Patent Publication Number: US-2019185204-A1

Title: Packaging

Description:
The invention relates to packaging composed of a sealable packaging material, having a front wall and a rear wall, which are directly or indirectly connected with one another, wherein a removal opening is provided. 
     The most varied types of such packaging are known, but they all have the disadvantage that they are either not resealable or that resealability is implemented with significant technical effort. 
     Embodiments are known in which a zipper, an adhesive label, or, alternatively, a hook-and-loop closure, for example, is provided in addition to a sealing seam, so as to produce resealability. Packaging has also already been produced in which a strip of a pressure-sensitive adhesive was provided in addition to the sealing seam, so as to make the packaging resealable. The present invention is based on the task of proposing packaging that can be produced in simple and cost-advantageous manner and nevertheless can be reliably closed and resealed. 
     This task is accomplished, according to the invention, in that the removal opening proceeds from an edge of the packaging and/or is provided at an edge of the packaging. 
     As a result, easy openability is guaranteed. 
     It is also very advantageous, according to the invention, if an additional material is disposed between the layers of packaging material, wherein this additional material can be configured as strips and/or can take up the entire width of the removal opening. 
     The additional material ensures that the packaging is tightly sealed, can be opened easily, and nevertheless is resealable. 
     In this regard, it has proven to be very advantageous if the additional material comprises a peelable material, which can be formed in a multi-layer composite composed of at least two outer layers and an inner layer, wherein then, the inner layer is the peelable material. 
     By means of the peelable material, reliable closure and easy openability are guaranteed. 
     However, it is also extremely advantageous if the additional material comprises a resealable material, which can be formed in a multi-layer composite composed of at least two outer layers and an inner layer, wherein then, the inner layer is the resealable material. 
     In this way, very good resealability is guaranteed. 
     In this regard, it has proven to be extremely advantageous if the resealable material is a PSA. 
     A PSA can be adhered to the opposite side again by means of pressure. Nevertheless, the additional material remains sealable and peelable. 
     Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if the peelable and/or resealable material is structured in such a manner that upon first being opened, a change in color, a pattern, a structure, a text or the like becomes visible. 
     As a result, it can easily be recognized whether the packaging has already been opened once. 
     Likewise, it is very advantageous, according to the invention, if the additional material, i.e. a peelable and/or resealable material, which is arranged in a multi-layer composite, demonstrates a change in color upon sealing, wherein the change in color can be configured as an area or pattern. 
     In this way, it can easily be checked whether sealing was carried out properly. 
     Another very advantageous further development of the invention is present if the additional material has a reduced opening force, wherein a material weakening can be provided, by means of which the opening force is reduced. 
     As a result, the packaging can be opened in defined and easy manner. It is generally most difficult to initiate opening. Here, the material weakening helps; it facilitates starting the opening process. The material weakening can be configured as a thinned region, a cut or also a perforation. However, the resealing force is maintained, in this regard. 
     It is also extremely advantageous, according to the invention, if the additional material has an embossing, fillers, additives, varnishes or some other characteristic that is structured three-dimensionally in tactile and/or optical manner. 
     As a result, it is very easy for a user to recognize the opening and resealing region. 
     A further very advantageous embodiment is present if the additional material is disposed between the packaging material layers and sealed to them. 
     As a result, the packaging can be produced in very easy and cost-advantageous manner. Furthermore, the new packaging can fundamentally be produced on existing packaging machines, using existing work processes. According to the invention, it is also very advantageous if a sealing seam is provided to connect two layers of the packaging material and of the additional material. 
     In this way, only a single sealing seam needs to be provided, which on the one hand tightly seals the packaging and, on the other hand, can be easily opened and resealed. 
     In this regard, it is extremely advantageous if at least the outer edge of the sealing seam, in the tear-open direction, has a structuring, wherein the structuring can be introduced in advance or is provided during sealing. 
     The tear initiation behavior is improved by means of the structuring, regardless of whether this was introduced during sealing or provided in advance, and thereby lower opening forces are ensured. 
     A further very advantageous embodiment of the invention is present if at least the outer edge of the sealing seam, in the tear-open direction, is structured geometrically and thereby forms a tear-open aid. 
     As a result, the tear initiation behavior is also improved. The geometrical structure can be used alternatively or in combination with the structuring. 
     According to the invention, it has also proven to be very advantageous if sealing points or an at least interrupted further sealing seam lie ahead of the sealing seam in the opening direction. 
