Closure device for flexible package, flexible package having closure device, and method for producing package having closure device

Abstract

The invention relates to a closing device for closing an open side of a flexible package. The closing device comprises a blank of material provided with two creases, an attachment surface, a reclosable closing surface and a non-adhesive surface. The attachment surface is provided with an adhesive for attaching the flexible package to the first outer wall. The attachment surface is located between a first flank and a first fold of the closure device. The non-tacky surface of the closure device is located between a second fold and a second flank of the closure device, and an adhesive is disposed on the reclosable closure surface between the first fold and the second fold. The closing surface, which is equal to or smaller than the non-adhesive surface in size, is arranged to be detachably attached to a second outer wall of the flexible package through the open side of the flexible package in a closed position and to the non-adhesive surface of the closing device in the closed position. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible package equipped with a closing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a closing device for a flexible package, by means of which the flexible package can be closed or reclosed after opening. The invention also relates to a flexible package with a closing device and a method for producing a flexible package with a closing device. Background Art

[0002] Flexible packages, such as bags made of paper and fiber materials, are usually closed by adhesive areas, such as with glue, by ultrasonic sealing or by heat sealing. When the package is opened, the different parts of the package are separated from each other mechanically, such as by pulling the parts apart in a direction transverse to the seam, or, in the case of flaps, by tearing the flaps off the package on the side of the package seal. Aluminum foil packages, such as peanut bags, can be opened, for example, by tearing off the material area of ​​the bag top over the entire width of the bag top. Plastic packages, such as candy bags, can be opened in a similar manner to aluminum foil bags, i.e., by tearing off the material area of ​​the bag top over the entire width of the bag top, or tearing off a corner of the bag, or by pulling the front and back of the bag in opposite directions, thereby opening the seam formed by the adhesive or other adhesive area of ​​the bag top by separating from at least one surface.

[0003] A problem with many conventional flexible packages is that, once opened, they cannot be closed again without a separate closure device. However, for many products contained in the package, closure is advantageous, for example, ensuring better preservation of food products while preventing the material contained in the opened package (e.g. a handbag or backpack) from accidentally leaking out of the package and contaminating the environment. The package top of some foil bags or plastic packages includes a closure structure that can be resealed by pressure, such as based on Minigrip R The so-called zipper closure of the packaging technology, i.e., the first inner wall of the package has a double groove and the second inner wall has a single groove. This structure is closed by pressing the single groove between the double grooves. However, the material of this solution is usually non-biodegradable plastic and is not preferred or suitable for every material type, such as paper bags, due to its poor tensile strength. RTechnical closures already exist, but such materials can also affect fiber recovery. Of course, these closures can be removed from recyclable packaging by tearing or cutting them off before recycling, but this involves extra work. Flexible packaging can also include a reclosable tape strip, seal, or adhesive strip or adhesive line that is attached to one of the inner walls, or in bag structures with flaps, attached to the outer wall of the package and the flap to be attached to the outer wall. In structures with tape and adhesive strips, reclosing solutions may involve the problem that since the adhesive structure is not protected when the bag is opened, material from the environment or the contents of the bag may accumulate on the tape or adhesive strip and prevent or hinder its reclosing. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide and propose a new closure device for a flexible bag, a flexible package with a closure device and a method for manufacturing a flexible bag with a closure device. The scope of different embodiments of the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Some additional features are defined by the dependent claims. The embodiments, examples and possible features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples that help understand different embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0006] Figure 1a A package closure device according to one embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional side view of the package and closure device, when the closure device is attached to the flexible package and in an open position;

[0007] Figure 1b The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 1a The packaging and closing device are in a closed position, thereby closing the flexible packaging;

[0008] Figure 2a A package closure device according to one embodiment is shown in a side view of the package and closure device, with the closure device attached to the flexible package and in an open position;

[0009] Figure 2b The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 2a The packaging and closing device are in a closed position, thereby closing the flexible packaging;

[0010] Figure 3a shows a flexible package closed by a closure device according to one embodiment and seen from the direction of the surface opposite to the surface to which the closure device is attached;

[0011] Figure 3b Shown when the package is open and the closure is in the open position Figure 3a Flexible packaging;

[0012] Figure 3c Shown when the package is closed and the closure device is in the closed position Figure 3a Flexible packaging;

[0013] Figure 4 A method for manufacturing a paper package according to the present invention is shown in a flow chart;

[0014] Figure 5 A package closure device according to one embodiment is shown in a side view of the package and closure device, when the closure device is attached to a flexible package;

[0015] Figure 6a A closing device for a flexible package according to one embodiment is shown, the flexible package comprising different surface materials on the closing surface, viewed from the direction of the closing surface,

[0016] Figure 6b Shown according to Figure 6a A perspective view of a closing device for a flexible package,

[0017] Figure 6c The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 6a a closure device and a flexible package, wherein the closure device is attached to the flexible package but is not placed in a closed or open position;

[0018] Figure 6d The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 6c Packaging and Figure 6a , 6b a closing device, wherein the closing device is in a closed position and closes the flexible package and its open side;

[0019] Figure 6e The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 6c Packaging and Figure 6a , 6b a closing device, wherein the closing device is in an open position and opens the flexible package and its open side;

[0020] Figure 7a A closure device for a flexible package according to one embodiment is shown, the closure device being equipped with a gripping flap, the flexible package comprising different surface materials on the closure surface, seen from the direction of the closure surface,

[0021] Figure 7b Shown is the view from the end of the closure Figure 7a The closure device for a flexible package shown,

[0022] Figure 7c The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 7a , 7b a closure device and a flexible package, wherein the closure device is attached to the flexible package but is not placed in a closed or open position;

[0023] Figure 7d The cross-sectional side view shows Figure 7a , 7b Closing device and Figure 7c a flexible package, wherein the closing device is in a closed position and closes the flexible package and its open side;

[0024] Figure 7e The previous view shows Figure 7a , 7b Closing device and Figure 7c and 7d Flexible packaging;

[0025] Figure 8 shows a front view of a closure device attached to a flexible package according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9a A closing device for a flexible package according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 9b shows the attachment to the flexible package Figure 9a Closing device;

[0028] Fig.10a The structure of a flexible package equipped with a closing device according to one embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional side view;

[0029] Fig.10b It shows that Fig.10a A cross-sectional side view of a flexible package equipped with a closure device is shown before the flexible package is opened, the openable side being heat sealed;

[0030] Fig.10c It shows that Fig.10b A cross-sectional side view of the flexible package shown equipped with a closing device after the flexible package has been opened;

[0031] Fig.10d It shows that Fig.10c a cross-sectional side view of the flexible package shown equipped with the closing device after the flexible package has been reclosed; and

[0032] Fig.11 A front view of a flexible package according to one embodiment is shown, the flexible package being equipped with a reinforcement and a closing device, the closing device and the reinforcement being attached to the package and the package being in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As already mentioned in the background of the present invention, flexible packaging, such as paper, plastic or aluminum foil packaging and bags, is usually closed by adhesive areas such as glue, by ultrasonic sealing or by heat sealing. When the packaging is opened, the different parts of the packaging, the most common being the relative walls, are mechanically separated from each other, such as by pulling the wall apart in a direction transverse to the seam, so that the seam at the bag top formed by glue or other adhesive areas is opened by separating from at least one surface, or alternatively, the seam is separated. If it is a flexible packaging with fins, then the packaging can be opened by removing the fins from the wall it seals. In this application, wall refers to the wall defining the packaging, or a part of the wall. Some flexible packaging, such as peanut bags made of aluminum foil, can also be opened, such as by tearing off the material area of ​​the bag top on the whole width of the bag top. Plastic packaging, such as candy bags, can be opened in a similar manner, namely by tearing off the material area of ​​the bag top on the whole width of the bag top, or by removing the material area of ​​the bag corner.

