formed or glued to the blank material of the closure 900, at the location of the non-adhesive surface 903.

In the closed position, the closure 900 closes the flexible package and the resealable — closure surface 904 is removably attached over the open side of the flexible package to the opposite outer wall of the flexible package than the attachment surface 905 to close the flexible package. The non-stick surface 903 can function as a flap. In the open position of the flexible package, the non-stick surface 903 is removably attached, i.e. placed against the closure surface 904 and vice versa, i.e. the closure surface 904 is — placed against the non-stick surface 903, from which the closure surface 904 is again easily removable to close the package over the open side of the package due to the non-stickiness of the non-stick surface 903. The non-stick surface 903 and the closure surface 904 are sized relative to each other such that the closure surface 904 is either equal to or smaller than the non-stick surface 903 so that no adhesive portion of the closure surface 904 remains outside the area of the non-stick surface 903 when they are against each other in the open position.

Although there is no actual separate flap in this embodiment, the opening and closing of the package, i.e. changing from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, is therefore facilitated by the non-stick surface 903 for re-closing.

Between the N-way closure surface 904 (as well as the fold 902) and the other side 911. Attach

The adhesives on the attachment surface 905 and the closure surface 904 may again be the same or different adhesives. However, in order for the closure 900 to adhere better to the package, the adhesive used on the attachment surface 905 is often of a stronger bond strength than the adhesive on the closure surface 904. 3 Figure 9b shows the closure 900 of Figure 9a folded at the fold points 901, 902 and

A as a perspective figure.

O

OF

— Figure 9c shows the closure 900 of Figure 9a in a side cross-sectional view when the closure 900 is attached to the flexible package 920. In Figure 9c, the closure 900 is attached to the flexible package 920, but it is not in a closed or open position, but in an intermediate position, and the package 920 and its open side 921 are open and the closure surface 904 and its mucus area 907 are unprotected, i.e. not against the package or the non-stick surface 903.

Figure 9d shows a cross-sectional view of the package 920 and the closure 900 of Figure 9c from the side with the closure 900 attached to the flexible package 920 and in the closed position, whereby the closure 900 and its closing surface close the flexible package 920 and its open side 921 from above. The closing surface 904 and its adhesive area 907 are against the second outer wall of the package 920.

Figure 9e shows a cross-sectional side view of the package 920 and closure 900 of Figure 9c with the closure 900 attached to the flexible package 920 and folded in an open position, with the flexible package 920 and its open side 921 open. The closure surface 904 and its adhesive area 907 are against the non-stick surface 903.

Figure 10a shows a flexible packaging closure 1000 according to the invention unfolded and viewed from the direction of the closure surface, i.e. the surface on which the closure 1000 is arranged to close the open side or mouth of the flexible packaging. The closure 1000 of Figure 10a is a cut length, i.e. a piece of a closure roll, the three dots indicating the directions in which the closure 1000 would continue. However, it is possible that the closure 1000 or closures according to other embodiments are manufactured immediately to a certain length. The closure 1000 corresponds to the closure 900 in Figures 9a-9e in other respects, but the closure 1000 has a handling projection 1030 on the opposite surface of the closure surface.

N nalla. The handling projection 1030 is shown in Figures 10b-10f. The handling projection 1030 is

N plane that protrudes from the opposite surface of the closure surface of the closure, for example - perpendicularly or diagonally. An example of forming a handling protrusion 1030 2 is shown in Figure 10f.

I 30 3 Figure 10b shows the closure 1000 along the section line A-A shown in Figure 10a.

S as viewed from the end of the shutter 1000. In this embodiment, the concept

A protrusion 1030 protrudes from the opposite surface of the closure surface of the closure 1000.

N substantially perpendicular.

Figure 10c shows a side cross-sectional view of the closure 1000 of Figure 10a when the closure 1000 is attached to the flexible package 1020 at its attachment surface 1005, but is not in a closed or open position but in an intermediate position, and the package 1020 and its open side 1021 are open.

