TEAR-RESISTANT PACKAGING BAG

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a packaging bag made of flexible plastic material according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The packaging bag in question can correspond to any type of bag-shaped packaging. These include, for example, flat bags, stand-up pouches, side-gusseted bags, or similar, which can particularly be designed as edge-sealed bags. In this respect, the term "packaging bag" should be understood broadly here.

[0003] To open or tear open a packaging bag, predefined tear lines are often provided along the packaging. When the bag is torn open along this predefined tear line, the filling space is opened, allowing the product inside to be removed.

[0004] Such a packaging bag is known from DE 10 2007 024 087 A1.

[0005] This packaging bag is used for packaging solid, powdered, or granulated products, such as care, washing, or cleaning products. It is designed as a tubular bag and has a filling space defined by transverse closure seams. To open the packaging bag and thus allow the product to be removed from the filling space, a predetermined tear line is provided. This line runs from the outer edge of one closure seam to the outer edge of the other closure seam. When the packaging bag is opened or torn open, the induced tear runs from one edge to the opposite edge.

[0006] While the known packaging bag generally provides good tear-open properties, an opening process along the predetermined tear line results in the packaging bag splitting into two loose, no longer connected parts, regardless of the force applied.

[0007] KR 2016 0149166 discloses a packaging bag with two bag walls that are connected to each other along a side edge via a connecting seam. Furthermore, the packaging bag discloses a predetermined tear line for tearing the packaging bag open along the predetermined tear line. Tearing is stopped at a tear-stop front edge of a tear-stop arrangement, which is designed as a hole.

[0008] DE 20 2009 002 028 U1 discloses a packaging bag with two bag walls, a predetermined tear line for tearing open the packaging bag, and a tear-stop arrangement formed as a hole. The bag walls of the packaging bag are seamlessly connected to each other.

[0009] DE 19 49 140 U discloses a packaging bag with a predetermined tear line ending in a hole. The packaging bag is designed without seams on the side edges, so that the side walls are seamlessly connected.

[0010] US 7,891,875 B1 discloses a packaging bag with two bag walls connected to each other along a vertical axis. The packaging bag has a resistant section and a tear-resistant thread, so that when the packaging bag is opened, the tear-resistant thread prevents the upper part of the packaging bag from being removed from the packaging bag.

[0011] One challenge here is the use of such a packaging bag for products for which a quality or sealing mark, such as a tax stamp, tax banderol, or labeling as a medical device, such as medicines or medicinal cannabis and cannabinoid preparations, is legally required. Such quality or sealing marks should generally be cut through at least partially, and especially completely, when a package is opened. However, the quality or sealing marks should remain fully attached even after the packaging has been opened.

[0012] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known packaging bag in such a way that the quality or closure mark is reliably severed when it is torn open and at the same time the risk of the packaging bag being completely divided is reduced.

[0013] The above problem is solved in a packaging bag according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0014] The proposed solution is based primarily on the idea that the tear line easily cuts through the quality or closure mark when torn open. Another consideration is that stopping the tear induced along the tear line prevents or impedes the splitting of the packaging bag. At the same time, a tear line that doesn't extend all the way to the opposite edge facilitates only partial opening of the packaging bag.

[0015] Specifically, it is proposed that the bag walls be connected at the second side edge via a connecting seam having a leading edge directed toward the first side edge, and that a tear-stop arrangement with a tear-stop leading edge, configured to stop tear propagation, is provided in the direction of travel of the predetermined tear line, and that the tear-stop leading edge is arranged in front of the leading edge of the connecting seam, and the leading edge of the connecting seam is arranged in front of the side edge, in the direction of travel of the predetermined tear line. Furthermore, it is proposed that the tear-stop arrangement be arranged adjacent to, or partially overlapping, the connecting seam of the second side edge.

[0016] A packaging bag made of flexible plastic material is understood to mean that the packaging bag is either made entirely of plastic material or that the bag walls are at least predominantly made of plastic and / or have a plastic coating. For example, these can be single- or multi-layer bag walls, which may also include a layer of aluminum foil.

