Sealed single dose paper package with improved rupture opening

Abstract

A sealed single dose package (1) according to the present invention comprises: a multi-layer semi-rigid sheet (2) having a support layer (10) made of paper, paperboard or other cellulose-based material and a gas and vapor barrier layer (12); a flexible sheet (4) stacked and welded to the semi-rigid sheet (2) so as to form an inner pocket (6) for containing a dose of product; and an external cut-out (8) in the semi-rigid sheet (2) adapted to guide the rupture of the first sheet (2) when the package (1) is bent to form an opening for the escape of the product contained in the pouch (6). The package is characterized in that the barrier layer (12) has micropores (201) aligned with the outer cut-out (8). Advantageously, due to the micropores, the package always opens properly, representing the trigger point for the rupture of the semi-rigid sheet, while ensuring sufficient barrier against the passage of gases and vapors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging and in particular to the field of sealed single-dose packaging with a rupture opening of the "one-hand opening" type, ie which can be opened by bending the packaging with one hand. Background Art

[0002] These packages have become quite common due to their undisputed practicality; currently, hundreds of millions of packages of this type are sold on the market every year in many industries, for example for food products, such as sauces and other condiments, and for pharmaceutical products, such as eye drops and dermatological ointments.

[0003] In view of the massive proliferation of such packaging and the profound changes in the attitude of consumers towards issues of sustainability and environmental protection, the problem of the correct disposal of packaging after use is now particularly recognized. Such packaging is basically made of a film of plastic material, so it is now particularly valued by consumers when purchasing it. In addition, after use, it is necessary to dispose of it in different ways. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a predominantly paper, paperboard or cellulose based package which can be recycled within the paper package whilst also providing an adequate barrier to gases and vapours.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealed single-dose package with a rupture opening which meets the needs of the art while overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] This object is achieved by a sealed single-dose package with a rupture opening according to claim 1. The dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The characteristics and advantages of the package according to the invention will become more apparent from the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A sealed single-dose package according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from the front side;

[0009] Figure 2 An exemplary diagram showing a multilayer structure of a semi-rigid sheet of packaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 3 shows the front side of a semi-rigid sheet of packaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4shows the rear side of a semi-rigid sheet of packaging according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 5a to Figure 5b A further embodiment of a later, packaged semi-rigid sheet is shown;

[0013] Figures 6a to 6c Some embodiments of semi-rigid sheets of packaging are shown;

[0014] Figures 7a to 7c A further embodiment of a semi-rigid sheet of packaging is shown;

[0015] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A further embodiment of a semi-rigid sheet of packaging is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to the numbers in the accompanying table, reference numeral 1 denotes a sealed single-dose package with a rupture opening.

[0017] The package 1 comprises a semi-rigid sheet 2 defined by a peripheral edge 3 and having a rear face 2a and an opposite front face 2b, and a flexible sheet 4 having an inner face 4a and an outer face 4b. The flexible sheet 4 is superposed on the semi-rigid sheet 2 so that the inner face 4a faces the front face 2b and is welded thereto, thereby forming an inner bag 6 for containing a dose of a product, which is typically a creamy or viscous or gel-like product, such as a hand sanitizing gel.

[0018] For example, according to one embodiment, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a rectangular shape and has opposite long sides 3 ′ and opposite short sides 3 ″; the semi-rigid sheet 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the long sides 3 ′.

[0019] The semi-rigid sheet 2, for example with an overall thickness between 300-750 microns, is a multi-layer stack comprising a support layer 10 having said rear face 2a. The support layer 10, single-layer or multi-layer, is made of paper, paperboard or other materials mainly based on cellulose (i.e. at least 50% cellulose by weight). The support layer 10 has a thickness of, for example, between 250-700 microns.

[0020] Preferably, the semi-rigid sheet 2 comprises internally a barrier layer 12 suitable for providing a barrier against the passage of gases (eg oxygen) and vapours.

[0021] For example, the barrier layer 12 is a single layer or a multilayer, aluminum or EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) or a combination thereof. In the variant where the barrier layer is a multilayer, some films may be made of non-barrier materials.

[0022] Alternatively, the support layer 10 has a film coated on the face opposite to the front face 2a, wherein the coated film has barrier properties.

[0023] Alternatively, the support layer 10 is chemically treated so that it exhibits barrier properties at least on the face opposite to the rear face 2a. Alternatively, a metallized film, such as metallized PET or metallized PE, is bonded to the support layer 10, wherein the metallized side faces the paper.