Figure 10d shows a side cross-sectional view of the package 1020 and closure 1000 of Figure 10c with the closure 1000 attached to the first outer surface of the flexible package 1020 at its attachment surface 1005 and in a closed position, whereby the closure 1000 closes the flexible package 1020 from the top. — In the closed position, the closure surface 1004 is against the second outer wall of the package 1020. The first and second walls are opposing walls.

Figure 10e shows the package 1020 and the closure 1000 of Figure 10d from the front, with the closure 1000 attached to the flexible package 1020 and in the closed position. As can be seen from Figure 10e, in the closed position, the handling projection 1030 points substantially upward from the package 1020. The handling projection 1030 may be the entire width of the closure 1000, but it may also be narrower, i.e. only in part of the closure 1000. The handling projection 1030 may have a hanging hole 1031. The hanging hole 1031 may be a so-called euro hole, from which the flexible package can be hung on a store shelf, e.g. on a bar on the shelf from which it can be easily taken. The appearance of the flexible package 1020 remains neat when it is hung in a hanging position. In addition to being used for suspension, the handling projection 1030 can be used to change the position of the closure 1000 or to facilitate changing the position from the open position to the closed position and vice versa when the user holds the handling projection while controlling the closure 1000. Flexible packaging

Opening and closing the N sen 1020 will be even easier if the elastic band is

The closure surface 1004 and/or the non-stick surface 1003 of the N-shaped part 1020 are stiffened, for example, by an additional layer of material, such as a strip of material. In this case, the 2-fold point 1002 acts like a hinge or at least more like a hinge. The material

I 30 — the adhesive strip may be, for example, cardboard, paper tape or any other 3 material suitable for the purpose, which is glued to the surface 1004 and/or 1003. 2

N The handling protrusion 1030 may be formed on the closure 1000 according to the closure blank of FIG. 10f

For example, in the following manner. The handling projection 1030 is formed by projection surfaces 1032 between the closure surface 1004 and the non-stick surface 1003, which are folded against each other and away from the closure surface formed by the closure surface 1004 and the non-stick surface 1003 and the attachment surface 1005. The projection surfaces 1032 can be glued together. The closure 1000 with the handling projection 1030 can therefore be manufactured from a single, continuous material blank by folding.

However, it is possible to manufacture a closure with a handling projection in another way, for example by gluing a handling projection 1030 to the opposite surface of the closure surface. The handling projection 1030 may be formed or attached at the junction of the closure surface 1004 and the non-stick surface 1003. — A further unmentioned advantage of the invention is the seal embodiment of the invention, in which the closure is arranged wider than the flexible package to which it is attached. That is, when the flexible package is viewed either from the front or from the back, the closure extends beyond its side seams in the width direction. In this embodiment, the closure is in the closed position, i.e. it closes the flexible package and the parts extending beyond the sides of the flexible package are vertically sealed to each other. In this case, the seams of the closure must be torn or cut apart in order to open the closure and the flexible packaging, so the closure also acts as a seal and an indicator that the flexible packaging has not been opened previously, for example without permission. This embodiment is shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11 thus shows a front view of a closure 1100 according to one embodiment attached to a flexible package. The closure 1100 is arranged to be wider than the flexible package 1120. As can be seen from Figure 11, the closure 1100 is in the closed position and the closure 1100 is wider than the flexible package 1120. The flexible package 1120 may or may not contain products, but the package 1120

To open N, the edge portion of the closure 1100 must be torn off substantially along the tear line.

N jen 1141 points. After this, the closure 1100 functions normally and can be opened and reclosed like the other closure embodiments shown. 2 The tear-off edge portions of the closure 1100 may be vertically sealed z 30 — on each side of the package 1120. The closure 1100 may or may not have a flap 1103 3 to facilitate opening. 2

N The sealing surface and/or non-stick surface of the closure 1100 may be stiffened here as well.

In the embodiment of N, as in other closure embodiments disclosed in the application, to facilitate opening and closing. The strip of material may be, for example, cardboard glued to the closure surface and/or a non-stick surface, paper tape or any other material suitable for the purpose.

