JP2015517446A - Packaging and method for producing packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package (1, 1 ', 1 ", 1"', 100) formed from a sheet (10). The package comprises a first sealing region (2) extending in a first direction and a second sealing region (4) extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction. The first and second sealing regions (2, 4) are spaced apart by a first distance. Further, the package has a third sealed region (6) extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a fourth direction substantially parallel to the third direction. A fourth sealing region (8) extending to the third and fourth sealing regions (6, 8) spaced apart by a second distance. Two or more of the sealing regions (2, 4, 6, 8) each comprise at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) that are at least partially joined together. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a package (1, 1 ', 1 ", 1"', 100).

Description

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to a package formed from a sheet and a method for producing the package.

(background)
US Pat. No. 2011/0266180 discloses a packaging of a cylindrical bag for a bar-shaped product such as a chocolate bar made from a film-shaped packaging material. The packaging has a front wrapping material side, a back wrapping material side with a longitudinal seam, and two lateral seams transverse to the longitudinal seam, arranged at a distance from each other. Two separation areas, each having a separable longitudinal seam, are arranged in the two edge areas on the front wrapping material, partly forming an opening label that can be removed from the packaging.

  Packing is done by unwinding the roll of flat flexible packaging material from the feed roll, folding the roll and placing it on the winding strip of the central packaging material and on both sides of the winding strip of the central packaging material Formed by feeding webs to form two side wrapping material webs. By applying pressure to the winding strip of packaging material in the area where the winding strip of the central packaging material overlaps the winding strips of the two lateral packaging materials, the strip is applied to one side. It is separably sealed by a strip to which a low temperature adhesive is applied, thereby forming a separable longitudinal seal on the front packaging material side. Subsequently, the packaging material is wrapped around the product, packaged and sealed on the back packaging side by means of further longitudinal seams in the form of fin seals.

  The packaging and method disclosed in US-A-2011 / 0266180 involves a complex manufacturing process in which a winding strip of packaging material needs to be cut from the web and subsequently reapplied thereto. Has the disadvantage of In particular, precise alignment of the strips must be performed prior to re-application of the wound strip of packaging material. In addition, additional longitudinal seams are present on the back wrap side of the package, affecting both the stackability and optical appearance of the packaged product, leading to increased material consumption.

  WO-A-88 / 00562 discloses a chocolate wrapping having two longitudinal sealing seams on its front side and one longitudinal sealing seam on its back side. The two sealing seams on the front side are formed by folding the packing material and sealing the two layers of packing material together inside. One side of each of these two sealing seams can comprise a broken line of packaging material along which the material is broken when the package is opened. Alternatively, the fold edges forming the two longitudinal sealing seams on the front side can be cut out to allow the package to be opened by peeling the fold seal.

  The packaging disclosed in WO-A-88 / 00562 also has the disadvantage of a longitudinal sealing seam formed on its back side. This additional seam affects the optical appearance of the packaged product, impedes the arrangement of multiple packages in a stacked configuration, leading to increased material consumption. Furthermore, both longitudinal sealing seams located on the front side of the package need to be provided with cuts or broken lines, thus complicating the manufacturing process.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0266180 International Publication No. 88/00562

(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention is made in light of the aforementioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved stackability in packaging and to reduce the packaging material consumption. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a method for producing such packaging. These goals are achieved by the packaging with the technical features of claim 1 and the method with the technical features of claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims.

  The present invention provides a package formed from a sheet, the package extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction and a first sealed region extending in the first direction. A second sealing region, wherein the first and second sealing regions are separated by a first distance. In addition, the package extends in a third direction extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions and in a fourth direction substantially parallel to the third direction. A fourth sealing region, wherein the third and fourth sealing regions are separated by a second distance. Each of the two or more of the sealed areas comprises at least two layer portions of the sheet that are at least partially joined together, wherein the first and second sealed areas are arranged on the first side of the package And the second side of the packaging opposite the first side is formed by a continuous portion of the sheet.

  As used herein, the term “continuous portion” defines a portion of a sheet that is integrally formed from a single piece of material. That is, the continuous portion is constructed in an uninterrupted manner without any connecting seam or equivalent where the two portions of material are spliced together.

  In the packaging according to the invention, the second side of the packaging is formed by a continuous part of the sheet, so that the packaging can be placed stably on a flat surface, and a plurality of packaging is in a stacked manner. Can be easily arranged on top of each other. Further, since there are no optional connection seams or other material seams on the second side of the package, less packaging material is required to produce the package, thus allowing for reduced material consumption. Furthermore, the optical appearance of the package is significantly improved because the second side of the package is free of any structure protruding from the package surface.

  The packaging of the present invention may be formed from a single sheet. In this way, the manufacture of the packaging can be further simplified and the material consumption can be kept to a minimum.

  The sheet may be made from a flexible material. Any type of flexible material may be used for the sheet. For example, the flexible material may be a film, foil, web, or the like made from, for example, plastic, metal, paper, and the like.

  Alternatively, the sheet may be made from a semi-rigid or rigid material such as cardboard, paperboard, or the like.