[0024] On the side opposite to the back 2a, and preferably between the support layer 10 and the barrier layer 12, the semi-rigid sheet 2 also includes at least one single-layer or multi-layer intermediate layer 14, which includes an adhesive or an extruded polymer, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or other materials combined with the support layer 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the semi-rigid sheet 2 comprises a final layer 16 having said front face 2b. The final layer 16, single-layer or multi-layer, comprises polyethylene or polypropylene or solder varnish or other material suitable for welding to the flexible film 4.

[0026] The flexible sheet 4 is a multi-layer laminate comprising an inner layer having said inner face 4a. The inner layer, single or multi-layer, comprises polyethylene or polypropylene or solder varnish or other material suitable for welding to the semi-rigid membrane 2.

[0027] Externally, the flexible sheet 4 comprises an outer layer having said outer face 4b. The single-layer or multi-layer outer layer 32 comprises paper, paperboard or other material mainly based on cellulose.

[0028] In addition, the flexible sheet 4 preferably includes an intermediate layer arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer. For example, the intermediate layer of a single layer or multiple layers has barrier properties and includes aluminum or EVOH, and / or has adhesive properties with the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 32. Alternatively, the outer layer has a film coated on the face opposite to the outer surface 4b, wherein the coated film has barrier properties. According to a variant embodiment, the flexible sheet 4 does not have an intermediate layer, and the inner layer is directly in contact with the outer layer.

[0029] In general, the package 1 provides a semi-rigid sheet of paper, paperboard or other predominantly cellulose based material and a flexible sheet of paper, paperboard or other predominantly cellulose based material, which together constitute at least 60% of the total (empty) package weight.

[0030] The semi-rigid sheet 2 has a weakening, and in particular at least one cut, to allow the package to be opened. When the sealed package is bent, a controlled rupture of the semi-rigid sheet 2 is determined along the weakening, thereby determining the formation of an opening through the sheet for the product to escape.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, on the front face 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2 (i.e., the face at least partially defining the inner bag 6 in which the product is contained), there is an internal cut 20 extending along a cut direction Y, which is, for example, transverse, i.e., in the above embodiment, extends along a direction incident on the longitudinal axis X, preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] refer to Figure 2 , the internal cut 20 affects the final layer 16, but not the barrier layer 12. The internal cut 20 can be a cut through the layer, or a local deformation of the layer itself.

[0033] In one embodiment, the internal cutout 20 has a constant cross-section as the depth varies.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inner cutout 20 has a tapered cross section, wherein it has a triangular cross section with the tip pointing toward the support layer 10 .

[0035] According to the present invention, the barrier layer 12 has interruptions, ie, the barrier layer has micropores 201 of extremely small size.

[0036] Preferably, the micropores 201 are opened in all layers of the semi-rigid sheet 2 except the paper layer. Figure 2 , micropores 201 are formed in layers 14 , 12 , and 16 .

[0037] Preferably, the micro-holes 201 at least partially follow the geometry of the internal cutouts 20 .

[0038] Advantageously, the micropores 201 serve to trigger the rupture of the barrier layer 12 during bending of the package and to promote the rupture of any other elastic layers (intermediate layer 14 and final layer 16, if present) of the rigid sheet 2. In fact, unlike the paper support layer 10, the barrier layer 12 is elastic and tends to stretch rather than rupture, such as to prevent the correct opening of the package in certain circumstances. Therefore, during bending of the package, the micropores 201 ensure the propagation of the cracks of the barrier layer 12, which then opens correctly.

[0039] Preferably, the extension of the microholes 201 along the incision direction Y is at most 15 mm and the extension along the longitudinal axis X is less than 35 micrometers.

[0040] Preferably, if Figure 6a and Figure 7a As shown, micropores 201 pass through all layers of the semi-rigid sheet 2 except the paper support layer 10. For example, micropores 201 pass through the final layer 16, the barrier layer 12, and the intermediate layer 14.

[0041] In one embodiment, the micropores 201 extend in such a way that they also partially act on the paper support layer 10 .

[0042] Preferably, the micropores 201 are separated from the external environment by the interposition of a portion of the barrier layer 10, referred to as the barrier portion 101. The barrier portion 101 is thus the portion of the support layer 10 interposed between the micropores 201 of the barrier layer 12 and the external environment.