[0017] The predetermined tear line reduces the tear resistance during the opening process of the packaging bag and primarily serves to ensure controlled opening of the packaging bag. The predetermined tear line can be designed as a material weakening or material structure, in particular as a groove or perforation. Furthermore, it is also possible for the predetermined tear line to be parallel to the extrusion direction of the at least one plastic layer or plastic-coated layer of the bag walls 2. For example, a deliberate material weakening can be created during extrusion, which later represents the predetermined tear line. The predetermined tear line is preferably arranged orthogonally to the connecting seams.

[0018] When the packaging bag is opened or torn open, a tear is induced, starting from the tear-open starting point on the first side edge in the direction of a second side edge. This tear runs along the predetermined tear line and, when used as intended, i.e., with normal force, is stopped by the proposed tear-stop arrangement with the tear-stop leading edge. Normal force is precisely the force that must be applied to induce the tear, starting from the tear-open starting point. Due to its design, the tear-stop arrangement ensures that the tear-stop leading edge stops the tear, thus ending it in the tear-stop arrangement. Due to the geometric design of the tear-stop arrangement, a further propagation of the tear is not possible.Since the tear ends in the tear-stop arrangement and thus cannot continue, the section-by-section opening of the packaging bag is optimized and the division of the packaging bag is prevented.

[0019] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 2, the bag walls are connected to one another along the first side edge and / or a packaging bag bottom and / or a packaging bag head via a connecting seam. The packaging bag bottom can be designed as a bottom seam and the packaging bag head as a head seam. This is advantageous in that it allows the packaging bag to be designed flexibly and depending on the product to be packaged.

[0020] In principle, according to claim 3, it is particularly advantageous if the connecting seam is a sealed seam. This allows for a particularly simple production of an airtight packaging bag.

[0021] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 4, the ratio of a width of the connecting seam of the second side edge and the distance of the tear-stop front edge to the second side edge is at least 1, preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 2.5.

[0022] The width of the connecting seam of the second side edge is defined as the extension of the connecting seam in the direction from the first side edge to the second side edge. This ratio allows the packaging bag to be adapted to the intended purpose, the respective filling content, the size of the packaging bag, and the expected duration of use.

[0023] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 5, the tear-stop arrangement has at least one tear-stop sealing seam. The tear-stop sealing seam is understood to be a sealing seam that at least partially, preferably completely, stops the tear as soon as the tear encounters it. Additionally or alternatively, the tear-stop arrangement can have at least one tear-stop hole. The tear-stop hole is an interruption of the tear-stop arrangement in the form of a hole. If the induced tear encounters the tear-stop hole, the hole stops the tear. The tear-stop sealing seam and / or the at least one tear-stop hole are arranged along the predetermined tear line. This is advantageous in that the tear-stop arrangement can be easily adapted to the geometric design and intended use of the packaging bag.The tear-stop seal can be created by welding the bag walls together or by welding an additional layer of material to the bag walls. This additional layer of material can be arranged between the bag walls or on one of the outer sides.

[0024] The arrangement of multiple tear-stop holes can be advantageous, for example, if the predetermined tear line is essentially perpendicular to the extrusion direction of the at least one plastic layer or plastic-coated layer of the bag walls. Furthermore, multiple consecutive tear-stop holes can prevent the packaging bag from splitting during intensive handling, for example, during transport.

[0025] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 6, the at least one tear-stop hole is arranged behind the respective tear-stop sealing seam in the direction of the predetermined tear line. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one tear-stop hole is arranged in front of the respective tear-stop sealing seam in the direction of the predetermined tear line.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment according to claim 7, the at least one tear-stop seal seam surrounds the tear-stop hole at least partially, preferably completely. Preferably, the tear-stop seal seam forms a hole edge of the tear-stop hole. The end of the tear can thus be adapted to the expected service life and intended use, so that the tear initially encounters the tear-stop hole or the tear-stop seal seam.

