Closure device

Abstract

A closure device for closing a neck of a bag, comprising: a flat body comprising a first edge and a second edge; an opening having an opening shape and arranged in the body at the first edge for receiving and holding the neck of the bag; and a tab having a tab shape and being part of the flat body at the second edge; wherein the opening shape is couplable to the tab of another closure device.

Description

[0001] CLOSURE DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a closure device for closing a neck of a bag. The invention further relates to a set of closure devices. The invention further relates to a strip or sheet of flat material for closure devices.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Bags are a common packaging material for goods. As an example, bakeries put their bread in bags. These bags typically need to be temporarily opened and thereafter closed for keeping the bread fresh. This type of use, not limited to bread bags, requires to close the bag every time with some closing device. Reusable closing devices are known in the art.

[0006] US5832568A discloses a binding device formed in a unified manner out of a filmy and flexible material sheet; wherein, the engaging portion with the hole formed therein, the narrow winding portion which is extended from a side of said engaging portion in order to wind around the binding part of the object to be bound, and the hooking portion which is formed at the tip of said winding portion in a nearly L-shaped form in order to be inserted into and hooked to said hole.

[0007] A disadvantage of the disclosed binding device is that the shape causes a spill of material in production. Furthermore, binding devices are disposed of after use as closure device causing waste.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the invention is to overcome one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a closure device for closing a neck of a bag, comprising: a flat body comprising a first edge and a second edge; an opening having an opening shape and arranged in the body at the first edge for receiving and holding the neck of the bag; and a tab having a tab shape and being part of the flat body at the second edge; wherein the opening shape and the tab shape of another closure device are selected such that the opening is couplable to the tab of the other closure device. A bag may contain goods that need to be hold in the bag, such as preserved in the bag. To have some volume in the bag for holding the goods in the bag, the bag is typically closed at the end of the bag close to the opening of the bag. The location where the bag is closed or closeable may be called the neck of the bag.

[0011] The closure device comprises a flat body. The flat body is typically flexible for easy arranging the neck of the bag in the closure device or taking the neck of the bag out of the closure device. The flat body further typically simplifies production as the closure device may be punched, stamped, laser-cut or die-cut. The flat body has a first edge and a second edge. The flat body further typically comprises two flat surfaces, such as a top and bottom surface. The flat body may comprise a third edge and a fourth edge for preferably forming a substantially square flat body.

[0012] The closure device comprises an opening. The opening has an opening shape. The opening is arranged in the body at the first edge such that the opening is able to receive is a simple way and to hold the neck of the bag. Typically, pulled or moved in a particular direction or in a particular pattern, the neck of the bag held in the opening may be pulled from the opening in a simple way. Thereafter the bag can be opened for taking goods out. As a last step the neck of the bag may be arranged again in the same closure device for reusing the closure device for closing the neck of the bag in again a simple way or manner.

[0013] The closure device comprises a tab. The tab has a tab shape. The tab is part of the flat body at the second edge. As the tab is part of the body and the body is flat, the tab typically extends in a plane, such as a 2D plane, from the body.

