Packaging, method for producing a tear-off structure in such packaging and die-cutting tool

Abstract

The invention relates to packaging with a tear-off structure. The packaging is made of paper, cardboard, and / or corrugated board; the tear-off structure is arranged in this material; the tear-off structure perforates the material completely or almost completely from the outside to the inside; the tear-off structure has a plurality of openings arranged along an imaginary tear line; the tear-off structure defines a tear direction that runs along the tear line; the openings of the tear-off structure are arranged sequentially along the tear line; each opening has an imaginary start point and end point with respect to the tear direction; the end point is located behind the start point and closer to the tear line than the start point when viewed in the tear direction.There are two different types of cutouts that alternate along the tear line: In the first type of cutout, the starting point is located to the left of the tear line when viewed in the direction of tearing, while in the second type of cutout, it is located to the right.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a packaging, a method for producing a tear-open structure in such a packaging and a punching tool for producing such a tear-open structure. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] For storage and shipping, packaging based on paper, cardboard, or paperboard is commonly used. These are essentially packaging materials made from fibers, usually of plant origin. Paper and cardboard differ in terms of their grammage and content. Cardboard can be solid board or corrugated board.

[0003] These packaging materials generally have a preferred direction, which, for example, is determined by the orientation of the fibers in paper or cardboard, or, in the case of corrugated board, by the orientation of the flutes within the material. This preferred direction gives the material greater flexural rigidity or tear resistance in one direction.

[0004] It is particularly important in B2C business that the end customer experiences as little resistance or frustration as possible during the process from ordering to the moment they first hold the product in their hands. Furthermore, the importance of product packaging is becoming increasingly important, as customers perceive the packaging as part of the product itself. Damaged or unsightly packaging can have a lasting negative impact on the product's perception.

[0005] When shipping the product, it is therefore essential that the recipient be able to open the packaging easily and in a predetermined manner. First and foremost, it is important that the packaging can be opened reliably and easily from a functional perspective. Furthermore, the packaging should not appear unsightly during and after opening, but rather should appear clean and tidy during and after the opening process.

[0006] Tear-off devices or structures are known for opening packaging made of paper, cardboard, or paperboard. These include perforations and / or tear-off threads incorporated into the material with designated gripping areas. The customer / recipient grasps the material at the gripping area with their fingers and tears open the packaging. These tear-off devices or structures are generally designed to enable reliable opening.

[0007] However, there are often disadvantages. The tear strip is made of a different material than the packaging itself—usually a plastic. This increases the cost of manufacturing the packaging and hinders recycling. If the tear-off structure consists of a perforation, various competing requirements exist: On the one hand, the perforation should not unduly weaken the packaging structurally. On the other hand, it should allow for easy and reliable opening. This is usually achieved by maintaining a balanced ratio between the recesses created by the perforation and the material in between.

[0008] Although the two options discussed above—tear strip and / or perforation—generally work reliably, the opened packaging usually leaves much to be desired in terms of aesthetics. The path of the tear(s) in the material is usually influenced by the preferred direction described above and, in most cases, does not run linearly along the desired tear direction, but rather tapers off to both sides. While the packaging is then open as desired, it is usually unsightly. Therefore, it is impossible to reliably predict what the packaging will look like after opening. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a packaging with a tear-open structure, a punching device for such a tear-open structure and a method for producing such a tear-open structure, which avoid the disadvantages mentioned and in which, in particular, the packaging can be opened easily and reliably by means of the tear-open structure and, at the same time, assumes a largely predefined appearance after opening.

[0010] This object is achieved by the packaging according to independent claim 1.

[0011] The packaging is made of paper, cardboard and / or paperboard. As already mentioned in the introduction, this is packaging material made from fibers that are mostly of plant origin. The packaging can consist solely of paper, cardboard or paperboard, or any combination of these materials. A tear-open structure is arranged in this material. This perforates the material completely or almost completely from the outside to the inside. As a rule, it is desired that the tear-open structure weakens the material substantially. The perforation is usually complete. However, it can be provided that there is a thin layer of material on the inside that covers the perforation. Furthermore, the actual material of the packaging can be double-layered in the area of ​​the perforation, for example, after the perforation has been cut through, the now detached part can be opened up or moved.