[0027] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 8, the tear-stop hole is round, oval, or polygonal. With a polygonal shape of the tear-stop hole, the corners are rounded at least at the hole edge facing the second side edge; preferably, all corners of the polygon are rounded. Rounding the hole edge facing the second side edge prevents the formation of a new tear and thus the splitting of the packaging bag.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment according to claim 9, the tear-stop starting point of one side edge has a material weakening, preferably a tear notch or a cut. Additionally or alternatively, the tear-stop starting point can have a marking. Such a material weakening or marking simplifies the opening process. The material weakening or marking can be triangular, parabolic, wave-shaped, or sawtooth-shaped. The material weakening can be rectangular or formed as a round or V-shaped notch.

[0029] The further preferred embodiment according to claim 10 provides a product receiving section and a head section. The predetermined tear line is located in the head section. The product receiving section is the section of the packaging bag that receives the product. The head section adjoins the product receiving section. When torn open along the predetermined tear line, the head section is partially severed. The size of the product receiving section and the head section can be adjusted depending on the respective product and intended use.

[0030] The further preferred embodiment according to claim 11 provides a closure between the product-receiving section and the head section. The closure can be a snap fastener, an adhesive fastener, a zipper, and / or a profile fastener. It is particularly advantageous if the closure, especially the zipper, is child-resistant.

[0031] In the particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 12, the crack stop arrangement is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in the head section.

[0032] In the following, the invention is explained with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment. In the drawing, Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a proposed packaging bag with a tear-stop arrangement in the closed state, Fig. 2 shows the packaging bag according to Fig. 1 in the opened or torn state, with the end of the tear at the tear-stop front edge and in an enlarged detail with the end of the tear in the tear-stop hole, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a proposed packaging bag in the closed state, Fig. 4 shows the tear-stop arrangement in various configurations, of which Fig. 4a ) shows such a design for the proposed packaging bag and the other embodiments are not part of the invention.

[0033] The packaging bag 1 essentially has a tubular shape and can be configured, for example, as a flat bag, a stand-up pouch, or the like. The term "packaging bag" is to be understood broadly in this context, as already explained in the introductory part of the description. All relevant embodiments apply accordingly to all other types of packaging bags 1.

[0034] In Fig. 1 1 shows the packaging bag 1 made of flexible plastic material, in particular for packaging medical products. The packaging bag 1 has at least two bag walls 2 and at least two side edges 3. The bag walls 2 are connected to one another at least in sections along their edge 4 via at least one connecting seam 5. For controlled tearing of the packaging bag 1, a defined predetermined tear line 6 is provided in at least one of the bag walls 2, preferably in two opposite bag walls 2. This predetermined tear line 6 runs from a tear-open starting point 7 on a first side edge 3a of the bag wall 2 and / or of the packaging bag 1 in the direction R of a second side edge 3b of the bag wall 2 and / or of the packaging bag 1. The predetermined tear line 6 runs here and preferably orthogonally to one of the two side edges 3a, 3b.The packaging bag 1 further provides an adhesive closure mark 8, for example a tax stamp, tax banderol, or seal. The closure mark 8 is positioned, in particular positioned above the predetermined tear line 6, such that it is severed or torn along the predetermined tear line 6 during the opening process.

[0035] It is essential for the proposed teaching that the bag walls 2 are connected at least at the second side edge 3b via a connecting seam 5. The connecting seam 5 has a leading edge 9 directed towards the first side edge 3a. Furthermore, according to the proposal, a tear-stop arrangement 10 with a tear-stop leading edge 11 is provided in the direction V of the predetermined tear line 6. A tear 12 resulting during tearing therefore first encounters the tear-stop leading edge 11 of the tear-stop arrangement 10. The tear-stop leading edge 11 is configured to stop the propagation of the tear 12. Furthermore, according to the proposal, in the direction V of the predetermined tear line 11, the tear-stop leading edge 11 is arranged in front of the leading edge 9 of the connecting seam 5 and the leading edge 9 of the connecting seam 5 is arranged in front of the second side edge 3b. The front edge 9 of the connecting seam 5 is understood here to be the inner edge of the connecting seam 5.The front edge 9 of the connecting seam 5 is arranged here and preferably opposite the second side edge 3b of the connecting seam 5.

