MXPA99011803A - Bag laminate with a removable sticker portion - Google Patents

Abstract

A film bag (10) is disclosed for containing articles, such as candies, food and other items. The film bag (10) is made from a laminate (12) that includes an inner layer (20) and an outer layer (18) with printed indicia formed on it. The outer layer (18) includes a fixed portion (24) which is attached to the inner layer (20) with a permanent adhesive (30). The outer layer (18) also includes a removable sticker portion (26) which is substantially coplanar with the fixed portion (24). The removable sticker portion (26) is attached to the inner layer (20) with a pressure sensitive adhesive (32). Preferably, at least part of the pressure sensitive adhesive (32) on the removable portion is separated from the permanent adhesive (30) on the fixed portion by a gap (34).

Description

LAMINAR UNIT FOR BAG WITH A PORTION OF REMOVABLE DECAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a bag for containing articles, such as candy. Most particularly, the present invention is directed to a bag with a decal that is formed as part of, and can be removed from the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Bags, such as film bags, are widely used in modern society to contain a wide variety of items, such as sweets, food items and liquids. A typical film bag is made of a laminar unit that includes an outer film layer secured in adhesive form to an inner sealing layer. The outer layer is usually made of a material that facilitates printing. The inner layer is usually made of a material that facilitates the sealing of the gasket. Other layers can also be incorporated. Properties such as oxygen and moisture permeability, strength, rigidity and other packaging requirements may govern the selection of the material. The outer and inner layers are both typically made of a plastic film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. To attract a customer to buy a product, manufacturers typically incorporate promotional advertisements into the product packaging. For bag films, promotional advertising has generally been limited to printed indicia on the outer layer of the bag, or to auxiliary labels that are applied on top of the outer layer. There have also been attempts over the years to incorporate removable promotional and / or promotional items, such as coupons and stickers, into the packaging of a product. The incorporation of a decal on a package is particularly attractive for products aimed at children, such as candy. Decals tend to attract children and / or parents to buy the product to subsequently use the decal. Previous attempts to form such packing configurations have all required the incorporation of a release liner or insulating agent into the wrapper to prevent the removable articles from adhering to the underlying wrapper prior to removal. For example, the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,345,393 to Price et al, describes a packaging laminar unit that includes a removable portion. The removable portion is coated with a repellent adhesive or release agent to facilitate its removal from the laminar unit.

