Packaging

Abstract

Packaging (1, 100) comprising a tray (2) and a lid (3), wherein the tray (2) and the lid (3) enclose an interior of the packaging (1, 100), the shell (2) is formed by a front surface (4) and a first side wall (5), a second side wall (6), a third side wall (7), a fourth side wall (8), wherein the second side wall (6) adjoins the first side wall (5) and the third side wall (7) adjoins the second side wall (6), wherein the first side wall (5) has a first sealing edge (16), the second side wall (6) has a second sealing edge (17), the third side wall (7) has a third seal edge (18), and the fourth side wall (8) has a fourth seal edge (19), the first, second, third and fourth sealing edges (16; 17; 18; 19) are angled outwards from the interior and glued to the lid (3), wherein a first fold edge (9) runs between the front surface (4) and the first side wall (5), a second fold edge (10) runs between the front surface (4) and the second side wall (6), a third fold edge (11) runs between the front surface (4) and the third side wall (7), and a fourth fold edge (12) runs between the front surface (4) and the fourth side wall (8). characterized by the fact that the first fold edge (9), the second fold edge (10) and the third fold edge (11) have a predetermined breaking point (13) which extends from the first fold edge (9) over the second fold edge (10) to the third fold edge (11), so that the packaging (1, 100) can be opened by tearing the predetermined breaking point (13) at the fold edges in such a way that the front surface detaches from the first to third side walls.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to packaging, in particular packaging for general cargo, such as hygiene products, and a method for opening the packaging.

[0002] Retail goods are often offered in so-called blister packaging, also known as transparent packaging. Transparent packaging is used particularly for hygiene products, such as toothbrushes.

[0003] Display packaging typically consists of a lid and a tray that together enclose an interior space in which the product is stored. The lid and / or tray may be made of a transparent material or have windows to allow a view of the product inside. The lid and / or tray also usually include a hanging loop for hanging the packaging on a hook. This allows the packaging to be stored and displayed on store shelves. Often, the lid is made of cardboard, while the tray is made of plastic. For environmental reasons, both lids and trays are increasingly being made from recyclable, cellulose-based materials, particularly cardboard.

[0004] The lid typically consists of a flat piece, while the bowl has a front surface and at least one side wall angled away from the front surface. The side walls of the bowl are usually glued to the lid. To improve the bond between the bowl and lid, the side walls of the bowl typically have sealing edges that are angled away from the sides. These sealing edges form a flange along the rim of the bowl and can be easily glued to the lid.

[0005] With blister packaging, one problem is how the packaging can be opened by the user to remove the individual items without damaging the product.

[0006] A possible solution to the problem is disclosed in DE 195 32 162 A1. This publication shows a blister pack whose lid has a perforation for opening the pack. To open the pack, the lid is torn along the perforation, creating a sufficiently large opening on the back of the pack.

[0007] US Patent 2009 / 0205981A1 discloses a resealable dispenser package comprising a carrier substrate forming a back wall and an associated resealable, tray-shaped container made of a flexible film. The container holds layers of disposable wipes and has a resealable opening opposite the back wall for dispensing the wipes. A circumferential sealing rim of the container is bonded to the carrier substrate. A section of the carrier substrate extending beyond the container has a recess for hanging the dispenser package.

[0008] US 2016 / 0 297 593 A1 discloses a toothbrush package comprising a carrier substrate forming a back wall and a first shell with a complementary outer contour, which is connected to the carrier substrate, enclosing the toothbrush. The carrier substrate is provided with a perforation on the surface of the back wall for removing the toothbrush. The first shell partially conforms to the contour of the toothbrush and has a circumferential sealing rim connected to the back wall. This rim is connected on the side opposite the back wall to two further shells, which contain the first shell and, like the first shell, are made of transparent plastic. The complementary and bonded sections of the first shell and the carrier substrate extending beyond the two further shells are provided with a recess for hanging the toothbrush package.

[0009] Another variant of packaging is disclosed in DE 10 2019 216 307 A1, which can be considered generic. In this variant, the tray has several side walls with sealing edges, the sealing edges being glued to the lid. Additionally, there is a perforation between a first side wall and the adjoining first sealing edge, so that when the packaging is opened, the first sealing edge, together with the section of the lid glued to it, is torn from the first side wall. The remaining sealing edges are then peeled off the lid. In this way, the tray and lid are separated.