  The thickness of the sheet may be in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The package can be manufactured using conventional package forming equipment such as vertical or horizontal bag making and filling machines.

  The packaging of the present invention may be, for example, a bag, pouch, or the like, and can be used to contain any type of liquid or solid material therein. In particular, the packaging may be used for packaging food products such as confectionery, chocolate, cookies, biscuits, gums, candy, nuts, snacks, coffee beans, coffee powder and the like.

  Each of the first and second sealing regions may comprise at least two layer portions of the sheet that are at least partially joined together. In one embodiment, each sealed region comprises at least two layer portions of a sheet that are at least partially joined together. Further, one, two, three, or all of the sealed areas may comprise more than two layer portions of the sheet. In this way, the rigidity of the sealed area can be further improved. In particular, the first and second sealing regions may comprise more than two layer portions of the sheet that may be at least partially joined together.

  As used herein, the term “first distance” is defined as the distance in a substantially third direction between the center of the first sealed region and the center of the second sealed region. The term “second distance” is defined as the distance in a substantially first direction between the center of the third sealing region and the center of the fourth sealing region.

  The first to fourth sealed regions may be arranged such that the first distance is substantially equal to, greater than, or less than the second distance. The outer edges of the first and / or second sealing region may be arranged to coincide with the individual outer edges on the first side of the package. Alternatively, the outer edges of the first and / or second sealing region may be arranged to be spaced in a third direction from the individual outer edges on the first side of the package. That is, the outer edges of the first and / or second sealing regions may extend beyond the individual outer edges on the first side by a predetermined distance or are spaced from the edges by a predetermined distance. And may be arranged inside these outer edges.

  The first and second sealed regions may extend from the third sealed region to the fourth sealed region. Alternatively, however, the first and second sealing regions may extend only along a portion of the second distance between the third sealing region and the fourth sealing region. The third and fourth sealing regions may extend from the first sealing region to the second sealing region.

  In one embodiment, the first and second sealing regions are individually adjacent in a centralized manner, i.e., the outer edge of the first sealing region and the first side of the package in the third direction. Such that the distance between the outer edges is substantially equal to the distance between the outer edge of the second sealing region and the individual adjacent outer edges on the first side of the package in the third direction; It may be arranged on the first side of the package. In another embodiment, the first and second sealing areas are off-center, i.e. the outer edges of the first sealing area and the individual adjacent outer edges of the first side of the package in the third direction. In a manner such that the distance between the first and the second sealing region differs from the distance between the outer edge of the second sealing region and the individual adjacent outer edge of the first side of the package in the third direction. It may be arranged on the side.

  Further, the package may be configured such that the product or products to be packaged are arranged in the package in a centralized or off-centered manner.

  The first sealing area is in the center of the center on the first side of the package, i.e. between the inner edge of the first sealing area and the center of the first side of the package in the third direction. The distance in the direction may be arranged to be substantially zero. The second sealing area is in the center of the first side of the package, i.e. in the third direction between the inner edge of the second sealing area and the center of the first side of the package in the third direction. The distance may be arranged to be substantially zero.

  The first sealing area is off center of the first side of the package, i.e. a third between the inner edge of the first sealing area and the center of the first side of the package in the third direction. The distance in the direction may be arranged to be greater than zero. The second sealing region is off-center from the first side of the package, i.e. a third between the inner edge of the second sealing region and the center of the first side of the package in the third direction. The distance in the direction may be arranged to be greater than zero.

  The first and second sealed areas may be arranged in the center on the first side of the package. The first and second sealed regions may be arranged off center from the first side of the package. The first sealed area may be arranged in the center on the first side of the package, and the second sealed area may be arranged off the center on the first side of the package. The first sealed area may be arranged off center from the first side of the package and the second sealed area may be arranged at the center on the first side of the package.

  The first sealing area and / or the second sealing area may be arranged such that at least a portion thereof is substantially flat on the first side of the package. This portion of the first sealed area and / or the second sealed area may be attached to the package, for example, by use of an adhesive such as double-sided adhesive tape or thermal adhesive, by thermal welding, or the like. Good.

  In this way, the amount of protrusion of the first sealed area and / or the second sealed area from the first side of the package is reduced, thus further improving the stackability of the package. In particular, the first sealing area and / or the second sealing area can be kept substantially flat during opening and resealing of the package. Furthermore, the rigidity of the opening and resealing area of the package can be improved.

  When resealing the package, the attachment of at least a portion of the first sealed area and / or the second sealed area to the package aligns the reseal area and the first sealed area and / or the second sealed It can reduce the formation of wrinkles or pleats in the area, thus providing a positive hermetic reseal and helping to further improve the protection of the packaged product.

  At least a portion of the first sealing region and / or the second sealing region faces the first sealing region and / or the second sealing region outward in a direction parallel to the third and fourth directions. By tilting, it may be arranged to be substantially flat on the first side of the package. In particular, the first and second sealing regions may be inclined outwardly in opposite directions parallel to the third and fourth directions.

  The first sealed region may further comprise a line of weakness extending in the first direction to assist the consumer in opening the package. In particular, the line of weakness is the first direction along the first direction so that at least a portion of the sheet material forming the first side of the package is torn open and provides access to the package contents. Promotes tearing of the sealed area.