[0012] The tear-open structure has a multitude of cutouts arranged along an imaginary tear line. These cutouts form the perforation just mentioned. The tear-open structure is designed to specify a tear direction that runs along the tear line. The tear direction can run in two opposite directions. However, it is generally advantageous if the tear-open structure specifies only one tear direction.

[0013] The cutouts of the tear-open structure are arranged one after the other along the tear line. This means that the cutouts are arranged one after the other along the tear line, like beads on a string.

[0014] Each recess has an imaginary starting point and an end point with respect to the tearing direction. This means that a crack forms in the material during the tearing process. This crack is intended to run along the tearing line. The course of the crack in the material is largely determined by the recesses. During and after the tearing process, the recesses are part of the crack. During crack formation, it is intended that a crack propagates, so to speak, from recess to recess. In this sense, a part of the recess that comes first in the tearing direction forms the starting point of the crack, and the part of the recess that comes later in the tearing direction forms the end point. From this end point, the crack runs freely through the material until it encounters a recess again, preferably its starting point, and again runs completely or partially through the recess.

[0015] It has been proven advantageous if the end point of a cutout is closer to the imaginary tear line than the starting point. Furthermore, it has been shown to be advantageous to provide two different types of cutouts that alternate along the tear line. With the first type of cutout, the starting point is to the left of the tear line in the tear direction; with the second type of cutout, the starting point is to the right of the tear line.

[0016] As already mentioned in the introduction, it is not always possible to clearly predict the path a tear will take in the materials mentioned above, such as paper, cardboard, and / or paperboard. This depends, on the one hand, on the preferred direction of the material mentioned above and its relative arrangement to the tear structure. On the other hand, external conditions such as humidity, printing on the material, or similar factors can also influence the path of the tear. Finally, the tearing technique used by the recipient / customer also plays a role.

[0017] As a rule, it can be expected that crack formation - starting from the end point of a recess - will run within a certain opening angle. Whether the actual crack formation will then run more towards the imaginary tear line or away from it cannot be precisely predetermined. For this reason, two types of recesses are provided in the present invention. One type provides for the recess to extend from the left towards the tear line. The second type of recess provides for the same to extend from the right towards the tear line. Thus, all crack paths that are within a certain opening angle are reliably guided to the intended tear line. As a result, reliable crack guidance occurs along the imaginary tear line. This improves the reliability of the tear behavior.At the same time, the result of the tearing process is more aesthetically pleasing, as no unwanted breakouts of the tear can occur far outside the tear line.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, two tear lines are provided. In this way, the two tear lines run parallel in places. Particularly preferably, the two tear lines form a tear strip. This allows the recipient / customer to open part of the packaging using the tear-open structure. Depending on the path of the tear lines, a tear strip can be created, as mentioned above. This can, for example, run across one side of the packaging and, after the tearing process—for example, by folding or sliding a part of the packaging—release the contents of the packaging.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the tear strip can be guided in such a way that after the tearing process, part of the packaging is detached from the rest of the packaging.

[0020] Together with the clean tear line along the imaginary tear line, an aesthetically pleasing package remains after the opening process.

[0021] In the specific embodiment of the invention, the two tear lines form an engagement section at one end. This is advantageously designed so that after the manufacturing process of the tear-open structure, the engagement section is exposed enough to be easily grasped.

[0022] Accordingly, it is advantageous if the tear-open direction runs from the engagement section in the direction of the tear-open lines.

[0023] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the recess runs straight between the starting point and the end point, at least in sections. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the recess runs parallel to the imaginary tear line, at least in sections, between the starting point and the end point. It is particularly advantageous if the recess extends such that it reaches the tear line between the starting point and the end point and then follows the tear line. In this way, a freely forming tear that runs away from the tear line is captured by the recess and guided back to the tear line.

