WO2004032811A1 - Multi-layer flexible package with removable section - Google Patents
Multi-layer flexible package with removable section Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004032811A1 WO2004032811A1 PCT/US2003/028131 US0328131W WO2004032811A1 WO 2004032811 A1 WO2004032811 A1 WO 2004032811A1 US 0328131 W US0328131 W US 0328131W WO 2004032811 A1 WO2004032811 A1 WO 2004032811A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- container
- film layer
- layer
- removable portion
- promotional
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 52
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 93
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 19
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 18
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 7
- -1 metalized Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000482268 Zea mays subsp. mays Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000007767 bonding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013339 cereals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000010675 chips/crisps Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000014571 nuts Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001846 repelling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
- B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
- B32B7/06—Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D31/02—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with laminated walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/004—Information or decoration elements, e.g. level indicators, detachable tabs or coupons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
- B32B2323/10—Polypropylene
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
- B32B2439/70—Food packaging
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/40—Packages formed by enclosing successive articles, or increments of material, in webs, e.g. folded or tubular webs, or by subdividing tubes filled with liquid, semi-liquid, or plastic materials
- B65D75/44—Individual packages cut from webs or tubes
- B65D75/48—Individual packages cut from webs or tubes containing liquids, semiliquids, or pastes, e.g. cushion-shaped packages
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S206/00—Special receptacle or package
- Y10S206/831—Detachable coupon
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1334—Nonself-supporting tubular film or bag [e.g., pouch, envelope, packet, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/1486—Ornamental, decorative, pattern, or indicia
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/149—Sectional layer removable
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/14—Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
- Y10T428/149—Sectional layer removable
- Y10T428/1495—Adhesive is on removable layer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/15—Sheet, web, or layer weakened to permit separation through thickness
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a flexible bag or package with walls made up of multi-layer thin films.
- said bag comprises a section of at least one layer of said multi-layer film that can easily be removed without compromising the barrier properties of said bag.
- Flexible bags are commonly used for packaging.
- flexible bags with walls made up of multi-layer flexible films and specific barrier properties are common for containing foods such as chips, popcorn, nuts, or cereals.
- promotional devices may accompany all types of packaging, including paperboard, cardboard, and polymer and other flexible thin film packaging.
- Such devices may be incorporated into packaging any number of ways.
- U.S. patent number 4,345,393 ('393) is one of many examples in the prior art where promotional devices are incorporated into packaging.
- the '393 patent discloses a two-ply, erect, paperboard or cardboard carton.
- slits/perforations are cut to outline a desired size and shape such that the defined section may be torn along the slits/perforations and removed from the carton without disturbing the integrity of the rigid inner ply.
- U.S. Patent number 5,021,274 discloses a two-ply, erect, paperboard or cardboard container, including a corrugated inner ply and an outer ply incorporating a removable section outlined by a perforated die cut.
- the perforated die cut allows the removable section to be torn away from the package while leaving the corrugated inner ply intact.
- U.S. patent number 5,484,167 discloses a label that is affixed to the outside of a package.
- the label includes a removable section that is integral to the label and, as with the '393 and '274 patents, is outlined by perforated cuts that facilitate its removal.
- U.S. patent number 4,648,548 discloses a container including decorative figures integral to the container that may be removed after the container is no longer being used as a container.
- the figures are outlmed in the container walls and must be cut, punched, or torn out along perforated lines.
- the thickness of a figure is equal to the thickness of the wall of the container, such that removal of a figure causes a hole in the container wall.
- U.S. patent number 5,676,401 discloses a cylindrical metallic, glass, or plastic container with a label that covers the outside surface. On the outside of the label is product information, and on the inside of the label are temporary tattoos that are readily transferable from the label to the skin of a child.
- U.S. patent numbers 6,251,450 ('450) and 5,127,743 ('743) disclose food packages with walls comprised of multi-layer of flexible films wherein a promotional device is sealed between layers of the multi-layered package wall.
- the '743 patent discloses a method of forming a package comprised of multi-layer flexible films wherein a promotional device is printed on the inside surface of one of the outer layers of the package.
- the promotional printed indicium is only partially visible from the outside of the package and is accessed by puncturing the outer layer of the package and separating the inner layer from the outer layer containing the hidden indicia. This separation is possible because no adhesive is applied between the portion of the outer layer containing the printed hidden indicia and the next innermost layer of the container.
- FIG. 1 is one example of this type of design and is a view of a cross-section of the wall of a package that incorporates a promotional device.
- the wall includes an outer layer 18 and an inner layer 20.