[0036] As already mentioned, the bag walls 2 can be made of a flexible plastic material. The bag walls 2 can consist at least substantially of plastic or have a plastic coating. For example, the bag walls 2 can be single-layer or multi-layer, which can also have a layer of aluminum foil. To simplify the opening or tearing process, the predetermined tear line 6 is provided. This reduces the tear resistance of the packaging bag 1 along a defined line, thereby ensuring a controlled and defined opening of the packaging bag 1. The predetermined tear line 6 is formed as a material weakening or material structure, in particular as a groove or perforation, in the respective bag wall 2. Furthermore, it is also possible for the predetermined tear line 6 to lie parallel to the extrusion direction of the at least one plastic layer or plastic-coated layer of the bag walls 2.

[0037] If a tear 12 is induced at the tear starting point 7 during the opening process, it follows the course of the predetermined tear line 6 until it meets the tear stop front edge 11, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. If the packaging bag 1 is opened with great force or is used frequently, it may happen that the tear 12 extends beyond the tear-stop front edge 11 and still ends in the tear-stop arrangement 10, as shown in Fig. 2a). Fig. 2 It is also evident that the tear 12 does not continue after hitting the tear-stop arrangement 10, thus preventing the packaging bag 1 from splitting. The closure symbol 8 is severed during this process and remains completely connected to the packaging bag 1. On the one hand, this fulfills legal requirements. On the other hand, the environment can be protected, since no part of the packaging bag is released into the environment after opening.

[0038] In the illustrated variant of the packaging bag 1, the bag walls 2 are additionally connected to each other along the first side edge 3a, the packaging bag bottom 13, and the packaging bag head 14 via a connecting seam 5. This variant is particularly advantageous for the airtight packaging of products.

[0039] It is also conceivable, in principle, for the connecting seam 5 to be a sealed seam 5a. Here, the plastic material of the two contacting layers is welded together under elevated pressure and temperature. Such a sealed seam 5a is particularly advantageous for packaging bags 1 for products that are intended to retain their aroma over a longer period of time.

[0040] For the structural design of the packaging bag 1, it is particularly advantageous if the ratio of the width BS of the connecting seam 5 of the second side edge 3b and the distance A of the tear-stop front edge 11 to the second side edge 3b is at least 1. It is particularly preferred if this ratio is at least 2, preferably at least 2.5. The width BS here is understood to mean the extension of the connecting seam 5 in the direction from the first side edge 3a to the second side edge 3b. This ratio can be used to adapt the degree of opening of the packaging bag 1 and the service life of the packaging bag 1 to the respective filling content or intended use.

[0041] For those in Fig. 1 bis 3 In the variants of the packaging bag 1 shown, it is preferably provided here that the tear-stop arrangement 10 has at least one tear-stop sealing seam 15. Additionally or alternatively, the tear-stop arrangement 10 has at least one tear-stop hole 16. This can be provided in the bag walls 2 prior to production or punched after production.

[0042] The tear-stop seal seam 15 is arranged along the predetermined tear line 6. Additionally or alternatively, the tear-stop hole 16 is also arranged along the predetermined tear line 6. In this case, either the tear-stop seal seam 15 or the tear-stop hole 16 has the tear-stop leading edge 11. Thus, either the tear-stop seal seam 15 or the tear-stop hole 16 stops the propagation of the tear 12. This allows the tear-stop arrangement 10 to be adapted to the assumed service life or the intended use of the packaging bag 1.

