Bag closure

Abstract

A bag closure (10) comprising a first elongated articulated arm (1a) and a second elongated articulated arm (1b) is specified, wherein the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are hingedly connected to each other at one end by means of an articulated joint (2), the articulated joint (2) is designed such that the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are completely separable from each other, the first articulated arm (1a) has at least three locking lugs (3a) at one end opposite the articulated joint (2), the second articulated arm (1b) has an undercut (3b) at one end opposite the articulated joint (2) which can be engaged in one of the three locking lugs (3a) of the first articulated arm (1a) such that the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are connected to each other, the first articulated arm (1a) has a bulge (4a) on an underside,and the second articulated arm (1b) has on its upper side a negative form (4b) shaped to form a bulge (4a), with which the articulated arms (1a, 1b) can be stacked.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bag closure comprising a first elongated articulated arm and a second elongated articulated arm.

[0002] Bag clips or closures are used to securely seal packages and bags, keeping their contents fresh and protected from external influences. They feature a simple, effective closure system that allows for effortless opening and closing. These bag clips are used in a variety of settings, from kitchens and offices to warehouses and workshops. They are suitable for sealing food bags, freezer bags, packaging for craft supplies or tools, and much more.

[0003] Bag closures are often available in various sizes to meet different needs. Typical sizes range from small clips for snack bags to larger clips for bigger packages and sacks.

[0004] The sizes of such bag closures usually only vary in length or width. A variation in closure depth, especially with one and the same bag closure to be applicable to different bag thicknesses, is not known.

[0005] Furthermore, conventional bag closures are usually stored in a disorganized manner. They lie scattered about, for example, in a kitchen drawer, and have to be gathered up when needed. Organized, space-saving, and tidy storage of multiple bag closures is usually not possible.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a bag closure that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, is particularly suitable for use with variable bag thicknesses, and is also organized in its storage.

[0007] These problems are solved by a bag closure having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, the bag closure comprises a first elongated articulated arm and a second elongated articulated arm, wherein the first and second articulated arms are hinged together at one end by means of a hinge connection. The hinge connection is designed such that the first and second articulated arms are completely separable from one another. This is advantageous because it prevents breakage of the hinge connection when a certain separating force acts upon it. The first articulated arm has at least three locking lugs at one end opposite the hinge connection. The second articulated arm has an undercut at one end opposite the hinge connection, which can be engaged in one of the three locking lugs of the first articulated arm such that the first and second articulated arms are connected to each other.The first articulated arm has a bulge on its underside. The second articulated arm has a negative mold on its upper side that forms a bulge, allowing the articulated arms to be stacked.

[0009] The bag closure features several locking tabs into which the undercut can be engaged, connecting the two articulated arms. Depending on the bag thickness, the appropriate locking tab for the undercut can be selected to ensure an optimal seal. This multi-stage closure allows the bag closure to adapt perfectly to different bag thicknesses and offers a variable and flexible closure width. The first articulated arm can have multiple locking tabs, including more than three, allowing the bag closure to be adjusted in multiple stages at the end opposite the joint.

[0010] Thanks to the bulge and the complementary negative shape, a clamping geometry is possible with which several bag closures can be easily and effortlessly inserted into one another, which preferably ensures organized, space-saving and tidy storage.

[0011] A bag closure is understood to mean any closure suitable for sealing bags of any kind in such a way that the bag can be easily, quickly, and readily reopened when needed. The bag closure is reusable.

[0012] A hinged arm is a key component of the bag closure, characterized by its elongated shape and essential design. The first and second hinged arms are precisely matched, ensuring their external form is essentially identical or at least very similar. This means that their main dimensions, such as length and width, are perfectly aligned, resulting in a homogeneous bag closure when the arms are connected.

[0013] A hinged joint is any connection that allows for a flexible, yet fixed, connection between the first and second articulated arms. For example, the first and second articulated arms can be opened using the hinged joint, but remain firmly connected to each other in the open position. With further user intervention, the hinged joint can be completely separated, so that the first and second articulated arms exist as two separate components. This allows the bag closure to be completely separated at the hinged joint.

[0014] A locking lug is understood to be, in particular, a grid that allows articulated arms to be detachably connected to one another. The first articulated arm has at least three locking lugs for this purpose, into which the undercut of the second articulated arm can be engaged. Depending on the requirements, the undercut can engage in any of the three or more locking lugs, depending on the thickness of the bag to be sealed.