- Hidden printed indicia 24 are incorporated into the conventional printed layer 22, and both are printed on the inner facing side of the outer layer 18.
- the hidden printed indicia portion 24 consists of a series of printed ink layers 26, 28, 30, which includes a layer containing the promotional device 30, and printed layers 26, 28 that reveal the existence of the promotional device but obscure its exact nature when viewing from outside the package.
- the outer layer 18 is attached to the inner layer 20 by an adhesive layer 32.
- the adhesive layer 32 is not applied in the area where the hidden printed indicia portion 24 contacts the inner layer 20.
- the outer layer 18 is cut or punctured to access the promotional device 24, this permits the portion of the outer layer 18 containing the device 24 to be separated from the inner layer 20 and viewed directly.
- One problem with designs such as the '743 and '450 patents is that the cutting or tearing necessary to access the promotional device sacrifices the container's functional characteristics.
- Figure 2 is an example of a container design wherein a promotional device is incorporated into the outer ply of a two-ply erect carton constructed from paperboard or cardboard. The integrity of the carton is not compromised upon accessing the device.
- the outer ply 52 of the box is bonded to the inner ply by an adhesive layer 60.
- the promotional device is in the form of a detachable coupon 63 that is a portion of the outer ply 52.
- the coupon 63 is outlined by perforated slits 64 in the outer ply 52 that permit the coupon 63 to be removed by tearing along said perforated line 64.
- the coupon 63 portion of the outer ply 52 does not adhere to the inner ply because the inner side 66 of the outer ply 52 corresponding to the coupon 63 is coated with an adhesive-repelling agent. Employment of the adhesive-repelling agent and perforated tear outline 64 in combination permit the coupon 63 to be torn from the container.
- the designs of the '393 and '274 patents also require that the container be in the form of an erect carton assembled from paperboard or cardboard materials. They do not contemplate important improvements in packaging material technologies, such as use of polymeric, multi-layered, flexible thin films. These newer materials are stronger and more flexible per unit of material than paper, paperboard, or cardboard-type packaging materials pertinent to the '393, '274 designs. Additionally, thin-film packaging materials, such as employed in packaging some snack foods, are orders of magnitude thinner and less bulky than their wood product counterparts. In many applications, these differences and improvements in dimensional and functional characteristics of packaging materials render the older wood-based materials useless. In addition, the drastic differences in physical characteristics between flexible thin films and wood-based packaging materials present drastically different processing problems, and require significant development to optimize effective thin film packaging.
- the proposed invention comprises a flexible container formed from multi-layer thin films that incorporates a promotional piece, defined by a continuous cut, into the outermost layer of the container.
- a promotional piece defined by a continuous cut
- the adherence of the outermost layer to the next outermost layer of the package is such that the continuous cut in said outermost layer, outlining the size and shape of the promotional piece, permits the piece to be easily removed from the container by peeling it away. Additionally, removal of the promotional piece does not compromise the functional characteristics, such as barrier properties, of the container.
- the design is such that, upon removal, the piece may or may not retain a tacky surface and may take on any number of forms such as that of a redeemable coupon, gaming piece, trading card, sticker, decorative item, etc. Further, in one embodiment of the invention, the container retains minimum required barrier properties after removal of the promotional piece.
- Figure 1 is an illustration of a cross-section of a multi-layer container of the prior art wherein a promotional piece is incorporated between the layers of the wall of the container;
- Figure 2 is an illustration of a container of the prior art wherein a portion of the outer layer of the container is designated as a removable coupon and defined by a perforated tear outline;
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a removable promotional piece is designed into the outer layer of a container and is outlined by a continuous cut;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a portion of the outermost layer of the container, outlined by a continuous cut, is used as a promotional piece and is shown partially peeled away from the container;
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the cut is illustrated penetrating through the container's outermost layer and terminating at a depth within the adhesive layer;
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention in the area of the cut wherein separation of the layers by peeling at the cut occurs between the adhesive layer and second outermost layer;
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention in the area of the cut wherein separation of the layer by peeling at the cut occurs between the outermost layer and adhesive layer.
- FIGS 3 and 4 illustrate a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the container wall structure 40 includes at least two film layers.
- a continuous cut 60 in the first film 50 of the container defines a removable portion or piece 70 of said first film 50.
- the continuous cut 60 defines the size and shape of the removable portion 70 and is of a depth greater than the thickness of the first film layer 50, but such that the portion's 70 removal does not compromise the barrier and other functional characteristics of the container.
- the first film layer 50 of the container Prior to executing the continuous cut 60, the first film layer 50 of the container is adhered to the second film layer 80 of the container by a releasable adherence.