  The line of weakness may be perforations and / or score lines and / or cuts or the like extending in the first direction. In particular, the first sealing region may be provided in the form of a fold portion, wherein the edge of the fold is cut in a first direction along part or all of the extension of the first sealing region. Good. This configuration in particular allows easy opening of the package. On the other hand, if perforations and / or score lines are used as weak lines, as a tamper-proof feature to determine whether the package has been tampered with, for example, whether it has been previously opened and resealed It may act.

  In one embodiment, the second sealed area is formed at two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet. Thus, the outer edge of the second sealing area is constituted by the edge portion of the sheet and is therefore opened in the second direction along the extension of the second sealing area. In this way, the packaging opening process is further simplified. In particular, if the second sealing area is configured in this way and the first sealing area comprises a line of weakness extending in the first direction, a strip of sheet material extending in the first direction , Defined between the outer edge of the second sealing region and the line of weakness of the first sealing region. When opening the package, the strip may be partially or completely removed from the package by peeling in the first direction, thereby providing access to the package contents.

  The strip of sheet material is centered on the first side of the package, i.e., the third direction between the center of the strip in the third direction and the center of the first side of the package in the third direction. May be arranged such that the distance at is substantially zero. The strip of sheet material deviates from the center of the first side of the package, i.e. the third between the center of the strip in the third direction and the center of the first side of the package in the third direction. The distance in the direction may be arranged so as to exceed zero.

  In addition, the second sealed area is formed at two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet and thus has an open outer edge in the second direction along its extension, thus facilitating the opening of the package. In order to do so, no additional line of weakness need be provided in the second sealed area. Thus, the packaging manufacturing process is further simplified.

  The first and second sealed areas may be configured to assist the remainder of the first and second sealed areas in retaining the package contents in the package after opening the package. In particular, the first and second sealed areas may be configured such that the remainder of them needs to be pulled away from each other in a third direction to allow removal of the package contents. Good.

  Such ability of the package to retain its contents after its opening is achieved, for example, by selecting the first distance between the first sealed area and the second sealed area to be sufficiently small. May be. In particular, the first distance may be selected such that the distance between the inner edges of the first and second sealing regions in the third direction is substantially zero. In this case, the package contents are securely retained in the package after opening. In order to access the interior of the package, the remainder of the first and second sealed areas can be pulled apart from each other by the consumer.

  In one embodiment, two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet are joined together at least partially to form a fin seal, ie, in the form of a fin, to seal the seam. Such a configuration makes it possible in particular to form a simple and reliable seal in the second sealing area.

  In the sealed area, the at least two layer portions of the sheet are made of any suitable type of method or material, such as an adhesive material such as heat welding, tacky material, pressure sensitive adhesive, eg, cold seal, or the like. In use, may be at least partially seamed together. In particular, in each of the first and second sealing regions, at least two layer portions of the sheet are bonded together, at least in part, by a resealable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, eg, a cold seal. May be. In this case, the package may be resealed after opening by reattaching the torn portion of the packaging material using a resealable adhesive.

  This configuration of the first and second sealed areas is when the packaging is used to package food products such as confectionery, chocolate, cookies, biscuits, gum, candy, nuts, snacks, coffee beans, coffee powder, etc. Is particularly advantageous. In this case, the resealable functionality of the packaging ensures that the food product is protected from the ambient atmosphere and thus can extend the shelf life of the product.

  The packaging is at least partially crushed, i.e. folded or otherwise configured, and configured such that a portion of the packaging contents can be resealed after being removed from the packaging. Also good.

  In the third sealing area and / or the fourth sealing area, at least two layer portions of the sheet are bonded together at least in part by a resealable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, for example a cold seal. May be combined. Thus, the third sealed area and / or the fourth sealed area can contribute to the resealability of the package. In particular, the provision of a resealable adhesive in the first, second, third and / or fourth sealing regions allows a particularly efficient and reliable reseal of the package.

  Alternatively, in the third sealed area, at least two layer portions of the sheet may be joined together, at least in part, by a heat seal, an adhesive material, or the like. Further, in the fourth sealing region, at least two layer portions of the sheet are at least partially by a resealable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, such as a cold seal, heat seal, adhesive material or the like. , May be joined together.

  In one embodiment, the third sealing region and / or the fourth sealing region comprises a portion arranged in the outer edge of the package and extending in a third direction, wherein the portion includes at least two of the sheets The layer parts are not attached to each other. That is, other types of seals, such as adhesive material or heat seals, are not provided in this portion of the third sealed area and / or the fourth sealed area. Thus, this part can serve to assist the consumer in opening the package. Specifically, the consumer grasps the unattached layer portion and is pulled to break open at least a portion of the material forming the first side of the package, thereby removing the package contents. You may gain access. If such a portion is provided in both the third and fourth sealed areas, the package can be easily opened from both ends thereof.

  At least one of the unattached layer portions of the sheet in the third sealed region and / or the fourth sealed region to facilitate easy separation of the unattached layer portions from each other, At least partially bent or curved, thus further assisting the consumer in opening the package.