[0034] Therefore, a problem with many flexible packages is that, after opening, they cannot be closed again without a separate closing device, such as a plastic or metal clip or clamp, or a closing device that contains a metal wire and is used by twisting or clamping the parts together. However, it is preferred to close the opened package to ensure that the product (e.g. food) contained in the package is better preserved and cleaner, while keeping the product packaged in a bag. Reclosable flexible packages also increase the possibility of reusing the flexible package and reduce the necessity of moving the product in the package to another package after opening the package.

[0035] Indeed, there are reclosable flexible packages that are provided with a flap and a sticky surface that is spaced, for example, 15 mm from the top edge of the bag. One reason for the spacing may be to prevent fingers from coming into contact with the sticky surface when the bag is opened. One problem with this solution is that the bag is not tightly closed by the flap, since a 15 mm gap is left at the corner after the flap is fastened with the adhesive. Moreover, the sticky surface usually comprises a separate strip, such as a paper or plastic strip, to be pulled off the sticky surface in order to protect the adhesive before the sticky surface is used. After the sticky surface is used, the unprotected sticky surface is also exposed to dirt when the package is opened.

[0036] Therefore, there is a need for a cheap, non-polluting closing device, i.e. a closing solution, which is easy to use and closes and recloses flexible packages in a reliable manner. The closing device according to the present invention is intended to close and reclose flexible packages, such as paper, plastic or aluminum foil packages and bags, as well as flexible packages made of other flexible materials, or other packages, containers and bags suitable for closing with the closing device according to the present invention. Therefore, there is no restriction on the material of the flexible package closed by the closing device according to the present invention, because the closing device is suitable for bags of various fiber materials, plastics and foils, and in some cases, for cardboard packages. Moreover, many fiber materials that are being or will be developed may be suitable for use as materials for closing devices and flexible bags. However, it should be noted that the closing device according to the present invention is a particularly advantageous solution for use in flexible packages made of recyclable fiber materials (i.e. mainly recyclable paper), and in particular when the closing device is made of the same material as the flexible package, because the plastic closing device does not interfere with or prevent the recyclability of the flexible package provided with the closing device. According to current research, paper can be recycled many times, if necessary, up to 10 times, which further proves that paper is a preferred choice as a flexible packaging material. The same applies to cardboard, since cardboard is a biodegradable material that can be recycled several times, even 25 times. On the other hand, for hygiene reasons, food manufacturers prefer or may prefer to use virgin fibers in packaging that comes into direct contact with food, such as moist or fatty foods, such as chocolate. Furthermore, it should be remembered that material recycling is more preferred than material composting. Therefore, it is highly environmentally friendly and preferred to recycle the fibers in flexible fiber packaging for recycling and reuse until the mechanical properties of the fibers weaken, rather than for composting.

[0037] The closure device according to the invention comprises a material blank having at least two folds. An attachment surface is provided between the first flank of the closure device and the first fold, on which a first adhesive coating (i.e. a thermosetting adhesive) is applied for attaching the closure device to the outer wall of the flexible package. If the adhesive coating is provided on the closing surface of the closure device, i.e. on the surface facing the opening of the closure device when the closure device closes the package, the first flank faces away from the open side (i.e. the mouth of the bag) and downwards. If the adhesive coating is provided on the surface opposite to the closing surface of the closure device, the first flank faces the mouth of the bag and upwards.

[0038] Between the first fold and the second fold, the closing device includes a reclosable closing surface. The non-adhesive surface is arranged between the second fold and the second wing of the closing device. The non-adhesive surface can be composed of, for example, silicone or any other suitable material. A second adhesive coating is applied on the reclosable surface, which is composed of, for example, an adhesive that does not permanently adhere when the reclosable closing surface and the non-adhesive surface are folded relative to each other in the open position. Through the adhesive on the reclosable closing surface, the closing device is detachably attached to the outer wall of the flexible package opposite to the fastening surface through the open side of the flexible package in the closed position to close the flexible package. In other words, when the closing surface is detachably attached to the non-adhesive surface (i.e., the so-called release layer), the closing device is considered to be open, i.e., folded, and the closing device does not close the package. In the present application, the term fold includes the position where the closing device is folded, or its foldable position or the position where it is intended to be folded in use. In conjunction with the present application, flexible packaging and carbon packaging can also be referred to by the term "packaging" alone.

[0039] Among the flexible packages that can be closed by the closing device according to the invention, paper packages are packages made of paper or a combination of paper and other materials, i.e. laminates. The grammage of paper grades is usually below 250 g / m 2 , less than 180g / m 2 Or less than 125g / m 2 , for example 20 to 250 g / m 2 , 40 to 180 g / m 2 or 60 to 125 g / m 2 . The paper used in flexible packaging is preferably recyclable, but may also be compostable or biodegradable. However, the term recyclable flexible paper packaging refers only to flexible packaging made from recyclable paper. Although paper packaging is usually made from wood fibers or other plant fibers, the material may also contain other fibers. Therefore, the raw materials for recyclable flexible paper packaging materials include wood-based or cellulose-based and other plant fibers. The raw materials for compostable or biodegradable flexible packaging materials also include biodegradable synthetic fibers.

[0040] The laminate for paper packaging can include two or more material layers, one of which is usually composed of paper. In other words, the laminate can include, for example, a layer of paper and another layer of another material, or, for example, three different layers, wherein one layer includes paper and the other two layers include other materials. The appropriate order of each layer in the laminate can be selected according to the purpose. Usually, paper constitutes the outermost layer of the laminate. One or more layers of the laminate can include fibrous material. As fibrous material, paper or other fibrous materials based on wood or pulp can be used, such as wood fiber or nonwoven material. However, preferably, any non-recyclable fibrous material used in the laminate is biodegradable or compostable. One or more layers of the laminate can also include materials based on wood or pulp except the fibrous material, such as film material. Cellulose film can also be used as film material, and plastics can be used as the layer in the laminate. The plastics used in the laminate can be selected from the group consisting of the following: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bio-based and / or biodegradable plastics, such as polycaprolactone (PLC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactide (PLA) and their combination. Preferably, the paper plastic laminate comprises paper and biodegradable plastics, which ensures the compostability of packaging, and particularly advantageously paper and polylactide (PLA). Each layer of the laminate can comprise a biodegradable or compostable barrier material made by water dispersion technology and not comprising plastics. If the barrier layer is the innermost layer (the layer remaining in the packaging) in the laminate, it is preferably heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable. Paper packaging can also be made by the laminate comprising paper and heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable material. The packaging can also be made of a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable paper-plastic laminate, or a laminate comprising paper and a biodegradable or compostable barrier material made by water dispersion technology, the barrier material not comprising plastic, or the paper packaging can be made of a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable biodegradable paper-plastic laminate (e.g., paper polylactide (PLA) laminate). The heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable laminate can also comprise paper and a biodegradable or compostable barrier material made by water dispersion technology (so-called paper barrier laminate).

[0041] The plastic packaging can be composed of, for example, polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) film or another plastic packaging material (preferably a recyclable plastic packaging material) suitable for packaging the material in question. Aluminum foil packaging is generally an aluminum-plastic composite vacuum packaging bag. Such bags are suitable for vacuum, moisture-proof and light-proof packaging of, for example, coffee, large precision machinery, chemical raw materials and pharmaceutical intermediates.