[0014] The opening shape and the tab shape of another closure device are selected such that the opening is couplable to the tab of the other closure device. The opening, the tab, the first edge and the second edge are shaped such that when the opening of the closure device is in a coupled condition coupled with the tab of the other closure device, the first edge of the closure device is in contact with or adjacent to a second edge of the other closure device. This implies that during production, the closure devices may be created, such as punched, stamped, laser-cut or die-cut, from a strip or sheet in a coupled condition. As the first edge and the second edge of the adjacent closure devices are in contact, the shape of the opening, the tab, the first edge and the second edge are therefore such that no material needs to be removed during production between closure devices. Hence, the technical effect of the shape of the opening, the tab, the first edge and the second edge are that waste is reduced in production. Furthermore, the closure devices after being used as closure device may be coupled for making a chain or even a flat surface. The coupled closure devices may advantageously then be reused as chain or covering surface, such as a coaster, wall paper or the like. The reuse of the closure devices after their primary use, provides the technical effect of further and / or also reducing material spill.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a set of closure devices according to the embodiment where the flat body comprises a print and the prints together form an image. The set of closure devices may advantageously form a puzzle for improved reuse of the closure devices as a puzzle. The puzzle may be reusable as for example wall paper or coaster. The puzzle might be unlimited extendable. According to an aspect of the invention, the set of closure devices according to the embodiment where the flat bodies together form a string, chain, plate or sheet. The string or chain may be used as necklace or the like. The plate or sheet may be used as wall paper or coaster or the like.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a set of closure devices according to the embodiment where the closure device comprises a projection and a recess. The set of closure devices may advantageously form a flat surface, typically a large flat surface. The flat surface may be used to form a cover over a particular area. The flat surface may for example be glued to a wall for reuse as wall paper, such as for wall paper in a children’s room. The flat surface may for example be glued together to form a coaster. Coupling of closure devices, especially when the tab and opening of closure devices are identical, may continue endlessly.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a strip of flat material arranged and intended for being produced from the strip, such as laser-cut, die-cut or punched into multiple coupled or uncoupled closure devices according to the invention. In an embodiment of the strip, wherein the openings and the tabs of the closure devices are identical.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, sheet of flat material, such as a piano, arranged and intended for being produced from the sheet, such as laser-cut, die-cut or punched into multiple coupled or uncoupled closure devices according to the invention. In an embodiment of the sheet, wherein the openings and the tabs of the closure devices are identical.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In an embodiment, when the closure device is coupled to the other closure device, the first edge of the closure device is in contact with, adjacent to or next to a second edge of the other closure device. Placing the edges close to each other, the waste is advantageously reduced during production. The first and second edge may be substantially straight for shortening the stretch that is in contact, adjacent, or next to. Shortening provides the advantage of decreasing the length that needs to be cut during production.

[0021] In an embodiment, the flat body comprises a contour. The contour is an outer line or outline of the flat body. The opening shape advantageously is an integral part of the contour. The opening shape typically does not form a closed line, but is an open shape.

[0022] In an embodiment, the opening is arranged in the body at the first edge comprises the opening forming a notch in the first edge. The opening typically forms an integral part of the first edge. Preferably, the opening is arranged in the body at the first edge comprises the opening shape forming a notch, a gap, a cut, or a slot in the first edge for cooperating with the tab of another closure device.

[0023] In an embodiment, the tab of the other device snugly fits in the opening. The tab is typically advantageously cooperating with the opening as well as fully or completely filling the opening. The snugly fitting of the tab in the opening may advantageously cause fixation of the closure device relative to the other closure device. In a further embodiment, the first edge together with the opening of the closure device cooperates with the second edge and the tab of the other closure device for fixating both closure devices relative to each other.

[0024] In an embodiment, the opening and the tab of the other closure device are couplable in a plane. Having the opening and the tab couple in the same plane simplifies production. In a further embodiment, the flat body defines a plane; and the plane is the plane of the flat body. This further simplifies production.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first edge and the second edge are arranged on substantially opposite edges. Opposite edges allow for a series of closure device to be produced next to each other, optimizing production by reducing waste.

[0026] In an embodiment, the opening comprises an aperture and a channel; the channel is arranged between the first edge of the flat body and the aperture for allowing the bag to slide from outside the flat body via the channel to the aperture and vice versa. The holding of the neck of the bag in the opening is improved due to having a channel between the first edge and the aperture. The channel is typically narrow compared to the size, typically the diameter of the aperture, resulting in the neck of the bag sliding through the channel with high friction between the outside and the aperture and vice versa. As the neck of the bag, like water, when held in the aperture, would experience a high friction when slid through the channel to the outside, the neck of the bag is advantageously better held inside aperture.

[0027] In an embodiment, the channel comprises a bend, preferably a quarter bend. Next to the channel typically being narrow compared to the aperture, the channel may comprise a bend or even multiple bends to advantageously increase the friction of the neck of the bag when slid through the channel.

[0028] In an embodiment, the closure device comprises at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion protrudes into the opening and is arranged for holding the bag. The at least one protrusion increases the friction for the neck of the bag when slid from the aperture and into the channel. The at least one protrusion therefore advantageously improves the holding of the neck of the bag in the aperture. In a further embodiment, the protrusion advantageously protrudes into the aperture. In a further embodiment, the protrusion is advantageously arranged adjacent the channel for holding the neck of the bag in the aperture. In a further embodiment, the protrusion advantageously has a hook shape. In a further embodiment, a second protrusion protrudes into the aperture and is advantageously arranged on the other side and adjacent the channel for improving the holding of the neck of the bag in the aperture.