[0015] A bulge on the underside refers specifically to a deliberate or planned curvature of the material on the first articulated arm, resulting in a desired, projecting shape. The second articulated arm has a negative mold corresponding to this bulge, into which the bulge fully engages, thus enabling the articulated arms to be stacked. The bulge and negative mold also allow for the stacking of multiple bag closures. For this purpose, each individual bag closure features the bulge and the negative mold, which are either identical in shape or at least compatible, allowing the individual bag closures to be nested together in a space-saving manner using a clamping mechanism.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, different bag sizes can be sealed using at least three locking lugs. Depending on the bag thickness, the appropriate locking lug can be selected to ensure optimal closure of the desired bag. For this purpose, for example, three locking lugs can provide a flexible sealing thickness of 4 mm to 5 mm, in particular essentially 4.5 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the bulge and the negative shape allow multiple bag closures to be stacked on top of each other. Individual bag closures can thus be stacked detachably, similar to the principle of Lego bricks.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first and second articulated arms are made of a biomaterial, in particular a bio-based plastic. The joint connection is preferably made of a break-resistant material. The use of the biomaterial, as well as the durability of the bag closure, ensures a reduction in plastic consumption. In particular, CO₂ emissions can be advantageously reduced.

[0019] Preferably, the bio-material also contains a bio-based filler, such as coffee powder, (coffee) grounds, and / or wood shavings. Depending on the desired requirements for the bag closure, the fillers can be selected and added directly to the bio-material during the injection molding process for the production of the bag closures or the articulated arms.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second articulated arm has an axle as a component of the joint connection, onto which a hook of the first articulated arm can be engaged as a further component of the joint connection. The axle and the hook that can be engaged on the axle create a detachable joint connection between the two articulated arms, allowing the individual articulated arms to be separated from one another.

[0021] In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the second articulated arm, as a component of the joint connection, comprises a self-locking, multi-stage adjustment element, similar to a pipe wrench principle. This allows the bag closure to be adjusted in multiple stages, in addition to the end of the locking lugs, also at the end of the joint connection.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the self-locking adjusting element comprises a detent geometry. A pipe wrench geometry is thus self-locking via the detent geometry. The second articulated arm with the pipe wrench geometry is preferably manufactured in an open state to ensure assembly of the first articulated arm.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first articulated arm and / or the second articulated arm have additional functional components, such as knives and / or scissors. These functional components are attached to the bag closure via an additional geometry, allowing the user to open bags using these functional components. This essentially corresponds to the principle of a pocket knife.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the bag closure has a length of approximately 140 mm when closed. The bag closure preferably has a width of approximately 15 mm and a height of approximately 22 mm to 23 mm.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following examples. These examples show: Figures 1A - 1E: each schematic view of an embodiment of a bag closure according to the invention, Figures 2A - 2F: each schematic view of an embodiment of a second articulated arm of a bag closure according to the invention, Figures 3A - 3F: each schematic view of an embodiment of a first articulated arm of a bag closure according to the invention, Figures 4A-4C: each schematic view of an embodiment of a bag closure according to the invention, Figures 5A-5C: each schematic view of an embodiment of a second articulated arm of a bag closure according to the invention, and Figure 6: a schematic view of an embodiment of a bag closure according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1AFigure 1 shows a bag closure 10 according to the invention for bags of any kind, comprising a first elongated articulated arm 1a and a second elongated articulated arm 1b. The articulated arms 1a and 1b are shaped such that, when the bag closure is closed, they interlock and are arranged in an identical or at least similar manner. A hinge connection 2 is formed at one of the elongated ends of the articulated arms 1a and 1b, allowing the bag closure 10 to be opened or unfolded while the articulated arms 1a and 1b remain connected. However, the hinge connection 2 can be released by the user so that the first articulated arm 1a and the second articulated arm 1b can be completely separated from each other.

[0027] At one end of the bag closure 10 opposite the joint connection, three locking lugs 3a are formed on the first joint arm 1a. The second joint arm 1b has an undercut 3b compatible with these locking lugs 3a, which can be engaged in one of the three locking lugs 3a of the first joint arm 1a such that the first joint arm 1a and the second joint arm 2a are detachably connected to each other. In the engaged state, the first joint arm 1a and the second joint arm 1b therefore form a single body.