[0043] In a variant not shown here, several tear-stop holes 16 are provided. These can be arranged one below the other at the same distance from the second side edge 3b. This is particularly advantageous if the predetermined tear line 6 runs at an angle to the extrusion direction of the at least one plastic layer or plastic-coated layer of the bag walls 2. Should the tear 12 deviate slightly from the defined predetermined tear line 6, the tear-stop holes 16 arranged one below the other, with or without a tear-stop sealing seam 15, can ensure that the tear 12 is stopped regardless of its course.

[0044] However, it is also conceivable that the crack stop holes 16 are arranged one behind the other at different distances from the second side edge 3b.

[0045] This reduces the risk of the tear 12 propagating in the event of increased stress on the packaging bag, for example during transport of the packaging bag.

[0046] According to the Fig. 4 Numerous possibilities for the structural arrangement of the tear-stop sealing seam 15 and the tear-stop hole 16 are conceivable. For example, the at least one tear-stop hole 16 is arranged in the direction V of the predetermined tear line 6 behind the respective tear-stop sealing seam 15 ( Fig. 4a )).

[0047] A further variant of the packaging bag 1 provides that the at least one tear-stop sealing seam 15 at least partially surrounds the tear-stop hole 16 ( Fig. 4e ), f)). However, the preferred variant is the one in which the crack-stop sealing seam 15 completely surrounds the crack-stop hole 16 ( Fig. 4a ), b), d)). Here, and preferably, the tear-stop seal seam 15 forms the hole edge 17 of the tear-stop hole 16. The arrangement of the tear-stop seal seam 15 and the tear-stop hole 16 can, in turn, influence the service life of the packaging bag 1 and its intended use. If the tear-stop hole 16 is completely surrounded by a tear-stop seal seam 15, the risk of the packaging bag 1 splitting is minimized.

[0048] In a preferred variant of the packaging bag 1, the tear-stop hole 16 is round or oval or formed as a polygon. In a polygonal configuration, at least the corners on the hole edge 17 facing the second side edge 3b are rounded. Preferably, and as shown in Fig. 1-3 As shown, all corners of the polygon are rounded. The tear-stop hole 16 can advantageously be adapted to the size of the packaging bag 1, its contents, or other requirements for the sealing seam. The tear-stop hole 16 is preferably punched into the packaging bag 1 afterward or is already provided during the production of the packaging bag 1. The intended rounding of the tear-stop hole 16 prevents both the propagation of the tear and the formation of a new tear.

[0049] To enable the packaging bag 1 to be opened easily and without much effort, a material weakening, preferably a tear notch or a cut, is preferably provided at the tear-open starting point 7 of the first side edge 3a. Additionally or alternatively, the tear-open starting point 7 can have a marking. The marking or material weakening can be rectangular, triangular, parabolic, wave-shaped, or sawtooth-shaped. The material weakening is particularly preferred as a round notch or V-notch.

[0050] In a further variant, a product receiving section 18 and a head section 19 are provided. The predetermined tear line 6 is located in the head section 19.

[0051] Particularly positive experiences have been made with the proposed solution when a closure 20 is provided between the product-receiving section 18 and the head section 19. Here, the closure 20 is preferably designed as a zipper. Additionally or alternatively, the closure 20 is designed as a profile closure. A design of the closure 20 as a snap fastener or adhesive closure is also conceivable.

[0052] The closure 20 primarily serves to reclose the product receiving section 18. The use of a zipper has proven particularly advantageous in this regard, as it is easy to open and reclose while also being child-resistant. A child-resistant design provides a function or mechanism that prevents or impedes the manipulation of an object, for example by children. It is intended to prevent a child from easily opening, for example, a bag with hazardous contents or a medication package, etc. A child-resistant zipper can be created, for example, by increasing the tightness or opening resistance of the zipper or by making it more difficult to access.This makes it easy to store medical products safely and protected from environmental influences while keeping them out of the reach of children.

[0053] Furthermore, it has proven useful that the crack stop arrangement 10 is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in the head section 19.

