Sealed single-dose paper package with an improved tear opening

Abstract

The single-dose sealed package (1) according to the present invention comprises a multi-layer semi-rigid sheet (2) having a carrier layer (10) made of paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material and a gas and vapor barrier layer (12), an elastic sheet (4) superposed and welded to the semi-rigid sheet (2) to form an inner pocket (6) for containing a single-dose product, and an outer cut (8) in the semi-rigid sheet (2), which is suitable for inducing the breakage of the first sheet (2) to form an opening (6) for discharging the product contained in the pocket when the package (1) is bent. This package is characterized in that the barrier layer (12) has micro-holes (201) aligned with the outer cut (8). Advantageously, the package is always correctly opened by the micro-holes showing the induction points at which the semi-rigid sheet breaks while ensuring a sufficient barrier against the passage of gas and vapor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging, and in particular, to the field of sealed single-dose packages with a break-open opening of the "one-handed opening" type, i.e., which can be opened by bending the package with one hand.

Background Art

[0002] Due to their obvious practicality in use, these packages have become quite widespread. Currently, hundreds of millions of such packages are sold annually in many industries for foods such as sauces and other seasonings, and pharmaceuticals such as eye drops and dermatological creams.

[0003] Considering the huge popularity of such packages and the significant change in consumers' attitudes towards sustainability and environmental protection issues, the problem of the correct disposal of used packages is particularly felt now. Since such packages are made of a film substantially composed of a plastic material, consumers now pay particular attention when purchasing them. Furthermore, after use, the packages need to be disposed of in a differentiated manner.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a package mainly composed of paper, cardboard, or cellulose that can be recycled among paper packages while providing a sufficient barrier against gases and vapors.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sealed single-dose package with a break-open opening that meets the needs of the field and at the same time overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0006] Such an object is achieved by a sealed single-dose package with a break-open opening according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The features and advantages of the package according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following description given as a non-limiting example with reference to the drawings of the accompanying figures.

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

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Figure 5a

Figure 5b

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Figure 6a

Figure 6b

Figure 6c

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Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Figure 7c

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Figure 8a

Figure 8b

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Referring to the figures in the attached table, reference numeral 1 indicates a sealed single-dose package with a break-open aperture.

[0017] The package 1 includes a semi-rigid sheet 2 defined by a peripheral edge 3 and having a back side 2a and an opposite front side 2b, and an elastic sheet 4 having an inner surface 4a and an outer surface 4b. The elastic sheet 4 is superposed on and welded to the semi-rigid sheet 2 such that the inner surface 4a faces the front side 2b so as to form an inner pocket 6 for accommodating a single-dose product such as a finger-disinfecting gel, generally a cream-like, or thick, or gel-like product.

[0018] For example, according to one embodiment, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a rectangular shape with opposing long sides 3' and opposing short sides 3'', and the semi-rigid sheet 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X parallel to the long side 3'.

[0019] For example, the semi-rigid sheet 2 having an overall thickness of 300 to 750 microns is a multilayer laminate having a carrier layer 10 with the back side 2a. The carrier layer 10, which can be single-layer or multi-layer, is made of a material mainly composed of paper, cardboard, or other cellulose (i.e., mainly composed of at least 50% by weight of cellulose). The thickness of the carrier layer 10 is, for example, 250 to 700 microns.

[0020] Preferably, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a barrier layer 12 inside suitable for providing a barrier against the passage of gases such as oxygen and vapor.

[0021] For example, the barrier layer 12 is single-layer or multi-layer in aluminum or EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), or combinations thereof. In those variations where the barrier layer is multi-layer, some of the films may be made from non-barrier materials.

[0022] Alternatively, the carrier layer 10 has a film coated on the surface opposite to the front surface 2a, and the coated film has barrier properties.

[0023] Alternatively, the carrier layer 10 is chemically treated so as to have barrier properties at least on the surface opposite to the back surface 2a. Alternatively, a metallized film, such as metallized PET or metallized PE, is adhered to the carrier layer 10, and the metallization faces the paper side.

[0024] On the opposite side of the back surface 2a, preferably between the carrier layer 10 and the barrier layer 12, the semi-rigid sheet 2 also has at least one intermediate layer 14 that is single-layer or multi-layer and includes an adhesive, or an extruded polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or other materials that bond to the carrier layer 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the semi-rigid sheet 2 has a final layer 16 having the front surface 2b. The final layer 16, which is single-layer or multi-layer, includes polyethylene, polypropylene, or solder varnish, or other materials made to be welded to the elastic film 4.