[0042] The blank material, the so-called substrate material, for closing and reclosing the closure device of the flexible package according to the invention can be selected depending on the material of the flexible package. It can be the same material as the material of the flexible package to which the closure device is attached, or a different material. Thus, it can be, for example, paper, plastic, a recyclable or compostable fiber material, or a compostable foil or foil material, i.e. a film or film material, such as NatureFlex TM etc., or it may be made of a single area of ​​a single material, or may consist of multiple strips of different materials (e.g. paper and paperboard), whereby the blank comprises several different materials. Examples include the following flexible packages provided with closures: recyclable flexible paper packages with paper closures; flexible paper packages with recyclable paper closures; flexible paper packages with non-recyclable paper closures; biodegradable or compostable flexible fiber packages with laminate closures; recyclable flexible paper packages with laminate closures; flexible plastic packages with plastic closures; flexible aluminum foil packages with aluminum foil closures; or any other combination of these materials and closures.

[0043] When the closing device (ie the blank material for the closing device) is made of a laminate material (eg cellulose NatureFlex TM When the adhesive is made of a film (a plastic-like material with poor oxygen permeability), the advantage is that this material acts as protection for the reclosable closure surface in the open position, so that the adhesive applied thereto cannot dry out, at least not very easily; moreover, the non-stick protection does not need to be provided with a separate coating, but the blank material itself acts as the non-stick surface. The same applies to blanks made of plastic and aluminum foil: the blank material protects the adhesive from oxidation and thus acts as a non-stick surface for the adhesive of the closure in the open position or in the case where the second surface of the blank for the closure (i.e. the surface not provided with the adhesive coating / area) is coated with silicone.

[0044] The adhesive coating of the closing device can be arranged in the blank as an adhesive area, strip or multiple strips of one or more different glues on the fastening surface and the reclosable closing surface. In this article, "providing" refers to applying (i.e. sticking) adhesive on the blank surface. The adhesive used can be any suitable adhesive, which is preferably made of any suitable glue known in the manufacture of pressure-sensitive labels, such as hot melt adhesive, acrylic emulsion, transfer adhesive, glue, chemical reaction glue, but can also be formed by other suitable adhesives. Adhesives can be selected with or without considering the requirements of recyclability and compostability. In addition, adhesives can be selected according to the products packaged in the packaging (whether food or other products). Moisture and barrier can also have their own requirements for the adhesive to be used. The closing device can be attached by heat sealing, especially attached to a plastic bag. For paper and cardboard packaging, the closing device is mainly attached by thermosetting adhesives, but it is also feasible to use liquid glue.

[0045] The material of the blank for the closing device and / or the adhesive coating may also be selected, for example, depending on the likely way in which the packaging material may be opened. For example, if the packaging may open unevenly, such as Figures 3b to 3c As shown, preferably, the closing device has a more rigid structure, and the fold between its non-adhesive surface and the adhesive closing surface acts as a hinge like a fold. Even if the material of the closing device is flexible in other respects, it is also possible to reinforce the reclosable closing surface at least by a separate material layer, for example. The closing device with a more rigid structure is easier to open and close. If the top edge of the flexible package is completely straight or remains completely or substantially straight when opened, the closing surface may also be flexible, such as paper tape or traditional plastic-based adhesive tape. In the case of a simple flap, the edge area of ​​the second wing of the closing device (for example, the part between the second wing and the closing surface) does not have adhesive, and the user can grip it to place the closing device in the closed position and the open position. The flap can also be reinforced. Can be by the second material layer, i.e., by bonding one or more additional material layers in the flap area (i.e., the edge area on the second wing of the closing surface), or, in the case where the blank material for the closing device is thinner, by the short part of the closing surface, i.e., sufficient length, from the direction of the wing relative to the wing attached to the package folded into double to achieve reinforcement. For example, if the blank material for the closure is a laminate such as the NatureFlex TMThe closure device can be provided with a reinforced flap if the second surface is coated with silicone and a rigid flap that does not adhere to the adhesive strip is formed by folding a part of the closing surface in double so that the coating or a part of the silicone surface is folded onto the adhesive coating. In plastic and foil packaging, the edges are not folded or do not necessarily need to be folded, because these materials have a sufficiently high inherent tensile strength so that they can easily resist the tension required for opening and closing. The reinforcement and non-adhesive surface of the flap can also be provided by a separate material strip, i.e., for example, an adhesive tape, or by applying glue to the edge area of ​​the second flank of the closing surface and arranging the material strip in this area.

[0046] The closure device is suitable or can be modified to close packages that are opened in different ways, such as side-tear packages, where material is partially torn off the top of the package, or so-called ez2open bags (see Figures 1a to 1b , Figures 2a to 2b ), coffee packaging or perforated bags. It is also suitable for closing flexible packaging that has not been closed by sealing or gluing, such as traditional paper bags, plastic bags, etc. without a seam on the top.

[0047] In many cases, the most advantageous way to manufacture and provide the closure device to the flexible packaging manufacturer is in the form of a strip wound into a roll. In the roll, the closure device can be folded into two or more layers, i.e., for example, in a so-called open position, or it can be in the form of an unfolded strip. The closure device can be folded in the roll so that its edges are aligned or not.

[0048] The closing device can be attached to the packaging material in the form of a strip by means of an adhesive strong enough for this purpose at the stage of discharge of the packaging material from the roll to the machine for folding the bags. The closing device can also be attached to the finished flexible package or carton after it is finished, i.e. in its final shape and possibly even filled.

[0049] Preferably, when the consumer opens the seam of the flexible package, the adhesive on the closing surface of the closing device is completely protected in the fold, i.e. in the open position, so that the consumer's fingers do not come into contact with the area of ​​the adhesive coating. In addition, if the package contains, for example, a powdered product, the powder cannot block the adhesive on the reclosable closing surface of the closing device in the open position, because this surface is attached to a non-adhesive surface. In addition, as mentioned above, in the open position, the adhesive on the closing surface of the closing device is arranged between two surfaces of silicone, plastic, aluminum foil, etc. to prevent drying. Therefore, in the closing device according to the invention, it is not necessary to provide a separate strip on the adhesive to protect the adhesive coating at any stage, because the adhesive of the closing surface always rests against the non-adhesive surface of the closing device in the open position, or against the wall of the package in the closed position.

[0050] Since the top surface of the wall on the open side of the package is flat, the open side can be closed tightly by the closing device, in some cases even almost airtight.

[0051] The invention also relates to a flexible package comprising a closing device according to the invention, i.e. a flexible package with a closing device. One such flexible package with a closing device is a paper package, such as a recyclable paper package, wherein the seam closing the package is provided with a fiber stopper. The paper package comprises at least a wall of a first package and a wall of a second package, and a bonding area between the first wall and the second wall. The bonding area forms the seam closing the package. The paper package further comprises at least one fiber stopper, which is located at the edge of the bonding area or is spaced therefrom in the direction of the interior of the package. The fiber stopper is configured to define the dividing line between the first wall and the second wall to the edge of the bonding area or to the space from the edge of the bonding area in the direction of the interior of the package when the package is opened.

[0052] The fiber break stopper may also be arranged at a distance from the edge of the adhesive area towards an end point of the wall of the package. The end point may be a point where a fold is provided in the wall, or a point where a wall and a bottom of the package join.

[0053] Compared to conventional paper packages sealed by gluing, ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, this paper package has the advantage of being easy to open. When opening the package, fiber tears do not extend down the wall of the package, so that the package is neatly opened only at the desired location. The package according to the invention cannot be torn down the wall of the package because the fiber tearing is prevented by the fiber tearing. Different embodiments of the fiber tearing stopper are presented in more detail in the applicant's earlier international patent application PCT / FI2022 / 050484.

[0054] Figure 1a A cross-sectional side view of the above-described paper package provided with a closing device according to the present invention is shown, wherein the closing device 30 is attached to a paper package 37 comprising a fiber break stop 33 when the closing device 30 is in an open position. The package 37 comprises at least a first wall 31 and a second wall 32, and an adhesive area 34 between the first wall 31 and the second wall 32. The adhesive area 34 constitutes a seam closing the package 37 and its openable side. The package 37 further comprises at least one fiber break stop 33 at the edge of the adhesive area 34. The fiber break stop 33 is provided to define the point separating the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 to the edge of the adhesive area 34 when the package 37 is opened.

