Closure system for the reuse of packaging

Abstract

A closure system for the reuse of packaging, applicable to both envelope-like packages and cardboard boxes, characterized in that it consists of a laminar body in which a first adhesive end segment (1), supported by a first protective paper strip (1'), which can be removed at the time of its application and defines a means for fixing to the packaging, is arranged parallel to which a second, intermediate, adhesive segment (2) is arranged, which is also supported by a second paper strip (2'), which defines a means for closing the packaging for return, comprising a third adhesive end segment (3), also supported by a third protective paper strip (3'), which defines an initial closure element of the packaging when it is filled at the starting point.wherein it has been provided between the second adhesive segment (2) and the third adhesive segment (3) that a tearable perforated section (4) extending from side to side of the laminar body is provided.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging materials and methods, with particular emphasis on a closure system for the reuse of packaging.

[0002] The object of the invention is to provide a closure system which allows certain packaging to withstand multiple use cycles while maintaining its integrity and functionality during transport and distribution, particularly in the context of electronic commerce.

[0003] The closure system proposed by the present invention provides a solution that combines safety, ease of use and sustainability to reduce the environmental impact associated with the use of single-use packaging. Background of the invention

[0004] The rise of online retail has increased the demand for packaging, leading to a significant rise in waste generated by single-use packaging. While effective at protecting products during shipping, this packaging is not designed for reuse. As a result, tons of waste are generated each year, contributing to environmental problems such as pollution and resource depletion.

[0005] To address this problem, the industry has begun exploring alternatives with reusable packaging that can be used multiple times before being disposed of or recycled. While these reusable packages solve many of the problems associated with single-use packaging, they also present certain limitations and challenges in offering a comparable alternative.

[0006] One of the challenges in distributing goods to consumers is ensuring their integrity and security, so that both businesses and consumers are confident that the product arrives in optimal condition and has not been tampered with during transport. This applies to both single-use and reusable packaging, although the former have offered suitable solutions to this challenge for some time. Current solutions for reusable packaging, on the other hand, incorporate various closure mechanisms such as adhesive tapes, tamper-evident seals, zippers, or Velcro. However, these methods have a number of limitations, including the following: - Single use and destruction of the seal: Most closure systems on single-use packaging are designed to be opened only once. This destroys or renders the closure mechanism unusable, preventing the packaging from being reused. - Lack of secure packaging reuse options: Packaging that can be reused—that is, packaging that allows not only for shipping a product but also for its return—and that is known on the market, usually uses closures such as zippers or Velcro. While these allow reuse, they do not offer an adequate level of security. These systems do not provide clear tampering instructions, which poses risks to the integrity of the contents during transport. In the case of Velcro, it can accumulate dirt and lose its sealing ability over time. Zippers, although more secure, are expensive to manufacture and do not indicate whether the packaging has been tampered with during transport. - Challenges in cleaning and reprocessing: Reusable packaging that uses adhesive tapes or other sticky elements presents difficulties in cleaning and reprocessing. The accumulation of adhesive waste can compromise the hygiene of the packaging and its ability to be used in future cycles. - Recycling problems: Many single-use packages and their closure systems are made of composite materials, which makes recycling more difficult. Separating these materials is expensive and complicated, often resulting in these packages ending up in landfills.

[0007] These limitations highlight the need for an optimized solution for reusable packaging that combines safety, user-friendliness, and sustainability. Description of the invention

[0008] The closure system for the reuse of packaging proposed by the invention fully satisfactorily solves the problem outlined above by providing an innovative closure system that integrates into the packaging, enabling its reuse, thus providing a safe, user-friendly and sustainable solution.

[0009] It must first be emphasized that, in the present treatise, the usage cycle of packaging is understood as the use of the packaging for shipping from the point of origin to the point of destination of a product purchased by the user, as well as its return from the point of destination to the point of origin (either for the return of the product or simply for the return of the empty packaging) and the reprocessing of the packaging for its reuse when a new closure system is inserted.