The main shortcoming with the incorporation of release liners and insulating agents in a package is that the cost associated with manufacturing the package increases every time the manufacturing process requires additional materials and manufacturing steps. Therefore, there is a need for an improved film bag that incorporates a removable promotional decal and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a film bag made of a laminated structure that includes a removable decal portion. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laminar unit for film bag that includes a means for removing a decal portion from the remaining portion of the laminar unit. These and other objects and advantages are provided by means of a film bag in accordance with the present invention which functions to contain articles, such as candy, food and other items. The film bag is made of a laminar unit that includes a sealing layer and an outer layer. The outer layer preferably has printed indicia formed thereon. The outer layer includes a fixed portion that is attached to the sealing layer with a permanent adhesive. The outer layer also includes a removable decal portion that is substantially coplanar with the fixed portion. The removable decal portion is attached to the sealing layer with a pressure sensitive adhesive. PreferablyAt least part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the removable portion is separated from the permanent adhesive on the fixed portion by a space. In one embodiment of the invention, the space between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the permanent adhesive completely surrounds the pressure sensitive adhesive. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the light of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the appended figures. As will be noted, the invention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be considered as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show one embodiment of the invention that is currently preferred. However, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise means and arrangements shown in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a film bag with a removable decal according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-section taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1, illustrating the novel laminated configuration in the film bag according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a preferred method for forming the film bag sheet unit according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring now to the drawings, where similar reference numerals illustrate corresponding or equal elements throughout the different views, Figure 1 shows a film bag 10 according to the present invention. The bag 10 is formed of a laminar unit 12 which includes a series of constituent layers adhesively bonded to one another. The film bag 10 is configured to contain one or more products, such as candy or food items. The film bag 10 preferably includes graphic indicia 14, such as pictorial images or text, which may be directed to the contents of the package or illustrate a trademark. The film bag 10 includes at least one peelable or removable decal 16 that is formed as part of the film bag 10. After removal, the decal 16 can be attached to other items, such as a child's shirt or notebook. A more detailed understanding of the invention will become apparent with reference to Figure 2, which shows a cross section through the laminar unit 12. In a preferred embodiment, the unit > laminar 12 includes an outer layer 18 and a continuous or sealing inner layer 20. The outer layer 18 is preferably made of a polypropylene film oriented to have a thickness on a scale of about 13 microns to about 50 microns, and most preferably around 19 micras. A polypropylene film suitable for use in the present invention is sold by Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc., New Castle, DE. The inner layer 20 is preferably made of a polyethylene film having a thickness on a scale of about 25.4 microns to about 102 microns. There is a wide variety of polyethylene films that could be suitable for use in the present invention. Although the preferred embodiment uses film to form the sheet unit, other materials are also contemplated by the present invention, such as aluminum foil or paper. As mentioned above, the outer layer 18 preferably includes printed indicia, such as graphics or text. The indicia are formed by one or more layers of printed ink 22 which are preferably arranged on one side of the outer layer 18. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the ink 22 is preferably deposited on the inward side of the layer exterior 18. Printing inks suitable for use in film bags and methods for applying such inks are well known in the art and therefore no further description is required in this application, since one skilled in the art would be easily able to select and apply a suitable printing ink to the laminar unit 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the removable decal 16 is formed as a portion of the film bag 10. Very particularly, the outer layer 16 includes a portion fixed 24 and a removable decal portion 26. The removable decal portion 26 is preferably formed of the same material as the fixed portion 24 and is substantially coplanar with it. The removable decal portion 26 has graphic indicia formed thereon by means of a printed ink layer 28 which is disposed on one side of the removable decal portion 26. The graphic indicia formed by the printed ink layer 28 on the portion of removable decal 26 may be configured as part of the graphic indicia formed by the printed ink 22 on the fixed portion 24 or may represent a promotional graphic that is made of a distinct printed layer. The outer layer 18, including the fixed portion 24 and the removable decal portion 26, is attached to the inner layer 20, preferably by means of an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the fixed portion 24 is attached to the inner layer 20 by a permanent adhesive 30, such as a solvent-based adhesive. In a further embodiment of the invention, the permanent adhesive is a urethane-based adhesive, such as Unoflex Mark III sold by Morton International, Inc. Permanent adhesive 30 is preferably applied at a thickness of about 0.76 to about 5.08 microns. The present invention contemplates other methods for rigidly attaching the fixed portion 24 of the outer layer 18 to the inner layer 20. A person skilled in the art, based on the teachings provided in this description, could easily appreciate the different alternative means to join the fixed portion 24 to the inner layer 20. The removable decal portion 26 is attached to the inner layer 20 with a pressure sensitive adhesive 32. The type of pressure sensitive adhesive 32 selected for use in the present invention will vary depending on the desired