- the continuous cut 60 is continuous such that if the first film layer 50 were not adhered to the second film layer 80 of the container, said removable portion 70 would not remain affixed to the container.
- the releasable adherence allows the first film layer 50 to be easily peeled away from the second film layer 80 at any cross-section of the bag's wall.
- the releasable adherence affixes the container's first film layer 50, including the removable portion 70, to the second film layer 80.
- the releasable adherence permits said removable portion 70 to be easily peeled away from the container, allowing the removable portion 70 to function as a promotional piece, such as a sticker that can be affixed to another surface.
- the cutting tool that executes the continuous cut 60 leaves an unbroken line where the edge of the removable section 70 meets the edge of the surrounding, first film layer 50 of the container.
- the removable section 70 forming the promotional piece is separated from the container by easily manipulating the container in the area of the continuous cut 60. As demonstrated by Figure 4, if properly flexed in the area of the cut 60, the edge of the removable section 70 lifts away from the container such that a consumer can then seize the edge and easily peel the removable portion 70 completely away from the container.
- the material that forms the first film layer 50 of the bag typically also serves as the product label and may contain printed information and/or decorative designs that identify the product and provide nutritional and other information about the product.
- the removable section 70 of the present invention is also incorporated into the first bag layer 50 and, therefore, the printing, pictures, and/or designs identifying and explaining the promotional piece are included among the printing, pictures, and/or designs that decorate the bag and identify the product enclosed.
- the printing on the removable portion 70 of the first film layer 50 of the bag may, in addition to the continuous cut 60, further identify the existence and location of the promotional piece because it interrupts, and is eye-catching amid, the rest of the printing on the bag.
- the promotional piece is indistinguishable from the rest of the first film layer 50 of the container.
- the promotional piece 70 may take on a number of forms.
- the promotional piece may be a sticker, trading card, redeemable coupon, or any sort of game piece.
- the theme and character of the promotional piece may be printed on the outside or inside of the removable portion, on the package underneath the removable portion, or any combination of the three.
- the container of the present invention is a flexible food bag with walls formed from webs of multi-layer flexible thin films.
- the flexible thin films are of the type commonly employed in the art to produce flexible bags using a typical vertical form, fill, and seal packaging machine, and are typically constructed of thin film layers of up to about 150 gauge thickness (1.5 mils or 0.0015 inches).
- the desired product environment to be maintained within a package drives the types and arrangements of thin films that are chosen for a particular packaging application. Other considerations include desired shelf life, and cost. A plurality of package designs are possible, depending on the preceding factors.
- the materials making up the film layers primarily plastics, are well known in the art. Examples of such materials are various vinyl, metalized, and polymer extrusion films, and various adhesives, ties, and bonding agents for fixing the thin film layers together.
- the film layers that make up the flexible thin films are first laminated together in the desired arrangement.
- the cutting or scoring such as with a die or laser cutting tool, that defines the removable portion in what will be the outer layer of the bag also occurs prior to formation of the bag.
- the scoring may occur during the lamination step as a part of the conversion operation, or as an entirely separate step between lamination and bag formation. Therefore, once the flexible thin films that form the container of the present invention reach the bag formation step, bag formation is the only remaining operation.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one preferred embodiment of a wall of a food container in accordance with the present invention.
- the films that make up the wall of the bag is a first polymer film layer 50 adhered to the second film layer 80 of the bag such that the adherence is releasable.
- the first film layer 50 is comprised of a polypropylene, polyethylene, or derivative thereof
- the second film layer 80 is comprised of a polymer or metallized polymer of the same type as the first film layer 50.
- the first film layer 50 and second film layer 80 are separated by an adhesive layer 100 that bonds them together.
- the cut 65 in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5 corresponds to the continuous cut 60 of Figures 3 and 4 that defines the size and shape of the removable section 70.
- a flexible thin film container's design may vary depending on the type of food being preserved. For instance, the type of food involved determines the desired moisture and oxygen levels inside the container, which along with desired shelf life determines the types and arrangement of flexible thin films employed.
- the bag design which is the type and arrangement of films, may be adjusted to account for different foods, it may also be adjusted to account for the removal of a section of the first film layer 50, which contributes to the container's barrier characteristics.
- the continuous cut 65 is controlled so that its penetration is only through the first film layer 50 and terminates at a depth within the thickness of the adhesive layer 100.
- This controlled penetration of the cutting tool, such as a die or laser cutting tool, prior to detachment of the removable portion 73, does not significantly alter the container's barrier properties. This is because the second film layer 80, and any other layers on the product side of the container wall, are not affected by the cut 65. Also, prior to detachment of the removable portion 73, the continuous cut 65 does not drastically reduce the coverage of the removable portion 73 or the adhesive layer 100 in the area of the cut 65.