  Such bending or bending is provided by providing at least one fold line or score on at least one side of the unattached layer portion of the at least one sheet in the third sealing region and / or the fourth sealing region. May be obtained. At least one fold line or score line may extend substantially along the third direction.

  A plurality of fold lines or score lines may be provided on at least one side of an unattached layer portion of at least one sheet in the third sealed area and / or the fourth sealed area. At least one of the may have a depth along the thickness of the sheet that exceeds the depth or depth of other fold lines or score lines. At least one fold line or score line having a greater depth may extend substantially along the third direction. Alternatively, at least one fold line or score line having a greater depth may extend along a direction substantially perpendicular to the third direction.

  The bending or bending of at least one of the unattached layer portions of the sheet may be further improved by applying heat to at least one fold line or score line.

  The at least one fold line or score may be formed by irradiating the unattached layer portion of at least one sheet in the third sealed area and / or the fourth sealed area with a laser beam. In this case, the power of the laser beam and / or the duration of laser application may be controlled to form the desired fold or score and avoid cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet. The bending or curvature of at least one of the unattached layer portions of the sheet may be further improved by the heat provided by the laser beam during irradiation.

  Alternatively, the bending or bending of at least one of the unattached layer portions of the sheet in the third sealing region and / or the fourth sealing region may not provide a fold line or score, for example a laser It may be obtained only by applying heat to at least one layer portion by irradiation.

  In particular, at least one bend or curvature of the unattached layer portion of the sheet made from a plastic-based material, for example a flexible material such as overwrap packaging material, is at least one fold or score line And / or application of heat. The sheet may consist of a single layer of material or may have a laminated structure comprising a plurality of superimposed material layers.

  The third sealing area and / or the fourth sealing area may comprise a portion from which the sheet is cut. Such incisions provide further assistance when opening the package. The incision may extend substantially along the first direction. Alternatively, perforations and / or score lines may be provided in the third sealing region and / or the fourth sealing region instead of or in combination with the cut.

  In one embodiment, the sheet is cut only in portions where at least two layer portions of the sheet are not attached to each other. Such a configuration of the third sealing area and / or the fourth sealing area allows in particular a simple and reliable opening of the package. However, the cut may alternatively extend beyond the portion where at least two layer portions of the sheet are not attached to each other. In this case, the manufacture of the packaging is further simplified.

  The surface area of the first and second sealed regions may occupy 30% or more, preferably 50% or more of the surface area of the first side of the package. In this way, a particularly secure sealing of the packaging can be ensured. Furthermore, in each of the first and second sealing regions, a resealable adhesive is present if at least two layer portions of the sheet are bonded together, at least in part, by a resealable adhesive. The area may occupy 30% or more of the surface area on the first side of the package, preferably 50% or more. In such a configuration, the package can be resealed, particularly in a simple manner, to reliably prevent undesired opening of the package after resealing.

  The present invention may be applied to packaging with any kind of shape or size. In one embodiment, the second side of the package has a substantially flat surface. Such a configuration on the second side, in particular, provides a high level of stackability and allows an arrangement of multiple packages stacked on top of each other in a stably stacked manner.

  The present invention further includes providing the sheet, folding the sheet to form a fold portion extending in the first direction, and a first sealing region extending in the first direction. And at least partially joining the at least two layer portions of the sheet together at a fold portion and a second direction extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction. Joining at least two layer portions of the sheet together to form two sealing regions, wherein the first and second sealing regions are spaced apart by a first distance; Provided is a method of producing a package, wherein the first and second sealed regions are arranged on a first side of the package, and the second side of the package opposite the first side is formed by a continuous portion of the sheet To do.

  Further, the method includes at least partially forming at least two layer portions of the sheet so as to form a third sealed region extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. And at least partially combining the at least two layer portions of the sheet together to form a fourth sealing region extending in a fourth direction substantially parallel to the third direction. The third and fourth sealing regions are spaced from the second distance.

  The method of the present invention can be carried out using conventional packaging equipment such as vertical or horizontal bag making, filling and sealing equipment.

  The method according to the invention provides the advantageous effects already described in detail above with respect to the packaging of the invention. Further, in the method of the present invention, the package is formed by providing the sheet with first to fourth sealing regions without having to detach and remove a portion of the sheet. Therefore, no alignment of such cut-off parts with the rest of the packaging material need be performed, thus greatly simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing production costs and reducing the need for complex modification of production equipment. Exclude. Thus, the method can be performed in a simple and reliable manner at a low cost.

  In the method according to the invention, the packaging can be formed from a single sheet. In this way, the manufacture of the packaging can be further simplified and the material consumption can be kept to a minimum.

  The sheet may be made from a flexible material. Any type of flexible material may be used for the sheet. For example, the flexible material may be a film, foil, web, or the like made from, for example, plastic, metal, paper, and the like.

  Alternatively, the sheet may be made from a semi-rigid or rigid material such as cardboard, paperboard, or the like.