[0054] In another embodiment of a packaging bag 1 according to Fig. 3, which is not part of the invention, at least two bag walls 2 and at least two side edges 3 are also provided. In this variant too, the defined predetermined tear line 6 runs from the tear start point 7 of the first side edge 3a in the direction R of the second side edge 3b. It is important here that the second side edge 3b is seamless. In this case, the tear stop arrangement 10 with a tear stop leading edge 11 is provided in the running direction V of the predetermined tear line 6. As already mentioned, the tear stop arrangement 10 serves to stop the propagation of the tear 12. It is also important here that the tear stop leading edge 11 is arranged in front of the second side edge 3b in the running direction V of the predetermined tear line 6. Reference may be made to all explanations relating to the proposed packaging bag.

Claims

1. Packaging bag made of flexible plastic material, in particular for packaging medical products, having at least two bag walls (2) and having at least two side edges (3), wherein the bag walls (2) are connected to one another along their periphery (4) at least sectionally via at least one connecting seam (5), wherein provision is made of a defined predetermined tear line (6) which is configured for controlled tearing open of the packaging bag (1) and which extends from a tear-open starting point (7) of a first side edge (3a) in the direction (R) of a second side edge (3b), wherein the bag walls (2) are connected at the second side edge (3b) via a connecting seam (5) which has a front edge (9) that is directed towards the first side edge (3a), and wherein provision is made of a tear-stop arrangement (10) having a tear-stop front edge (11), which is configured to stop tear propagation, in the direction of extension (V) of the predetermined tear line (6), characterized in that the tear-stop front edge (11) is arranged in front of the front edge (9) of the connecting seam (5), and the front edge (9) of the connecting seam (5) is arranged in front of the second side edge (3b), in the direction of extension (V) of the predetermined tear line (6), and in that the tear-stop arrangement (10) is arranged so as to adjoin or partially overlap the connecting seam (5) of the second side edge (3b).

2. Packaging bag according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bag walls (2) are connected to one another along the first side edge (3a) and / or a packaging-bag base (13) and / or a packaging-bag top (14) via a connecting seam (5).

3. Packaging bag according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting seam (5) is a sealing seam (5a).

4. Packaging bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of a width (BS) of the connecting seam (5) of the second side edge (3b) to the distance (A) of the tear-stop front edge (11) from the second side edge (3b) is at least 2, more preferably at least 2.5.

5. Packaging bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear-stop arrangement (10) has at least one tear-stop sealing seam (15) and / or at least one tear-stop hole (16), wherein the tear-stop sealing seam (15) and / or the tear-stop hole (16) are / is arranged along the course of the predetermined tear line (6).

6. Packaging bag according to Claim 5, characterized in that the at least one tear-stop hole (16) is arranged behind the respective tear-stop sealing seam (15) in the direction of extension (V) of the predetermined tear line (6), and / or in that the at least one tear-stop hole (16) is arranged in front of the respective tear-stop sealing seam (15) in the direction of extension (V) of the predetermined tear line (6).

7. Packaging bag according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one tear-stop sealing seam (15) at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the tear-stop hole (16), preferably in that the tear-stop sealing seam (15) forms a hole periphery (17) of the tear-stop hole (16).

8. Packaging bag according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the tear-stop hole (16) is round or oval or a polygon with rounded corners at least at the hole periphery (17) directed towards the second side edge (3b), preferably with all the corners rounded.

9. Packaging bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tear-open starting point (7) of the first side edge (3a) has a material weakening, preferably a tear-open notch or a cut, and / or a marking.

10. Packaging bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a product-receiving portion (18) and a top portion (19) are provided, and in that the predetermined tear line (6) is situated in the top portion (19).

11. Packaging bag according to Claim 10, characterized in that a fastener (20) is provided between the product-receiving portion (18) and the top portion (19), wherein the fastener (20) is in particular a pressure fastener or an adhesive fastener or a zip and / or a profile fastener.

12. Packaging bag according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the tear-stop arrangement (10) is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in the top portion (19).