[0024] Advantageously, the recess runs diagonally to the tear line between the starting point and the point where the imaginary tear line is reached, and parallel to the tear line between the point where the tear line is reached and the end point, preferably straight in both cases. Designing the recess as a composite of largely straight sections has the advantage that the corresponding punching tool is easier to manufacture.

[0025] In order to improve the guidance of the tear that develops freely in the material, it is advantageous if the positioning of the starting point of one recess with respect to the imaginary tear line and / or with respect to the end point of the other recess preceding it in the tear direction is selected according to the tearing behavior of the material in such a way that during a tearing process, a tear in the material that starts from the end point of one recess meets the next or the next but one recess, depending on the direction of the tear.

[0026] Specifically, for example, the end point of one recess and the starting point of the subsequent recess can be essentially at the same height with respect to the tear-open direction.

[0027] In particular, it is advantageous if the recess runs from the starting point until reaching the tear line at an angle to the tear line of approximately 75° to 15°, preferably from 60° to 30°, particularly preferably from 50° to 45°, in particular from 45°.

[0028] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the sections of the recess between the starting point and reaching the tear line, and between reaching the tear line and the end point, are approximately the same length. It is particularly important to ensure that the geometry of the tear-open structure is adapted to the tearing behavior of the material used.

[0029] The invention is also achieved by a punching tool for producing a tear-open structure for a packaging as just described and by a method for producing a tear-open structure for a packaging as just described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In these drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a package with a tear-open structure; Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a packaging with a tear-open structure; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the tear structure of the Fig. 1; Fig. 4a-d different embodiments of tear-open structures. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a package 10. In the present embodiment, the package is made of corrugated cardboard. However, it could alternatively be made of cardboard or corresponding paper. The package 10 has a tear-open structure 12, which in the illustration of Fig. 1 is only indicated schematically. The tear-open structure 12 runs around the top of the box 10 and has an engagement portion 14 at one end. The engagement portion 14 can be grasped, for example, with two fingers, and thus the tear-open structure 12 can be used to open the box 10. More detailed explanations of the tear-open structure 12 will be given in connection with the Fig. 3. The tear-open structure 12 opens the top 16 of the box 10 after actuation, so that its contents become visible and accessible after the tearing process.

[0032] Fig. 2 illustrates a further embodiment of a package 110. In the description of comparable embodiments, identical or comparable features are designated by the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. The tear-open structure 112 is designed here such that, in order to open the box 110, the tear-open structure can be grasped at the engagement section 114 and the top side 116 of the box 110 can be opened in one tear-open operation. While in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 the tear-open structure encircles the top side 16 of the box 10 in the form of two tear lines 18, 20 and thus a tear strip is removed all the way around, the tear-open structure 112 opens the Fig. 2 the top side 116 in that a tear line 118, 120 runs along a long side 122, 124 of the box 110 and thus a large part of the top side 116 can be completely removed after the tearing process.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows the Fig. 1 shows the dashed section III enlarged and with more precise details. The tear-open structure 12 comprises two tear lines 18, 20, along which schematically illustrated recesses 26, 28 are arranged. The recesses 26, 28 have different geometries and are essentially mirror images of each other relative to the respective tear line 18, 20.