[0055] The first wall 31 and the second wall 32 of the package 37 may be attached to each other at the sides of the package by an adhesive (eg, glue), by ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, or by other suitable methods.

[0056] The first wall 31 and the second wall 32 can be formed separately from one or more pieces of material. The walls 31, 32 of the package 37 can be formed from a single continuous material, or from two or more pieces of material attached to each other. The wall 31 or 32 of the package 37 may include one vertical seam or multiple vertical seams. The package 37 can be arranged to be sealed in an airtight manner, whereby it is particularly suitable for packaging food. The package is opened by separating the first wall 31 and the second wall 32 from each other at the bonding area 34. The first wall 31 and the second wall 32 extending outward from the bonding area 34 (as seen from the direction of the package) are separated from each other, thereby forming a gripping tab, which facilitates separation. By gripping the gripping tab from the outside of the package, the walls 31, 32 can be easily torn apart from each other. Figure 1a In the embodiment shown, the closing device 30 is in an open position, attached to the outer surface of the first wall 31 of the package 37. Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a The closure device 30 and the packaging 37, but in the Figure 1b , the package has been opened and reclosed by the closing device 30 , which closes the open top side of the package 37 because the closing surface of the closing device 30 is attached to the outer surface of the second wall 32 of the package 37 through the open top side of the package 37.

[0057] Figure 2a A package closing device 40 according to the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional side view, wherein the closing device 40 is attached to a flexible package 47 comprising two fiber break stops 43. The closing device 40 is in an open position. A first fiber break stop 43 is arranged in a bonding area 44 on the side of a first wall 41 inside the package 47, and a second fiber break stop 43 is arranged in a bonding area 44 on the side of a second wall 42 inside the package 47. The advantage of this embodiment is that the fiber tear will not extend further on either side of the bonding area 44. The package 47 will always be opened so that the fiber tear will not extend through the mouth 46 of the package 47 or beyond the edge of the bonding area 44. Therefore, when the package 47 is opened, neither of the walls 41, 42 of the package 47 will be damaged. When the package 47 is opened, the contents of the package 47 and the walls 41, 42 will remain of high quality. Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a The closure device 40 and the packaging 47, but in Figure 2b In the embodiment, the package 47 has been opened and reclosed by the closing device 40, and after the closing surface of the closing device 40 has passed through the open top side 47 of the package to be attached to the outer surface of the second wall 42 of the package 47, the closing device 40 is in the closed position and closes the open top side of the package 47.

[0058] In some packages, the fiber tear stopper may be arranged as a slit or cut in the first wall or the second wall of the flexible package. Due to the slit, fiber tearing is automatically stopped, so that the package is easy to open and the walls of the package are not damaged by fiber tearing. In some packages, the fiber tear stopper is formed by a pull tab, such as a paper strip or a paper tape, which is arranged between the first wall and the adhesive area or between the second wall and the adhesive area, so that the pull tab edge of the fiber tear stopper and the edge of the adhesive area substantially overlap each other. The package can be opened by tearing off the top of the package, such as Figure 1a , 1b When the pull tab and the bonding area are arranged so that their edges are substantially superimposed on each other, i.e. along the same line aligned with the upper edge of the package, or when the fiber stopper is spaced a distance d from the bonding area in the direction of the interior of the package, the edge of the pull tab acts as a fiber stopper.

[0059] Like the wall, the pull-tab may be composed of recyclable paper (i.e., paper strip) or paper tape (i.e., paper tape strip). It may also be composed of the same material as the wall of the package or a different material. Therefore, instead of recyclable paper, the pull-tab may be made of a compostable fibrous material, i.e., it may be a sheet of a compostable fibrous material, or it may be made of a laminate containing paper, i.e., a sheet of a laminate containing paper. Since the adhesive area is attached to the pull-tab, fibers from the pull-tab may adhere to it when the package is opened, but due to the fiber stopper, such fiber tearing caused by gripping cannot extend beyond the fiber stopper. Therefore, the pull-tab made of paper or other compostable fibrous material may also be an adhesive paper tape sheet, strip or area, including a compostable or recyclable pressure-sensitive adhesive on its first flat surface, and a heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable material on its opposite second surface. A heat-sensitive adhesive may also be used on the first flat surface instead of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The heat-sensitive adhesive will adhere to the packaging material at a hot position significantly lower than the temperature at which the heat-sealable material that may be set on the first surface is sealed. Thermosensitive adhesives may also consist of compostable or recyclable materials. Heat-sealable or ultrasonically sealable materials may include paper and biodegradable or compostable barrier materials made by water dispersion technology and containing no plastic. A requirement for opening the package or bag without problems is that the pull tabs are separated from one another outside the adhesive area so that they can be gripped from the outside of the package or bag and it can be ensured that the package is torn cleanly at the adhesive area.

[0060] Figure 3a A flexible package 51 with a closing device according to an embodiment is shown. The flexible package 51 with a closing device comprises a closing device 50 according to the invention and a bag-like flexible plastic package 52. The closing device 50 is attached to a wall of the package 52 via an attachment surface (not shown), which wall is the so-called rear wall of the package 52 in the position shown in the figure. Figure 3aIn the embodiment of the present invention, the closing device 50 is shown by a dotted line, because from this perspective, the closing device 50 remains behind the package 52. The closing device is in the open position. The package 51 is provided with a hanging hole 53, such as a so-called Euro hole, for hanging on a bar in a shop. Figure 3a The bag shown is particularly suitable for packaging candies or snacks. Below the hanging hole 53, there is a point for tearing the packaging 51 from the side. This point can be a small notch on the packaging 51 sides, for example, so as to tear off the top of the packaging 51.

[0061] Figure 3b After the package 51 is opened by tearing the top of the package 51, as shown in FIG. Figure 3a Flexible package 51 with closure device is shown. As shown, tear opening line 54 is uneven. Closure device 50 is still in the open position; that is, the closing surface of closure device 50 is bonded against the non-adhesive surface of closure device 50. The top of closure device 50 can now be seen, but because the closure device remains behind package 52, the lower part of the closure device is still shown by dotted lines, and the attachment surface of this lower part has been attached to package 52 by, for example, heat sealing.

[0062] Figure 3c It is shown that after the package 53 has been closed by the closing device 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 3a and 3b In other words, the closure device 50 is in the closed position and its closing surface is bonded against the outer surface of the front wall of the package. The tear opening line 54 is now shown with a dotted line because it remains below the closure device 50.

[0063] The flexible package with closing means according to the present invention, i.e. the flexible package comprising closing means, can be manufactured by a method comprising at least the following steps:

[0064] - providing a piece of material, for example a sheet of recyclable paper, to form a first wall of the package, and providing a sheet of paper to form a second wall of the package; the paper may also be a single uniform sheet of paper which is folded to form two sheets of paper: a first sheet of paper for the first wall and a second sheet of paper for the second wall;

[0065] - providing a roll closure, preferably folded in an open position;

[0066] - attaching the closure material to the wall of the package;

[0067] - fastening the first wall and the second wall of the package to each other, for example at the side or rear seam of the package, for example in the case of a single continuous sheet of paper, the fastening being accomplished by using an adhesive such as glue, by ultrasonic sealing or by heat sealing; and

[0068] - Providing an adhesive area between the first wall and the second wall of the package to form a seam closing the package.