  In one embodiment, the method further includes providing the line of weakness to the sheet such that the line of weakness extends in the first direction within the first sealed region. This step may be performed prior to the step of folding the sheet and / or prior to forming the first to fourth sealing regions. The line of weakness may be perforations and / or score lines and / or cuts extending in the first direction.

  Further, in the method of the present invention, the second sealing region may be formed at two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet. In this case, two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet may be joined together at least partially to form a fin seal.

  In one embodiment, in each of the first and second sealed regions, at least two layer portions of the sheet are at least partially bonded together by a resealable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, for example, a cold seal. To be joined. Furthermore, in the third sealing area and / or the fourth sealing area, the at least two layer portions of the sheet are together, at least in part, by a resealable adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, for example a cold seal. It may be adhesively joined.

  The third sealing region and / or the fourth sealing region may comprise a portion arranged in the outer edge of the package and extending in the third direction, wherein the portion comprises at least two layer portions of the sheet Are not attached to each other.

  The method of the present invention may further comprise providing a cut in the sheet such that the third sealing region and / or the fourth sealing region comprises a portion from which the sheet is cut. This step may be performed prior to the step of folding the sheet and / or prior to forming the first to fourth sealing regions. The incision may extend substantially along the first direction.

  In one embodiment, the sheet is cut only in portions where at least two layer portions of the sheet are not attached to each other. However, the cut may alternatively extend beyond the portion where at least two layer portions of the sheet are not attached to each other.

  Further, the surface area of the first and second sealed regions may occupy 30% or more, preferably 50% or more of the surface area of the first side of the package. The second side of the package may be formed to have a flat surface. Further, the package may be formed to be resealable.

  In one embodiment, the method further includes tilting the first and second sealing regions outwardly in opposite directions parallel to the third and fourth directions. In this way, the amount of protrusion of the first and second sealing regions from the first side of the package is reduced, thus further improving the stackability of the package. The step of tilting the first and second sealing regions outward may be performed prior to forming the third and / or fourth sealing regions. In particular, the first and second sealing areas may be inclined so as to be substantially flat on the first side of the package.

  The method of the present invention is a method for producing the package of the present invention. Thus, further features disclosed in connection with the above description of the packaging may also be applied to the method of the present invention.

  In the following, non-limiting examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 (a)-(c) shows a schematic view of a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of the packaging in a sealed state, FIG. 1 (b). FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the package in a partially opened state, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the package shown in FIG. 1A in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package. 2 (a) and 2 (b) show schematic views of the packaging according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (a) is a plan view of the sheet for forming the packaging before folding. FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the folded package in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package. 3 (a) and 3 (b) show a schematic view of a package according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 (a) is a plan view of a sheet for forming the package before folding. FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the folded package in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package. 4 (a)-(d) show a schematic view of the packaging according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view of the packaging in a sealed state, FIG. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion in a circle in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the package in a partially opened state, and FIG. It is sectional drawing of the package along line AA shown by (b). FIGS. 5 (a)-(c) show a schematic view of a package according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show the package in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process of forming the first and second sealing regions, and FIG. 5 (c) shows a cross-sectional view of different packaging geometries.

(Detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a package 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view of the package 1 in a sealed state, and FIG. 1 (b) is a partial opening. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the package 1 shown in FIG. 1A in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package 1.

  The package 1 is formed from a sheet 10 of flexible material, such as a film, foil, web, or the like, made from, for example, plastic, metal, paper or the like. The thickness of the sheet of flexible material may be in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm.

  The package 1 includes a first sealing region 2 extending in a first direction and a second sealing region 4 extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction, And the second sealing region 2, 4 are separated by a first distance. As can be seen from FIG. 1 (a), the first and second directions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 of the package. Further, the package 1 has a third sealed region 6 extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a fourth direction substantially parallel to the third direction. A fourth sealing region 8 extending, the third and fourth sealing regions 6, 8 being spaced apart by a second distance. The third and fourth directions are substantially parallel to the lateral direction of the package 1.

  The sealing regions 2, 4, 6, 8 are respectively resealable adhesives 20, 20 such as cold seals, as schematically shown for the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 in FIG. 1 (c). It comprises at least two layer portions of the sheet 10 which are glued together by '. The first and second sealing regions 2, 4 are arranged on the first side 12 of the package 1, while the second side 14 of the package 1 opposite to the first side 12 is defined by a continuous part of the sheet Formed (see FIGS. 1A and 1C).

  The second sealing region 4 is formed at two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet 10, as can be seen from FIG. Accordingly, the outer edge of the second sealing region 4 is opened in the second direction along the extension line of the second sealing region 4. Furthermore, the first sealing region 2 includes a weak line 16 such as a perforation, a score line, or a cut extending in the first direction. Thus, a strip of flexible material 23 extending in the first direction is defined between the outer edge of the second sealing region 4 and the line of weakness 16 of the first sealing region 2.

  When opening the package 1, the strip 23 may be partially or completely removed from the package 1 by peeling in the first direction, thereby providing access to the contents of the package 1. Good. FIG.1 (b) shows the packaging 1 in the state from which the strip 23 was partially removed. After the package 1 is opened, the remaining portions of the first and second sealed regions 2 and 4 assist in retaining the package contents in the package 1 (FIGS. 1B and 1C).

