Sealed delivery packaging

Abstract

A sealable bag 101 comprising a container with an opening and a self-adhesive packaging seal, the seal 110 has two adhesive areas, the first (112 fig 1a) secured to the container adjacent the opening

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a means of sealing packaging (a packaging seal) for secure delivery, whereby the packaging seal is adhered to the packaging container at manufacture, providing a packaging solution which is supplied with an integral seal functionality.

[002] Online order and delivery systems are a growing trend and continue to rise in popularity, particularly within the food sector. In this particular market, optimum convenience has been a huge factor in this growth. For example, via numerous delivery platforms, a customer can order online and receive a hot, cooked meal within 30 minutes, and based upon the same levels of convenience, can also order a wide range of grocery items (again, marketed as delivered within the hour). A significant fast-food chain has reported that 1 in 10 of its total orders are received via an online channel, and subsequently packed for delivery (to a home or place of work). Supporting this growing model are also 'click &collect' order and collection systems, whereby a customer places an order for items via the internet, but collects directly from the retailer. Whilst the concept of 'click &collect' has typically been more popular for non food items, it is now becoming a growth area for takeaway foods and grocery shopping.

[003] The growth of these models has also highlighted a flaw - packed item security in transit. As retailers typically use dedicated delivery partners, packaging which is not effectively sealed in transit has led to multiple types of exploitation; there have been widespread reported cases of packaging being tampered with during delivery, causing missing items upon customer receipt. Likewise, false claims of missing items by customers has also presented challenges to retailers. In both cases, such events can significantly impact these brands commercially.

[004] In response to this, retailers and food operators have implemented numerous ways to seal (their) delivery packaging. Some use multiple labels, some use staples, some use adhesive tape and some use additional pack closure components. However, none of these are ideal. Some are difficult to control usage (and therefore cost), some provide a poor end-user experience, whilst others can be operationally inefficient and time consuming to pack.

[005] A way of ameliorating these problems has been sought.

[006] According to the invention there is provided a means of securely closing a packaging container which is supplied to the retailer pre-assembled for immediate use and operation, thus eliminating the requirement for additional assembly at packing (such as separate labels, staples, tape). According to the invention there is further provided a sealable bag which comprises a container with an opening and a self-adhesive packaging seal wherein the packaging seal has two adhesive areas where the first adhesive area is secured to the container adjacent to the opening and the second adhesive area is for sealing the opening of the container.

[007] Advantages of the invention include that it provides a means of securing shut a range of packaging containers, preventing their opening during transit and delivery. Further advantages of the invention include: Reduced number of components needed to seal a packaging container(s); Controlled and reduced use of packing materials - consistent use every time, eliminating material volume / usage choice for the operator; No operator assembly required, providing enhanced packing efficiencies versus some current methods used; Providing an option which is totally plastic-free and fully sustainable; Potential for a single material source for all components; aiding disposal and recyclability; Inclusion of clear and fully customisable, tamper evident markings; Flexibility to adapt (and be applied to) a wide range of packaging formats and styles.

[008] According to the invention, the packaging seal is preferably but not exclusively designed to be applied to a variety of paper based packaging products; typically paper bags (before they are distributed for retailer use).

[009] According to the invention, the packaging seal is formed from strip of adhesive tape which is applied to an external surface of the packaging container which requires a closure. To optimise material usage, this seal is typically applied to the upper portion of said component, whereby one part of the seal is utilised to bond it to the pre-described surface, whilst the other part extends beyond the packaging's upper edge (thus creating a lip). In the preferred application of the seal onto a bag, the packaging seal is preferably applied whilst the bag is in its flat, unopened state, and therefore applied to either the front or back face of the said bag.

[0010] According to the invention, the adhesive area of the packaging seal which protrudes beyond the edge of the bag / packaging component (creating a lip or flap) is covered by a tear-off strip, ensuring the subsequent adhesive bond cannot be activated unless manually processed. The adhesive area of the seal which does not feature said tear-off strip is designed to act as the bonding agent to apply the seal to the said bag / packaging container (before distribution for retailer use).

[0011] According to the invention, the total packaging seal size proportion between the bag bonded area and protruding lip might typically be 50:50.

[0012] According to the invention, the dimensions of the packaging seal are determined by the corresponding bag / packaging container that it is being adhered to, the degree / strength of seal required, or a combination of both.

