PAPER BAGS SET

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of paper bags, i.e., bags made of paper, of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim. In particular the invention relates to a set of food-grade paper bags.

[0002] As is known, food-grade paper bags are made of different materials such as greaseproof or kraft paper.

[0003] They are composed of two sheets of paper, i.e., a first sheet and a second sheet, overlapping each other and coupled to form a storage volume and a section for accessing the storage volume.

[0004] The two sheets are coupled by making the bottom of the bag and two side edges (in some cases even just one) transversely to the bottom so as to delimit the storage volume and define the access section.

[0005] In particular, the bottom is obtained by placing a strip of adhesive material on a strip of the first sheet that is then folded over the same first sheet so as to define a slit in which the second sheet is inserted and fastened to the folded strip by gluing.

[0006] In the same way, the side edges of the first sheet are folded against matching side edges of the second sheet and then fastened to each other by a layer of glue placed on each of said folded side edges.

[0007] In some cases, the side edges of the first sheet have a double fold so as to define a V section so as, when coupled with the second sheet, to define an accordion in order to increase the storage volume.

[0008] Lastly, some bags have a window for viewing the content of the bag. Said window is made in the second sheet and then, by placing a third polymer sheet over the window, is glued to the second sheet along the frame of said window.

[0009] Document WO 2022 / 087038 A1 discloses a set of bags according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0010] The described prior art includes some major disadvantages.

[0011] In fact, paper bags, even though they are preferable to plastic ones due to their lower environmental impact, present substantial storage and transport problems and so they are relatively little used.

[0012] In particular, paper bags are almost impossible to compact since they are only stacked, consequently causing greater bulk and therefore requiring large storage spaces. These aspects translate into increased transport and storage costs.

[0013] Another major disadvantage is that the known paper bags have relatively high production costs and are not very cost effective.

[0014] In this situation the technical task of the present invention is to design a set of paper bags capable of substantially remedying at least some of the mentioned disadvantages.

[0015] Within the scope of said technical task, an important purpose of the invention is to obtain a set of paper bags that, storage volume being equal, is easy to store and transport without requiring large spaces.

[0016] Another important purpose of the invention is to make low-cost paper bags.

[0017] The technical task and the specified purposes are accomplished by a set of paper bags as claimed in the annexed Claim 1. Examples of a preferred embodiment are described in the dependent claims.

[0018] The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clarified hereinafter in the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1shows a set of paper bags according to the invention; and Fig. 2presents a section of a possible bag, Fig. 3illustrates a possible bag dispenser using a set according to the invention.

[0019] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when linked to words such as "approximately" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as excluding errors of measurement or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which it is linked. For example, these terms, when linked to a value, preferably indicate a divergence no greater than 10% of the value itself.

[0020] In addition, when words such as "first," "second," "higher," "lower," "main" and "secondary" are used they do not necessarily designate an order, relational priority or relative position, but can simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0021] Unless stated otherwise, "perpendicular," "transverse," "parallel" or "normal" or other terms of geometric positioning between geometric elements (for example, axes, directions and straight lines) are to be understood with reference to their mutual geometric position between the corresponding projections. Said projections are defined on a single plane parallel to that / those of the lay of said geometric elements.

[0022] The measurements and data given in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise stated, as made in ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0023] With reference to the Figures, the set of paper bags according to the invention is indicated by number 1 throughout.

[0024] Set 1 comprises multiple paper bags 2.

[0025] Each bag 2 defines a longitudinal axis 2a, a storage volume 2b; a section 2c to access the storage volume 2b; a bottom 2d opposite to the access section 2c with respect to the storage volume; and at least one side edge 2e for lateral closure subtended between the bottom 2d and the access section 2b. In detail each bag 2 of a set 1 can comprise only one side edge 2e or, alternatively, two side edges 2e (for example, a left and a right one) suitably substantially parallel to each other.

[0026] The longitudinal axis 2a is preferably barycentric.

[0027] It should be noted that the bags 2 are made of paper and are therefore flexible / deformable. Consequently the longitudinal axis 2a may not be identifiable as a straight line.

[0028] The access section 2c is transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0029] The bottom 2d is transverse and preferably almost perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a. A side edge 2e is transverse and preferably almost perpendicular to the bottom 2d. It can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0030] Each bag 2 comprising two paper sheets 21 (i.e., a first sheet 21 and a second sheet 21) fastened to each other defining the storage volume 2b, the section 2c and the bottom 2d.

[0031] The sheets 21 are made of paper and preferably suitably recycled food-grade paper. They are preferably made of a material selected from laminated paper, aluminized paper, parchment paper, hydrostar green paper, kraft paper, wax paper, pastry wrapping paper, polythene paper, satin finished paper, and vegetable paper.

[0032] The sheets 21 define an internal face 21a delimiting at least a portion of said storage volume 2b. Preferably the internal faces 21a of two sheets delimit the entire storage volume 2b of a bag 2.