[0043] Preferably, the barrier portion 101 of the barrier layer 10 has a minimum thickness of 10 micrometers.

[0044] It should be noted that the paper constituting the support layer 10 has no barrier properties, or in any case significant barrier properties, with respect to the passage of gases and vapours. However, the extremely small size of the micropores 201 does mean that the surface of the support layer 10 (and indeed the barrier layer 12) is too small to be relevant to the shelf life of the product.

[0045] The packaging according to the invention is particularly suitable for dense fluid products, as long as they are not absorbed by the paper, paperboard or cellulose barrier layer 10. For example, the packaging according to the invention is particularly suitable for fluid products with a dynamic density between 10 and 4000 Pose (P), i.e. between 1 and 400 Poiseuille (PI).

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear face 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 has an external cutout 8 at the pocket 6, extending along a cutout direction Y, which is for example transverse, that is, in the above-described embodiment, along a direction incident on the longitudinal axis X, preferably orthogonal to this longitudinal axis. The external cutout 8 is suitable for guiding a controlled rupture of the semi-rigid sheet 2 along the cutout itself when the package 1 is bent, thereby determining an opening formed through said semi-rigid sheet for the product contained in the pocket 6 to escape.

[0047] For example, the outer cutout 8 joins two opposite points 3a, 3b of the peripheral edge 3; in the aforementioned embodiment, this means that the outer cutout extends over the entire width of the rectangular semi-rigid sheet.

[0048] According to another embodiment variant, the external cutout 8 is interrupted before the peripheral edge 3 , or it starts from one point on the peripheral edge 3 and is interrupted before reaching another point of the peripheral edge 3 .

[0049] like Figure 6a and Figure 7a As shown, the outer cutout 8 partially passes through the supporting layer 10 of the semi-rigid sheet 2.

[0050] The cutout has a depth H relative to the front face 2a, which depth can generally vary laterally along the outer cutout 8. For example, the depth is greatest in the central section of the cutout. Advantageously, such a depth variation along the cutout ensures that the opening at the rupture is controlled, thereby preventing the rupture from occurring suddenly and thus preventing the product from protruding outwards in a damaged manner.

[0051] according to Figure 6b and Figure 7b In the embodiment shown, the outer cutout 8 is aligned with the inner cutout 20 , ie they completely overlap.

[0052] according to Figure 6c and Figure 7c In the embodiment shown, the outer cutout 8 is not aligned with the inner cutout 20, ie, does not completely overlap.

[0053] In one embodiment, the outer cutout 8 has a constant cross section as the depth varies, such as Figures 6a to 6c As shown in the example, the external cutout has a rectangular or square cross-section.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outer cutout 8 has a tapered cross section, such as Figures 7a to 7c As shown in the example of , the external cutout has a triangular cross-section with the tip facing the support layer 10.

[0055] According to the present invention, the term "incision" exclusively refers to an incision causing a break in the structural continuity of the layers or films constituting the sheet.

[0056] According to another embodiment variant ( Figure 5a and Figure 5b ), in order to facilitate the bending of the package, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakened portion, which is separated from the internal cutout 20 and is preferably aligned with the internal cutout.

[0057] Preferably, the back 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakened portion; for example, the back 2a has two weakened portions 40', 40". placed side by side with the internal cutout 20. In the case where an external cutout 8 is present, the two weakened portions 40', 40" are aligned with the external cutout 8. In such an example, the external cutout 8 is interrupted before the peripheral edge 3. The depth of the weakened portion is less than or equal to the depth of the external cutout 8.

[0058] Preferably, each weakened portion consists of a cutout ( Figure 5a ). According to one embodiment variant, each weakening portion consists of a plurality of holes.

[0059] Alternatively ( Figure 5b), each weakening portion consists of a recess obtained along the peripheral edge 3 of the semi-rigid sheet 2. For example, the two recesses 42', 42" are arranged side by side with the internal cutout 20. In the case of the presence of an external cutout 8, the two recesses 42', 42" are aligned with the external cutout 8. In such an example, the external cutout 8 is interrupted before the peripheral edge 3.

[0060] Further embodiments of the invention will now be described.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the inner cutout of the supporting layer has a constant depth.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the outer cutouts of the supporting layer have a constant depth.