[0013] According to the invention in the first embodiment, the packaging seal might be dimensioned such that it runs along the majority of the width of the bag face it is being adhered to, possibly running from edge to edge.

[0014] According to the invention in the second embodiment, the packaging seal might be dimensioned such that it runs along a smaller proportion of the width of the bag face it is being adhered to.

[0015] According to the invention, the height of the packaging seal (i.e. the seal dimension which runs perpendicular to that determined by the bag's width) is determined by the strength and performance of the seal, and overall proportion / size of the bag / packaging container to which it is applied.

[0016] According to the invention, a bag / packaging seal is created through the removal of the pre described tearoff strip (manually actioned by the retail operator) which subsequently creates a lip with exposed adhesion. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper proportion of the bag might then be folded horizontally through 180 degrees, allowing the exposed adhesive area of the packaging seal, or lip, to come into contact with the opposite bag face to which the packaging seal has been applied to. As this adhesive area bonds to the bag / packaging container surface, the said bag / packaging container becomes securely sealed shut.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bag / packaging container might be sealed through the folding of the packaging seal itself, as opposed to the folding of the bag / packaging container. In this embodiment, the tear-off strip on the packaging seal lip is removed as per the previously described embodiment, but as opposed to manually folding the bag / packaging container, the operator might close the bag, ensuring the internal surfaces of the front and back faces (of the bag / packaging container) meet. Through the subsequent action of folding the packaging seal over the top edge of the bag / packaging container, plus with the application of pressure as the adhesive surface meets the corresponding face of the bag / packaging container, the bag becomes securely sealed shut. In this embodiment, it is the packaging seal which is folded horizontally through 180 degrees and not the bag / packaging container.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bag / packaging container might feature a pair of handles which protrude beyond the top edges of the bag. In this embodiment of the invention, the packaging seal is profiled such that a closure can be created whilst retaining the handles in position (for carrying). To achieve this, the protruding area of the applied bag seal (or the pre described lip) incorporates pre determined cut-outs which align to the vertical 'arms' of the adjacent handle. Typically, these cut-outs each form a 'Ushape' profile, and feature within the adhesive component of the bag seal only and not the corresponding tearoff strip.

[0019] According to this alternative embodiment of the invention, the bag / packaging is sealed shut via the folding of the packaging seal itself, and not the bag itself. Through the manual removal of the tear-off strip, and the nature of the pre described 'U-shape', this embodiment of the invention typically creates 3 protrusions (or lips) of the packaging seal with exposed adhesive. The 2 subsequent vertical channels between each lip are aligned to the pre described handle 'arms'. As each lip is folded (over the bag edge), the bag becomes sealed securely shut through contact with the opposite bag face (to which the packaging seal has been applied to).

[0020] According to the invention, once the adhesive of the packaging seal has been activated and applied to the bag / packaging container (including both pre described upper and lower regions of the seal) to create its closure, it might incorporate tamper evident technology. In this embodiment of the invention, if the packaging seal is lifted (from the surface to which it has been bonded to), evidence of this activity is presented through visible markings on the bag / packaging container surface. Preferably, any lifted area of the seal cannot then be readhered, deeming the tamper evident markings clear and obvious. According to this embodiment of the invention, this evidence might be a pre-determined pattern, messaging or a combination of both.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pre-described packaging seal might be made from paper, plastic or a plastic coated paper.

[0022] In some embodiments, the pre-described bag / packaging container might be a flat bag, a side gusset 'satchel' bag or a flat bottom 'self-standing bag'.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pre-described bag / packaging container might be made from paper, board, plastic, or a combination of material types.

[0024] In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be formed from a strip of adhesive tape which is applied to an external surface of the container which requires a closure. To optimise material usage, this seal is typically applied to the upper portion of said component, whereby one part of the seal is utilised to bond it to the pre-described surface, whilst the other part extends beyond the packaging's upper edge (thus creating a lip). In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be applied whilst the container is in its flat, unopened state to either a front or back face of the container.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second adhesive area of the packaging seal may protrude beyond the edge of the container to create a lip or flap. In some embodiments, the second adhesive area may be covered by a tear-off strip such that the subsequent adhesive bond cannot be activated unless manually processed. The first adhesive area of the seal which does not feature said tear-off strip is designed to act as the bonding agent to apply the seal to the said bag / packaging container (before distribution for retailer use).