- the number, types, arrangement, and thickness of film layers beneath the first film layer 50, including the thickness of the moisture-blocking adhesive layer 100 may be adjusted to account for any reduction in barrier capacity resulting from detachment of the promotional piece. Considering that multiple pieces may be incorporated into one package, and the plurality of possible shapes and sizes of pieces, this second factor is especially important in the case where the surface area of the piece is a significant percentage of the total surface area of the package's first film layer 50.
- the promotional piece takes the form of a sticker.
- the first film layer 50 comprised of either polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- PES polyethylene terephthalate
- a release agent is applied at the interface 110 between the adhesive layer 100 and second film layer 80.
- the releasable adherence occurs at the interface 110 where the release agent is applied.
- the adherence is releasable in that the action of the release agent prevents the adhesive 100 from permanently locking the first film layer 50 to the second film layer 80.
- the adherence would not release at the interface 110, and the adhesive 100 would ' prevent the removable portion 73 from being peeled away from the second film layer 80.
- the releasable adherence and the force of slightly bending the wall of the container in the appropriate direction A in the area of the cut 65 causes an edge 130 of the removable portion 73 to release and lift away from the container.
- a consumer may then peel the removable portion 73 away from the container by seizing the exposed edge 130 and pulling in the direction B.
- the action of the release agent at the interface 110 also permits at least a portion of the adhesive layer 100 to peel away from the container and remain adhered to the removable portion 73.
- the portion of the adhesive layer 100 that remains affixed to the removable portion 73 retains its tacky quality and allows the removable portion 73 to function as a sticker.
- the first PP or PET film layer 50 is again bonded to the second PP, PET, or metallized OPP or PET film layer 80 by an adhesive layer 100.
- the release agent resulting in a releasable adherence is applied to the interface 120 between the first film layer 50 and adhesive layer 100. The releasable adherence at the interface 120 prevents the first film layer 50 from permanently locking to the adhesive 100.
- the adhesive layer 100 remains locked to the second film layer 80, and the releasable adherence allows the removable portion 77 to be separated from the adhesive layer 100 without retaining a tacky surface.
- a consumer may then peel the removable portion 77, i.e., the promotional piece, away from the container by seizing the exposed edge 140 and pulling in the direction B.
- the adhesive layer 100 and release interface 120 remain exposed.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Wrappers (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP03752110A EP1549270A4 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2003-09-09 | Multi-layer flexible package with removable section |
CA002500856A CA2500856C (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2003-09-09 | Multi-layer flexible package with removable section |
MXPA05003429A MXPA05003429A (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2003-09-09 | Multi-layer flexible package with removable section. |
AU2003270420A AU2003270420B8 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2003-09-09 | Multi-layer flexible package with removable section |
JP2004543278A JP4275625B2 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2003-09-09 | Multilayer flexible package with re-peeling parts |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/264,023 | 2002-10-03 | ||
US10/264,023 US6746743B2 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2002-10-03 | Multi-layer flexible package with removable section |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004032811A1 true WO2004032811A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
Family
ID=32042129
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/028131 WO2004032811A1 (en) | 2002-10-03 | 2003-09-09 | Multi-layer flexible package with removable section |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6746743B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1549270A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4275625B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003270420B8 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2500856C (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05003429A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004032811A1 (en) |
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-
2002
- 2002-10-03 US US10/264,023 patent/US6746743B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-09-09 EP EP03752110A patent/EP1549270A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-09-09 WO PCT/US2003/028131 patent/WO2004032811A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-09-09 JP JP2004543278A patent/JP4275625B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-09-09 AU AU2003270420A patent/AU2003270420B8/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-09-09 MX MXPA05003429A patent/MXPA05003429A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-09-09 CA CA002500856A patent/CA2500856C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5021274A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1991-06-04 | Union Camp Corporation | Detachable coupon for laminated corrugated packaging material and method of manufacture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6746743B2 (en) | 2004-06-08 |
US20040067326A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
JP2006502060A (en) | 2006-01-19 |
MXPA05003429A (en) | 2005-07-26 |
EP1549270A4 (en) | 2009-11-04 |
AU2003270420B2 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
AU2003270420A1 (en) | 2004-05-04 |
JP4275625B2 (en) | 2009-06-10 |
CA2500856A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
AU2003270420B8 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
CA2500856C (en) | 2008-12-23 |
EP1549270A1 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
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