[0029] In an embodiment, the closure device comprises: a projection being part of the flat body; and a recess arranged in the body for receiving of and / or coupling to a projection of another closure device. This coupling of the recess as well as the projection allows to couple with two other closure devices making the closure device advantageously suitable for coupling with multiple other closure devices, next to coupling the closure device with other closure devices via the tab and opening. The closure device is then couplable with at least four other closure devices. The closure device is then suitable for use as a puzzle piece in a larger puzzle. In a further embodiment, the flat body comprises a third edge and a fourth edge; the projection is arranged at the third edge; the recess is arranged at the fourth edge; and the third edge and the fourth edge are arranged on substantially opposite edges for improved reuse as puzzle piece.

[0030] In an embodiment, the flat body comprises a surface having a print; and the print of several flat bodies form an image. The print of several flat bodies forming an image improves the reuse of the closure device as puzzle piece in a puzzle. In an embodiment, the flat body is formed from a piano or a sheet advantageously simplifying production. In an embodiment, the opening is advantageously arranged for receiving and holding the neck of a bread bag, a fruit bag, a candy bag, a grocery bag, a fruit bag, and / or a bag with cookie. In an embodiment, the flat body is advantageously made of metal; such as aluminium; plastic; such as a thermoplastic or bioplastic; wood, carton, biodegradable material and / or board.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will be apparent from and elucidated further with reference to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 schematically shows a front view of a closure device;

[0034] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective back view of a closure device;

[0035] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective front view of a closure device;

[0036] Figure 4 schematically shows a front view of a set of closure devices; Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of a second closure device; Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective back view of a second closure device;

[0037] Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective front view of a second closure device holding a bag; and

[0038] Figure 8 schematically shows a front view of a set of closure devices. The figures are purely diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals.

[0039] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] The following figures may detail different embodiments. Embodiments can be combined to reach an enhanced or improved technical effect. These combined embodiments may be mentioned explicitly throughout the text, may be hint upon in the text or may be implicit. Figure 1 schematically shows a front view of a closure device 100. The closure device comprises a flat body 110, an opening 120, and a tab 130. The flat body 110 comprises a first edge 111 and a second edge 112.

[0042] The opening has an opening shape 121 . The opening is arranged in the body at the first edge for receiving and holding the neck of the bag. The tab has a tab shape 131 . The tab is part of the flat body at the second edge. The tab may be extending from the second edge. The opening is couplable to the tab of another closure device. The tab shape may be a tab contour. The opening shape may be an opening contour. The opening shape and tab shape are selected, specified, intended, fitting such that the opening is couplable, fittable, unionable, attachable, linkable, bindable, clipable or hookable to the tab of the other closure device.

[0043] The closure device may comprise a projection 140 and a recess 150. The projection is part of the flat body. The recess is arranged in the body for receiving of and / or coupling to a projection of another closure device. The flat body may comprise a third edge 113 and a fourth edge 114. The projection may be arranged at the third edge. The recess may be arranged at the fourth edge. The third edge and the fourth edge are typically arranged on substantially opposite edges.

[0044] The flat body may define a plane 115. The flat body is typically substantially, preferably in whole arranged in this plane. The opening and the tab of the other closure device may be couplable in the plane.

[0045] The opening may comprise an aperture 122 and a channel 125. The aperture and the channel together may provide the opening shape. The channel may be arranged between the first edge of the flat body and the aperture for allowing the bag to slide from outside the flat body via the channel to the aperture and vice versa. The channel may comprise a bend 126, preferably a quarter bend.

[0046] The closure device may comprise at least one protrusion 123. The at least one protrusion may be protruding into the opening and is typically arranged for holding the bag. The protrusion may protrude into the aperture. The protrusion may be arranged adjacent the channel for holding the neck of the bag in the aperture. The protrusion as shown has a hook shape. The closure device may comprise a second protrusion 124. The second protrusion may also protrude into the aperture. The second protrusion may be arranged on the other side and adjacent the channel for holding the neck of the bag in the aperture. The closure device may comprise a flat surface 117, typically two flat surfaces on either side of the flat body. The flat surfaces are typically joined together by the first, second, third and fourth edges. The flat surfaces may form a front and back surface of the flat body. The flat surface, typically at the front, may comprise a print 117. The print of several closure devices when coupled together may form an image 210, as shown in figure 4.

[0047] Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective back view of a closure device 100. The closure device of figure 2 may be the same as the closure device of figure 1 .

[0048] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective front view of a closure device 100. The closure device of figure 3 may be the same as the closure device of figure 1 or figure 2.