[0026] In some embodiments, the size ratio of the first adhesive area to the second adhesive may be from 1:10 to 2:1, for example from 1:10 to 1:1, for example 1:5 to 2:1, e.g. 1:5 to 1:1, e.g. 1:4 to 1:1, e.g. 1:3 to 1:1.

[0027] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the packaging seal are determined by the corresponding container that it is being adhered to and whether the container forms a flap, the degree / strength of seal required, or a combination of both. In some embodiments, where the container does not form a flap, the size ratio of the first adhesive area to the second adhesive may be about 1:1. In some embodiments, where the container forms a flap, the size ratio of the first adhesive area to the second adhesive may be from 1:10 to 1:2, depending upon the length of the flap and degree / strength of seal needed, for example where the container forms a flap and where the packaging seal extends from one face to the other, the length of the packaging seal will need to be longer.

[0028] In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be dimensioned such that it runs along the majority of the width of the bag face it is being adhered to, for example running from edge to edge. In some embodiments, the packaging seal may have a width which is about the same as the width of the container. In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be dimensioned such that it runs along a smaller proportion of the width of the bag face to which it is being adhered.

[0029] In some embodiments, the length of the packaging seal (i.e. the seal dimension which runs perpendicular to that determined by the bag's width) may be determined by the strength and performance of the seal, and overall proportion / size of the container to which it is applied.

[0030] In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be sealed through the removal of a tearoff strip (manually actioned by the retail operator) which subsequently creates a lip with exposed adhesion. In some embodiments, the upper proportion of the container may be folded, allowing the exposed adhesive area of the packaging seal, or lip, to come into contact with the opposite bag face to which the packaging seal has been applied. As this adhesive area bonds to the bag / packaging container surface, the said bag / packaging container becomes securely sealed shut.

[0031] In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be foldable to seal the container. For example, the tear-off strip on the second adhesive area of the packaging seal may be removed as per the previously described embodiment, but as opposed to manually folding the container, the operator might close the bag, ensuring the internal surfaces of the front and back faces (of the bag / packaging container) meet, then the packaging seal may be folded over the top edge of the container with the application of pressure to seal the container.

[0032] In some embodiments, the container may include one or two handles which protrude beyond the top edges of the bag. In some embodiments, where the container includes one or two handles, the packaging seal may be shaped around the handles. In some embodiments, the one or two handles may each be in the form of a loop.

[0033] In some embodiments, the packaging seal may provide a tamper evident seal. In some embodiments, the tamper evident seal may form an indelible mark on the surface to which it is applied. In some embodiments, the indelible mark may be a pattern and / or a message.

[0034] In some embodiments, the packaging seal may be formed from paper and / or plastic, e.g. a plastic-coated paper. In some embodiments, the container may be a flat container, a side gusset container (known as a satchel container) or a flat bottom container (known as a 'self-standing' container). In some embodiments, the container may be formed from paper, board, and / or plastic.

[0035] In some embodiments, the container may include one or two handles and the container may form a slit in a face of the container wherein the slit is shaped to receive the one or two handles. In some embodiments, the slit may be spaced from the container opening such that the upper end of the container forms a flap. In some embodiments, where the upper end of the container forms a flap and where the packaging seal is attached to the container below the slit, the packaging seal may have a length which is longer than the flap. In some embodiments, where the one or two handles have a loop shape, the packaging seal may have a width suitable for inserting through the loop.