[0010] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide packaging for individual items that can be opened easily. The packaging should preferably be a blister pack. It is particularly preferred that the packaging be for hygiene products, especially toothbrushes. In particular, the packaging should be made of environmentally friendly, recyclable material.

[0011] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a packaging with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] Because the packaging according to the invention has a predetermined breaking point along a first folded edge between the front surface of the tray and a first side wall of the tray, the front surface of the tray is separated from the side wall when the packaging is opened. Unlike the prior art described above, the lid itself is not torn open or separated from the tray. This has the advantage that when the packaging according to the invention is opened, the side wall of the tray remains attached to the lid and thus continues to support the packaged goods. The lid remains undamaged. The packaged goods can continue to be held in the packaging without falling out. This feature is particularly important for so-called multipacks, which contain several products that are consumed gradually.

[0013] The predetermined breaking point is preferably formed by perforation. This means that the shell material has holes at regular intervals along the predetermined breaking point. The size and spacing of the holes can be chosen so that the predetermined breaking point can be easily torn open by hand, but without being torn open by accidental touch.

[0014] However, the predetermined breaking point can also be created in other ways. Generally, the predetermined breaking point can be formed by a weakening of the material along the fold line between the front surface and the first side wall. For example, the material of the tray can be superficially scored along the fold line. Alternatively, the material of the tray can be thinner along the fold line than in the area of ​​the front surface or the side wall.

[0015] It is also possible that the front surface and the side wall are glued together along the fold edge, with the adhesive bond having a lesser thickness than the material of the side wall and the front surface.

[0016] The predetermined breaking point can extend along the entire length of the fold edge or only over a section of the first fold edge. Preferably, the predetermined breaking point extends over the entire length of the first fold edge.

[0017] Preferably, a section of the predetermined breaking point extends onto the first side wall. This means that the predetermined breaking point does not run along the fold line in certain sections, but rather detaches from the fold line and extends onto the first side wall in certain sections. The predetermined breaking point thus defines a portion of the side wall which, when the predetermined breaking point is torn, is detached from the rest of the side wall and remains connected to the front surface. This portion can be easily pressed in with a finger when opening the packaging. This facilitates tearing off the rest of the predetermined breaking point. Preferably, the predetermined breaking point extends in an arc across a portion of the first side wall in this section. Particularly preferably, the predetermined breaking point runs along the first fold line on both sides of the section.In this case too, the predetermined breaking point – apart from the section of the predetermined breaking point that extends to the first side wall – preferably extends over the entire length of the fold edge.

[0018] Preferably, the tray and / or lid are made of a cellulose-containing material. Particularly preferably, this is a recyclable, cellulose-containing material. Preferably, the lid and / or tray are made of paper, cardboard, or carton. However, it is also possible for the lid and / or tray to be made of plastic or another suitable material.

[0019] Preferably, the tray and the lid are bonded together. For this purpose, the first side wall preferably has a first sealing edge that is angled outwards from the interior, with the lid being bonded to the first sealing edge.

[0020] The lid and the front surface of the bowl are preferably each made of a flat material. Preferably, the lid and the front surface are arranged parallel to each other. The first side wall of the bowl, however, is arranged at an angle or at a right angle to the front surface and the lid.

[0021] Preferably, the front surface has a rectangular base. In this case, the tray preferably has four side walls. A folded edge runs between each side wall and the front surface. In this case, the tray and the lid preferably define a substantially cuboid interior space.

[0022] The side walls are preferably formed in one piece with the front surface. For example, the side walls and the front surface can be made from a deep-drawn plastic film or from a folded blank of a cellulose-containing material. Preferably, the side walls and the front surface are formed from a folded blank of paper, cardboard, or carton. However, it is also possible for the front surface and the side walls to each be made from separate flat parts that are joined together by an adhesive bond.

[0023] The side panels are each connected to the front surface via a folded edge. The predetermined breaking point extends along several of these folded edges.

[0024] According to the invention, the side walls each have a sealing edge as described above, which is angled outwards from the interior and is glued to the lid.

