Closure device

Abstract

A closure device for closing a bag neck comprises a flat body having a first edge and a second edge; an opening having an opening shape and arranged at a first edge of the body for receiving and holding a bag neck; and a tongue having a tongue shape and configured as a part of the flat body at the second edge; and the shape of the opening is matched with the shape of a tongue piece of another sealing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sealing device for the neck of a sealed bag. The invention also relates to a assemblies of sealing devices, and sheet-like or strip-like planar materials for manufacturing the sealing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Bags are a common material used for packaging goods. For example, bakeries typically package bread in bags. Such bags often need to be temporarily opened and then resealed to keep the contents fresh. Therefore, a sealing device is required to reseal the bag after each opening. Reusable sealing devices are known in the prior art.

[0003] For example, US Patent 5832568A discloses a strapping device integrally formed from a thin film-like flexible sheet, including a fastening portion with a hole, a narrow wrapping portion extending from one side of the fastening portion for wrapping the object to be strapped, and a hook portion formed at the end of the wrapping portion in an approximately L-shape for insertion and hooking into the hole.

[0004] However, the shape of this device leads to material waste during production; furthermore, such devices are often discarded after use as sealing devices, resulting in waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a closure device for closing a bag neck is provided, comprising a flat body having a first edge and a second edge; an opening having an opening shape and disposed at the first edge of the flat body for receiving and holding the bag neck; and a tongue having a tongue shape and configured as part of the flat body at the second edge; wherein the opening shape and the tongue shape of the other closure device are selected such that the opening can cooperate with the tongue of the other closure device. The bag can contain items that need to be kept in the bag (e.g., stored in the bag). In order to have a certain volume in the bag to hold items, the bag is typically sealed at the end near the opening. The sealed or sealable portion of the bag may be referred to as the bag neck.

[0007] The closure device includes a flat body. This flat body is typically flexible to facilitate the placement of the bag neck within the closure device or the removal of the bag neck from the closure device. The flat body also typically simplifies manufacturing because the closure device can be stamped, die-cut, laser-cut, or die-formed. The flat body has a first edge and a second edge. The flat body also typically includes two flat surfaces, such as a top surface and a bottom surface. The flat body may include a third edge and a fourth edge to preferably form a generally square flat body.

[0008] The closure device includes an opening. The opening has an open shape. The opening is arranged at a first edge in the body, allowing it to easily receive and hold the neck of the bag. Typically, when pulled or moved in a specific direction or pattern, the neck of the bag, held in the opening, can be easily pulled out of the opening. The bag can then be opened to remove the contents. As a final step, the neck of the bag can be rearranged in the same closure device so that the closure device can be reused again to close the neck of the bag in a simple manner or method.

[0009] The closure includes a tongue. The tongue has a tongue shape. The tongue is part of a flat body at a second edge. Because the tongue is part of the body and the body is flat, the tongue typically extends from the body in a plane (such as a 2D plane).