[0069] In the above method, any material suitable for the purpose may be applied in the flexible package. Similarly, any closing device material suitable for the purpose and suitable for flexible packages may be used as blank material for the closing device. However, in the case of paper packaging, the method may also comprise the following steps before the last mentioned method step: at least the first wall or the second wall of the package is provided with at least one fiber tear stopper, which tear stopper may thus be a slit or cut formed in the first wall and / or the second wall of the package, an edge of a pull-tab provided in the first wall and / or the second wall by bonding, or a slit or cut formed on an adhesive pull-tab; in addition or alternatively, the tear stopper may also be an edge of a folded wall, such as the edge of the second wall shown in the figure, or only an edge of a wall, such as the edge of the first wall in the figure.

[0070] The method can be applied in a packaging machine, for example by providing a closing device to a packaging material which is unrolled to the packaging machine as a continuous web. The material for the closing device is introduced into the packaging machine from a separate web and is attached to the surface of the web of packaging material by its adhesive, so that when the packaging blanks are separated from each other, the closing device of each packaging blank is suitable for closing the package side which has been opened or is to be opened.

[0071] The flexible package with closing means can be manufactured by using machines, equipment and methods commonly used in the industry.

[0072] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method 60 for manufacturing a paper package according to the present invention is shown. The method 60 comprises at least the following steps, the order of which may vary. In method step 61, at least one piece of flexible material, such as a recyclable material, is provided as a first wall and a second wall of the package. In method step 62, a closing device for the flexible package is provided, the closing device being folded in an open position. In method step 63, the closing device is attached to the first wall or the second wall of the flexible package. In method step 64, the first wall and the second wall of the package are attached to each other by an adhesive, an ultrasonic seal or a heat seal. In method step 65, an adhesive region is provided between the first wall and the second wall to form a seam that closes the openable side of the paper package.

[0073] Figure 5A closing device 70 for a flexible package according to the present invention is shown, which is attached to the flexible package. The attachment surface of the closing device 70 is attached to the first wall 71 of the flexible package, for example, by a thermosetting adhesive or other adhesive 73. Between its closing surface and the second wing, the closing device 70 includes a sealing surface 76, on which the closing device 70 is heat-sealed to the second wall 72 of the package after the package is filled; in other words, a heat-sealed joint 74 is formed between the sealing surface 76 of the closing device 70 and the second wall 72 of the package. The package is opened by tearing the top of the package (including the heat-sealing surface 76 of the closing device 70). The tearing position 75 is shown by a dotted line. After tearing, the closing device 70 is used in the above manner; that is, in the closed position, the closing surface of the closing device 70 is attached to the second wall 72 through the open side. The portion to be torn of the package can be provided with a hanging hole.

[0074] Figure 6a The closing device 900 for a flexible package according to the invention is shown in an unfolded state and is seen from the direction of the closing surface, ie from the surface which is configured to close the open side, ie the mouth of the flexible package. Figure 6a The closure device 900 is a cut length, i.e. a section of the closure device roll; the three points depict the direction in which the closure device 900 extends. The shape of the closure device 900 is generally elongated or longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, but its shape and size depend on the shape and size of the package to be closed, and / or the size of the open side of the package to be opened. At least three horizontal areas 903, 904, 905 and two horizontal folds 901, 902 are arranged across the length of the closure device 900, the first fold 901 is located between the areas 904, 905, and the second fold 902 is located between the areas 903, 904.

[0075] In this embodiment, the attachment surface 905 is located between the horizontal first flank 910 of the closure device 900 and the first fold 901, and it is a so-called adhesive coating provided with an adhesive, such as a thermosetting adhesive or other adhesive suitable for this purpose, which is used or intended to be used to attach the closure device 900 to the outer wall of the flexible package so that the first flank 910 extends downward. In this embodiment, the closing surface 904 of the reclosable closure device is located between the first fold 901 and the second fold 902, and it is a so-called sticky surface coated with an adhesive (e.g., the same adhesive as the adhesive on the attachment surface 905, or a different adhesive). The adhesive can be applied on the entire attachment surface 905 or only on a part thereof. The same is true for the closing surface 904; that is, its adhesive area 907 can cover the entire closing surface 904 or only a part thereof. In this embodiment, the non-stick surface 903 is located between the second fold 902 and the second side wing 911 of the closing device 900, and it can be composed of the blank material of the closing device 900 or another non-stick material (such as silicone), which is applied or bonded to the blank material of the closing device 900 at the location of the non-stick surface 903.

[0076] In the closed position, the closing device 900 closes the flexible package, and the reclosable closing surface 904 is detachably attached to the outer wall of the flexible package through the open side of the flexible package, opposite to the fastening surface 905, for closing the flexible package. Non-adhesive surface 903 can be used as a flap. In the open position of the flexible closing device, the non-adhesive surface 903 is detachably attached to (i.e., placed against) the closing surface 904, and vice versa; that is, the closing surface 904 is placed against the non-adhesive surface 903, and due to the non-adhesiveness of the non-adhesive surface 903, the closing surface 904 can be easily removed from the non-adhesive surface 903 through the open side of the package to close the package. Non-adhesive surface 903 and closing surface 904 have a size that makes closing surface 904 equal to or less than non-adhesive surface 903 relative to each other, so that when they are placed against each other in the open position, the closing surface 904 does not have a sticky part and will remain outside the area of ​​non-adhesive surface 903.

[0077] Although there is no separate flap in this embodiment, the non-adhesive surface 903 between the reclosable closing surface 904 (and the fold 902) and the second side 911 facilitates the opening and closing of the package, i.e., moving from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. The adhesive on the attachment surface 905 and the adhesive on the closing surface 904 can be the same adhesive or different adhesives. In order to better adhere the closure device 900 to the package, a stronger adhesive is usually used on the attachment surface 905 than on the closing surface 904.

[0078] Figure 6b Shows Figure 6a Perspective view of the closing device 900 folded at the folds 901 , 902 .

[0079] Figure 6c The closure device 900 is shown when attached to the flexible package 920. Figure 6a A cross-sectional side view of the closing device 900. Figure 6c In the figure, the closing device 900 is attached to the flexible package 920, but it is not in a closed or open position, but in an intermediate position, in which the package 920 and its open side 921 are open, and the closing surface 904 and its adhesive area 907 are not protected, i.e., they do not rest against the package or the non-adhesive surface 903.

[0080] Figure 6d The closure device 900 is shown when attached to the flexible package 920 and in the closed position. Figure 6c 920 and a cross-sectional side view of a package 920 and a closing device 900, wherein the closing device 900 and its closing surface close the flexible package 920 and its open side 921 from above. The closing surface 904 and its adhesive area 907 abut against the second outer wall of the package 920.

[0081] Figure 6e The closure device 900 is shown when attached to the flexible package 920 and folded in the open position. Figure 6c 900 and a cross-sectional side view of a package 920 and a closure device 900, wherein the flexible package 920 and its open side 921 are open. The closing surface 904 and its adhesive area 907 are against the non-adhesive surface 903.

[0082] The first fold 901 can also be flush with the top edge of the flexible package 920, whereby the closing device 900 closes the package 920 as tightly as possible. In addition, the first fold 901 can be located above the open side 921, whereby, when closing the package 920, the reclosable closing surface 904 is partially attached to the attachment surface 905 and then only attached to the second outer wall, i.e. the front wall of the flexible package 920.