Figure 12a shows a closure 1200 according to one embodiment, which is — attachable to a takeaway flexible food package, for example a fast food package, after filling it, in order to ensure that a delivery service or the like does not come into contact with the product during transport. The closure 1200 may again be wider laterally than the flexible package to which it is intended to be attached, so that when attached to the package, it will bond together from the outside of the sides of the flexible package and act as a seal, such as the closure 1100 of Figure 11. The closure 1200 has at least three horizontal areas 1203, 1204, 1205 and two folds along its length, a first fold 1201 between areas 1204, 1205 and a second fold 1202 between areas 1203, 1204.

In this embodiment, the attachment surface 1205 is also between the horizontal first side 1210 of the closure 1200 and the first fold point 1201 and is a so-called adhesive surface and has been applied with glue, with which the closure 1200 is attached or with which the closure 1200 is intended to be attached to the outer wall of the flexible package so that the first side 1210 is downwards. The glue of the attachment surface 1205 may have been protected with a removable protective paper or the like, which is removed before the closure 1200 is attached to the flexible package. The non-adhesive surface 1204 is between the first and second fold points 1201, 1202 and may be the blank material of the closure 1200 or other non-adhesive material, e.g. silicone formed or bonded to the blank material of the closure 1200 at the non-stick surface 1203. The resealable closure surface 1203 is in this embodiment at the second fold point 1202 and the second side of the closure 1200

N 1211 between and it is a so-called adhesive surface and on which glue has been applied, e.g. the same

N or a different adhesive than the adhesive of the attachment surface 1205. The adhesive of the resealable closure surface 1203 may also be protected by a removable release paper or the like, which is removed before the closure 1200 is attached to the flexible packaging.

The resealable or resealable closure surface 1203 may be against the non-stick surface 1204 until the closure 1200 is deployed and they are separated from each other to secure the closure 1200 to the flexible package 1250.

OF

N Between the resealable closure surface 1203 and the other side 1211 of the closure 1200 there may be a non-adhesive portion that functions as a flap 1213. All layers of material of the closure are on the inner surface of the fold, which is the closure surface.

The closure 1200 may be a stiffened closure, for example made of paper, or it may be made of a material stiffer than paper, such as cardboard.

Due to the stiffer structure, the closure 1200 is easier to attach to the top of the flexible package in the position shown in Figure 12a as a downwardly open fold, which corresponds in shape to a ridge strip or ridge roof, and it is glued into place on the package 1250 at the attachment surface 1205 and the resealable closure surface 1203. Figure 12b shows the method and direction of installation on the flexible package 1250.

It should be noted that in some closures, the reclosable closure surface 1203 and the non-stick surface 1204 may be interchangeable.

Figure 13a shows the structure of a flexible package 1300 with a self-adhesive closure and a flap according to one embodiment in a cross-sectional view from the side. Self-adhesive closure in this context means that the flexible package 1300 is resealable. The open side of the flexible package 1300 is heat-sealed at this stage and the flexible package is in this position together.

After opening, the closure is intended to reseal — in this figure, the heat-sealed side. The flexible package with closure 1300 comprises a first wall 1301, a second wall 1302, and a closure as an extension of the first wall 1301 of the closure. This closure comprises two folds 1307, 1308, a resealable closure surface 1304, and a non-stick surface 1305. The first fold 1307 is at the so-called — termination point of the first wall 1301, where the closure and its resealable closure surface begin.

N 1304 and the second fold point 1308 is the resealable closure surface 1304 and

N between the non-stick surface 1305. Reference number 1303 denotes the above-mentioned heat seal, with which the first wall 1301 and the second wall 2 1302 are sealed together. Reference number 1306 denotes the adhesive, with which

I 30 — the remaining part/end 1302a of the second wall 1302 is arranged to be glued folded partially over the second wall 1302, whereby also the first wall 2 1301 and its resealable closure surface 1304 and non-stick surface 1305

A partially fold over the second wall 1302 into a flap. The first wall

The remaining part/end of the 1301 is indicated by reference number 1301a.