[0036] The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed: Figure la shows a schematic elevation view of the packaging seal according to the first embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face; Figure lb shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the first embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the bag is open and the packaging seal disengaged; Figure lc shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the first embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the bag is folded, the tear strip of the packaging seal removed, and the seal engaged to create a secure bag closure; Figure Id shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the first embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the lip of the packaging seal is folded, and subsequently engaged and adhered to create a secure bag closure; Figure le shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the first embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the bag is folded, the tear strip of the packaging seal removed and the seal engaged to create a secure bag closure and a localised area of the packaging seal has been lifted to reveal a visible tamper evident marking; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the second embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the bag is open and the packaging seal disengaged; Figure 3a shows a schematic elevation view of the packaging seal according to the third embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face; Figure 3b shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the third embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the bag is open and the packaging seal disengaged; Figure 3c shows a schematic perspective view of the packaging seal according to the third embodiment of the invention, applied to the upper region of the bag's external face, whereby the lips of the packaging seal are folded, and subsequently engaged to create a secure bag closure; Figure 4a shows a schematic plan view of bag according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in a first position; Figure 4b shows a schematic perspective view of the bag according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in the first position; Figure 4c shows a schematic perspective view of the bag according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in a second position where the handles have been inserted through the slit; Figure 4d shows a schematic perspective view of the bag according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in a third position where the flap has been folded down; and Figure 4e shows a schematic perspective view of the bag according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in a fourth position where the flap has been folded down and the packaging seal has been applied to create a sealed bag.

[0037] A bag / packaging container with a packaging seal applied according to the first embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 101 on Figures la, lb, lc, Id, le.

[0038] A bag / packaging container with a packaging seal applied according to the second embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 201 on Figure 2.

[0039] A bag / packaging container with a packaging seal applied according to the third embodiment of the invention is indicated generally at 301 on Figures 3a, 3b, 3c.

[0040] Figure la shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, first embodiment 101 with packaging seal 110, upper seal region 112 and lower seal region 114. Seal tear-off strip at 120. Lower seal region 114 bonded to bag face 130 at manufacture.

[0041] Figure lb shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, first embodiment 101 with packaging seal 110, upper seal region 112 and seal tear-off strip at 120. Lower seal bonded to bag face 130 (at manufacture), with opposite bag face at 140 and bag opening at 150.

[0042] Figure lc shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, first embodiment 101 with packaging seal 110. Bag face 130 and bag face 140 folded along bag crease 160. In this way, a flap is formed by the part of bag face 130 which is folded over bag face 140. Upper seal region 112 bonded to bag face 140 to create a sealed bag / packaging container.

[0043] Figure Id shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, first embodiment 101 with packaging seal 110, bag face 130 and bag face 140. Packaging seal 110 folded along packaging seal crease 116 to enable upper seal region 112 to bond to bag face 140 to create a sealed bag / packaging container.

[0044] Figure le shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, first embodiment 101 with packaging seal 110. Bag face 130 and bag face 140 folded along crease 160. Upper seal region 112 bonded to bag face 140 to create a sealed bag / packaging container. Tamper evident visual marking / notification shown at 118.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, second embodiment 201 with packaging seal 210, upper seal region 212 and seal tear-off strip at 220. Lower seal bonded to bag face 230 (at manufacture), with opposite bag face at 240 and bag opening at 250.

[0046] Figure 3a shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, third embodiment 301 with packaging seal 310, upper seal region 312 and lower seal region 314. Seal tear-off strip at 320. Lower seal 314 bonded to bag face 330 at manufacture. Bag handle shown at 370 and corresponding seal cut-outs shown at 322 and 324.

[0047] Figure 3b shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, third embodiment 301 with packaging seal 310, upper seal region 312 and seal tear-off strip at 320. Lower seal bonded to bag face 330 (at manufacture), with opposite bag face at 340, bag opening at 350 and bag handle 370.

[0048] Figure 3c shows the following features. Bag / packaging container with a packaging seal, third embodiment 301 with packaging seal 310, bag face 330, bag face 340 and bag handle 370. Packaging seal 310 folded along packaging seal crease 316 to enable upper seal region 312 to bond to bag face 340, creating a sealed bag / packaging container which can still be carried via the handles.

[0049] A fourth embodiment of the bag according to the invention is indicated generally at 401 on Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e. Bag comprises packaging seal 410, bag face 430, bag face 440, and bag handles 470a,470b.

[0050] Bag face 430 forms a slit 432. Slits 432 are each shaped to receive the bag handles 470a,470b and the packaging seal. Slits 432 are each formed in an upper part of bag face 430 such that a flap 434 is formed between the slit 432 and the bag opening.