[0010] The opening shape and tongue shape of the other closure device are selected such that the opening can mate with the tongue of the other closure device. The shapes of the opening, tongue, first edge, and second edge are set such that when the opening of the closure device mates with the tongue of the other closure device in the mating state, the first edge of the closure device contacts or is adjacent to the second edge of the other closure device. This means that during production, the closure device can be created from strips or sheets in the mating state, such as by stamping, impact, laser cutting, or die cutting. Because the first and second edges of adjacent closure devices contact each other, the shapes of the opening, tongue, first edge, and second edge eliminate the need to remove material between closure devices during production. Therefore, the technical effect of the shapes of the opening, tongue, first edge, and second edge is to reduce waste in production. Furthermore, after being used as a closure device, the closure device can be mated to form a chain or even a flat surface. Advantageously, the mating closure device can then be reused as a chain or covering surface (e.g., coaster, wallpaper, etc.). Reusing the closure device after its primary use provides a further and / or also reduces material spillage.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, in an embodiment of the closure assembly, the flat bodies include printed patterns, and the printed patterns together form an image. Advantageously, this closure assembly can form a puzzle to improve the closure assembly for reuse as a puzzle. The puzzle can be reusable, for example, as wallpaper or coasters. The puzzle can be infinitely expandable. According to one aspect of the invention, in an embodiment of the closure assembly, the flat bodies together form a rope, chain, plate, or sheet. The rope or chain can be used as a necklace, etc. The plate or sheet can be used as wallpaper or coasters, etc.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the closure assembly according to an embodiment includes a protrusion and a groove. Advantageously, the closure assembly can form a flat surface, typically a large flat surface. The flat surface can be used to form a cover on a specific area. For example, the flat surface can be adhered to a wall for reuse as wallpaper, such as wallpaper in a children's room. For example, the flat surfaces can be bonded together to form a coaster. The fit of the closure, particularly when the tongue and opening of the closure are identical, can continue indefinitely.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, flat material strips, such as those laser-cut, die-cut, or stamped, produced from strips, are arranged to form a plurality of mating or non-matting closures according to the invention. In embodiments of the strips, the openings and tongues of the closures are identical.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a flat sheet of material, such as laser-cut, die-cut, or stamped, is arranged and intended to be produced from a sheet into a plurality of mating or non-matting closures according to the invention. In embodiments of the sheet, the opening and the tongue of the closure are identical.

[0015] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments In an embodiment, when a closure device mates with another closure device, a first edge of the closure device contacts, is adjacent to, or is beside a second edge of the other closure device. Placing the edges close to each other advantageously reduces waste during production. The first and second edges can be generally straight to shorten the span of contact, adjacency, or lateral contact. This shortening provides the advantage of reducing the length that needs to be cut during production.

[0016] In this embodiment, the flat body includes a profile. The profile is the outer edge or shape of the flat body. Advantageously, the opening shape is an integral part of the profile. The opening shape typically does not form a closed line, but rather an open shape.

[0017] In an embodiment, the opening is disposed at a first edge in the body and includes a notch forming in the first edge. The opening is typically an integral part of the first edge. Preferably, the opening disposed at the first edge in the body includes an opening shape forming a notch, gap, cut, or groove in the first edge for engagement with a tongue of another closure device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the tongue of the other device fits tightly into the opening. Advantageously, the tongue typically adapts to the opening and completely or entirely fills it. Advantageously, the tight fit of the tongue in the opening can result in the closure of one device relative to the other. In a further embodiment, a first edge of the closure, together with the opening, adapts to a second edge and the tongue of the other closure to secure the two closures relative to each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the opening and tongue of the other closure can mate in a plane. Making the opening and tongue mate in the same plane simplifies manufacturing. In a further embodiment, the flat body defines a plane; and this plane is the plane of the flat body. This further simplifies manufacturing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first and second edges are arranged on substantially opposite edges. Opposite edges allow a series of enclosed devices to be produced adjacent to each other, thereby optimizing production by reducing waste.

[0021] In an embodiment, the opening includes a perforation and a channel; the channel is arranged between a first edge of the flat body and the perforation to allow the bag to slide from the outside of the flat body through the channel into the perforation and vice versa. The presence of the channel between the first edge and the perforation improves the retention of the bag neck within the opening. The channel is typically narrower than the size (typically the diameter) of the perforation, causing the bag neck to slide with high friction between the outside of the bag and the perforation through the channel, and vice versa. Because the bag neck (like water) experiences high friction when held within the perforation and when sliding through the channel to the outside, the bag neck is advantageously and better retained within the perforation.

[0022] In an embodiment, the channel includes a bend, preferably a quarter bend. Besides being generally narrower than the opening, the channel may include bends or even multiple bends to advantageously increase friction as the bag neck slides through the channel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the closure device includes at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion projects into the opening and is arranged to retain the bag. As the bag neck slides from the opening and into the channel, the at least one protrusion increases the friction of the bag neck. Therefore, the at least one protrusion advantageously improves the retention of the bag neck in the opening. In a further embodiment, the protrusion advantageously projects into the opening. In a further embodiment, the protrusion is advantageously arranged near the channel for retaining the bag neck in the opening. In a further embodiment, the protrusion advantageously has a hook shape. In a further embodiment, a second protrusion projects into the opening and is advantageously arranged on the other side and adjacent to the channel for improving the retention of the bag neck in the opening.