[0026] The elastic sheet 4 is a multi-layer laminate having an inner layer with the inner surface 4a. The inner layer, which is single-layer or multi-layer, includes polyethylene, polypropylene, solder varnish, or other materials suitable for welding to the semi-rigid film 2.

[0027] The elastic sheet 4 has an outer layer with the outer surface 4b on the outside. The outer layer 32, which is single-layer or multi-layer, includes paper, cardboard, or other materials mainly composed of cellulose.

[0028] Furthermore, the elastic sheet 4 preferably has an intermediate layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. For example, the intermediate layer, which can be single-layer or multi-layer, has barrier properties, contains aluminum or EVOH, and / or has bonding properties with the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 32. Alternatively, the outer layer has a film coated on the surface opposite to the outer surface 4b, and the coated film has barrier properties. According to a variation of the embodiment, the elastic sheet 4 does not have an intermediate layer, and the inner layer is in direct contact with the outer layer.

[0029] Overall, the package 1 provides for combining a semi-rigid sheet of paper, cardboard or other material mainly composed of cellulose, and a sheet of paper, cardboard or other material mainly composed of cellulose of the elastic sheet, to constitute at least 60% by weight of the whole (empty) package.

[0030] The semi-rigid sheet 2 has a weakened portion, specifically at least one cut, to enable the opening of the package. When the sealed package is bent, the controlled breakage of the semi-rigid sheet 2 is determined along this weakened portion so that an opening for the product to come out is formed through the sheet.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, on the front surface 2b of the semi-rigid sheet 2, specifically on the surface that at least partially defines the inner pocket 6 where the product is accommodated, there are inner cuts 20 extending, for example, along the cut direction Y in the lateral direction, that is, in the direction incident on the longitudinal axis X in the above embodiment, preferably along a direction perpendicular thereto.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the inner cuts 20 affect the outermost layer 16 without affecting the barrier layer 12. The inner cuts 20 may be incisions penetrating the layers or local deformations of the layers themselves.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the inner cuts 20 is constant while the depth varies.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inner cut 20 has a tapered cross-section, which is a triangular cross-section having a point facing the carrier layer 10.

[0035] According to the present invention, the barrier layer 12 has breaks, i.e., micro-holes 201 of extremely small dimensions.

[0036] Preferably, the micro-holes 201 realize openings in all layers of the semi-rigid sheet 2 except the paper layer. Referring to FIG. 2, the micro-holes 201 are formed in the layers 14, 12, and 16.

[0037] Preferably, the micro-holes 201 at least partially follow the geometry of the inner cut 20.

[0038] Advantageously, the micro-holes 201 help to induce breakage of the barrier layer 12 and contribute to promoting breakage of any further elastic layers (if present, the intermediate layer 14 and the final layer 16) of the rigid sheet 2 while the package is being bent. In fact, unlike the paper carrier layer 10, the barrier layer 12 is stretchable and has a tendency to elongate rather than break, which may in some cases prevent proper opening of the package. Therefore, the micro-holes 20 ensure the propagation of cracks in the barrier layer 12 and allow for proper opening while the package is being bent.

[0039] Preferably, the micro-holes 201 have an extension along the cut direction Y that is 15 mm long and an extension along the longitudinal axis X that is less than 35 microns.

[0040] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 7a, the micro-holes 201 cross all layers of the semi-rigid sheet 2 except the paper carrier layer 10. For example, the micro-holes 201 pass through the final layer 16, the barrier layer 12, and the intermediate layer 14.

[0041] In one embodiment, the micro-holes 201 extend so as to also act partially on the paper carrier layer 10.

[0042] Preferably, the microhole 201 is separated from the external environment by a part of the barrier layer 10 called the barrier portion 101. That is, the barrier portion 101 is the portion of the barrier layer 10 that intervenes between the microhole 201 of the barrier layer 12 and the external environment.

[0043] Preferably, the barrier portion 101 of the barrier layer 10 has a thickness of at least 10 microns.