[0025] According to the invention, the tray has a second side wall adjoining the first side wall, wherein a second folded edge runs between the front surface and the second side wall, and the predetermined breaking point also extends to the second folded edge. Furthermore, the tray has a third side wall adjoining either the first or the second side wall, wherein a third folded edge runs between the front surface and the third side wall, and the predetermined breaking point also extends to the third folded edge.

[0026] Because the predetermined breaking point extends over more than one fold edge, the opening of the packaging is enlarged and the removal of the goods is made easier.

[0027] Preferably, the shell has a fourth side wall whose folded edge is not provided with a predetermined breaking point, so that the front surface remains connected to the side wall when the predetermined breaking point is torn open.

[0028] Preferably, the lid and / or tray have a viewing window. This allows the packaged goods to be seen from the outside. In the simplest case, the viewing window can be a hole in the material of the lid and / or tray. However, it is also possible for the hole to be covered by a transparent material, such as a plastic film. Furthermore, the material of the lid and / or tray can be either completely or partially transparent to form the viewing window. For example, the lid can be made of a completely transparent material and thus serve as the viewing window.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the lid has one or more viewing windows. These are not damaged when the predetermined breaking point is torn open. The viewing windows are preferably formed as holes in the lid material.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the lid projects beyond the front surface of the tray on at least one side of the packaging. This allows the lid to form a tab by which the packaging can be held.

[0031] Preferably, the lid also has a recess for hanging the packaging. This is preferably provided in the tab described above.

[0032] For the packaging according to the invention, it is irrelevant which surfaces are preferably intended to face the user and which surfaces constitute the front and back of the packaging in relation to the observer. The packaging can, for example, be designed so that the lid faces the user during normal use. In this case, the front surface of the tray can form the back of the packaging. However, it is equally possible for the front surface of the tray to face the user, with the lid forming the back of the packaging. All surfaces of the packaging, in particular the lid, the front surface of the tray, and the side walls of the tray, can be labelled, printed, or otherwise decorated.

[0033] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below in conjunction with the following drawings. These show: Fig. 1 to 3 Perspective views of a packaging according to a first embodiment. Fig. Figures 4 to 6: Perspective views of packaging according to a second embodiment.

[0034] The Fig. Figures 1-3 show a packaging 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0035] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figures 2 show perspective views of the front of the packaging 1. The front is formed by the tray 2. In this embodiment, the tray 2 is cuboid and comprises a front surface 4 and four side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 extending from the front surface 4, each at right angles to the others.

[0036] The side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 each have sealing edges 16, 17, 18, 19 on their edges facing away from the front surface 4. The tray 2 is glued to the lid 3 via the sealing edges 16, 17, 18, 19. The lid 3 forms the back of the packaging, which in perspective view is Fig. 3 is shown.

[0037] Between the side walls 5, 6, 7, 8 and the front surface 4, there are fold lines 9, 10, 11, 12. Since the packaging 1 has an overall elongated shape, fold lines 9, 11 are each significantly longer than fold lines 10, 12. Fold lines 9, 11 therefore run along the long side of the packaging.

[0038] The packaging 1 has a predetermined breaking point 13 that extends across the fold edges 9, 10, 11. In this embodiment, the predetermined breaking point 13 is formed by a perforation. The fold edge 12 is not perforated.

[0039] To facilitate opening the packaging 1, the predetermined breaking point 13 has a section 14 that extends onto the first side wall 5. This defines a sub-area 15 of the first side wall 5. This sub-area 15 can be pressed in when opening the packaging, creating a tear along section 14 of the predetermined breaking point. This provides a grip for the user, making it easier to tear the predetermined breaking point 13 further. As the predetermined breaking point 13 is torn further, the front surface 4 detaches from the side walls 5, 6, and 7, thus opening the packaging completely. However, the front surface 4 remains connected to the fourth side wall 8, as no predetermined breaking point is provided at the corresponding fold 12. Likewise, the sealing edges 16, 17, 18, and 19 remain connected to the lid 3, so that the packaging 1 is not torn into multiple pieces when opened.This makes disposing of the packaging easier.

[0040] On the back of the packaging, the lid 3 has two viewing windows 20. In the embodiment shown here, these are formed by holes in the material of the lid 3. These holes can optionally be sealed with a transparent material (not shown here) to prevent foreign objects from entering the interior of the packaging.