[0010] According to the invention, the proposed closure system is designed to be attached to a reusable packaging or box, such as a cardboard envelope or cardboard box, and is composed of a laminar body based on paper, cardboard, plastic or biodegradable materials, the thickness and strength of which can be adapted to the specific needs of the packaging and its usage cycle.

[0011] The laminar body of the packaging will preferably have a rectangular shape, with several transverse segments defined which can be used selectively.

[0012] More specifically, a first adhesive end segment will be defined in the laminar body, which is protected by a paper strip, preferably paraffin-coated or silicone-coated, which can be removed at the time of its use.

[0013] Following this first end segment, a second, also adhesive, segment will be defined and also supported by a second protective paper strip, which can be removed if a return of the packaging is necessary.

[0014] The laminar body terminates at its other end in a third adhesive segment, which is also supported by a third protective paper strip, a segment which is used as a sealing element of the packaging once it is filled at the starting point.

[0015] Finally, a tearable, perforated section is incorporated between the second and third adhesive segments, extending from side to side of the laminar body, which facilitates opening the packaging for the user. This allows easy access to the contents of the package without damaging it, thus maintaining its integrity for future uses.

[0016] Alternatively, the aforementioned adhesive segments can have narrow areas (with a smaller width than that of the adhesive segments) between them without adhesive, as spacers, which facilitate access to the different protective strips when removing these elements.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, it was also provided that the closure system is optionally provided on the front (visible surface during its use) with pre-cuts which are arranged continuously near the circumferential edge, so that they are arranged on the front and in accordance with the first segment and the third segment.

[0018] The aforementioned pre-cuts define an anti-tampering mechanism, providing a clear visual indication of any attempt to open or tamper with the packaging, thus warning the recipient of the package or parcel of potential unauthorized manipulation. In other words, these pre-cuts allow the sealing system to break easily if tampering is attempted, providing an additional layer of security. This ensures that any unauthorized opening attempt is visible and detected, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the contents.

[0019] In this way, the closure system is designed to allow the secure sealing of the packaging, to provide a clear indication of tampering, and to facilitate its opening and closing for the return of the packaging.

[0020] Based on this structure, the system functions as follows: In a first step, the closure system of the invention is connected to the open packaging, for which the protective paper strip of the first segment is removed and it is glued onto the said packaging.

[0021] Once the packaging is filled at the starting point, the protective paper strip of the third segment is removed, the packaging is closed, and this third segment is glued onto the packaging, thus preventing it from being opened. It should be noted that, obviously, for the sealing system to be effective, the first and third segments of the sealing system must be glued to different edges of the packaging; that is, these edges are the ones that allow the product being shipped to enter the packaging.

[0022] The user receives the packaging in such a way that, in order to access the contents, they must tear open the perforated area, which is unusable after its removal. Therefore, in the event of a secure return of the packaging, it is sufficient to remove the protective paper strip of the second segment to fix the aforementioned adhesive segment to the packaging, which remains perfectly closed.

[0023] Obviously, when the packaging is returned, it will contain the third, previously separated section, although it no longer serves any function in this step.

[0024] As previously mentioned, the device of the invention can be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or biodegradable materials, and its thickness and strength can be adapted to the specific needs of the packaging and its life cycle. The choice of material allows the closure system to be customized for different types of reusable packaging.

[0025] It must be clarified that, although the packaging is reusable, the closure system is designed to be replaced after a complete usage cycle (that is, after shipment to the destination and return to the point of origin). This ensures that each new cycle or use of the packaging has a secure and undamaged closure, thereby maintaining the safety and integrity of the packaging. In other words, the closure system of the invention is replaced after each usage cycle of the packaging.

[0026] One of the key aspects of the invention is its focus on sustainability. The closure system and packaging are designed to be manufactured using a single material or mono-material, which facilitates their recycling at the end of their life cycle. Using a single material eliminates the need to separate components for recycling, thus simplifying the process and reducing environmental impact.