[0034] The first type of recess 26 has two sections. A first section 30 extends essentially obliquely to the respective tear line 18, 20 from a starting point 38 to a point 42. A second section 32 extends essentially parallel to the respective tear line 18, 20 from point 42 to an end point 39 of the recess 26. The second type of recess 28 is designed as a mirror image thereof, with a starting point 40, a first point 44 on the tear line 18, and an end point 41. The respective first section 30, 34 is arranged such that the starting point 38, 40 - viewed in tear direction A - is further away from the tear line 18, 20 than the point 42, 44 at which the recess 26, 28 reaches the tear line 18, 20. The starting point 38, 40 is chosen in such a way that it can reliably “intercept” laterally extending cracks and lead them back to the imaginary tear line 18, 20.Here, on the one hand, the lateral distance to the auxiliary line 18, 20 and, on the other hand, the distance to a preceding recess 26, 28 are important boundary conditions. Furthermore, the tear behavior of the material itself has an influence. The position of the preferred direction of the material, the fiber length and / or the internal structure of a multi-layer material all play a role here. It has proven advantageous if the diagonal course forms an angle of approximately 45° to the tear line 18, 20. However, depending on the design of the tear strip, the distances between the recesses, etc., other angles in the range between 15° and 75° are also conceivable, for example between 30° and 60°.

[0035] In addition, it is advantageous if the starting point 38, 40 is approximately at the same height or only slightly offset in the tearing direction from the end point 39, 41 of the preceding recess.

[0036] To open the package 10, the engaging portion 14 is actuated, i.e., the tab located there is lifted. This causes a tear to form along each of the tear lines 18, 20. This tear propagates from recess to recess. At the end point 39, 41 of a recess 26, 28, there is always the possibility that the tear will laterally leave the intended tear line 18, 20 and run either inward or outward in an undesired manner.

[0037] An inward slanting is undesirable, as it can lead to the resulting tear strip tearing off. An outward slanting, on the other hand, would negatively influence the appearance of the package after opening. To avoid this, the diagonally running sections 30, 34 are in the way of the freely propagating tear and guide the tear back to the tear line 18, 20. It is advantageous that the directions of the diagonal sections 30, 34 alternate in their orientation. In this way, even a tear that propagates in an unfavorable manner in the material after leaving one of the recesses 26, 28 can be contained. Such a tear 46 is in the Fig. 3. During the tearing process, it leaves the end point of the parallel section 32 of the recess 26 to the outside, i.e. away from the tear line 20. It cannot be "intercepted" by the subsequent recess 28 because its diagonal section runs inwards. Instead, the tear reaches the diagonal section of the subsequent recess, which guides the tear back inwards towards the tear line 20. This clearly shows that there is a maximum angle that can still be easily corrected by the diagonal sections 32, 34 and the arrangement one after the other, so that a clean tear pattern is maintained. This angle is determined on the one hand by the tearing behavior of the material, and on the other hand, the resulting tear paths are corrected again by the geometry of the recesses themselves and their arrangement relative to one another.

[0038] The Fig. 4a-4d show various embodiments of the tear-open structure 12. Identical or comparable features are designated by the same reference numerals, to which 200, 300, or 400 has been added, respectively. To avoid repetition, only relevant features are discussed again.

[0039] Fig. 4a shows the already in Fig. 3 detailed explanation of the tear structure 12. It has been reproduced for the sake of better comparability and will not be explained again here.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4b shows a first alternative tear-open structure 212. In this tear-open structure 212, the individual recesses 226, 228 are designed as one piece, so to speak, i.e. there are no two different sections that differ in orientation. Rather, the recesses 226, 228 consist of a single diagonally running perforation. The respective starting point 238, 240 of the respective recess 226, 228 is located - just as in the tear-open structure 12 of Fig. 4a - further away from the respective tear line 218, 220, the corresponding end point 239, 241 is located on the tear line 218, 220. Here, too, a tear that moves undesirably away from the end point 239, 241 is captured by the next, or at the latest by the next but one, recess (seen in tear direction A). Due to the lack of a section aligned parallel to the tear line 218, 220, the remaining tear pattern may not be as uniform as that produced in the tear structure 12. However, the reliability of capturing undesirably extending tears is ensured. In addition, the design of the recesses 226, 228 of the tear structure 212 has the advantage that an associated punching tool is easy to manufacture.