     In this way, not only can the opening process be felt, it can also be heard. The opening process makes a rattling noise from sealing point to sealing point. 
     Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if the sealing seam or the sealing seams is/are provided with spikes, points or other projecting features. 
     The opening process can be started particularly easily specifically at spikes, points or other projecting features. 
     According to another further development of the invention, it is extremely advantageous if the sealing seam is delimited, at the beginning and/or the end, by means of a firm sealing seam that cannot be opened. 
     As a result, undesirable tear initiation of the packaging at the edge of the opening is prevented. It is ensured that the packaging will not be accidentally destroyed, and that resealability is ensured. 
     According to the invention, it is also very advantageous if a gripping surface or gripping tab is provided. 
     In this way, gripping the packaging when opening it is facilitated. Such a gripping surface or gripping tab can ideally project beyond the sealing seam by approximately one centimeter. 
     In this regard, it has proven to be very advantageous if the gripping surface and/or the gripping tab is/are structured, embossed and/or provided with a soft-touch effect, wherein a TPE, TPU or PA material can be used for the soft-touch effect, for example, and/or wherein imprints or addition of additives can be used for the soft-touch effect. 
     In this way, gripping the gripping surface or the gripping tab is facilitated, and thereby even further improved openability is achieved. 
     A further very advantageous embodiment of the invention is present if the packaging is formed by a tubular bag, and either an end seam and/or the longitudinal seam is/are provided with the additional material. 
     As a result, a tubular bag can be made into resealable packaging. 
     Another very advantageous further development of the invention is present if the removal opening is disposed in a wall of the packaging and covered by packaging material, wherein the additional material is provided between the covering material and the wall, at least in certain sections. 
     In this way, a removal opening that is tight, easy to open, and resealable can also be disposed in a wall. 
     A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is present if the packaging is configured as MAP packaging or vacuum packaging. 
     Packaging with a modified atmosphere or under vacuum has particular requirements with regard to a tight seal, which requirements could only be fulfilled in very complicated manner until now, and generally excluded resealability or made additional sealing seams or opening aids necessary. 
     It is also very advantageous, according to the invention, if the packaging is configured as deep-drawn packaging or shrink-wrap packaging. 
     Such types of packaging can also be upgraded, using the present invention, to produce resealable packaging, in simple manner. 
     A further very advantageous embodiment of the invention is present if the packaging material has one or multiple layers. 
     In this way, the optimal material can be selected and used for the respective application. 
     It is extremely advantageous if the packaging material and/or the additional material contain(s) PE, PP, PET, ionomers, Surlyn, PLA, polyester, or mixtures and/or blends of these in at least one layer, in each instance. 
     In this way, excellent sealability is guaranteed. 
     A further very advantageous embodiment of the invention is present if a barrier layer is provided in the packaging material and/or in the additional material, wherein then the additional material can be configured to have at least four layers. 
     As a result, it can be ensured that the packaging has only low permeability for specific substances, such as oxygen, for example. 
     Likewise, it has proven to be very advantageous if the additional material is tacked onto at least one wall of the packaging material. 
     In this way, it is prevented that the additional material, above all in the form of a material strip, can slip or that filled-in content can deposit behind the additional material. In addition, openability is further facilitated by adhesion over the entire area. It is easier to introduce force into the additional material. Furthermore, the sealing seam can be affixed more easily, since the position of the additional material is fixed in place by tacking. The material strip can be guided more easily. 
     In this regard, it has proven to be very advantageous if the additional material is tacked on by means of pressing it on in the warm state or by lightly sealing it on. 
     This represents a very simple variant. For example, in or after a heating station, the additional material can be pressed onto a material web of the packaging material and thereby be tacked on. Other methods of attachment, such as sealing on lightly, are conceivable. This tacking on of the additional material can be carried out together with the sealing process, but also separately. 
     It is also very advantageous, according to the invention, if a label is provided as an additional tamper-evident closure. 
     In this way, it is guaranteed that the packaging has absolutely not been tampered with, when it is first opened. 
     Another very advantageous further development of the invention is present if the packaging material has a reduced thickness. 
     Due to the additional material in the opening region, the actual packaging material can be configured to be significantly thinner. Most mechanical stresses occur in the opening region, and are absorbed by the additional material. As a result, a significant amount of material is saved. 
     It is also extremely advantageous, according to the invention, if the additional material has a symmetrical or asymmetrical structure. 