[0024] In one embodiment, the closure device includes: a protrusion as part of a flat body; and a groove disposed in the body for receiving and / or engaging with a protrusion of another closure device. In addition to connecting the closure device to other closure devices via a tongue and an opening, this engagement of the groove and the protrusion allows engagement with two other closure devices, making the closure device advantageously adaptable to engagement with multiple other closure devices. The closure device can then engage with at least four other closure devices. The closure device is then suitable for use as a puzzle piece in a larger puzzle. In a further embodiment, the flat body includes a third edge and a fourth edge; the protrusion is disposed at the third edge; the groove is disposed at the fourth edge; and the third and fourth edges are disposed on substantially opposite edges to improve reuse as a puzzle piece.

[0025] In an embodiment, the flat body includes a surface with a printed pattern; and the printed patterns of multiple flat bodies form an image. The printing patterns of multiple flat bodies forming an image improve the closure device for reuse as puzzle pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. In an embodiment, the flat body is advantageously formed from sheet or plate material, simplifying production. In an embodiment, the opening is advantageously arranged to receive and hold the neck of a bag such as a bread bag, fruit bag, candy bag, grocery bag, fruit bag, and / or a bag containing biscuits. In an embodiment, the flat body is advantageously made of metal; such as aluminum; plastic; such as thermoplastic or bioplastic; wood, cardboard, biodegradable materials, and / or cardboard.

[0026] Brief description of the attached figures

[0027] The present invention will become clearer from the following description and the illustrations, in which: Figure 1 A schematic front view of the enclosure is shown. Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the enclosure is shown. Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the closure device is shown. Figure 4 A schematic front view of the enclosed assembly is shown. Figure 5 A schematic front view of the second enclosure is shown; Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the rear side of the second enclosure is shown; Figure 7 A front perspective view of the second closure device when holding the bag is schematically shown; and Figure 8 A schematic front view of the enclosed assembly is shown.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. In the drawings, elements corresponding to those already described may use the same reference numerals.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030]

[0031] Detailed description of the attached drawings

[0032] The following figures illustrate different embodiments in detail. These embodiments can be combined with each other to achieve enhanced or improved technical effects. These combined embodiments may be explicitly mentioned, implied, or implicit herein.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic front view of the closure device 100 is shown. The closure device includes a flat body 110, an opening 120, and a tongue 130. The flat body 110 includes a first edge 111 and a second edge 112.

[0034] The opening has an opening shape 121 and is located at a first edge of the flat body for receiving and holding the neck of the bag. The tongue has a tongue shape 131 and is formed as part of a second edge of the flat body. The tongue can extend from the second edge. The opening can cooperate with the tongue of another closure device. The tongue shape can be a tongue outline, and the opening shape can be an opening outline. The opening shape and the tongue shape are selected, set, or designed such that the opening can cooperate, fit, connect, attach, join, clamp, or hook with the tongue of another closure device.

[0035] The closure device may include a protrusion 140 and a recess 150. The protrusion is formed as part of the flat body, and the recess is disposed in the flat body for receiving and / or cooperating with a protrusion of another closure device. The flat body may include a third edge 113 and a fourth edge 114. The protrusion may be disposed at the third edge, and the recess may be disposed at the fourth edge, and the third edge and the fourth edge are generally disposed at substantially opposite edge positions.

[0036] The flat body may define a plane 115, and the flat body is generally substantially entirely located within this plane. The opening and the tongue of another closure device may cooperate with each other within this plane.

[0037] The opening may include a hole 122 and a channel 125. The hole and the channel together define the shape of the opening. The channel may be disposed between a first edge of the flat body and the hole to allow the bag to slide between the outside of the flat body and the hole through the channel. The channel may include a bend 126, preferably a quarter bend.