[0027] Furthermore, the option of using biodegradable or recyclable materials in the manufacture of the closure system and packaging contributes to the sustainability of the solution. This feature is essential for promoting circular economy practices, in which materials are recovered and reused, thereby minimizing waste and dependence on non-renewable resources.

[0028] The design of the closure system simplifies the logistics process, as it allows the end user to easily remove the closure upon receiving the packaging or parcel without damaging the reusable packaging or leaving any residue. This feature facilitates the reuse or recycling of the packaging, since removing the closure system leaves neither sticky residue nor affects the integrity of the packaging.

[0029] This integration not only improves the user experience but also contributes to operational efficiency by reducing the time and effort required to prepare packaging for shipping and returns.

[0030] In summary, the following advantages over other existing reusable packaging can be derived from the structuring of the closure system described above: - Improved security: The anti-tampering mechanism provides a clear indication of whether the packaging has been opened or tampered with, thereby improving the security of the contents during transport and reducing the risk of theft or unjustified manipulation. - Ease of use: The closure system with adhesive areas allows for easy and quick opening and closing, thus improving the user experience. This reduces the preparation and opening time of the packages, which is particularly valuable in high-volume e-commerce environments. - Optimized reuse: The ability to replace the closure system at the end of each cycle allows the packaging to be used multiple times, thereby reducing waste generation and the costs associated with the production and disposal of single-use packaging. Even though the label is also for single use, its contribution in terms of material content compared to the rest of the packaging is almost negligible. - Sustainability: Manufacturing with monomaterials and the possibility of using recyclable or biodegradable materials make this invention an environmentally friendly solution. This not only contributes to reducing waste but also promotes sustainable production and consumption practices. - Compatibility with online retail: Designed to meet the requirements of online retail, the invention provides a safe, practical, and effective solution for shipping and returning packaging. This is particularly relevant in a market where logistics and customer experience are key factors. - Adaptability: The invention can be adapted for different sizes and types of reusable packaging, making it versatile and applicable in a wide variety of contexts, from shipping small products to bulkier goods. Description of the drawings

[0031] To supplement the description subsequently carried out and to aid a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as part of the aforementioned description, in which the following has been depicted in an illustrative and non-limiting manner: Fig. 1. It shows a development plan of a closure system for the reuse of packaging, which has been implemented according to the object of the present invention. Fig. 2. It shows a similar view to that of the Fig. 1, but on the opposite surface of the locking system. Fig. 3. It shows a perspective view of an envelope packaging with the system of the invention, before the envelope is closed. Fig. 4. It shows a view of the complex made up of Fig. 3, properly closed and ready for shipment. Fig. 5. It shows a similar view to that of the Fig. 4, but in which the tearable perforated section can be seen partially torn, supposedly when the envelope has arrived at its destination. Fig. 6. It shows a similar view to that of the Fig. 5, but in which the envelope is ready for its return to the starting point. Fig. 7. It shows a perspective view of a box packaging with the system of the invention, before its closure. Fig. 8. It shows a similar view to that of the Fig. 7, but in which the perforated section can be seen partially torn, supposedly when the box has arrived at its destination. Fig. 9. Finally, she shows the box packaging made of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 ready for their return to the starting point. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0032] In light of the figures described, one can observe how the closure system for packaging reuse applies indiscriminately to both envelope-like packaging, such as that which is in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 is shown to connect the closure flap (7) to the body or front (8) of said envelope, as well as in box-like packaging, such as the one shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 9 is shown to be applicable for connecting the closure lid (9) to the main body (10) of the box.

[0033] In any case and according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The device of the invention is formed from a laminar body, preferably rectangular, since this is the most effective solution, although other designs are not excluded, which laminar body, which is obtained based on paper, cardboard, plastic or biodegradable materials, can be adapted in thickness and strength according to the specific needs of the packaging and its usage cycle.

