Multi-layer bag packaging and continuous tubular elements for making said packaging

Abstract

A multi-layer bag packaging (1) is formed of a tubular element (100) defined by a continuous web (101) of multi-layer material, the web (101) extending in a longitudinal direction (A) and having longitudinally sealed partitions (9) generally parallel to the longitudinal direction (A); the web (101) includes: an inner layer (3) adapted to contact the product to be stored; at least one intermediate layer (4) at least partially adhered to the inner layer (3); an outer layer (5) adhered to the intermediate layer (4); the web (101) having at least one partially non-adhesive partition (6) between the inner layer (3) and the intermediate layer (4); the partially non-adhesive partition (6) is defined by a plurality of different non-adhesive regions (7) in which the inner layer (3) is not adhered to the intermediate layer (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-layer bag packaging specifically designed to contain a product according to technical solution 1, which may be in liquid, semi-liquid, powder, granular, non-stick form or obtained from a mixture of multiple components (each component being in one of these states).

[0002] This packaging is particularly suitable for products stored in the food and chemical processing industries, or more broadly for products whose packaging needs to be protected from external factors such as atmospheric oxygen and moisture.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a continuous tubular element for manufacturing such packaging. Background Technology

[0004] Large industrial bags with gusseted corners (typically 3 to 25 kg) for packaging products are well known in the art. These bags are formed from multiple layers of laminated webs. Typically, the web includes a sealed inner layer made of polyethylene, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, etc. This inner layer is intended to come into contact with the product to be packaged during use.

[0005] The inner layer is bonded to a more rigid outer layer, which can be made of materials such as nylon (biaxially oriented or non-biaxially oriented). For example, an intermediate layer made of polyester or metallized polyester is disposed between the outer and inner layers and is completely adhered to both.

[0006] In use, the multi-layer bag packaging discussed above is handled by pallets and stored by stacking them one on top of another.

[0007] Examples of the above-mentioned types of packaging are disclosed in US 2018 / 072463 A1 and US 2012 / 269466.

[0008] Problems with existing technology

[0009] Unfortunately, this type of packaging is prone to tearing during handling and stacking due to the air inside the bag (which can cause the packaging to break under pressure). Summary of the Invention

[0010] Objective of the present invention

[0011] Therefore, the technical objective of this invention is to provide a multi-layer bag packaging that can eliminate the aforementioned defects of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, one objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-layer bag packaging that can limit the risk of tearing.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-layer bag packaging capable of limiting product loss (even as a result of accidental tearing).

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a package that can maintain or improve airtightness by improving tear resistance.

[0015] The aforementioned technical objectives and goals are largely achieved through multi-layer bag packaging formed by the continuous tubular elements defined in technical solution 1.

[0016] Advantages of the present invention

[0017] Specifically, the continuous tubular element is defined by a continuous web of multilayered material extending longitudinally and a longitudinal sealing zone that is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The web includes:

[0019] - The inner layer is made of a heat-sealable material suitable for contact with the product to be stored;

[0020] - At least one intermediate layer that is at least partially adhered to the inner layer;

[0021] - The outer layer that adheres to the middle layer.

[0022] The web also has at least one partially non-adhesive zone between the inner layer and the intermediate layer. The partially non-adhesive zone is defined by multiple distinct non-adhesive regions in which the inner layer does not adhere to the intermediate layer.

[0023] The packaging according to the invention comprises a covering formed from sections of a continuous tubular element as defined in technical claim 1. The covering is defined by a pair of cut lines transverse to and particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the web extension.

[0024] The cover has a bottom defined by a first transverse sealing section located at a first cut line and a top defined by a second transverse sealing section located at a second cut line. The cover is airtightly sealed by the transverse sealing sections and the longitudinal sealing sections.

[0025] The packaging described above solves the technical problem. The presence of partially non-adhesive zones provides additional puncture resistance and thus reduces the likelihood of tearing upon puncture. Furthermore, even if the packaging is actually torn, tear propagation stops when it encounters the non-adhesive areas. Therefore, tears will remain small, limiting product loss.

[0026] Finally, it should be noted that because the non-adhesive areas are separate and divided by the fully adhesive areas, air cannot penetrate the outer edges into the package. Therefore, the airtightness of the packaging remains unaffected. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the illustrative, non-exclusive description of the preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of the multi-layer bag packaging shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the multi-layer bag packaging of the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 2 It is used to form Figure 1 A plan view of the multi-layered packaging material;

[0030] - Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the multi-layer bag packaging of the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 4 It is used to form Figure 3 A plan view of the multi-layered packaging material;

[0032] - Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and Figure 4 Enlarged view of the details of the fabric;

[0033] - Figure 6 yes Figure 2 and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the web material; and

[0034] - Figure 7 It is used for making Figure 1 and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the tubular components of the packaging. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates the multi-layer bag packaging of the present invention.