  The third sealing area 6 comprises a part 22 arranged in the outer edge of the package 1 and extending in the third direction, in which the two layer parts of the sheet 10 are not attached to each other ( FIG. 1 (b)). Adhesive material is not provided in the main portion 22 of the third sealing region 6. This part 22 thus provides additional assistance in opening the package 1. Specifically, the unattached layer portion may be grasped by the consumer and pulled apart so as to at least partially remove the strip 23 from the package 1.

  By the use of the resealable adhesive 20, 20 'in the first and second sealing areas 2, 4, the packaging 1 allows the strips of flexible material 23 to be in the first and second sealing areas 2, 4'. Can be resealed in a simple and reliable manner. A third sealing area 6, which also comprises a resealable adhesive, contributes to the resealability of the package 1. Furthermore, the fourth sealing area 8 also comprises a resealable adhesive. The strip 23 can thus be removed completely from the packaging 1 and subsequently reattached, in particular in a simple and reliable manner.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 1 (c), the packaging 1 is a flexible wound around the product that will be wrapped and folded in the first and second sealed regions 2,4. It is formed from a single sheet 10 of a functional material. Therefore, the packaging 1 can be manufactured without cutting off and reattaching part of the sheet 10. Thus, alignment of such cut-off parts with the rest of the packaging material need not be performed, thus greatly simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing production costs and reducing the need for complex modification of production equipment. Exclude.

  Furthermore, since the two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet 10 are used to form a second sealing region 4, as schematically shown in FIG. It does not have any connection seams or other types of material seams on its second side 14, thereby improving the stackability of the package 1 and improving its optical appearance. Furthermore, since the outer edge of the second sealing region 4 is opened in the second direction along the extension of the second sealing region 4, no additional line of weakness need be provided, thus The manufacturing process of the package 1 is further simplified.

  2 (a) and 2 (b) show a schematic view of a wrap 1 'according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 (a) shows a sheet 10 for forming the wrap 1' before folding. FIG. 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the folded package 1 ′ in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package 1 ′. For reasons of simplicity, the same reference symbols in FIGS. 1 (a) to (c) are used to indicate similar or identical elements.

  The package 1 ′ of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) mainly has a substantially rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (FIG. 2 (b)). Different from the packaging 1 of the embodiment shown in (a) to (c). Thus, the second side 14 of the package 1 'has a substantially flat surface. This configuration on the second side 14 provides a high level of stackability, in particular, and allows the arrangement of multiple packages 1 'stacked on top of each other in a stably stacked manner.

  A method for manufacturing the packaging 1 ′ of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and (b). The method can be performed using conventional packaging material equipment such as vertical or horizontal bag making, filling and sealing equipment.

  Prior to the step of folding the sheet 10 to form the first to fourth sealed areas 2, 4, 6, 8, in the finished package 1 ′, each of the third and fourth sealed areas 6, 8. However, two cuts 24, 24 'are provided in the sheet 10 so that the sheet 10 comprises a portion that is cut substantially along the first direction. These cuts 24, 24 ′ provide further assistance in opening the package 1 ′. In particular, the provision of cuts 24, 24 'in the third and fourth sealing regions 6, 8 allows easy opening of the package 1' from both ends thereof. The cuts 24, 24 ′ may have a length in the range of 2-10 mm, preferably 4-8 mm.

  Further, prior to the step of folding the sheet 10 to form the first to fourth sealed regions 2, 4, 6, 8, in the finished package 1 ′, the line of weakness 16 is within the first sealed region 2. The weak line 16 is provided on the sheet 10 so as to extend in the first direction (FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b)). The line of weakness 16 may be perforations and / or scored lines and / or cuts extending in the first direction. Furthermore, the part of the sheet 10 marked by the shading in FIG. 2 (a) comprises a layer of resealable adhesive 21. In the finished package 1 ′, this layer 21 forms a resealable adhesive layer 20, 20 ′ in the first to fourth sealing areas 2, 4, 6, 8.

  As can be seen from FIG. 2 (a), the two portions 22, 22 ′ of the sheet 10 are left without the adhesive layer 21. These portions 22, 22 'provide additional assistance in opening the finished package 1' in the manner described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. The incisions 24, 24 'are arranged to be provided in the portions 22, 22', respectively, in the finished package 1 '.

  A product 30 to be packaged, such as biscuits, gum, candy, chocolate, or the like, is placed on the sheet 10 as schematically shown in FIG. 2 (a). Subsequently, the sheet 10 is folded along the plurality of fold lines 28 into the configuration shown in FIG. In this folding process, the line of weakness 16 also serves as a fold line 28 so that the line of weakness 16 is arranged at the outer edge of the first sealing region 2 in the finished package 1 ′ ( FIG. 2 (b).

  After the folding step, in each of these areas 2, 4, 6, 8 the pressure is applied to the first to fourth sealed areas 2, so as to glue and bond the two layer parts of the individual sheets 10 together. 4, 6, 8, thereby completing the manufacturing process of the package 1 ′.