[0041] The packaging 1 shown here can be made from cellulose-containing materials such as paper, cardboard, or carton. Two sheets of flat material are required to manufacture the packaging; one sheet forms the lid 3 and the other the tray 4. The tray 4 is formed into the cuboid shape shown here by folding a corresponding sheet.

[0042] The Fig.Figures 4 to 6 show a package 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This package is essentially identical in its construction to the package 1 of the first embodiment, so that identical elements are referred to here with the same reference numerals.

[0043] As in the first embodiment, the packaging 100 has a predetermined breaking point 13 extending across three fold edges, namely fold edges 9, 10, and 11. The fourth fold edge 12 does not have a predetermined breaking point. As in the first embodiment, the predetermined breaking point 13 of the second embodiment also includes a region 14 extending onto a first side wall 6 and defining a sub-region 15 of the side wall 6. This sub-region 15 can be pressed in when opening the packaging 100, just as in the first embodiment, to facilitate further tearing of the predetermined breaking point 13.

[0044] Unlike in the first embodiment, section 14 is not located on a long side of the packaging, but rather on a narrow side. This ensures that section 14 is positioned centrally with respect to the entire length of the predetermined breaking point 13. This results in a better distribution of forces when tearing the predetermined breaking point and enables a more uniform tearing of the predetermined breaking point 13.

[0045] Unlike the first embodiment, the packaging 100 according to the second embodiment also has a flap 21 formed on one of the narrow sides of the packaging 100. This flap is essentially formed by an extension of the lid 3, which is bonded to the sealing edge 17 in the area of ​​the flap. In the embodiment shown here, the sealing edge 17 extends substantially over the entire surface of the flap 21, thereby achieving greater stability of the flap 21. However, it is also possible for the sealing edge 17 to be narrower and to cover only a portion of the flap 21.

[0046] The flap has a recess 22, which in the embodiment shown here has the form of a so-called Euro slot. The recess 22 allows the package 100 to be hung on a hook.

Claims

[1] Packaging (1, 100) comprising a tray (2) and a lid (3), wherein the tray (2) and the lid (3) enclose an interior of the packaging (1, 100), the shell (2) is formed by a front surface (4) and a first side wall (5), a second side wall (6), a third side wall (7), a fourth side wall (8), wherein the second side wall (6) adjoins the first side wall (5) and the third side wall (7) adjoins the second side wall (6), wherein the first side wall (5) has a first sealing edge (16), the second side wall (6) has a second sealing edge (17), the third side wall (7) has a third seal edge (18), and the fourth side wall (8) has a fourth seal edge (19), the first, second, third and fourth sealing edges (16; 17; 18; 19) are angled outwards from the interior and glued to the lid (3), wherein a first fold edge (9) runs between the front surface (4) and the first side wall (5), a second fold edge (10) runs between the front surface (4) and the second side wall (6), a third fold edge (11) runs between the front surface (4) and the third side wall (7), and a fourth fold edge (12) runs between the front surface (4) and the fourth side wall (8). characterized by , that the first fold edge (9), the second fold edge (10) and the third fold edge (11) have a predetermined breaking point (13) which extends from the first fold edge (9) over the second fold edge (10) to the third fold edge (11), so that the packaging (1, 100) can be opened by tearing the predetermined breaking point (13) at the fold edges in such a way that the front surface detaches from the first to third side walls. [2] Packaging (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the predetermined breaking point (13) is formed by a perforation. [3] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a section (14) of the predetermined breaking point (13) extends onto the first side wall (5). [4] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shell (2) and / or the lid (3) are made of a cellulose-containing material. [5] Packaging (1, 100) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the shell (2) is elongated and that the first side wall (5) is a longitudinal wall of the shell. [6] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lid (3) and / or the tray (2) have a viewing window (20). [7] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lid (3) has a recess (22) for hanging the packaging (1, 100). [8] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the predetermined breaking point (13) extends only over a partial section of the first fold edge (9). [9] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a section (14) of the predetermined breaking point (13) extends in an arc shape onto the first side wall (5). [10] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fourth fold edge (12) is not provided with a predetermined breaking point (13). [11] Packaging (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the package (1, 100) contains a toothbrush.

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