     In this way, the structure of the additional material can be coordinated with the respective purpose of use and the packaging material. When the package is opened, the composite of the additional material is torn apart. It separates between one of the support layers and the adhesion layer, or also in the adhesion layer, depending on how the structure is composed, in particular depending on whether the structure is symmetrical or asymmetrical. 
     Furthermore, it is very advantageous, according to the invention, if the at least one of the respective outer layers of the additional material is specifically adapted to the packaging material that follows it. 
     In this way, particularly good adhesion conditions, for example, during sealing can be produced. 
     A further very advantageous embodiment of the invention is present if the additional material is disposed along or transversely to the machine direction. 
     In this way, all types of existing packaging machines can be converted to the new resealable closure. 
     In the following, the invention will be illustrated using an exemplary embodiment. 
    
    
     
       In this regard, the figures show: 
         FIG. 1  a schematic representation of deep-drawn packaging, which is equipped with a resealing strip according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  a tubular bag, which is equipped with a resealing strip according to the invention, 
         FIG. 3  a stand-up bag having a resealing strip according to the invention, 
         FIG. 4  a section through a resealing strip according to the invention, 
         FIG. 5  a front view of a contour of a sealing seam, 
         FIG. 6  a front view of a structured sealing seam, and 
         FIG. 7  a front view of three sealing tools, which are structured differently. 
     
    
    
     In  FIG. 1, 1  refers to packaging having an upper film  2  and a lower film  3 . 
     The lower film  3  is deep-drawn, whereas the upper film  2  lies flat and is sealed to the lower film  3  on at least three sides of the packaging. 
     On the fourth side of the packaging, a strip  4  of an additional material is laid in between the upper film  2  and the lower film  3 . The fourth side of the packaging is sealed in the region of the strip  4 . 
     In this regard, the strip  4  is disposed at a distance from the outer edge of the upper film  2  and the lower film  3 , so that the upper film  2  and/or the lower film  3  can be gripped. A distance of about ten millimeters has proven to be very easy to grip, but it can also be larger or smaller. A gripping tab can also be disposed in the gripping region. 
     It is particularly good if the surface is structured, embossed and/or provided with a soft-touch effect in the gripping region of the gripping tab. In this way, grippability is significantly improved. 
     TPE, TPU or PA material can be used, for example, for the soft-touch effect. Imprints or addition of additives is/are also conceivable. 
     The use of partial coatings and/or imprints is conceivable for this. 
     The strip  4  consists of a generally at least three-layer material having a first support layer  5 , an adhesion layer  6 , and a second support layer  7  that follows the adhesion layer  6 . 
     Adhesion-imparting agents can be provided between the individual layers. 
     If the packaging is now supposed to be opened, the composite of the strip  4  is torn apart. It separates between one of the support layers  5  or  7  and the adhesion layer  6 , or also in the adhesion layer  6 , depending on how the structure is designed, in particular depending on whether the structure is symmetrical or asymmetrical. 
     The tightly sealed packaging is therefore open. 
     If the packaging is now supposed to be sealed again, the strip  4  is pressed together again. The adhesion layer  6  adheres to the support layer  5  or  7  once again. 
     The upper film  2  and the lower film  3  consist, for example, of PE, PP, PET, ionomers, Surlyn, PLA, polyester, mixtures and/or blends of these, at least at their inner sides, which face one another. In this regard, LDPE, LLDPE, metallocene-catalyzed variants, copolymers, for example with EVA, EMA, etc., are conceivable. In the case of PP, homo and Co-PP as well as blends and copolymers are conceivable. 
     Likewise, PET, co-PET are conceivable. 
     Barrier layers and further layers composed of other polymers are conceivable. For example, layers of PA, EVOH or the like can be provided. 
     The composite of the strip  4  must be sealable against the upper film  2  and the lower film  3 , with regard to its support layers  5  and  7 . 
     The adhesion film  6  is formed from a PSA, wherein this must also be sealable, in other words it is not allowed to be damaged during the sealing process of the strip, in such a manner that the openability and the resealing suffer. 
     By using a strip  4 , the expensive resealing material is disposed exclusively where it is needed. This can be in a seam at a side of the packaging, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment, but it is also conceivable that multiple packaging edges are equipped accordingly. 