[0063] According to an embodiment variant of the packaging according to the invention, the semi-rigid sheet has a circular or oval or regular or mixed polygonal shape, ie composed of rectilinear and arched segments.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the external cutout 8 extends along a fold line 85, i.e. a line consisting of an ordered set of line segments oriented successively (i.e. the second end of a line segment coincides with the first end of the next line segment) and non-adjacently (i.e. a line segment and the next line segment do not belong to the same line).

[0065] In a variant embodiment, the fold line 85 comprises two lateral segments 86 of equal size and aligned with each other (i.e. one segment is located on the extension of the other segment). The fold line 85 further comprises a main line 87, which is substantially offset relative to the two lateral segments 86 and offset by two connecting segments 88, which are substantially parallel to each other and preferably substantially perpendicular to the two lateral segments 86. In other words, each connecting segment 88 connects one end of the lateral segment 86 to one end of the main line 87.

[0066] In one embodiment ( Figure 8a ), the main line 87 is a straight line segment substantially parallel to the two lateral line segments 86 and substantially perpendicular to the connecting line segment 88. In another embodiment ( Figure 8b ), the main line 87 includes two straight line segments 87', 87", which form an acute angle or an obtuse angle between the two straight line segments, that is, they are not aligned. The straight line segments 87', 87" also form an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the connecting line segment 88. In another embodiment, the main line 87 is an arc. In another embodiment variation, the fold line 85 includes two lateral line segments 86 of the same size and aligned therebetween (that is, one is located on the extension line of the other). The fold line 85 further includes an arc, preferably a semicircle, which connects one end of the first lateral line segment 86 to one end of the second lateral line segment 86. According to different embodiments, the two lateral line segments 86 and / or the connecting line segment 88 can be linear, angled or curved.

[0067] Innovatively, the packaging according to the invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art since it makes it possible to have a packaging with very little environmental impact and, in particular, recyclable together with paper, and capable of always opening itself correctly while offering an adequate barrier against the passage of gases (e.g. oxygen) and vapours.

[0068] Obviously, those skilled in the art may modify the above-described packaging to meet the attendant needs, all of which fall within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sealed single-dose package (1) with a rupture opening, comprising: A multi-layer semi-rigid sheet (2) having a rear face (2a) and an opposite front face (2b), the semi-rigid sheet (2) comprising: a support layer (10) having the rear face (2a) and made of paper, paperboard or other cellulose-based material; a barrier layer (12) adapted to provide a barrier against the passage of gases and vapors; a flexible sheet (4) having an inner face (4a) and an outer face (4b), the flexible sheet being superposed on the semi-rigid sheet (2) so that the inner face (4a) faces the front face (2b) and is welded to the front face (2b) of the semi-rigid sheet (2) to form an inner bag (6) for containing a dose of product; an external cutout (8) extending along a cutout direction (Y) formed in the rear face (2a) of the semi-rigid sheet (2), the external cutout being suitable for guiding the rupture of the first sheet (2) when the package (1) is bent, so as to form an opening for the product contained in the bag (6) to escape; It is characterized in that the barrier layer (12) has micropores (201) aligned with the external cutouts (8).

2. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the barrier layer (10), referred to as the barrier portion (101), is disposed between the micropores (201) of the barrier layer (12) and the external environment.

3. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The barrier portion (101) of the barrier layer (10) has a minimum thickness of 10 micrometers.

4. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The paper, paperboard or other cellulose based materials of the support layer (10) do not have gas and vapor barrier properties.

5. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The bag (6) contains a dense product having a dynamic density between 1 and 400 Poiseuille (PI).

6. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The micropores (201) form openings in all layers of the semi-rigid sheet (2) except the supporting layer (10).

7. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the front side (2b), at the pocket (6), the sealed single-dose package has an inner cutout (20) extending along a cutout direction (Y), wherein: The micro-holes (201) at least partially follow the geometry of the inner cutout (20).

8. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The microholes (201) have an extension along the incision direction (Y) of a maximum of 15 mm and / or an extension along a longitudinal axis (X) transverse to the incision direction (Y) of less than 35 micrometers.

9. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The outer cutout (8) partially penetrates the supporting layer (10) of the semi-rigid sheet (2).

10. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The internal cutout (20) does not cut the barrier layer (12).

11. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The outer cutout (8) is aligned with the inner cutout (20).

12. The sealed single-dose package (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The semi-rigid sheet (2) has at least one weakened portion, which is separated from the inner cutout (20) and / or the outer cutout (8) and is aligned with the inner cutout and / or the outer cutout.

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