[0034] According to the core of the invention, a first adhesive end segment (1) is defined in the laminar body, which is initially supported by a first protective, paraffin-coated or silicone-coated paper strip (1'), which can be removed at the time of its use, and which is the first element that is fixed to the packaging, either to the closure flap (7) or to the closure lid (9).

[0035] Parallel to this segment, a second adhesive segment (2) is set up, also supported by a second protective paper strip (2'), this segment being designed to form a subsequent closure element in the event that a return needs to be carried out.

[0036] The laminar body terminates at its other end in a third adhesive segment (3), which is also supported by a third protective paper strip (3'), which segment is used as the initial closure element of the packaging when it is filled at the starting point.

[0037] To facilitate the opening maneuvers of the packaging, a tearable perforated section (4) is provided between the second segment and the third segment, extending from side to side of the laminar body.

[0038] According to Fig. 5 and Fig. 8 This tearable perforated section (4) allows easy access to the contents of the packaging without damaging the packaging, while maintaining its integrity for future uses.

[0039] In this way, once the packaging is open, it can be returned empty for reuse, or it can be returned with the excluded product inside, for which the packaging can be sealed by using the second adhesive segment (2) after removing its protective paper strip (2').

[0040] Optionally, narrow areas (5) without adhesive are provided between the adhesive segments, as well as on both sides of the tearable perforated section (4), as spacers between the first protective paper strip (1'), the second protective paper strip (2') and the third protective paper strip (3'), which areas (5) facilitate access to the different protective strips (1'), (2') and (3') when removing these elements.

[0041] As in Fig. 1, it was also provided that the laminar body on the zone whose vertices contain pre-cuts (6) which cause the laminar body to tear open in these zones in the event of a tampering attempt, providing a clear visual indication whether an attempt has been made to open or tamper with the packaging, thereby warning the recipient of the packaging of possible unauthorized tampering.

[0042] Ultimately, the present invention presents an integrated solution to the challenges of reusable packaging by providing a closure system that improves security, user-friendliness, and sustainability. By addressing the limitations of current solutions and introducing innovative features such as the tamper-evident mechanism and the integrated closure system, this invention represents a significant advance in the field of reusable packaging.

[0043] The ability to manufacture the packaging and closure system using mono-materials and recyclable materials contributes to the circular economy by reducing environmental impact and promoting reuse. With its focus on safety, effectiveness, and sustainability, this invention is well-positioned to meet the current and future needs of e-commerce and sustainable logistics.

Claims

[1] Closure system for the reuse of packaging, which is applicable to both envelope-style packages and cardboard boxes, characterized by, that it consists of a laminar body in which a first adhesive end segment (1), supported by a first protective paper strip (1') which can be removed at the time of its use and which provides a means for fixing to the packaging, a first segment parallel to which a second, intermediate, adhesive segment (2) is provided, which is also supported by a second paper strip (2') which provides a means for closing the packaging for its return, comprising a third adhesive end segment (3), also supported by a third protective paper strip (3') which provides an initial closing element of the packaging when it is filled at the starting point, are defined, wherein it has been provided between the second adhesive segment (2) and the third adhesive segment (3) that a tearable perforated section (4),which extends from side to side of the laminar body, is set up. [2] Closure system for the reuse of packaging according to claim 1, in which areas (5) with a smaller width than that of the adhesive segments [(1), (2), (3)] are provided between the adhesive segments [(1), (2), (3)] and on both sides of the tearable perforated section (4), areas (5) without adhesive and which act as spacers between the first protective paper strip (1'), the second protective paper strip (2') and the third protective paper strip (3'). [3] Closure system for the reuse of packaging according to claim 1, in which the laminar body contains pre-cuts (6) in accordance with the zone near its edges which define fragile anti-tampering elements. [4] Closure system for the reuse of packaging according to claim 1, in which the laminar body is based on paper, cardboard, plastic or biodegradable materials. [5] Closure system for the reuse of packaging according to claim 1, in which the laminar body is rectangular. [6] Closure system for the reuse of packaging according to claim 1, in which the first protective paper strip (1') is paraffin-coated or silicone-coated.

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