  FIGS. 3 (a) and (b) show a schematic view of a package 1 '' according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 (a) is for forming the package 1 '' before folding. FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the folded package 1 ″ in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package 1 ″. For reasons of simplicity, the same reference symbols in FIGS. 1 (a) to (c), 2 (a) and 2 (b) are used to indicate similar or identical elements.

  The packaging 1 '' of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and (b) is the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and (b) only in its size and the number of products 30 contained therein. Different from packaging 1 '. As mentioned above, the packaging of the present invention may be used to package any type of liquid or solid material regardless of the shape or size of the material.

  4 (a) to (d) show a schematic view of a package 100 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view of the package 100 in a sealed state, 4 (b) is an enlarged view of a portion in a circle in FIG. 4 (a), and FIG. 4 (c) is a perspective view of the package 100 in a partially opened state, and FIG. 4 (d). These are sectional drawings of the package 100 along line AA shown in FIG. 4 (b). For reasons of simplicity, the same reference symbols in FIGS. 1 (a) to 3 (b) are used to indicate similar or identical elements.

  The package 100 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (d) mainly has the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the package 100. In that respect, it differs from the packaging 1, 1 ′, 1 ″ of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 (a) to 3 (b). Furthermore, as schematically shown in FIGS. 4 (b) and (d), the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 comprise six and four layer portions of the sheet 10, respectively. In this way, the rigidity of the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 is improved, thereby adding additional stability to the structure of the package 100. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous when a sensitive product 30 that can be easily damaged is to be packaged.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (d), only the two innermost layers of the sheet 10, both in the first and second sealing regions 2, 4, by a resealable adhesive 20, 20 ′ such as a cold seal, It may be adhesively joined. However, alternatively, more than two, eg, three, four, five, or six layer portions may be glued together. In this way, the stability of the package 100 can be further improved.

  FIGS. 5 (a) to (c) show schematic views of a package 1 ′ ″ according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show the longitudinal direction of the package 1 ′ ″. FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of the packaging 1 ′ ″ in a plane perpendicular to the axis, illustrating the process of forming the first and second sealing regions 2, 4, FIG. 5 (c) being considered as a different possibility A cross-sectional view of the packaging geometry is shown. For reasons of simplicity, the same reference symbols in FIGS. 1 (a) to 4 (d) are used to indicate similar or identical elements.

  The packaging 1 ′ ″ of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c) mainly has a significantly smaller first distance between the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 (FIG. 1). (See (c) and 5 (c)), which is different from the packaging 1 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 (a) to (c). Thus, after opening the package 1 ′ ″, the remainder of the first and second sealed areas 2, 4 retains the package contents in the package 1 ′ ″, particularly in an efficient and reliable manner. To help. In particular, these remaining parts need to be pulled away from each other in a third direction by the consumer in order to be able to remove the package contents.

  As mentioned above, the present invention may be applied to packaging with any kind of shape or size. For example, the package may have a substantially circular, square, rectangular, or triangular cross section perpendicular to the first direction, as schematically shown in FIG. 5 (c).

  The package 1 '' 'shown in FIG. 5 (c) is a state in which the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 are completely inclined outward in the opposite direction parallel to the third and fourth directions. It is in. In this way, the first side 12 of these packages 1 "" has a substantially flat surface, further improving the stackability of the packages 1 "".

  Further, at least two layer portions in the first to fourth sealing regions 2, 4, 6, 8 may be adhesive materials such as heat welding, tacky materials, pressure sensitive adhesives, such as cold seals, or the like. Any suitable type of method or material, such as an object, may be used to splice together. An example of using a pair of rollers 40 to bond together the two layer portions of the sheet 10 together with a resealable adhesive 20, 20 ′ in the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 is shown in FIG. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are shown in cross-sectional views.

  Specifically, the first and second sealing regions 2 and 4 may be separately inserted into a roll gap formed between the pair of rollers 40 (FIG. 5A). In this case, in each of these regions 2, 4, pressure is applied by the roller 40 to the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 so that the two layer portions of the individual sheet 10 are bonded together. Applied to each.

  Alternatively, the first and second sealing regions 2, 4 may be inserted together in the roll gap (FIG. 5 (b)). In this configuration, pressure is applied to both the first and second sealed regions 2, 4 simultaneously.

Claims (31)