[0036] As used herein, “bag” refers to a flexible and / or deformable covering designed to contain a product, which may be in liquid, semi-liquid, powder, granular, non-stick form or derived from a mixture of multiple components (each component being in one of these states).

[0037] Packaging 1 is designed to contain products from the chemical or food processing industries, but can also be intended for different uses.

[0038] First, it should be noted that the packaging 1, including the covering 2, is formed by a tubular element 100, which is defined by a multilayer web 101, as specifically in Figure 7 As illustrated schematically.

[0039] The tubular element 100 extends continuously (meaning its length is much greater than its width) to provide a large number of packages 1 from a single tubular element 100 by means of a continuous process.

[0040] The process of forming package 1 from tubular element 100 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further below. It should be noted that since package 1 is obtained directly from tubular element 100, the features discussed with reference to web 101 are to be understood to refer to package 1 equally where applicable, and for this reason, the corresponding elements on web 101 and cover 2 will be labeled with the same reference numerals below.

[0041] For reference here Figure 2 and Figure 4 It should be noted that the web 101 extends continuously along the longitudinal direction “A”. The longitudinal sealing section 9 is generally parallel to the longitudinal direction “A” and joins the two opposite edges 102 of the web 101.

[0042] The web 101 includes an inner layer 3, which is adapted to contact the product, such as food, to be stored in the package 1. The inner layer 3 is adapted to be sealed or heat-sealed, and may be made of, for example, linear polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), cast polypropylene, etc., preferably polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0043] The web 101 also includes at least one intermediate layer 4, which is partially adhered to the inner layer 3. In particular, the intermediate layer 4 is bonded to the inner layer 3 by an adhesive. The intermediate layer 4 may be made of aluminum, polyester, nylon (biaxially oriented or non-biaxially oriented), or other materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] The outer layer 5 is adhered to the middle layer 4. The outer layer 5 is designed to resist the corrosive effects of atmospheric and environmental factors (such as oxygen and moisture) to isolate and preserve the contents of the packaging 1. For example, the outer layer 5 may be made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide / nylon (PA), or polyester (PET).

[0045] It should be noted that in alternative embodiments not shown herein, the web 101 may include any number of additional intermediate layers disposed between the intermediate layer 4 and the outer layer 5.

[0046] For the purposes of this invention, the thickness of layers 3, 4, and 5 constituting the web 101 is not limited, but the inner layer 3 is generally thicker than the other layers. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the inner layer 3 ranges from 100 to 200 micrometers, the thickness of the middle layer 4 ranges from 6 to 30 micrometers, and the thickness of the outer layer 5 ranges from approximately 10 to 50 micrometers.

[0047] Special Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4It should be noted that the web 101 has at least one partially non-adhesive partition 6 between the inner layer 3 and the intermediate layer 4. This partially non-adhesive partition 6 is defined by a plurality of different non-adhesive regions 7.

[0048] In each non-adhesive region 7, the inner layer 3 is not adhered to the intermediate layer 4. Advantageously, this partial absence of adhesion can prevent and / or limit tearing.

[0049] More specifically, it should be noted that the non-adhesive region 7 of each non-adhesive section 6 is closed. The non-adhesive region 7 is also separated by adhesive regions 8, in which the inner layer 3 is completely adhered to the intermediate layer 4. The adhesive regions 8 of each non-adhesive section 6 are continuous, meaning that any two points in the adhesive regions 8 can be connected by at least one path that does not intersect with any of the non-adhesive regions 7. Advantageously, once the package 1 has been closed and sealed, this prevents external air from entering the package 1.

[0050] It should be noted that the distance between each pair of adjacent non-adhesive regions 7 is at least 0.5 mm.

[0051] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 It should be noted that the web 101 has at least one pair of fully adhesive sections 10 in which the inner layer 3 of the web 101 is fully adhered to the intermediate layer 4. These fully adhesive sections 10 are formed substantially on the sides of the web 101 and along its entire length, extending parallel to the longitudinal direction “A”. In other words, the fully adhesive sections 10 are in the form of uniform longitudinal strips. During processing, the fully adhesive sections 10 are joined together to define the longitudinal sealing section 9 of the tubular element 100. Advantageously, the use of fully adhesive sections 10 for this purpose imparts greater rigidity to the longitudinal sealing section 9.