[0038] The closure device may include at least one protrusion 123. The at least one protrusion may extend into the opening and is typically positioned to retain the bag. The protrusion may extend into the aperture and may be positioned adjacent to the channel to retain the bag neck within the aperture. The protrusion shown has a hook-like shape. The closure device may also include a second protrusion 124. The second protrusion may also extend into the aperture. The second protrusion may be positioned on the other side of the channel and adjacent to the channel to retain the bag neck within the aperture.

[0039] The closure device may include a flat surface 117, typically forming a front surface and a rear surface on opposite sides of the flat body. The flat surfaces are typically interconnected by first, second, third, and fourth edges. The flat surface (typically the front surface) may include a printed pattern 117. When multiple closure devices cooperate, their printed patterns can collectively form an image 210, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic rear perspective view of the enclosure 100 is shown. Figure 2 The sealing device in the middle can be with Figure 1 The sealing device shown is the same.

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic front perspective view of the enclosure 100 is shown. Figure 3 The sealing device in the middle can be with Figure 1 or Figure 2 The sealing device shown is the same.

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic front view of a group 200 of closure devices is shown. The group of closure devices may include multiple identical closure devices 100. At least two closure devices, preferably all closure devices, may include printed patterns 117. The printed patterns may collectively form an image 210. Thus, the closure devices can be reused to form images, for example, as part of a puzzle. In another embodiment, the front and rear surfaces may each include printed patterns to form different images, which may require different arrangements of the closure devices.

[0043] Figure 5A schematic front view of the second sealing device 100 is shown. One difference between the second sealing device and the aforementioned sealing device is that its channel is straight. The reference numerals for the second sealing device are the same as those for the first sealing device.

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic rear perspective view of a second closure device is shown, which can be connected with... Figure 5 The sealing device shown is the same. The reference numerals for the second sealing device are the same as those for the first sealing device.

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the front side of the neck 2 of the bag 1 held in its opening 120 by the second closure device 100 is shown. The reference numerals for the second closure device are the same as those for the first closure device.

[0046] Figure 8 A schematic front view of the closure assembly 200 is shown. The closure assembly may include multiple identical closure devices 100. Each closure device may include a printed pattern 117. At least two closure devices, preferably all closure devices, may include the printed pattern 117. These printed patterns may collectively form an image 210. Thus, these closure devices can be reused to form an image, such as a part of a puzzle. In another embodiment, the back and front sides may include printed patterns for forming different images. These different images may require different arrangements of the closure devices.

[0047] It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Many more embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the spirit of the invention, and are obvious combinations of prior art and the contents of this patent disclosure. Devices that functionally form separate apparatuses can be integrated into a single physical device.

[0048] The term "substantially," as in "substantially all emissions" or "substantially constitutes," will be understood by those skilled in the art. The term "substantially" may also include embodiments having connotations such as "complete," "entire," "all," etc. Therefore, the adjective "substantially" may be removed in embodiments. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also refer to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, particularly 99% or higher, even more particularly 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term "comprising" also includes embodiments where the term "comprising" signifies "consisting of."

[0049] The term "functionally" will be understood and clear to those skilled in the art. The terms "substantially" and "functionally" may also include embodiments with connotations of "complete," "full," "all," etc. Therefore, in embodiments, the adjective "functionally" may also be omitted. When used, for example in "functionally parallel," those skilled in the art will understand that the adjective "functionally" includes the term "substantially" as explained above. In particular, "functionally" should be understood to include configurations that allow these features to function as if the adjective "functionally" were not present. The term "functionally" is intended to cover variations of the feature it refers to, and these variations enable that, in the functional use of that feature, it may be combined with other features associated with it in the invention, and that combination of features is operable or functioning. For example, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, the received electromagnetic signals received by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word "functionally," such as when used, for example, in "functionally parallel," is used to cover exact parallelism, but also includes embodiments covered by the term "substantially" as explained above. For example, "functionally parallel" refers to embodiments that function as if the components were parallel. This covers embodiments that are clear to those skilled in the art to function within their intended area of ​​use, as if they were parallel.