[0044] It should be noted that the paper constituting the carrier layer 10 does not have barrier properties with respect to the passage of gases and vapors, or in any case does not have important properties with respect to them. However, the fact that the size of the microhole 201 is extremely small means that the surface of the carrier layer 10 that effectively does not have the barrier layer 12 is negligibly small in relation to the shelf life of the product.

[0045] The package according to the present invention is particularly suitable for high-density fluid products, provided that they are not absorbed by the barrier layer 10 of paper, cardboard or cellulose. For example, the package according to the present invention is particularly suitable for fluid products having a dynamic density of 10 to 4000 poises (P), i.e., 1 to 400 poise units (PI).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the back surface 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 in the pocket 6 has an outer cut 8 extending, for example, along the cut direction Y which is horizontal, i.e., the direction incident on the longitudinal axis X in the previous embodiment, preferably along a direction perpendicular thereto. The outer cut 8 is suitable for guiding the controlled breakage of the semi-rigid sheet 2 along the cut itself so that an opening for the product housed in the pocket 6 is formed through the semi-rigid sheet 2 when the package 1 is bent.

[0047] For example, the outer cut 8 joins two opposing points 3a, 3b of the periphery 3, which in the previous embodiment means that it extends across the entire width of the rectangular semi-rigid sheet.

[0048] According to a further embodiment variation, the outer cut 8 terminates in front of the periphery 3 or starts from a point on the periphery 3 and terminates before reaching another point on the periphery 3.

[0049] When present in FIGS. 6a and 7a, the outer cut 8 partially crosses the carrier layer 10 of the semi-rigid sheet 2.

[0050] The cut has a depth H with respect to the front face 2a, which is typically variable in the transverse direction along the outer cut 8. For example, the depth is maximum at the central part of the cut. Advantageously, this variation in depth along the cut ensures the opening of the break in a controlled manner, prevents accidental breakage, and thus prevents the product from protruding outwards in a way that could cause damage.

[0051] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6b and 7b, the outer cut 8 is aligned with the inner cut 20, i.e., it completely overlaps the inner cut 20.

[0052] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6c and 7c, the outer cut 8 is offset from the inner cut 20, i.e., it does not completely overlap the inner cut 20.

[0053] In one embodiment, the outer cut 8 has a constant cross-section even with a varying depth, as in the examples of FIGS. 6a - 6c, and the cross-section is rectangular or square.

[0054] In one embodiment, the outer cut 8 has a tapered cross-section, as in the examples of FIGS. 7a - 7c, and the cross-section is triangular with a point towards the carrier layer 10.

[0055] According to the present invention, the term "cut" specifically refers to a cut that leads to a structurally continuous break in the layer or film constituting the sheet.

[0056] According to a modification of a further embodiment (Figs. 5a and 5b), the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening portion that is separate from, and preferably aligned with, the inner cut 20 to facilitate bending of the package.

[0057] Preferably, the back surface 2a of the semi-rigid sheet 2 has at least one weakening portion. For example, the back surface 2a has two weakening portions 40', 40'' arranged side by side with the inner cut 20. When the outer cut 8 is present, the two weakening portions 40', 40'' are aligned with the outer cut 8. In such an example, the outer cut 8 is interrupted in front of the peripheral edge 3. The depth of the weakening portion is less than or equal to the depth of the outer cut 8.

[0058] Preferably, each weakening portion consists of a cut (Fig. 5a). According to a modification of an embodiment, each weakening portion consists of a plurality of holes.

[0059] Alternatively (Fig. 5b), each weakening portion consists of a recess obtained along the peripheral edge 3 of the semi-rigid sheet 2. For example, two recesses 42', 42'' are provided side by side with the inner cut 20. When the outer cut 8 is present, the two recesses 42', 42'' are aligned with the outer cut 8. In such an example, the outer cut 8 is interrupted in front of the peripheral edge 3.

[0060] Next, a further embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the inner cut of the carrier layer has a constant depth.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the outer cut of the carrier layer has a constant depth.

[0063] According to a modification of an embodiment of the package according to the present invention, the semi-rigid sheet has a circular or elliptical shape, or a regular polygon, or a mixed polygon, that is, a shape consisting of a straight portion and an arch portion.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the outer cut 8 extends along a line consisting of a set of portions that are dashed line 85, i.e., not adjacent (i.e., a certain portion and an adjacent portion do not belong to the same line), and are continuously oriented (i.e., the second end of a certain portion coincides with the first end of an adjacent portion).