[0041] Fig. 4c illustrates a further alternative tear-open structure 312. In this embodiment, the respective first section 330, 334 of a recess 326, 328, which runs obliquely to the tear line 318, 320, gradually transitions into the second section 332, 336, which runs substantially parallel to the tear line 318, 320. Otherwise, the functionality and arrangement of the recesses 326, 328 are comparable to those of the figure of the tear-open structure 12 of Fig. 4a. The respective starting point 338, 340 has a greater distance from the tear line 318, 320 than the respective end point 339, 341 of the individual recess 326, 328.

[0042] Fig. 4d shows a further alternative embodiment of a tear-open structure 412. In contrast to the tear-open structure 12 of Fig.4a, the recesses 426, 428 are designed identically. The individual recesses 426, 428 also have sections 430, 434 running obliquely to the tear line 418, 420, as well as sections 432, 436 running parallel to the tear line 418, 420. The obliquely running sections 430, 434 are provided in pairs for each recess 426, 428, resulting in a fork-shaped structure, approximately in the shape of an upside-down Y in the tear direction A. This embodiment has the advantage that the obliquely running sections 430, 434 can be shorter, since a tear breaking away from the tear line 418, 420 can already be reliably contained by each subsequent recess. Conversely, the production of a punching tool for the recesses 426, 428 is more complex.

Claims

[1] Packaging with a tear-open structure having the following features: a) The packaging is made of paper, cardboard and / or paperboard; b) the tear-open structure is arranged in this material; (c) the tear-open structure perforates the material completely or almost completely from the outside to the inside; d) the tear-open structure has a plurality of recesses arranged along an imaginary tear line; (e) the tear structure provides a tear direction that runs along the tear line; (f) the recesses of the tear-open structure are arranged one after the other along the tear line; g) each recess has an imaginary starting point and end point with respect to the tearing direction; (h) the end point is located behind the starting point and closer to the tear line than the starting point, as seen in the tear direction; i) there are two different types of cutouts which alternate along the tear line: in the first type of cutout, the starting point is to the left of the tear line, seen in the tear direction, and in the second type of cutout, the starting point is to the right. [2] Packaging according to claim 1 having one or more of the following features: a) There are two tear lines. b) The two tear lines run parallel in some sections. c) The two tear lines form a tear strip. d) The tear strip forms an opening through which the packaging can be opened. [3] Packaging according to claim 2 having one or more of the following features: a) The two tear lines form an engagement section at one end. b) The tear direction runs from the engaging section in the direction of the tear lines. [4] Packaging according to one of the preceding claims having one or more of the following features: a) The recess is at least partially straight between the starting point and the end point. b) Between the starting point and the end point, the recess runs at least partially parallel to the imaginary tear line. c) The cutout runs in such a way that it reaches the tear line between the start point and the end point and then follows the tear line. d) The recess is straight between the starting point and the point where the imaginary tear line is reached and between the point where the tear line is reached and the end point. e) The recess runs diagonally to the tear line between the starting point and the point where the imaginary tear line is reached and parallel to the tear line between the point where the tear line is reached and the end point. [5] Packaging according to one of the preceding claims having one or more of the following features: a) The positioning of the starting point of one recess with respect to the imaginary tear line and / or with respect to the end point of the other recess preceding it in the tear direction is selected according to the tearing behavior of the material in such a way that during a tearing process a tear in the material starting from the end point of one recess meets the next or the next but one recess, depending on the direction of the tear. b) The end point of one recess and the starting point of the subsequent recess are essentially at the same height with respect to the tearing direction, c) The recess extends from the starting point to the tear line at an angle of approximately 75° to 15°, preferably from 60° to 30°, particularly preferably from 50° to 40°, in particular from 45°. d) The sections of the recess between the starting point and reaching the tear line and from reaching the tear line and end point are approximately the same length. [6] Punching tool for producing a tear-open structure for a package according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Method for producing a tear-open structure for a packaging comprising paper, cardboard and / or paperboard as material, comprising the step: - perforating the material to form a tear-open structure according to any one of claims 1-5.

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