[0083] Figure 7a A closing device 1000 for a flexible package according to the invention is shown undeployed and seen from the direction of the closing surface, ie the surface with which the closing device 1000 is arranged to close the open side, ie the mouth of the flexible package. Figure 7a The closure device 1000 is a cut length, i.e., a section of the closure device roll; the three points depict the direction in which the closure device 1000 extends. However, the closure device 1000 or closure devices according to other embodiments can be prepared in a given length. In other aspects, the closure device 1000 corresponds to Figures 6a to 6eThe closure device 900 shown in FIG. 1 is different from the closure device 900 shown in FIG. 1000 , but the gripping tab 1030 in the closure device 1000 is disposed on a surface opposite to the closure surface. The gripping tab 1030 is disposed on a surface opposite to the closure surface. Figures 7b to 7f The gripping tab 1030 is a flat surface that protrudes (eg laterally or obliquely) from a surface opposite to the closing surface of the closure device. Figure 7f 1004. The example of forming the gripping flap 1030 is shown in FIG. It should be noted that there are alternative positions for the gripping flap 1030, which are even more preferred in some cases. The position is located at the first fold, i.e. the fold between the attachment surface 1005 and the closing surface 1004. Therefore, when the package is moved by gripping the gripping flap 1030, the force applied to the closing device 1000 is transmitted very linearly to the top edge of the package and is almost not inclined to open the joint between the closing surface 1004 and the second outer wall. Therefore, the closing device keeps the package more firmly and firmly closed.

[0084] Figure 7b Shown in Figure 7a The closure device 1000 is shown at the location of the section AA shown in FIG. 1 and viewed from the end of the closure device 1000. In this embodiment, the gripping tab 1030 projects from the surface opposite the closing surface of the closure device 1000 in a substantially transverse direction.

[0085] Figure 7c Shows Figure 7a A cross-sectional side view of a closing device 1000 in which the closing device 1000 is attached to a flexible package 1020 via its attachment surface 1005, but is not in a closed position or an open position but in an intermediate position therebetween, and the package 1020 and its open side 1020 are open.

[0086] Figure 7d Shows Figure 7c 1000 and a cross-sectional side view of a package 1020 and a closing device 1000, when the closing device 1000 is attached to a first outer surface of the flexible package 1020 by its attachment surface 1005 and in a closed position, wherein the closing device 1000 closes the flexible package 1020 from above. In the closed position, the closing surface 1004 abuts against a second outer wall of the package 1020. The first wall and the second wall are opposing walls.

[0087] Figure 7e The closure device 1000 is shown when attached to the flexible package 1020 and in the closed position. Figure 7d A front view of the package 1020 and the closure device 1000. Figure 7eAs shown, in the closed position, the gripping fin 1030 is basically directed upward from the packaging 1020. The gripping fin 1030 can extend over the entire width of the closure 1000, but it can also be narrower, i.e. only extend beyond a part of the closure 1000. The gripping fin 1030 can include a hanging hole 1031. The hanging hole 1031 can be a so-called Euro hole, for hanging on the shelf of a store, such as on the bar on the shelf, where the flexible package can be easily picked up. When the flexible package 1020 is hung in the hanging position, its appearance remains neat and tidy. Except hanging, when the user holds the gripping fin while manipulating the closure 1000, the gripping fin 1030 can also be used to change the position of the closure 1000 or be convenient to change the position from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa. If the closing surface 1004 and / or the non-adhesive surface 1003 of the flexible package 1020 are for example reinforced by an additional material layer (such as a material band), then it is further conducive to opening and closing the flexible package 1020. In this case, the fold 1002 acts as a hinge, or at least resembles a hinge. The strip of material may consist of, for example, cardboard, paper tape or any other material suitable for the purpose and be glued to the surfaces 1004 and / or 1003 .

[0088] The gripping tab 1030 for closing the device 1000 may be provided by, for example, Figure 7f The closure device blank of the present invention is formed by the gripping tab 1030. The gripping tab 1030 is formed by a protruding surface 1032 extending between the closing surface 1004 and the non-adhesive surface 1003, which has been folded against each other and away from the closing surface formed by the closing surface 1004, the non-adhesive surface 1003 and the attachment surface 1005. The protruding surfaces 1032 can be bonded together. Therefore, the closure device 1000 with the gripping tab 1030 can be made by folding from a single uniform material blank.

[0089] However, a closure device with a gripping flap can also be manufactured in another way, for example by bonding a gripping flap 1030 to a surface opposite to the closing surface of the closure device. The gripping flap 1030 can be formed at the junction of the closing surface 1004 and the non-adhesive surface 1003 or attached thereto.

[0090] exist Figures 7a to 7f In the embodiment, the gripping flap is formed at the second fold of the closing device, between the closing surface 1004 and the non-adhesive surface. Similarly, the gripping flap can be formed at the first fold of the closing device, between the attachment surface 1005 and the closing surface 1004. This has the advantage that the forces caused by hanging or handling the package and acting on the package are directly transmitted to the attachment surface and further to the package via the gripping flap 1030. When the gripping flap 1030 is located in the second fold of the closing device, as shown in FIG. Figures 7a to 7fAs shown, these forces are transmitted to the package via the closure surface 1004, which may limit the use of the gripping tabs to manipulate and hang the package.

[0091] Another advantage of the present invention not mentioned before is a sealing embodiment of the present invention in which the closing device is arranged to be wider than the flexible package to which it is attached. That is, when the flexible package is viewed from the front or rear, the closing device extends beyond its side seams in the width direction. In this embodiment, the closing device is in a closed position, i.e. it closes the flexible package, and the portions extending beyond the sides of the flexible package are sealed together in the vertical direction. Therefore, in order to open the closing device and the flexible package, the seam of the closing device must be torn or cut, whereby the closing device also acts as a seal and an indicator that the flexible package has not been opened before (without permission). This embodiment is Figure 8 shown.

[0092] Figure 8 1 shows a front view of a closure device 1100 attached to a flexible package according to one embodiment. The closure device 1100 is arranged to be wider than the flexible package 1120. Figure 8 As shown, the closure device 1100 is in the closed position, and the closure device 1100 is wider than the flexible package 1120. The flexible package 1120 may or may not contain the product, but in order to open the package 1120, the edge portion of the closure device 1100 must be torn at the tear line 1141 basically. After this, the closure device 1100 operates normally and can be opened and closed again like other embodiments of the closure device presented. The edge portion of the closure device 1100 to be torn can be sewed in the vertical direction on both sides of the package 1120. The closure device 1100 may or may not include the flap 1103 for convenient opening.

[0093] In this embodiment, the closing surface and / or the non-adhesive surface of the closing device 1100 may also be reinforced as in other embodiments proposed in the present application to facilitate opening and closing. For example, the material strip may consist of cardboard, paper tape or any other material suitable for the purpose that is bonded to the closing surface and / or the non-adhesive surface.

[0094] Figure 9a A closure device 1200 according to one embodiment is shown which can be attached to a flexible package of take-away food, such as a fast food package, after filling to ensure that a delivery service or the like does not come into contact with the flexible package of take-away food during delivery. In this case, the closure device 1200 can also be laterally wider than the flexible package to which it is intended to be attached, so that when attached to the package, it will adhere together on the outside of the sides of the flexible package and in a manner similar to that of the flexible package. Figure 8The closure device 1100 of the present invention acts as a seal in the same manner. Along the length of the closure device 1200, there are at least three horizontal areas 1203, 1204, 1205 and two folds, the first fold 1201 being located between the areas 1204, 1205, and the second fold 1202 being located between the areas 1203, 1204. Also in this embodiment, the attachment surface 1205 is located between the horizontal first flank 1210 of the closure device 1200 and the first fold 1201, and it is a so-called sticky surface coated with adhesive, by which the closure device 1200 is attached or to be attached to the outer wall of the flexible package, so that the first flank 1210 extends downward. The adhesive on the attachment surface 1205 can be protected by a release paper or the like, which is removed before the closure device 1200 is attached to the flexible package. The non-adhesive surface 1203 is arranged between the second fold 1202 and the second flank 1211, and it can be composed of the blank material of the closing device 1200 or another non-adhesive material (e.g. silicone) applied or bonded to the blank material of the closing device 1200 in the area of ​​the non-adhesive surface 1203. In this embodiment, the reclosable closing surface 1204 is respectively arranged between the first fold 1201 and the second fold 1202, and it is a so-called adhesive surface coated with an adhesive (e.g. the same or different adhesive as the adhesive on the attachment surface 1205). Moreover, the adhesive on the reclosable closing surface 1204 can be protected by a release paper or the like, which is removed before the closing device 1200 is attached to the flexible package, or the reclosable closing surface 1204 can be placed against the non-adhesive surface 1203 until the closing device 1200 is put into use and the surfaces are separated from each other to attach the closing device 1200 to the flexible package 1250.