[0028] By releasing the undercut 3b from the locking lug 3a, the bag closure can be opened and a bag to be sealed can be inserted between the first articulated arm 1a and the second articulated arm 1b. By re-closing the articulated arms 1a and 1b and engaging the undercut 3b in one of the locking lugs 3a, the bag to be sealed can be closed using the bag closure. The three locking lugs 3a make the bag closure 10 flexible enough to accommodate bags of varying thicknesses. Due to its adjustability, the multi-stage closure adapts advantageously to different bag sizes. In particular, it allows for a range or flexibility in the sealing thickness from the uppermost to the lowermost locking lug 3a of approximately 4.5 mm + / - 0.1 mm.Due to the three locking lugs 3a and the associated flexibility of the closing thickness, an improved, in particular optimal, bag closure results, which ensures optimal freshness of, for example, food in the bag.

[0029] Depending on the requirements, the first articulated arm 1a can of course have more than three locking lugs 3a (not shown). The number of locking lugs 3a determines the number of adjustable positions between the first articulated arm 1a and the second articulated arm 1b.

[0030] The first articulated arm 1a also has an elongated protrusion 4a on its underside. The second articulated arm 1b has a negative form 4b corresponding to this protrusion 4a, which allows the articulated arms 1a and 1b to be stacked on top of each other when not in use. This also allows, for example, several closed bag closures to be stacked on top of each other, whether in use or not. The respective negative form 4b is clicked into the protrusion 4a, thus forming a detachable but secure connection between the bag closures 10.

[0031] The first articulated arm 1a and the second articulated arm 1b are made of a bio-material, specifically a bio-based plastic, which advantageously reduces plastic consumption and CO2 emissions. The joint connection is made of a break-resistant material, ensuring a long service life for the bag closure 10 due to its high dimensional stability. Furthermore, the bag closure is dishwasher-safe, freezer-safe, and boil-proof due to its materials. Depending on the requirements, at least one bio-based filler, particularly coffee powder, wood shavings, and / or pomace, may be added to the bio-material.

[0032] One embodiment of the first articulated arm 1a is described in connection with the Figures 3A-3F further discussed. An embodiment of the second articulated arm 1b is discussed in connection with the Figures 2A-2F discussed in more detail.

[0033] Figure 1BFigure 1 shows a closed bag closure 10 (without bag) in cross-section. The undercut 3b of the second articulated arm 1b is engaged in the lowest locking lug 3a of the first articulated arm 1a. The bag closure is therefore closed in its tightest position, suitable for thin bags, for example. If thicker bags are used, the undercut 3b can be clicked into one of the upper locking lugs 1b (not shown).

[0034] The bulge 4b ​​of the second articulated arm 1b, like the articulated arms 1a and 1b, is elongated, but shorter overall. The negative form 4a is located on the side of the first articulated arm 1a opposite the bulge 4a. Therefore, when the bag closure is closed, only one further bag closure is required on the... Figure 1BThe illustrated bag closure can be attached. In order to attach individual joint arms 1a, 1b of the same bag closure 10 to each other, they must be completely separated so that the protrusion 4b can be stacked into the negative form 4a.

[0035] The inner length L of the articulated arms 1a, 1b is preferably about 114 mm. The height H of the bag closure in the closed state (lowest locking lug 3a) is preferably between 22 mm and 23 mm.

[0036] Figure 1C Figure 1 shows the bag closure 10 in cross-section in a fully opened state, but with the hinge connection 2 closed and not released. In the opened state, the bag closure preferably has a length L 2 of about 260 mm to 270 mm.

[0037] Figure 1D shows the bag closure 10 of the Figure 1C under supervision. The width B of the bag closure 10 is preferably about 15 mm. Figure 1EFigure 10 shows the bag closure 10 in cross-section in a partially opened state. In this state, a bag to be closed can be inserted between the articulated arms 1a, 1b and then closed.

[0038] Figure 2A Figure 1 shows the second articulated arm 1b in a state separated from the first articulated arm. The second articulated arm 1b has an elongated, rod-like shape. At one end, an undercut 3b is formed, which serves to reopen and close both articulated arms 1a and 1b.