[0050] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, etc., in the description and claims are used to distinguish similar elements, and not necessarily to describe the order or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms thus used are interchangeable where appropriate, and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in orders other than those described or illustrated herein. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the time or other priority of such elements.

[0051] The apparatus or device described herein is among others that are used during operation. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to the method of operation or the apparatus used in operation.

[0052] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any reference signs placed between parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The use of the verbs “comprising” and “including” and their variant forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. Furthermore, the use of delimiting phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed as implying that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim element to an invention containing only one such element, even if the same claim includes the delimiting phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an”. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0053] This invention can be implemented by hardware comprising several different elements and by a computer appropriately programmed. In the device or apparatus claims listing several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same hardware item. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that these measures cannot be combined for an advantageous purpose.

[0054] The present invention is also applicable to apparatus or devices that include one or more distinguishing features described in the description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention also relates to methods or processes that include one or more distinguishing features described in the description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0055] The aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not imply that these measures cannot be combined for an advantageous purpose. Furthermore, some features can form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A closing device (100) for closing the neck (2) of a bag (1), comprising: A flat body (110) includes a first edge (111) and a second edge (112). An opening (120) having an opening shape (121) and disposed at a first edge of the flat body for receiving and holding the neck of the bag; as well as The tongue (130) has a tongue shape (131) and is formed as part of the flat body at the second edge; The shape of the opening and the shape of the tongue of the other closure device are selected such that the opening can cooperate with the tongue of the other closure device.

2. The sealing device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The flat body includes a contour, and the shape of the opening forms an integral part of the contour.

3. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening is located at the first edge of the flat body, and the opening forms a notch in the first edge.

4. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tongue of the other sealing device fits tightly with the opening.

5. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When in conjunction with the other closure device, the first edge contacts, is adjacent to, or is located beside the second edge of the other closure device.

6. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flat body defines a plane (115), and The opening and the tongue of the other closing device can cooperate with each other in a plane (115), preferably in the plane of the flat body.

7. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first edge and the second edge are positioned at substantially opposite edge locations.

8. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening includes a hole (122) and a channel (125), and The channel is disposed between the first edge of the flat body and the hole to allow the bag to slide from the outside of the flat body to the hole, or from the hole to the outside of the flat body, via the channel.

9. The sealing device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The channel includes a bend (126), preferably a quarter bend.

10. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The closure device includes at least one protrusion (123) that extends into the opening and is configured to retain the bag.

11. The sealing device according to the preceding claims and also referring to claim 8, wherein, The protrusion extends into the hole.

12. The sealing device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The protrusion is positioned adjacent to the channel to retain the bag neck within the opening.

13. The closure device according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein, The protrusion has a hook-like shape.

14. The closure device according to any one of claims 12-13, wherein, A second protrusion (124) extends into the opening and is positioned on the other side of the channel and adjacent to the channel to hold the bag neck in the opening.

15. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, include: A protrusion (140) is formed as part of the flat body; as well as A groove (150) is provided in the flat body for receiving and / or cooperating with a protrusion of another closure device.

16. The sealing device according to the preceding claim, wherein, The flat body includes a third edge (113) and a fourth edge (114), wherein the protrusion is disposed at the third edge, the groove is disposed at the fourth edge, and the third edge and the fourth edge are disposed at substantially opposite edge positions.

17. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flat body includes a surface (116) having a printed pattern (117), and the printed patterns of a plurality of the flat bodies together form an image (210).

18. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flat body is formed of a sheet material, such as a flat plate or sheet.

19. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening is configured to receive and hold the neck of a bread bag, fruit bag, and / or biscuit bag.

20. The sealing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flat body is made of plastic, such as thermoplastic, cardboard, and / or sheet.

21. A sealing device assembly (200), characterized in that, It includes a plurality of closure devices as claimed in claim 17, and the plurality of closure devices together form an image (210).

Images