A package (1, 1 ′, 1 ″, 1 ′ ″, 100) formed from a sheet (10), the package comprising:
A first sealing region (2) extending in a first direction and a second sealing region (4) extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction, wherein The first and second sealing regions (2, 4) are spaced apart by a first distance; the first sealing region (2) and the second sealing region (4);
A third sealing region (6) extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions and a fourth direction substantially parallel to the third direction; A fourth sealing region (8), wherein the third and fourth sealing regions (6, 8) are separated by a second distance; A sealing area (8) and
Two or more of the sealed regions each comprise at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) that are at least partially joined together;
The first and second sealing regions (2, 4) are arranged on the first side (12) of the package;
Packaging, wherein the second side (14) of the package opposite the first side (12) is formed by a continuous portion of the sheet (10).   The packaging (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1' '' according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing region (2) further comprises a line of weakness (16) extending in the first direction. , 100).   Package (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1' according to claim 2, wherein the line of weakness (16) is a perforation and / or score and / or cut extending in the first direction. '', 100).   Packaging (1, 1 ', 1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second sealing region (4) is formed in two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet (10). '', 1 '' ', 100).   Package (1, 1 ', 1) according to claim 4, wherein two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet (10) are at least partly joined together to form a fin seal. '', 1 '' ', 100).   In each of the first and second sealing regions (2, 4), at least two layer portions of the sheet are at least partially bonded together by a resealable adhesive (20, 20 '). 6. The packaging (1, 1 ′, 1 ″, 1 ′ ″, 100) according to any of the preceding claims.   In the third sealing area (6) and / or the fourth sealing area (8), the at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are at least partially bonded together by a resealable adhesive. The packaging (1, 1 ', 1' ', 1' '', 100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, which is combined.   The third sealing region (6) and / or the fourth sealing region (8) comprises a portion (22, 22 ') arranged on the outer edge of the package and extending in the third direction. In a portion (22, 22 '), at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are not attached to one another. 1 ′ ″, 100).   The third sealing area (6) and / or the fourth sealing area (8) comprises a portion (24, 24 ') from which the sheet (10) is cut. Packaging (1, 1 ′, 1 ″, 1 ′ ″, 100).   The packaging (1) according to claim 9, when dependent on claim 8, wherein the sheet (10) is cut only in portions (22) where at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are not attached to each other. 1 ′, 1 ″, 1 ′ ″, 100).   The packaging (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface area of the first and second sealing regions (2, 4) occupies 50% or more of the surface area of the first side (12) of the packaging. 1, 1 ′, 1 ″, 1 ′ ″, 100).   12. A package (1, 1 ', 1 ", 1"', 100) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second side (14) of the package has a flat surface.   13. A package (1, 1 ', 1 ", 1" ", 100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the package is resealable.   14. A package (1, 1 ', 1 ", 1" ", 100) according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sheet (10) is made from a flexible material. A method for producing a package (1, 1 ′, 1 ″, 1 ′ ″, 100), the method comprising:
Providing a sheet (10);
Folding the sheet (10) to form a fold portion extending in a first direction;
At least partially joining together at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) in the fold portion so as to form a first sealing region (2) extending in the first direction. Steps,
At least partially, at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are formed so as to form a second sealing region (4) extending in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction. The step of joining together, thereby
The first and second sealing regions (2, 4) are spaced apart by a first distance;
The first and second sealing regions (2, 4) are arranged on the first side (12) of the package;
The second side (14) of the package opposite the first side (12) is formed by a continuous portion of the sheet (10);
At least two of the sheets (10) at least partially so as to form a third sealing region (6) extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. Joining the layer parts together;
At least partially, at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are formed so as to form a fourth sealing region (8) extending in a fourth direction substantially parallel to the third direction. Splicing together, whereby the third and fourth sealing regions (6, 8) are separated by a second distance.   Providing the line of weakness (16) in the sheet (10) such that the line of weakness (16) extends in the first direction within the first sealed region (2). 16. The method of claim 15, comprising.   17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the line of weakness (16) is a perforation and / or score and / or cut extending in the first direction.   18. A method according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the second sealing area (4) is formed in two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet (10).   19. A method according to claim 18, wherein two substantially parallel edge portions of the sheet (10) are at least partially joined together to form a fin seal.   In each of the first and second sealing regions (2, 4), at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are at least partially bonded together by a resealable adhesive (20, 20 '). 20. A method according to any of claims 15-19, wherein the methods are joined.   In the third sealing area (6) and / or the fourth sealing area (8), the at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are at least partially bonded together by a resealable adhesive. 21. A method according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the methods are combined.   The third sealing region (6) and / or the fourth sealing region (8) comprises a portion (22, 22 ') arranged on the outer edge of the package and extending in the third direction. 22. A method according to any of claims 15 to 21, wherein in the part (22, 22 '), at least two layer parts of the sheet (10) are not attached to each other.   Cuts (24, 24) in the sheet (10) such that the third sealing region (6) and / or the fourth sealing region (8) comprises a portion from which the sheet (10) is cut. 23. A method according to any of claims 15 to 22, further comprising providing ').   24. A method according to claim 23 when dependent on claim 22, wherein the sheet (10) is cut only in portions (22) where at least two layer portions of the sheet (10) are not attached to each other.   25. A method according to any of claims 15 to 24, wherein the surface area of the first and second sealing regions (2, 4) occupies 50% or more of the surface area of the first side (12) of the package.   26. A method according to any of claims 15 to 25, wherein the second side (14) of the package is formed to have a flat surface.   27. A method according to any of claims 15 to 26, wherein the package is formed to be resealable.   28. The method according to any of claims 15 to 27, further comprising the step of inclining the first and second sealing regions (2, 4) outwardly in opposite directions parallel to the third and fourth directions. Method.   29. A method according to any of claims 15 to 28, wherein the sheet (10) is made from a flexible material.   Packaging substantially according to any of the foregoing embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.   A method substantially in accordance with any of the foregoing embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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