[0039] At one end opposite the undercut 3b, a component of the joint connection 2 is formed. In particular, the second joint arm 1b has an axis 5 there that is transverse to the elongated shape of the second joint arm 1b, on which a hook of the first joint arm can be engaged as a further component of the joint connection 2 for a detachable but fixed connection of the two joint arms.

[0040] On its underside, the second articulated arm 1b has a negative mold 4b of a protrusion of the first articulated arm, which forms a protrusion 4c of the negative mold 4b on its front side. The negative mold 4b also has an elongated, rod-like shape, but is shorter overall than the length of the second articulated arm 1b. This negative mold 4b allows the first articulated arm, with its protrusion whose shape is compatible with the negative mold 4b, to be attached to the second articulated arm 1b. Furthermore, this clamping geometry allows several bag closures to be nested and stacked.

[0041] Figure 2B The figure on the left shows the second articulated arm 1b in cross-section, viewed from the elongated ends. Figure 2B shows in particular the elongated end from the side of the undercut 3b, the right figure of the Figure 2BThe elongated end is shown from the side of axis 5 of the joint connection. The width BN of the negative mold is approximately 4.5 mm + / - 0.1 mm. The depth T of the negative mold is essentially approximately 5.6 mm.

[0042] Figure 2C The second articulated arm 1b is shown in a bottom view. The width BH of the undercut is approximately 5.6 mm. Figure 2F Figure 1b shows the second articulated arm in a top view. The total width B2 of the second articulated arm is approximately 15 mm.

[0043] The Figures 2D and 2E Figures 1 and 2 each show a schematic cross-section of the second articulated arm 1b. The height HH of the undercut is approximately 7 mm + / - 0.1 mm. The axis 5 of the articulated joint has an inner radius R1 of approximately 2 mm and an outer radius R2 of approximately 4.5 mm.

[0044] Figure 3AFigure 1 shows the first articulated arm 1a in a state separated from the second articulated arm. The first articulated arm 1a has an elongated, rod-like shape. At one end, locking lugs 3a are formed, which serve to reopen and close both articulated arms 1a and 1b.

[0045] At one end opposite the locking lugs 3a, a component of the joint connection 2 is formed. In particular, the first joint arm 14 has a hook 6 there, which can be engaged on the axis of the second joint arm as a further component of the joint connection 2 for a detachable but fixed connection of the two joint arms.

[0046] On its underside, the second articulated arm 1b has a protrusion 4a, which is also elongated and rod-like, but shorter overall than the length of the first articulated arm 1a. The shape of the protrusion 4a is complementary to the negative form of the second articulated arm. This allows the first articulated arm 1a, with its protrusion 4a, to be inserted into the negative form of the second articulated arm. Furthermore, this clamping geometry allows several bag closures to be nested and stacked.

[0047] Figure 3B Figure 1a shows the first articulated arm in cross-section, viewed from the elongated ends. The left figure of the Figure 3B The figure on the right shows in particular the elongated end from the side of hook 6 of the joint connection. Figure 3BThe elongated end is shown from the side of the locking lugs 3a. The width BA of the protrusion 4a is approximately 4.7 mm. The width B HA of the hook 6 is approximately 8.6 mm + / - 0.2 mm. The height HA of the protrusion 4a is essentially approximately 4 mm.

[0048] Figure 3C shows the first articulated arm 1a in a bottom view. Figure 3F Figure 1a shows the first articulated arm in a top view. The total width B1 of the first articulated arm is approximately 15 mm.

[0049] The 3D and 3E figures Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section of the first articulated arm 1a. The heights HR of the individual locking lugs 3a are approximately 2.5 mm + / - 0.1 mm. The hook 6 of the articulated connection has an inner radius RI of approximately 2 mm and an outer radius RA of approximately 4.5 mm.

[0050] Alternative embodiments of the bag closure 10, the first articulated arm 1a and the second articulated arm 1b are related to the Figures 4A to 4C, 5A to 5C and 6 depicted.

[0051] In the Figures 4A and 4B Each bag closure 10 is shown in the closed position. The first articulated arm 1a and the second articulated arm 1b are thus closed relative to each other and interlock. At one end, the bag closure has the plurality of locking lugs 3a and the corresponding undercut 3b already described in the previous figures. In addition, the bag closure 10 has the bulge 4a and the corresponding negative form 4b already described in the previous figures.