[0033] The internal face 21a is preferably flat. It is parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0034] In addition to the flat face 21a, the first sheet 21 comprises at least one accordion at each side edge 2e. The accordion designates a portion of sheet 21 protruding from the internal face 21a at the side edge 2e, folded in a V, and superimposed on face 21a along a normal line to the same internal face 21a. The accordion can be prior art.

[0035] At least one of the sheets 21, for example, the second sheet 21, presents a print area depicting a print and suitably made on the external face, i.e., on the opposite face to the internal one 21a. Preferably, said print is made by embossing and therefore the print area 21c is embossed. In addition or alternatively, at least one of the sheets 21, for example, the second sheet 21, may comprise a notch and the bag 2 may comprise a third sheet defining a window superimposing said notch so as to close it. Said third sheet is made of transparent paper-based material so as to allow viewing of the volume 2b.

[0036] Every bag 2 may include a glue layer 22 binding together the two sheets 21 at the internal faces 21a defining the bottom 2d of the storage volume 2b.

[0037] Consequently, no sheet 21has any of its portions folded and superimposed in correspondence with the bottom 2d. By virtue of this, the bottom 2d (illustrated in cross-section in Fig. 2) comprises and in detail is substantially composed of three layers of which two are paper based (i.e., the two sheets 21) and one distinguished by the interposed glue layer 22 binding said layers of paper material together.

[0038] The glue layer 22 can be a preferably biodegradable food-grade glue, for example vinyl or starch based. It is preferably starch-based food-grade glue.

[0039] The glue layer 22 presents a length, calculated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 2a, to the extension of the sheets 21 and therefore of the bag 2 along the normal line to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0040] Each bag 2 may include an additional glue layer binding together the two sheets 21 at the side edge 2e.

[0041] The additional glue layer is transverse and in detail substantially normal to the layer 22. It can be almost parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0042] The additional layer can be a preferably biodegradable food-grade glue, for example vinyl or starch based. In detail it is starch-based food-grade glue.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1 the bags 2 of a set 1 are mutually aligned along the longitudinal axis 2a. Consequently, the longitudinal axes 2a of the bags 2 are substantially parallel to each other and in particular aligned, i.e., one defining the extension of the other.

[0044] In particular, the bags 2 of a set 1 are mutually aligned setting the bottom 2d of a bag 2 proximal and in particular adjacent to the access section 2d of the adjacent bag 2.

[0045] Preferably a set 1 has the side edges 2e of the bags aligned with each other. In detail, in the case of bags 2 with two side edges 2e, it has the left side edges 2e aligned with each other and the right side edges 2e aligned with each other.

[0046] The set 1 between two adjacent bags 2 has a tear line 3 joining and mutually binding said two adjacent bags 2.

[0047] The tear line 3 is interposed between a bottom 2d of one of said two adjacent bags 2 and an access section 2c of the other of said two adjacent bags 2.

[0048] It is preferably parallel to the glue layer 22 and therefore to said bottom 2d.

[0049] The tear line 3 presents a length, calculated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 2a, to the extension of the sheets 21 and therefore of the bag 2 along the normal line to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0050] The tear line 3 is arranged to allow adjacent bags 2 to be mutually separated by tearing / breaking the tear line 3 itself. It thus defines a join line between two bags 2 characterized by a lower strength preferably at a tension parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a so as to break leaving the bags 2 intact. The tear line 3 can be made by perforation. For example, line 3 can include a number of mutually evenly spaced holes.

[0051] The tear line 3 helpfully includes two layers each of which defining an extension of one of the sheets 21. Consequently, the bags 2 of a set 1 can be made by using a first tape defining the first sheets 21 of all the bags 2 and a second tape defining the second sheets 21 of all the bags 2.

[0052] The tear line 3 is made of paper and preferably suitably recycled food-grade paper. It is preferably made of a material to choose from laminated paper, aluminized paper, parchment paper, hydrostar green paper, kraft paper, wax paper, pastry wrapping paper, polythene paper, satin finished paper and vegetable paper.

[0053] Preferably, the set 1 can be a roll of bags 2 and therefore present the bags 2 and the tear lines 3 rolled up defining a transverse winding axis 1a in detail substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a. In particular, the bags 2 can be mutually wound defining a hole 1b, preferably pass-through, extending along the winding axis 1a. More specifically the set 1 can include a core 4 around which are wound said bags 2 and define said hole 1b.

[0054] It should be noted that, in this case, the longitudinal axis 2a is not linear. It can, for example, extend along a central spiral of the winding axis 1a.

[0055] Lastly, the invention introduces a bag dispenser 10.

[0056] The dispenser 10 includes a set 1 of bags 2 wound around a winding axis 1a.

[0057] The dispenser 10 comprises a pin 11 arranged to be inserted into said hole 1b and in particular in said core 4 allowing the set 1 to rotate about the winding axis 1a to permit the withdrawal of one bag 2.