[0052] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an additional fully adhesive section 11 can be formed at the center of the web 101, preferably but not necessarily equidistant from the fully adhesive section 10, and having a similar shape. Advantageously, the additional fully adhesive section 11 allows for the mounting of a valve 12, known per se, on the cover 2. In particular, the valve 12 is inserted into the additional fully adhesive section 11.

[0053] It should be noted that if there is an additional fully adhered partition 11, such as Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment, the web 101 has two partially non-adhesive zones 6, each partially non-adhesive zone 6 being disposed between a corresponding fully adhesive zone 10 and an additional fully adhesive zone 11. When the valve 12 is not required, the additional fully adhesive zone 11 can be omitted. Here, as... Figure 4As shown, the web 101 will have a single partially non-adhesive partition 6 configured between fully adhesive partitions 10.

[0054] Particular reference is made to the corresponding exemplary package 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 3 It should be noted that the aforementioned package 2 is formed from segments 103 of a continuous tubular element 100. In particular, the cover 2 is defined by a pair of cut lines 13, which are transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal direction “A” of the web 101. At the cut lines 13, the web 101 is sealed, thereby defining a first transverse sealing section 15 and a second transverse sealing section 14.

[0055] More specifically, the cover 2 has a bottom 16 defined by a first transverse sealing section 15. The cover 2 also has a top 17 defined by a second transverse sealing section 14. It should be noted that the cover 2 is airtightly sealed by the transverse sealing sections and the longitudinal sealing sections 9.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the non-adhesive regions 7 have a circular shape, and their characteristic dimensions correspond to their diameter. Preferably, each non-adhesive region 7 has a diameter of 0.5 to 30 mm.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the feature size corresponds to the maximum longitudinal extension of the non-adhesive region 7, "A".

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, once completed, the covering 2 has a roughly parallelepiped shape, specifically having a front wall 18, a rear wall 19, and two side walls 20. A pair of longitudinal folds 21 are respectively disposed on the corresponding side walls 20, i.e., at approximately the center. The longitudinal folds 21 extend approximately parallel to the longitudinal "A".

Claims

1. A continuous tubular element (100) for producing multi-layer bag packaging (1), said tubular element (100) being defined by a continuous web (101) of multi-layer material extending in a longitudinal direction (A) and having a longitudinal sealing section (9) substantially parallel to said longitudinal direction (A), said web (101) comprising: The inner layer (3) is suitable for contacting the product to be stored; At least one intermediate layer (4) is at least partially adhered to the inner layer (3); The outer layer (5) is adhered to the intermediate layer (4); The feature is that the web (101) has at least one partially non-adhesive partition (6) between the inner layer (3) and the intermediate layer (4); the partially non-adhesive partition (6) is defined by a plurality of different non-adhesive regions (7) in which the inner layer (3) does not adhere to the intermediate layer (4).

2. The tubular element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-adhesive area (7) of each non-adhesive partition (6) is closed and separated by an adhesive area (8), in which the inner layer (3) is completely adhered to the middle layer (4) of the web (101).

3. The tubular element (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adhesive region (8) of each non-adhesive partition (6) is continuous.

4. The tubular element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each non-adhesive region (7) has a circular shape.

5. The tubular element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each non-adhesive region (7) has a feature size of 0.5 to 30 mm.

6. The tubular element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between each pair of adjacent non-adhesive regions (7) is at least 0.5 mm.

7. The tubular element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The web (101) has at least one pair of fully adhesive partitions (10), in which the inner layer (3) is fully adhered to the intermediate layer (4), and the fully adhesive partitions (10) are formed at the edge (102) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (A).

8. The tubular element (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The web (101) includes an additional fully adhesive section (11) equidistant from the fully adhesive section (10), and the tubular element (100) includes a valve (12) placed on the additional fully adhesive section (11).

9. A multi-layer bag package (1) comprising a cover (2) formed from a segment (103) of a continuous tubular element (100) as claimed in claim 1, the cover (2) being defined by a pair of cut lines (13) extending transversely to and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (A) of the web (101), the cover (2) having a bottom (16) defined by a first transverse sealing partition (15) located at a first cut line and a top (17) defined by a second transverse sealing partition (14) located at a second cut line, the package (1) being hermetically sealed by the first transverse sealing partition (15), the second transverse sealing partition (14) and the longitudinal sealing partition (9).

Images