[0065] In a variation of the embodiment, the dashed line 85 has two lateral portions 86 that are of the same size and are aligned with each other (i.e., one portion is on the extension line of the other portion). The dashed line 85 further has a main line 87, and the main line 87 is substantially offset from the two lateral portions 86 by two joining portions 88. The two joining portions 88 are substantially parallel to each other and are preferably substantially perpendicular to the two lateral portions 86. In other words, each joining portion 88 connects the end of the lateral portion 86 and the end of the main line 87.

[0066] In one embodiment (FIG. 8a), the main line 87 is a straight line portion that is substantially parallel to the two lateral portions 86 and is substantially perpendicular to the joining portion 88. In a further embodiment (FIG. 8b), the main line 87 has two straight line portions 87', 87'', and the two straight line portions 87', 87'' form an acute angle or an obtuse angle therebetween, i.e., they are not aligned. The straight line portions 87', 87'' also form an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the joining portion 88. In a further embodiment, the main line 87 is an arc of a circle. In a variation of a further embodiment, the dashed line 85 has two lateral portions 86 that are of the same size and are aligned therebetween (i.e., one is on the extension line of the other). The dashed line 85 further has an arc of a circle, preferably a semi - circle, that connects the end of the first lateral portion 86 to the end of the second lateral portion 86. According to different embodiments, the two lateral portions 86 and / or the joining portions 88 may be straight, angled, or curved.

[0067] Innovatively, the package according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with respect to the prior art to the extent possible, by providing a sufficient barrier against the passage of gases, such as oxygen and vapor, while having a very low environmental impact, being particularly recyclable with paper, and always being capable of being correctly opened by itself.

[0068] It is obvious that those skilled in the art may make modifications to the above-described package to meet possible needs, and all such modifications are included within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A sealed single-dose package (1) with a break-opening, A multi-layer semi-rigid sheet (2) having a back surface (2a) and an opposite front surface (2b), a carrier layer (10) having said back surface (2a); a barrier layer (12) adapted to provide a barrier to the passage of gases and vapors; a final layer (16) having said front surface (2b); The semi-rigid sheet (2), an elastic sheet (4) having an inner surface (4a) and an outer surface (4b), superimposed on the semi-rigid sheet (2) with the inner surface (4a) facing the front surface (2b), and welded to the front surface (2b) of the semi-rigid sheet (2) to form an inner pocket (6) for containing a unit dose of product; an outer cut (8) extending along the cut direction (Y) and made on the back surface (2a) of the semi-rigid sheet (2) to induce breaking of the semi-rigid sheet (2) when the package (1) is bent to form an opening for the product contained in the inner pocket (6) to exit; an inner cut (20) extending along the cut direction (Y) in the inner pocket (6) on the front surface (2b), the inner cut (20) not creating a depression in the barrier layer (12); Equipped with 1. A sealed single-dose package (1), characterized in that the barrier layer (12) has a break (201) that aligns with the outer break (8), the break partially following the geometric shape of the inner break (20), and the carrier layer (10) is made of paper, cardboard, or other cellulose-based material.

2. A portion of the barrier layer (10), called a barrier portion (101), exists between the break (201) in the barrier layer (12) and the external environment. A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

3. The barrier portion (101) of the barrier layer (10) has a minimum thickness of 10 microns. A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 2.

4. the paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based material of the carrier layer (10) does not have gas and vapor barrier properties; A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

5. said inner pocket (6) contains a high density product having a dynamic density of 1 to 400 Poiseuilles (PI); A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

6. The discontinuities (201) form openings in all layers of the semi-rigid sheet (2) except the carrier layer (10). A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

7. The break (201) is An extension of up to 15 mm along the cut direction (Y), and / or having an extension along a longitudinal axis (X) transverse to the cut direction (Y) of less than 35 microns; A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

8. The outer cut (8) partially crosses the carrier layer (10) of the semi-rigid sheet (2). A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

9. The outer cut (8) is aligned with the inner cut (20). A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

10. the semi-rigid sheet (2) has at least one weakened portion that is separate from and aligned with the inner cut (20) and / or the outer cut (8); A sealed single-dose package (1) according to claim 1.

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