[0095] Between the non-adhesive surface 1203 of the closing device 1200 and the second side wing 1211, a non-adhesive portion may be provided to act as a flap 1213. All material layers of the closing device are provided on the inner surface of the fold, which is the closing surface.

[0096] The closure 1200 may be reinforced, such as a closure made of paper, or it may be made of a material that is harder than paper, such as cardboard. Due to the harder structure, the closure 1200 is easier to open in Figure 9a It is attached to the top of the flexible package at the location shown, as a fold that opens downwards, and it is adhered to the package 1250 at the location of the attachment surface 1205 and the reclosable closure surface 1204. Figure 9b The manner and direction of securing to the flexible package 1250 is shown.

[0097] Fig.10aShown is a cross-sectional side view of the structure of a flexible package according to an embodiment, which is equipped with adhesive closure means and wing. In this article, "equipped with adhesive closure means" means that flexible package 1300 is reclosable. At this stage and in this position of flexible package, the open side of flexible package 1300 is heat-sealed. After opening, the heat-sealed side in the figure is intended to be reclosed by closure means, thereby becoming openable. Flexible package 1300 with closure means comprises first wall 1301, second wall 1302 and a closure means as an extension of first wall 1301. The closure means comprises two folds 1307, 1308, a reclosable closing surface 1304 and a non-adhesive surface 1305. The first fold 1307 is located at the so-called end point of the first wall 1301, and the closure means and the reclosable closing surface 1304 thereof extend from the end point, and the second fold 1308 is located between the reclosable closing surface 1304 and the non-adhesive surface 1305. Reference numeral 1303 denotes the aforementioned heat seal by which the first wall 1301 and the second wall 1302 are sealed together. Reference numeral 1306 denotes an adhesive by which the end 1302a of the second wall 1302 is arranged to be bonded when partially folded onto the second wall 1302, whereby the first wall 1301 and its reclosable closing surface 1304 and non-adhesive surface 1305 are also partially folded onto the second wall 1302 to form a flap. The end of the first wall 1301 is indicated by reference numeral 1301a.

[0098] Fig.10b It shows that Fig.10a The cross-sectional side view of the flexible package equipped with the closure device is shown, and the openable side is heat-sealed before the flexible package is opened. However, in this figure, the flexible package 1300 with the closure device is shown in an openable form; that is, the figure shows how the top of the flexible package 1300 is folded onto the second wall 1302 to form the flap 1310. Therefore, the flap 1310 is bonded by bonding the end 1302a of the second wall 1302 folded in half with the adhesive 1306.

[0099] In the figure, the non-adhesive surface 1305 is folded onto the reclosable surface 1304 at the second fold 1308 to prevent the non-adhesive surface 1305 from drying; that is, the end of the first wall 1301 is folded in half so that the reclosable closing surface 1304 is detachably attached to the non-adhesive surface 1305. However, this step may be omitted, and the closing device portion of the first wall 1301 may remain unfolded, i.e., extended.

[0100] Fig.10c After the flexible package 1300 is opened by lifting the flap 1310, as shown in FIG. Fig.10bA cross-sectional side view of a flexible package 1300 provided with a closure device is shown. Fig.10c The heat seal 1303 is shown to have been separated from the first wall 1301 and remains attached to the second wall 1302. It may also remain attached to the first wall 1301. This is shown by reference numeral 1303a in the figure. The heat seal 1303 may also be torn in the middle of the seam and have portions of it still attached to both the first wall 1301 and the second wall 1302.

[0101] The end 1306 of the second wall 1302 serves as a fiber tear stop to prevent the package 1300 from being torn when the package 1300 is opened by lifting the flap 1310. The second fiber tear stop can be disposed between the first wall 1301 and the reclosable closing surface 1304 and the non-adhesive surface 1305; that is, below the reclosable closing surface 1304 and the non-adhesive surface 1305. The fiber tear stop can be, for example, a strip, such as a paper strip or a paper tape strip. Similarly, the first wall 1301 can be folded to form a strip such as Figures 10b to 10d In order to form, for example, a so-called z-fold, ie a triple fold.

[0102] Fig.10d The flexible package 1300 is shown after being reclosed by attaching the reclosable closing surface 1304 to the outer surface of the second wall 1302 of the package 1300 through the open side of the flexible package 1300. Fig.10c A cross-sectional side view of a flexible package 1300 showing a closure is shown.

[0103] Although the reclosable closing surface 1304, the non-adhesive surface 1305, the heat seal 1303 and the adhesive 1306 are clearly shown herein as separate boxes on the material of the flexible package 1300, the height of the boxes in the figure is not consistent with reality. In addition, for example, the non-adhesive surface 1305 can consist only of the material of the flexible package without a coating, but it can also include silicone or consist of silicone.

[0104] Another advantage of the present invention that has not been mentioned before is the increase in printable surface area. When tearing off the top of a conventional flexible package to open the package, a strip of packaging will fall off. Therefore, it is not worth writing any important information about the product in the package in this to-be-removed portion. Therefore, the top to be torn off often only contains the words "tear off here". Although the closing device according to the present invention covers a part of the bag, it provides more printable surface area for the package including the closing device. Moreover, the siliconized area of ​​the closing device can be printed to contain the required information, as long as it is done before the siliconization of this area. The user may pay more attention to the top of the package than other parts of the package, because it includes, for example, the opening of the bag. It can also be considered that the human eye will be particularly attracted by the movable and movable closing device according to the present invention at the top of the package, and at the same time by the printing thereon.

[0105] Furthermore, it should be noted that in some cases the closing device may be a direct extension of the flexible packaging material, i.e. a part of the material blank which is folded to form the flexible packaging. In this case, the closing device does not require a separate attachment surface.

[0106] In addition to what has been presented above, a structure can also be adopted in which the reinforcement is attached to the top of the second wall of the package (the so-called front wall), i.e. its outer surface. The attachment surface of the closing device reinforces the first wall, the so-called rear wall, in a corresponding manner. When the closing device is formed by an extension of the first wall, the top of the front wall and the top of the rear wall are preferably reinforced with external reinforcements. Therefore, the reinforcements are aligned in the package, usually have the same size, and are arranged on opposite walls.

[0107] The width of the reinforcement can be, for example, about 25mm to 40mm, but the width can also be different. The reinforcement attached to the package has a width extending in the vertical direction. The width of the reinforcement in the vertical direction is preferably equal to or greater than the width of the closing surface of the closing device in the vertical direction, because the closing device is attached to the reinforcement in the closed position. The heat seal of the flexible package is arranged in the region of the reinforcement, i.e., in the lower part of the reinforcement region, for example, at intervals of about 5mm to 10mm from the bottom edge of the reinforcement. The reinforcement is preferably a self-adhesive tape, or it can be a reinforcement strip attached by an adhesive. To attach the reinforcement tape, it is only necessary to press the tape on the top edge of the package outside the package. Due to the reinforcement, the top edge of the package becomes harder and straighter, so that the package can be more tightly closed by the closing device.

[0108] Because the stiffener strengthens the walls of the flexible package, the walls of the package can be pulled apart, rather than tearing the package sideways. This opening method is suitable for practically all grades of paper. Also, with some newer fiber materials, the risk of fiber tearing is low when the package is opened carefully, i.e. by pulling the walls apart, but this is not the case with most materials. The walls of the package may be torn. Due to the stiffener, the tear cannot continue when opening the package, and the package will remain intact, except for a small local tear inside the package.