[0052] In contrast to the bag closures of the previous embodiments, the second articulated arm 1b does not have an axis formed transversely to the elongated shape of the second articulated arm 1b at the end opposite the undercut 3b, but rather, as a component of the joint connection 2, a self-locking, multi-stage adjusting element 7 similar to a pipe wrench principle (see in particular Figure 4CThis means that the bag closure 10 is also adjustable in multiple stages at this end. In the Figures 4A to 4C A two-stage adjustment element 7 is shown. Of course, multi-stage adjustment elements 7 are also conceivable depending on the desired requirements.

[0053] The self-locking adjusting element 7 comprises a detent geometry that, like a pipe wrench, can be adjusted incrementally by the user. For this purpose, unlike the bag closures of the previous embodiments, the first articulated arm 1a at the end of the joint connection 2 does not have a hook as a further component of the joint connection 2, but rather a pivot pin 8 that can engage in one of the stages of the self-locking, multi-stage adjusting element 7 of the second articulated arm 1b and lock into place. Figure 4C ).

[0054] The Figures 5A to 5C show an embodiment of the second articulated arm 1b of the embodiment of the Figures 4A to 4Cwith the self-locking, multi-stage adjusting element 7 in the open state. This adjusting element 7 is manufactured in an open position to ensure subsequent assembly of the first articulated arm 1a and, in particular, its pivot pin 8. The open adjusting element 7 can then be joined together by means of a further locking lug and a further undercut such that a detachable but secure connection of the two articulated arms 1a, 1b can also be achieved on the side of the joint connection 2 ( Figure 5C ).

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 6Another bag closure 10 is shown, in which one or both of the articulated arms 1a, 1b have additional functional components. For example, a fold-out pair of scissors 9a and / or a fold-out knife 9b is arranged on the first articulated arm 1a. These functional components 9a, 9b can be attached via an additional geometry, so that a user can, for example, open a bag directly and easily with the bag closure 10. This principle corresponds to the principle of a pocket knife.

[0056] The design according to the invention advantageously allows for an adjustable bag closure 10, which, in particular due to its stackability, enables organized, space-saving and tidy storage.

Claims

1. Bag closure (10) comprising a first elongated articulated arm (1a) and a second elongated articulated arm (1b), wherein: - the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are hingedly connected to each other at one end by means of an articulated joint (2), - the articulated joint (2) is designed such that the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are completely separable from each other, - the first articulated arm (1a) has at least three locking lugs (3a) at one end opposite the articulated joint (2), - the second articulated arm (1b) has an undercut (3b) at one end opposite the articulated joint (2) which can be engaged in one of the three locking lugs (3a) of the first articulated arm (1a) such that the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are connected to each other, - the first articulated arm (1a) has a bulge (4a) on an underside,and - the second articulated arm (1b) has on an upper side a negative form (4b) shaped to form a bulge (4a), with which the articulated arms (1a, 1b) can be stacked.

2. Bag closure according to claim 1, wherein different bag sizes can be closed by means of the three locking lugs (3a).

3. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the three locking lugs (3a) enable a closure thickness that is flexible by 4 mm to 5 mm, in particular substantially 4.5 mm + / - 0.1 mm.

4. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of bag closures (10) can be stacked on top of each other by means of the bulge (4a) and the negative shape (4b).

5. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) are made of a bio-material, in particular a bio-based plastic.

6. Bag closure according to claim 5, wherein the bio-material comprises at least one bio-based filler, in particular coffee powder, wood shavings and / or pomace.

7. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge connection (2) is made of a break-resistant material.

8. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second articulated arm (1b) as a component of the articulated connection (2) has an axis (5) on which a hook (6) of the first articulated arm (1a) can be engaged as a further component of the articulated connection (2).

9. Bag closure according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the second articulated arm (1b) as a component of the articulated connection (2) comprises a self-locking, multi-stage adjusting element similar to a pipe wrench principle.

10. Bag closure according to claim 9, wherein the self-locking adjusting element comprises a detent geometry.

11. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first articulated arm (1a) and the second articulated arm (1b) have further functional components, in particular knives and / or scissors.

12. Bag closure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag closure (10) has a length of approximately 140 mm when closed.

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