[0049] Figure 4 schematically shows a front view of a set of closure devices 200. The set of the closure devices may comprise identical closure devices 100. A closure device may comprise a print 117. At least two closure devices, preferably all closure devices, may comprise a print 117. The prints may together form an image 210. The closure devices are hereby reusable for forming an image, such as part of a puzzle. In another embodiment, the back and front surface may comprise a print for forming different images. These different images may require different arrangements of the closure devices.

[0050] Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of an embodiment of a second closure device 100. At least one difference with the earlier closure device is that the channel of the second closure device is straight. Reference numbers are the same for the second closure device as for the first closure devices.

[0051] Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective back view of an embodiment of a second closure device. This closure device may be the same closure device as shown in figure 5. Reference numbers are the same for the second closure device as for the first closure devices.

[0052] Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective front view of a second closure device 100 holding a neck 2 of a bag 1 in the opening 120 of the closure device. Reference numbers are the same for the second closure device as for the first closure devices.

[0053] Figure 8 schematically shows a front view of a set of closure devices 200.

[0054] The set of the closure devices may comprise identical closure devices 100. A closure device may comprise a print 117. At least two closure devices, preferably all closure devices, may comprise a print 117. The prints may together form an image 210. The closure devices are hereby reusable for forming an image, such as part of a puzzle. In another embodiment, the back and front surface may comprise a print for forming different images. These different images may require different arrangements of the closure devices.

[0055] It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent. Devices functionally forming separate devices may be integrated in a single physical device.

[0056] The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially all emission” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

[0057] The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

[0059] The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0060] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and “to include”, and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0061] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0062] The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and / or shown in the attached drawings.

[0063] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Closure device (100) for closing a neck (2) of a bag (1 ), comprising:- a flat body (110) comprising a first edge (111 ) and a second edge (112);- an opening (120) having an opening shape (121 ) and arranged in the body at the first edge for receiving and holding the neck of the bag; and- a tab (130) having a tab shape (131 ) and being part of the flat body at the second edge; wherein the opening shape and the tab shape of another closure device are selected such that the opening is couplable to the tab of the other closure device.

2. Closure device according to the preceding claim, wherein the flat body comprises a contour; and wherein the opening shape is an integral part of the contour.

3. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is arranged in the body at the first edge comprises the opening forming a notch in the first edge.

4. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tab of the other device snugly fits in the opening.

5. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when coupled to the other closure device, the first edge is in contact with, adjacent to or next to a second edge of the other closure device.

6. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat body defines a plane (115); and wherein the opening and the tab of the other closure device are couplable in a plane (115), preferably the plane of the flat body.

7. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first edge and the second edge are arranged on substantially opposite edges.

8. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening comprises an aperture (122) and a channel (125); and wherein the channel is arranged between the first edge of the flat body and the aperture for allowing the bag to slide from outside the flat body via the channel to the aperture and vice versa.

9. Closure device according to the preceding claim, wherein the channel comprises a bend (126), preferably a quarter bend.

10. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one protrusion (123) protruding into the opening and arranged for holding the bag.11 . Closure device according to the preceding claim also depending on claim 8, wherein the protrusion protrudes into the aperture.

12. Closure device according to the preceding claim, wherein the protrusion is arranged adjacent the channel for holding the neck of the bag in the aperture.

13. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims 11-12, wherein the protrusion has a hook shape.

14. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims 12-13, wherein a second protrusion (124) protrudes into the aperture and is arranged on the other side and adjacent the channel for holding the neck of the bag in the aperture.

15. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising:- a projection (140) being part of the flat body; and- a recess (150) arranged in the body for receiving of and / or coupling to a projection of another closure device.

16. Closure device according to the preceding claim, wherein the flat body comprises a third edge (113) and a fourth edge (114); wherein the projection is arranged at the third edge; wherein the recess is arranged at the fourth edge; andwherein the third edge and the fourth edge are arranged on substantially opposite edges.

17. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat body comprises a surface (116) having a print (117); and wherein the print of several flat bodies form an image (210).

18. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat body is formed from a piano or a sheet.

19. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is arranged for receiving and holding the neck of a bread bag, a fruit bag, and / or a bag with cookie.

20. Closure device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flat body is made of plastic, such as a thermoplastic, carton, and / or board.21 . Set of closure devices (200) according to claim 17 and together forming an image (210).

Images