     Furthermore, it becomes possible to also pasteurize the packaging. Any problems with migration of content substances, above all out of the adhesion layer  6 , which might occur are prevented, since the adhesion layer is restricted solely to the strip  4 . The sealing seam in the strip  4  is configured in contoured manner, according to the present exemplary embodiment, so that a projection is disposed on the outer edge, at which delamination of the strip  4  can take place more easily. 
     Also, targeted material weakening can be provided in the strip  4 , which brings about easier openability. For this purpose, cuts, perforations or the like can be used. 
     This allows wider sealing seams, and thereby the packaging is particularly leak-proof. In this way, it is also possible to produce packaging with a modified atmosphere or vacuum packaging, which must be very tightly sealed. 
     Also, in this way frozen-food packaging can be created for the first time, which can be resealed without problems. 
     Different possible contours of the sealing seams are shown in  FIG. 7 . Triangular contours are particularly preferred. 
     The sealing seam is provided with spikes, points or other projecting features in the opening direction, and thereby opening is facilitated. Delamination can be initiated particularly easily at these locations. 
     In addition, these contours can have dedicated sealing points or an additional, interrupted sealing line ahead of them. The opening process also becomes audible due to these sealing points. The opening process makes a rattling noise from sealing point to sealing point. 
     It is possible to do without additional zippers, hook-and-loop closures, adhesive labels or the like. The use of additional labels to guarantee that the packaging has not been tampered with is conceivable. 
     A further approach to improving the opening behavior is, according to the invention, the introduction of a structure into the sealing seam in the region of the strip  4 . A plurality of tear initiation points is created by such a structure, which points facilitate the opening process. 
     The structure can be provided in advance, in the strip  4 , in the lower film  3  and/or in the upper film  2 . However, it is also possible that the structure is introduced into the seam only during sealing, using a correspondingly configured sealing tool. 
     The combination of a structure and contouring is not only conceivable, but particularly advantageous. 
     According to the other exemplary embodiments, other packaging forms are also conceivable, such as, for example, stand-up bags, tubular bags (flow packs) or the like. 
     The strip  4  can be tacked to the upper film  2  and/or to the lower film  3  before the actual sealing process, for example. This tacking on can take place in a heating station, for example, wherein the strip  4  is then pressed against the respective film. 
     The strip becomes easier to guide due to being tacked on. Deviations that would lead to the sealing seam running out of the strip are prevented. 
     Furthermore, manageability is improved. Since the strip  4  is tacked on, it can be better delaminated, so that easier openability is guaranteed. 
     In this connection, it is also conceivable that tacking on takes place together with creation of the sealing seam. 
     This means that the resealable closure according to the invention can be produced on known packaging machines, which are widely in use, with only slight retrofitting. 
     In this regard, the strip  4  can be fed in along or transversely to the machine direction. 
     In this regard, the sealing seam can be delimited, at its ends, by other sealing seams that are strong, in other words cannot delaminate. In this way, it is prevented that the packaging tears when it is opened. Furthermore, in this way the resealing process can be simplified. The opening is pulled smooth at these two ends and simply pressed down. 
     Placement of barrier layers against various substances in the lower film  2 , the lower film  3  and/or in the strip  4  is conceivable. 
     A strip  4  having a barrier layer is generally structured in at least four layers. Additional adhesion-imparting agents can be provided. 
     An example of a layer structure would then be PE/adhesion-imparting agent/EVOH/PSA/PE. 
     On the other hand, the packaging has a particularly tight seal in this way, so that MAP packaging and vacuum packaging can be better implemented. 
     Furthermore, in this way sterile packaging, for example for medical uses, for example sterile packaging for the OP sector, can be efficiently created for the first time. 
     The peelable and/or resealable material can be structured in such a manner that a color change, a pattern, a structure, a text, a logo or the like becomes visible when the packaging is first opened. 
     Likewise, it is conceivable that a color change is introduced during sealing. In this way, it can be checked whether or not the sealing process was successful. 
     The additional material can have an embossing, fillers, additives, varnishes or some other feature that is structured three-dimensionally in tactile and/or optical manner, and thereby the openable sealing seam can be recognized not only optically but also in tactile manner. 
     On the basis of the strip  4 , the remainder of the packaging material can be selected to be thinner. The strip  4  absorbs the forces that occur during opening, so that the remainder of the packaging does not have to be as strong. In this manner, it is possible to save packaging material. 
     The strip  4  can be configured symmetrically or asymmetrically. It is conceivable that the respective outer layers of the strip  4  are adapted to the packaging material that follows it, so as to achieve particularly good adhesion.