use for the decal (for example, adhering to clothes or paper). Those skilled in the art would be readily able to select an appropriate pressure sensitive adhesive 32, in light of the teachings provided herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensitive adhesive is a water-based acrylic adhesive, such as Nacor® adhesive 72-8761, sold by National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, NJ. The pressure sensitive adhesive 32 is preferably applied to the removable decal portion 26 with a thickness of about 1.78 to 6.35 microns. The pressure sensitive adhesive 32 is designed to removably attach the removable decal portion 26 to the inner layer 20. The pressure sensitive adhesive 32 is also selected such that it remains on the removable decal portion 26 when the decal is removed. removable 16 is detached from inner layer 20. This allows decal 16 to be applied again to other items, such as a child's shirt. Although the foregoing has described the application of the adhesive to the outer layer 18, it is also contemplated that the adhesive may be applied instead to the inner layer 20. A gap 34 is formed between the pressure sensitive adhesive 32 and the adhesive. permanent adhesive 30. This allows the removable decal portion 26 to be easily separated from the fixed portion 24 of the outer layer 18. In one embodiment of the invention, the space 34 has a width of about 0.762 mm to about 3.05 mm. The preferred width is approximately 1.52 mm. Graphic indicia may be included on the outer layer 18 or inner layer 20 to provide a guide as to where to cut the outer layer 18 to separate the fixed portion 24 from the removable decal portion 26 along the space 34. Once the outer layer 18 is cut, decal 16 can be peeled from inner layer 20. It is contemplated that a means may be provided to separate decal 16 from outer layer 18. For example, decal 16 may be cut with die from the outer layer 18. Alternatively, the outer layer 18 may be slotted or perforated around the decal 16 using a conventional mechanical or laser drilling device. Those skilled in the art are well aware of the different methods and devices that exist to form a space in a laminar unit. In a preferred embodiment, the space 34 also separates a section of the removable decal portion 26 from the fixed portion 24, thereby providing a means for separating the decal 16 from the outer layer 20 allowing a person to insert the tip of its finger under the removable decal portion 26 for peeling it out of the inner layer 20. In a more preferred embodiment, the space 34 extends completely around the pressure sensitive adhesive 32 and / or the complete decal 16 (ie, the removable decal portion 26, printed ink 28 and the pressure sensitive adhesive 32), thereby allowing full access to the decal 16. Although the invention has been described as including two layers or sheets of film, it is also contemplated that additional sheets of film may be added. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive under the decal portion. For example, it is also contemplated that a thermally active adhesive may be applied to the laminar unit under the decal portion. The thermally active adhesive is of the type that is activated when exposed to heat, such as by ironing. In this embodiment of the invention, there would be no adhesive holding the decal to the inner layer. Therefore, a complete space in the outer layer around the decal can not be formed, since there would be nothing to hold the decal on the inner layer. Instead, if a space is included in the outer layer, the space should only partially surround the decal, such as a hole. The bag-based laminar unit according to the present invention is preferably made in a single forming process 100 as shown in Fig. 3 and described hereinafter. The outer layer of material 102 is fed through a series of printing stations 104 wherein one or more layers of printed ink is applied to the outer layer in any conventional manner known to those skilled in the art. The outer layer 102 with the impression formed thereon is then fed through first and second adhesive application stations 106, 108. Each adhesive application station includes a rotogravure rolling cylinder 110 having a copper surface or similar that is capable of being recorded, a container 112 for applying a suitable liquid to the cylinder 110, and a scalpel 114 for removing liquid from the non-engraved portions of the cylinder 110. The rotogravure printing procedures are well known to those skilled in the art. and described in Package Printing, by Nelson R. EIdred, Ph.D., Jemiar Publishing Co., Inc., Plainview, NY, p. 86-88 (1993). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the first adhesive application station 106, the surface of a first rotogravure cylinder 110 'is etched to provide the proper amount and pattern of pressure sensitive adhesive. The first rotogravure cylinder 110 'rotates within a container of pressure sensitive adhesive 112'. As the outer layer 102 passes the cylinder 110 ', the pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the layer with an adequate amount of pressure from a roller 116' to force the adhesive to be transferred to the outer layer 102. The non-engraved portion of the first rotogravure cylinder 110 'produces a space within the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The combination of outer layer 102 and pressure sensitive adhesive is fed through a dryer 118 to dry the adhesive and then inside a second adhesive application station 108. In the second adhesive application station 108, the The surface of a second rotogravure cylinder 110"is engraved to provide an identical image of the permanent adhesive portion of the film bag laminate unit The second rotogravure cylinder 110" rotates inside a container 112"of permanent adhesive. passing the outer layer 102 the second rotogravure cylinder 110", the permanent adhesive is applied to the outer layer 102 in a manner coincident with the space left in the pressure-sensitive adhesive portion. The outer layer 102 is then fed through a dryer 120 to dry the adhesive. After the adhesive has dried enough, an inner layer of material is matched to the outer layer and the combination is laminated in a conventional manner, such as with heat and pressure, to complete the film bag laminate unit 124. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made in the present invention and the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims (30)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A laminar unit for bag comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer having printed indicia formed thereon, the outer layer includes a fixed portion and a removable decal portion, the fixed portion being attached to the inner layer with a permanent adhesive, and the removable decal portion being attached to the inner layer with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

2. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 1, further characterized in that a space also separates at least part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the removable portion of the permanent adhesive on the fixed portion.

3. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 2, further characterized in that the space completely separates the pressure sensitive adhesive from the permanent adhesive.

4. The film bag laminate unit according to claim 2, further characterized in that the space completely separates the removable decal portion and the pressure-sensitive adhesive portion of the fixed portion and the permanent adhesive portion. .

5. - The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fixed portion and the removable decal portion are substantially coplanar.

6. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer layer is made of polypropylene material.

7. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 6, further characterized in that the polypropylene material has a thickness of between about 12.7 microns and about 50.8 microns.

8. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 1, further characterized in that the inner layer is made of polyethylene material.

9. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 8, further characterized in that the polyethylene material has a thickness of between about 25.4 microns and about 102 microns.

10. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 1, further characterized in that the permanent adhesive is a urethane-based adhesive.

11. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 10, further characterized in that the permanent adhesive has a thickness between about 0.762 microns and about 5.08 microns.

12. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a water-based acrylic adhesive.

13. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 12, further characterized in that the pressure sensitive adhesive has a thickness between about 1.78 microns and about 6.35 microns.

14. A laminar unit for a bag comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer having a fixed portion and a removable decal portion; and a layer of adhesive disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; the adhesive layer functions to adhesively bond the outer layer to the inner layer; the adhesive layer includes a portion of pressure sensitive adhesive located between the inner layer and the removable decal portion of the outer layer, and a portion of permanent adhesive located between the inner layer and the fixed portion of the outer layer.

15. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 14, further characterized in that at least part of the portion of pressure sensitive adhesive is separated from the permanent adhesive by a space.

16. - The film bag laminar unit according to claim 15, further characterized in that at least part of the removable decal portion is separated from the fixed portion by a space.

17. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 15, further characterized in that the space completely separates the pressure-sensitive adhesive from the permanent adhesive.

18. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 15, further characterized in that the space completely separates the removable decal portion and the pressure-sensitive adhesive portion of the fixed portion and the permanent adhesive portion. .

19. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 14, further characterized in that the fixed portion and the removable decal portion are substantially coplanar.

20. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 14, further characterized in that the outer layer is made of polypropylene material.

21. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 20, further characterized in that the polypropylene material has a thickness of between about 12.7 microns and about 50.8 microns.

22. - The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 14, further characterized in that the inner layer is made of polyethylene material.

23. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 22, further characterized in that the polyethylene material has a thickness of between about 25.4 microns and about 102 microns.

24. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 14, further characterized in that the permanent adhesive is a urethane-based adhesive.

25. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 24, further characterized in that the permanent adhesive has a thickness between about 0.762 microns and about 5.08 microns.

26. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 14, further characterized in that the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a water-based acrylic adhesive.

27.- A laminar unit for bag comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer having printed indicia formed thereon, the outer layer includes a fixed portion and a removable decal portion, the fixed portion being attached to the inner layer with a permanent adhesive, and the removable decal portion being attached to the inner layer with a non-permanent adhesive.

28. - The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 26, further characterized in that the pressure sensitive adhesive has a thickness of between about 1.78 microns and about 6.35 microns.

29. The laminar unit for film bag according to claim 28, further characterized in that the adhesive is a thermally active adhesive.

30. A method for forming a laminar unit for film bag that includes a removable portion, the method comprising the steps of: providing an outer layer of material; rotating a first rotogravure cylinder inside a container of pressure-sensitive adhesive; contacting the first rotogravure cylinder with the outer layer so that the pressure sensitive adhesive is transferred to a first portion of the outer layer; Feed the outer layer through a dryer to dry the pressure sensitive adhesive; rotating a second rotogravure cylinder inside a permanent adhesive container; contacting the second rotogravure cylinder with the outer layer so that the permanent adhesive is transferred to a second portion of the outer layer; Feed the outer layer through a dryer to dry the permanent adhesive; contacting an inner layer of material with the outer layer, and laminating the combination to complete the laminar unit for film bag.