Figure 13b shows the openable side of the resealable flexible package 1300 of Figure 13a in cross-sectional view, already heat-sealed and before the flexible package is opened. However, this figure shows the resealable flexible package 1300 in the form of an openable form, i.e. the figure shows how the upper part of the flexible package 1300 has been folded over the second wall 1302 to form a flap 1310.

The flap 1310 is therefore glued by gluing the second wall 1302 at its end 1302a with glue 1306 twice.

In this figure, the non-stick surface 1305 is folded over the resealable surface 1304 at the second fold point 1308 so that the non-stick surface 1305 does not dry out, i.e. the remaining part/end of the first wall 1301 is folded twice, whereby the resealable closure surface 1304 is releasably attached to the non-stick surface 1305. However, this can be omitted and the closure portion of the first wall 1301 left unfolded twice — the fold lengthwise.

Figure 13c shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible packaging 1300 of Figure 13b from the side, when the flexible packaging 1300 has been opened by lifting the flap 1310. Figure 13c shows that the heat seal 1303 has come loose from the first wall 1301 and has become stuck to the second wall 1302. It may also become stuck to the first wall 1301. This situation is shown in the figure by reference number 1303a. It is also possible that the heat seal 1303 tears in the middle of the seal and parts of it become stuck to both the first wall 1301 and the second wall 1302.

N The end 1306 of the second wall 1302 acts as a fiber tear stopper,

N which prevents the package 1300 from tearing when opening by lifting the flap 1310. - A second fiber tear stopper may be provided between the first wall 2 1301 and the resealable closure surface 1304 and the non-stick surface

I 30 1305 between, i.e., between the resealable closure surface 1304 and the non-stick surface 1305. This fiber tear stopper may be, for example, a strip, such as a paper strip or a strip of paper tape. Likewise, the first wall

N 1301 can be folded into more layers than, for example, in figures 13b-13d

N is presented, for example, in the so-called z-fold, i.e. a factor of three.

Figure 13d shows a lateral cross-sectional view of the flexible package 1300 with the closure of Figure 13c when the flexible package 1300 has been resealed by attaching a resealable closure surface 1304 across the open side of the package 1300 to the second wall 1302 of the package 1300, on its outer surface.

Although the resealable closure surface 1304, the non-stick surface 1305, the heat seal 1303 and the adhesive 1306 are clearly shown in this context as separate boxes on top of the material of the flexible packaging 1300, the height of the boxes in the image above the material does not correspond to reality. In addition, for example, the non-stick surface 1305 may be simply the material of the flexible packaging, without a coating, but may also comprise silicone or be silicone.

An unmentioned advantage of the invention is the increase in the printable surface area. When the top of a traditional flexible package is torn off to open the package, a strip comes off. It is therefore not worth writing any essential information about the product in the package on this removable part. The tear-off top often only contains the text "tear off this". The closure according to the invention, even if it covers part of the bag, still provides more printable surface area for the package containing the closure. The siliconized area of the closure can also be printed to contain the desired information, as long as it is done before the area is siliconized. The user's attention may be more easily drawn to the top of the package compared to other parts of the package, because it includes, for example, the mouth of an open bag. It could also be assumed that a movable and movable closure according to the invention at the top of the package would particularly attract attention, and at the same time the printing it contains.

OF

N It should also be noted that in some cases the closure may be a direct extension of the flexible packaging material, i.e. part of the material blank folded into flexible packaging. 2 In this case, the closure does not require a separate mounting surface.

I 30 3 The embodiments presented in the application are suitable for use in a flexible package comprising a fiber tear stopper.

OF

N The features of the invention described in the application and the embodiments mentioned are — freely combinable and interchangeable, unless the application specifically states that the embodiments or features are not interchangeable. Exemplary features described in connection with different embodiments may be used with any other embodiment, even if this is not specifically stated.