[0058] Preferably the cross-section of the pin 1 is less than that of the hole 1b so as to allow idle rotation of the set 1 with respect to the pin 11.

[0059] The dispenser 10 can include a support 12 of the pin 11 and therefore of a set 1.

[0060] The support 12 can be arranged to place the dispenser 10 on a supporting surface. Alternatively, it is arranged to secure the dispenser 10 to an external structure such as, for example, a wall.

[0061] The operation of the set 1 of bags 2 and in particular of the dispenser 10 described above in structural terms is as follows.

[0062] Initially the operator inserts the pin into the hole 1b and in particular into the core 4 of a set 1 of rolled up bags 2.

[0063] When a bag 2 is needed, the operator pulls the first bag 2 in view operating the rotation of the set 1 around the pin 11 with a force at a tangent to the winding axis 1a. When the tear line 3 is unrolled, the operator applies a transverse force to the winding axis 1a causing the tear line 3 to break and therefore the bag 2 to detach from the set 1.

[0064] The set 1 of bags according to the invention brings important advantages.

[0065] In fact, the particular shape of the bags 2 allows for bags of reduced thickness in the area of the bottom 2d thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the bag 2. This aspect moreover translates into the possibility of making the tear line 3 that permits fastening the bags 2 together in sequence, simplifying their storage and transport and consequently also reducing their costs.

[0066] This solution moreover permits advantageously having the set 1 of bags 2 in rolls with a consequent greater ease of withdrawal and use of the bag. This aspect is accentuated by the dispenser 10 that facilitates handling the bags and breaking the tear line 3.

[0067] A fundamental advantage is that the set 1, especially when in the form of a roll, permits isolating the bags 2 from the outside, thus avoiding unwanted contact with objects and people and thereby ensuring greater hygiene both for the product to be placed inside of the bag and for the user.

[0068] Another important advantage lies in the fact that, as can easily be deduced by a person skilled in the art, the roll 1 is easy to make and therefore has relatively low production costs.

[0069] The invention is open to variations falling within the framework of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0070] For example, the two sheets 21 can be obtained by folding a paper tape whose folding edge designates at least one side edge 2e.

[0071] In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims

1. A set (1) of bags (2), each defining a longitudinal axis (2a) and comprising two paper sheets (21) fastened to each other in order to define - a storage volume (2b), - an access section (2c) to said storage volume (2b) and - a bottom (2d) opposite said access section (2c) with respect to said storage volume (2b); - said bottom (2d) and said access section (2c) being transverse to said longitudinal axis (2a); - said sheets (21) defining an internal face (21a) delimiting at least a portion of said storage volume (2b); wherein each of said bags (2) comprises - a glue layer (22) mutually and directly binding said internal faces (21a) of said sheets (21) defining said bottom (2d); and wherein said bags (2) are mutually aligned along said longitudinal axis (2a) and said set (1) comprises a tear line (3) between two adjacent bags (2) - joining and mutually binding said two adjacent bags (2), - interposed between said bottom (2d) of one of said two adjacent bags (2) and an access section (2c) of the other of said two adjacent bags (2) and - arranged to allow said two adjacent bags (2) to be mutually separated by tearing of said tear line (3), and characterized in that the first sheet (21) comprises at least one V-folded portion of sheet at each side edge (2e) protruding from the internal face (21a) at the side edge (2e) and is superimposed on face (21a) along a normal line to the same internal face (21a).

2. The set (1) according to Claim 1, wherein said tear line (3) is parallel to said glue layer (22) and to said bottom (2d).

3. The set (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sheets (21) are made of recycled food-grade paper.

4. The set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said glue layer (22) is starch-based food-grade glue.

5. The set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said sheets (21) comprises an embossed print area depicting a print.

6. The set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which at least one of said sheets (21) comprises a notch and in which said bag (2) comprises a third sheet superimposed on said notch and made of transparent paper material so as to allow viewing of the said storage volume (2b).

7. The set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two sheets (21) are obtained by folding a paper web (5) whose folding edge identifies one of said at least one side edge (2e).

8. The set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said set (1) is a roll of said bags (2) and wherein said bags (2) and said tear lines (3) are rolled up defining a winding axis (1a) substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (2a) and a hole (1b) extends along said longitudinal winding axis (1a).

9. The set (1) according to claim 8, comprising a core (4) around which said bags (2) and said tear lines (3) are wound and define said hole (1b).

10. A dispenser (10) comprising at least one roll (1) according to claim 8 or 9 and a pin (11) arranged to be inserted into said hole (1b) allowing said set (1)to rotate about said winding axis (1a) in order to permit the withdrawal of one of said bags (2).

11. The dispenser (10) according to claim 10, wherein said pin (11) has a section smaller than the section of said hole (1b) so as to allow idle rotation of said set (1) with respect to said pin (11) around said winding axis (1a).