[0109] Therefore, the reinforcement attached to the front wall of the package strengthens the wall of the package and bonds the fibers. Therefore, the heat seal of the package can be opened by unfolding the mouth, and the top edge is kept straight. As a result, the closing device closes the mouth of the bag very tightly. The width of the reinforcement is at least equal to the width of the package, and so is the closing device. Even if the package is torn when opened, this situation cannot be seen from below the reinforcement, and most importantly, the fiber bonding effect of the reinforcement will prevent the tear from extending, so that the package will not break in a visible way and will not become difficult to use. On thin packaging materials, the reinforcement strengthens the package mouth, allowing it to open neatly in a curve, improving the convenience of use. In addition, the packaging material can be thinner, thereby saving material. Reinforcements containing silicone or other anti-fouling coatings prevent fibers from adhering to the reclosable closing surface, so that they will not be blocked. When the reinforcement has a waterproof surface, the contents of the package are not as easy to adhere to it as packaging materials with a matte finish. This extends the service life of the reclosable closing surface. The reinforcement on the front side can also ensure that the reclosable closing surface can always be separated from different bag materials by the same force. Thus, the manufacturer will save the cost of developing an adhesive for the closing surface, since the reinforcement material will remain the same even if the packaging material changes. Furthermore, the reinforcement prevents the adhesive of the closing surface from drying out before the package is emptied of its contents, since the oxygen permeability of the reinforcement is poor compared to the case where the adhesive is in contact with the porous bag material.

[0110] Fig.11 A front view of a flexible package 1400 is shown with a reinforcement 1410 and a closure 1420, the closure 1420 being in an open position. Fig.11 In the embodiment, the package 1400 is open and formed into a curve due to the reinforcement 1410. The width of the reinforcement 1410 and the closing device 1420 is at least equal to the width of the entire package 1400, but in this example, they are both wider than the package 1420; they can also have different widths from each other. On the top and outer surface, the closing device 1420 is bonded to the first (i.e., rear) wall of the package 1400, and the reinforcement is bonded to the second (i.e., front) wall of the package 1400.

[0111] When the reinforcement member 1410 is wider than the package 1400, a reinforcement protrusion is formed to pass through the side edge of the package 1400, which reinforcement protrusion can be folded and attached to the back of the package 1400 or folded sideways, or it can be fastened against a long closing device 1420, such as Fig.11 As shown in the example.

[0112] The reinforcements may also be fastened against one long reinforcement attached to the top edge of the rear wall of the package. If the reinforcements of the front and rear walls extend beyond the edges of the package, this will strengthen the side seams at the top of the package, which are more susceptible to bending in a fabric bag than in a plastic bag where the seam is formed by fusing the two edges together.

[0113] When the flexible packaging includes a closing device and a fiber stopper, such as Figure 1a , 1b , 2a and 2b, a tape or strip is provided on the inner surface of the wall of the package. Accordingly, when the package includes a closing device and a reinforcement member, such as Fig.11 As shown, a tape or strip is provided on the outer surface of the wall of the package.

[0114] Furthermore, when the package is half empty, the walls of the empty part of the package can be pressed against each other and then folded over the filled part of the bag, followed by first fastening the reclosable closing surface of the closing device to the outer surface of the second wall of the package and, if the package is sufficiently empty, further fastening to the first wall below the package. Furthermore, if the reclosable closing surface of the closing device is made of a flexible and pliable material and the closing device is fixed at a sufficiently low position on the rear wall, the flexible package can also be closed by the closing device so that the reclosable closing surface is partially attached to the rear wall of the flexible package and, after passing the mouth, to the front wall of the flexible package.

[0115] The embodiments presented in this application are applicable to flexible packages including fiber break stoppers. It should also be noted that the heat sealed package including the closure and the reinforcement is a single unit because the top edge of the package with the reinforcement remains straight and intact when opened, which ensures that the closure closes more tightly.

[0116] The features of the invention and the embodiments mentioned in this application can be freely combined and interchanged, unless the application specifically states that the embodiments or features are not interchangeable. Even if not mentioned separately, exemplary features described in conjunction with different embodiments can also be used with any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A closure device for closing an open side of a flexible package, the closure device comprising a material blank, the material blank comprising at least two folds, an attachment surface, a reclosable closing surface and a non-adhesive surface, wherein the attachment surface is provided with an adhesive, the closure device is intended to be attached to a first outer wall of the flexible package by means of the adhesive, and the attachment surface is provided between a first flank of the closure device and a first fold, and wherein the non-adhesive surface of the closing device is arranged between the second fold of the closing device and the second side flap, wherein an adhesive is provided on the reclosable closing surface arranged between the first fold and the second fold, and the closing surface has a size equal to or smaller than that of the non-adhesive surface and is arranged to be detachably attached to the second outer wall of the flexible package through the open side of the flexible package in the closed position of the closing device, and to be detachably attached to the non-adhesive surface of the closing device in the open position.

2. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the non-stick surface consists of uncoated material of the material blank.

3. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the non-stick surface consists of or comprises silicone.

4. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second side flap is free of adhesive in an edge region on the non-adhesive surface and acts as a flap.

5. Closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-adhesive surface is partially folded in half in the edge region of the side of the second side flap and bonded from the direction of the second side flap to form a flap.

6. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a strip of material is bonded to an edge region of the second flank of the non-adhesive surface to form a flap.

7. Closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the material of the material blank is recycled paper fibers.

8. A closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reclosable closure surface or the non-adhesive surface is reinforced with a separate layer of material.

9. Closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the material of the material blank is a compostable or biodegradable fiber material, a compostable film material, a plastic, a laminate or an aluminum foil.

10. A closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a gripping tab, which is arranged on the side of the closing device opposite to the reclosable closing surface, at the junction of the reclosable closing surface and the non-adhesive surface, or at the junction of the attachment surface and the reclosable closing surface.

11. Closure means according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a reinforcement at the top of the second wall of the package, on the outside of said wall.

12. A flexible package, comprising a closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the closing device is attached to the outer surface of a first wall of the flexible package via the attachment surface of the closing device, or wherein the closing device is an extension of the first wall, does not have the attachment surface of the closing device, but comprises at least two folds, a reclosable closing surface and a non-adhesive surface; wherein the adhesive is arranged on the reclosable closing surface, and the size of the reclosable closing surface is equal to or smaller than the non-adhesive surface; and wherein when the reclosable closing surface is detachably attached to the outer surface of the second wall of the flexible package through the open side of the flexible package, the closing device closes the flexible package, and when the reclosable closing surface abuts against the non-adhesive surface of the closing device, the flexible package opens.

13. The flexible package according to claim 12, wherein the material of the flexible package is recyclable paper fiber, compostable or biodegradable fiber material, compostable or biodegradable film material, plastic, laminated material or aluminum foil.

14. A flexible package according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the material of the flexible package is a fibrous material and the openable side thereof comprises a fibrous tear stop connected to a seam closing the open side.

15. The flexible package according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the closure means is wider than the flexible package in the closed position, and wherein the flexible package is openable by separating an edge portion of the closure means which is wider than the flexible package.

16. A method for producing a flexible package provided with a closing device, wherein said method comprises at least the following steps: providing at least one piece of flexible material as a first wall and a second wall of the flexible package; providing a closure device for said flexible package folded in an open position; attaching a closure device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to the first wall of the flexible package; attaching the first wall of the flexible package and the second wall of the flexible package to each other by an adhesive, by ultrasonic sealing, or by heat sealing; as well as A bonding area is provided between the first wall and the second wall of the flexible package to form a seam closing the openable side of the flexible package.

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