[0051] Bag handle 470a is bonded to an internal side of bag face 430 by handle reinforcement patch 472 below slit 432. Bag handle 470b is bonded to an internal side of bag face 440 by handle reinforcement patch 472 below slit 432. Bag handles 470a,470b have a length which is less than the length of flap 434 such that the bag handles 470a,470b do not protrude from the bag opening until flap 434 is folded. Bag handles 470a,470b have a width which is about the same as the width of the slit 432. In an alternative embodiment, bag handles 470a,470b may have a length which is greater than the length of flap 434 such that the bag handles 470a,470b protrude from the bag opening before the flap 434 is folded to assist filling of the bag 401 before it is sealed.

[0052] Packaging seal 410 has two parts 412,414. Part 414 of the packaging seal 410 is attached to an external surface of bag face 430 below slit 432. Part 412 of the packaging seal 410 is covered by a protective backing paper 420 when not in use. Packaging seal 410 forms a tamper evident message when the seal 410 is broken. Packaging seal 410 has a width which is about the same as the gap between the bag handles 470a,470b. Packaging seal 410 has a length which is greater than the length of flap 434. In an alternative embodiment, packaging seal 410 may form a tamper evident pattern when the seal 410 is broken. In an alternative embodiment, packaging seal 410 may not form a tamper evident message when the seal 410 is broken.

[0053] To use bag 401, when the bag is in the first position shown in Figures 4a and 4b, food or some other product is inserted into the bag. The bag handles 470a,470b are inserted through slit 432 so that the bag is in its second position shown in Figure 4c. The flap 434 is then folded down so that the bag is in its third position shown in Figure 4d. The protective backing paper 420 is removed from part 412 such that it can be used to secure flap 434 to the outside of bag face 440 so that the bag is in its fourth position shown in Figure 4e.

Claims

1. A sealable bag which comprises a container with an opening and a self-adhesive packaging seal wherein the packaging seal has two adhesive areas where the first adhesive area is secured to the container adjacent to the opening and the second adhesive area is for sealing the opening of the container.

2. A sealable bag as defined in claim 1 wherein the packaging seal is formed from a strip of adhesive tape.

3. A sealable bag as defined in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second adhesive area of the packaging seal protrudes beyond the edge of the container to create a lip or flap.

4. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second adhesive area is covered by a tear-off strip.

5. A sealable bag as defined in anyone of the preceding claims wherein a size ratio of the first adhesive area to the second adhesive may be from 1:10 to 2:1.

6. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container does not form a flap, the size ratio of the first adhesive area to the second adhesive is about 1:1.

7. A sealable bag as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the container forms a flap, the size ratio of the first adhesive area to the second adhesive is from 1:10 to 1:2.

8. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging seal has a width which is about the same as the width of the container.

9. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging seal is foldable to seal the container.

10. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container includes one or two handles which protrude beyond the top edges of the bag; preferably where the container includes one or two handles, the packaging seal is shaped around the handles.

11. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging seal provides a tamper evident seal; preferably the tamper evident seal forms an indelible mark on the surface to which it is applied; preferably the indelible mark is a pattern and / or a message.

12. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packaging seal is formed from paper and / or plastic.

13. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is a flat container, a side gusset container or a flat bottom container.

14. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is formed from paper, board, and / or plastic.

15. A sealable bag as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container includes one or two handles the container form a slit in a face of the container wherein the slit is shaped to receive 5 the one or two handles.

16. A sealable bag as defined in claim 15 wherein the slit is positioned below the container opening such that an upper end of the container forms a flap.

17. A sealable bag as defined in claim 16 wherein the packaging seal has a length which is longer than the flap.10 18. A sealable bag as defined in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the packaging seal has a widthsuitable for inserting through the loop.Application No: GB2418478.0 Examiner: Duane BoyallClaims searched: 1-18Date of search: 30 January 2025Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-7, 9, 11-14 WO2023 / 072829 A (ARCONVERT) figures 1A, 5 X 1,2, 4, 5, 8-18 WO2019 / 221955 A (PAN PACIFIC PLASTICS) figure 3 X 1-7, 9, 12- 14 US2008 / 0073244 A (DANCE) figure 2b v A 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 12-14 US4902141A (LINNEWIEL) figure 2 X 1,2, 5, 6, 9, 12-14 US5824380 A (MENASHA) figure 2B v A 1, 3, 5, 9, 11-14 GB2382562 A (HANCOCK) figure 1Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From B65D 0033 / 16 01 / 01 / 2006

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