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Claims (13)

Patent claims: 1. Sealer for sealing an open side of a flexible package, which sealer (900) comprises a material blank comprising at least two fold lines (901, 902), an attachment surface (905), a resealable closure surface (904) and a non-stick surface (903), wherein said attachment surface (905) is provided with adhesive (108) to attach the closure (900) at a first outer wall (31) of the flexible package (920), and which attachment surface (905) lies between the first flank (910) of the closure (900) and the first fold line (901), — characterized by that the non-adherent surface (903) of the closure (900) lies between the fold line (902) and the closure (900) second flank (911), and the sealable sealing surface (904) provided with adhesive is located between the first and second fold lines (901, 902), and its size is either equal to or smaller than the non-adhesive surface ( 903), and the resealable closure surface (904) is arranged in the closed position of the closure (900) to be removably attached over the flexible the entire open side (921) of the package (920) at the second outer wall (32) of the flexible package (920) and in the open position arranged to be removably attached to — the non-adhesive surface (903) of the closure (900). 2. A closure according to claim 1, wherein the non-adhesive surface (903) consists of uncoated material of the material blank. 3. Sealer according to claim 1, wherein the non-adhesive surface (903) consists N of silicone or comprises silicone. N 2 4. Sealer according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the material of the material is recyclable paper fiber. = E 30 3 5. Sealer according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the resealable sealing surface (904) and/or the non-adherent surface (903) is reinforced with a separate layer of material. Al 6. Closure according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the material of the material is compostable or biodegradable fiber material, compostable film material, plastic, laminate or aluminum foil. 7. Sealer according to one of the patent claims 1-6, which comprises a gripping strip (1030) which is arranged on the side of the sealer (900) opposite to the resealable sealing surface (904), at the intersection between the resealable sealing surface (904) and the non-adhesive surface (903). 8. Sealer according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the glue on the sealing surface (905) and on the resealable sealing surface (904) is the same glue. 9. Flexible packaging comprising a closure according to any of claims 1-8, which closure (900) is attached — to the outer surface of the first wall (31) of the flexible packaging (920) by means of the closure surface (905) of the closure , or a shutter (900) which is an extension to the first wall (31) without the fixed surface of the shutter but includes at least two fold lines (901, 902), an edible sealing surface (904) and a non-adhesive surface (903), which edible sealing surface (904) is provided with glue, and which edible sealing surface (904) is located between the first and the second the fold line (901, 902) and has a size either equal to or smaller than the non-adherent surface (903), which non-adhesive surface (903) is between the second fold line (902) and the second flank (911), and which closure (900) seals the flexible package (920) when the sealable closure surface (904 ) is attached in a N removable manner over the entire open side (921) of the flexible package (920) N to the flexible the second outer wall (32) of the package (920), and 2 the flexible package (920) is open when the resealable closure surface (904) is releasably attached to the non-adhesive E 30 surface of the closure (900) ( 903). < p 10. Flexible packaging according to patent claim 9, wherein the material of the flexible N packaging (920) is recyclable paper fiber, compostable or biodegradable fiber material, compostable or biodegradable — film material, plastic, laminate or aluminum foil. 11. Flexible packaging according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the material of the flexible packaging (920) is fiber material and its opening side (921) includes a stopper for a fiber gap (33) in connection with a seam that closes the open side (921 ). 12. Flexible packaging according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the closure (900) is wider than the flexible packaging (920), and which flexible packaging (920) can be opened by detaching the edge parts of the closure (900) that are wider than the flexible packaging. 13. Method for manufacturing a flexible package provided with a closure, which flexible package (920) is in accordance with any of patent claims 9-12, and which method includes at least the following steps: arranging at least one piece of a flexible material as a first wall (31) and a second wall (32) to the flexible package (920), to arrange the closure (900) to the flexible the package (920) folded in an open position, to attach the closure (900) to the first or second wall (31, 32) of the flexible package (920) such that the second flank (911) faces the flexible package ( 920) opening side, if the closure (900) is not an extension to the first wall (31), to attach the flexible package's (920) first side (31) and the flexible package (920) second side (32) together with glue, by ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, and to provide an adhesive area (34) between the flexible package N (920) first wall (31 ) and second wall (32) to form a seam that closes the opening side (921) of the flexible package. x 7 > 3 N &