Container with zipper tape, method for manufacturing a container with zipper tape, and apparatus for manufacturing a container with zipper tape

Abstract

To prevent weakening of an engagement strength at a hinge portion in a container with zipper tape that can be easily opened by sliding both surfaces of the container in a longitudinal direction of the zipper tape.SOLUTION: There is provided the container with zipper tape that includes a container body having at least a first region and a second region that face each other, and the zipper tape having a first base strip piece that is at least partially joined to the first region, a second base strip piece that is at least partially joined to the second region, and a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that project from the first base strip piece and the second base strip piece respectively, and can engage with each other. A hinge is formed in at least one position where m / n<0.25, when a length of an opening of the container body is n and a distance to an inner end of an opening in a longitudinal direction of the zipper tape is m.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container with a zipper tape, a method for manufacturing a container with a zipper tape, and a manufacturing apparatus for a container with a zipper tape.

Background Art

[0002] A bag with a zipper tape is widely used for packaging various articles such as chemicals and foods. One of the advantages of such a bag with a zipper tape is that it can be easily opened and resealed. A user can open the bag by pulling the two sides of the bag to which the zipper tape is joined away from each other to release the engagement of the zipper tape. Also, the user can reseal the bag by pressing the two sides of the bag close to each other to engage the zipper tape.

[0003] When opening a bag with a zipper tape as described above, it is common to pinch the two sides of the bag with fingers and pull in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. In this case, both hands of the user are required for opening. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a technique that enables a user to open the bag by sliding the two sides of the bag alternately along the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. In this case, the user can open the bag by pinching and twisting the two sides of the bag with the fingers of one hand, specifically, the thumb and index finger of one hand, to release the engagement of the zipper tape.

[0004] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, the opening operation of easily releasing the engagement of the zipper tape by curving only one side of the bag on both sides of the portion pinched by the user is possible only when the rigidity of the zipper tape is relatively low and soft. Therefore, when the zipper tape is formed of a material with high rigidity in order to resist the internal pressure of the bag by strengthening the engagement or prevent unintentional opening due to an external force, it is not easy to curve the zipper tape, and thus it is difficult to apply the technique of Patent Document 1.

[0005] In view of the above, the technology described in Patent Document 2 has been proposed. Patent Document 2 describes a zipper tape bag comprising a bag body having at least one pair of opposing surfaces, a pair of base strips joined to the opposing surfaces, and a long zipper tape whose cross-sectional shape includes at least one pair of engaging portions that protrude from the base strips and engage with each other, and the zipper tape having hinges formed at two positions in the longitudinal direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0138171 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 111911 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] According to the configuration described in Patent Document 2 above, regardless of the rigidity of the zipper tape, the bag can be easily opened by sliding both sides of the bag in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. However, in cases where, for example, unintended opening due to external force is to be prevented, the engagement of the zipper tape becomes relatively weaker at the hinge portion, and as a result, the function of preventing unintended opening may not be fully realized.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a zipper-fastened container that can be easily opened by sliding both sides of the container in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape, and that prevents the engagement strength at the hinge portion from becoming relatively weaker, as well as a method for manufacturing a zipper-fastened container and an apparatus for manufacturing a zipper-fastened container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] [1] A container with a zipper tape, comprising a container body including at least a first region and a second region facing each other, a first base strip at least partially joined to the first region, a second base strip at least partially joined to the second region, and a zipper tape including first and second engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips, respectively, and engage with each other, wherein a hinge is formed at at least one position such that m / n < 0.25 when the length of the opening of the container body is n and the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape to the inner end is m. [2] The zippered container according to [1], wherein the hinge is formed at a position such that the distance m to the inner end of the opening is 20 mm or less. [3] A zippered container according to [1] or [2], wherein the engagement strength of the portion of the zipper tape not including the hinge is 26 N / 50 mm or more. [4] The zippered container according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the hinge includes thin-walled portions or notches formed in the first and second engaging portions. [5] A zippered container according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the hinge includes first and second base strips and punched holes passing through the first and second engaging portions. [6] A zippered container according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein an anti-slip structure is formed on at least one of the surfaces opposite to the surface to which the first base strip of the first region is joined, and the surface opposite to the surface to which the second base strip of the second region is joined. [7] A container with a zipper tape according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein an opening is formed in the container body on one side in the width direction of the zipper tape, and the first base strip is not joined to the first region on the opening side of the first engagement portion in the width direction. [8] The zipper tape container according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising third and fourth engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips, respectively, and are capable of engaging with each other. [9] The container body is a bag-shaped container with a zipper tape as described in any one of items [1] to [8].

[10] A method for manufacturing a container with a zipper tape, comprising the steps of: supplying a zipper tape including first and second base strips and first and second engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips and are mutually engaging; joining the first and second base strips to mutually opposing first and second regions of a film, respectively; and cutting the film to form a container body, further comprising the step of forming a hinge at at least one position such that m / n < 0.25 when the length of the opening of the container body is n and the distance to the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape is m.

[11] The step of forming the hinge is performed between the step of supplying the zipper tape and the step of joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions, respectively, the method for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to

[10] .

[12] The step of forming the hinge is performed after the step of joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions, respectively, the method for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to

[10] .

[13] A method for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to

[12] , further comprising the step of joining a first region and a second region together at joining regions at both longitudinal ends of the zipper tape, wherein the step of forming the container body includes cutting the film along the joining region, and the step of forming the hinge includes forming the hinge with forming means arranged to straddle the joining region.

[14] A method for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to any one of

[10] to

[13] , the step of supplying the zipper tape, the step of guiding the zipper tape using a cylindrical guide member.

[15] A manufacturing apparatus for a zipper tape container, comprising means for supplying a zipper tape including first and second base strips and first and second engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips, respectively and are engageable with each other; means for joining the first and second base strips to mutually opposing first and second regions of a film, respectively; and means for cutting the film to form a container body, further comprising means for forming a hinge at at least one position such that m / n < 0.25 when the length of the opening of the container body is n and the distance to the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape is m.

[16] The apparatus for manufacturing a zippered container according to

[15] , wherein the means for supplying the zipper tape includes a cylindrical guide member capable of guiding the zipper tape internally.

[17] The apparatus for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to

[16] , wherein the means for joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions of the film, respectively, does not include a plate interposed between the first and second base strips.

[18] A manufacturing apparatus for a zippered container according to any one of

[15] to

[17] , further comprising means for joining a first region and a second region together at joining regions at both longitudinal ends of the zipper tape, wherein means for forming a container body include cutting a film along the joining regions, and means for forming a hinge include forming means arranged to straddle the joining regions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In this embodiment, when the length of the opening of the container body is set as n and the distance from the opening to the inner end of the zipper tape in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape is set as m, a hinge is formed at at least one position where m / n < 0.25. In the joining region, the base strips of the zipper tape are fixed in a state of being joined to each other. Therefore, in the portion close to the joining region in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape, the engagement strength of the engaging portion is relatively higher than that of other portions. If the hinge is formed at the above position, since the engagement strength in the sections on both sides of the hinge is relatively high, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the engagement strength due to the change in the shape of the engaging portion by the hinge. As a result, it is possible to prevent the engagement strength at the hinge from becoming relatively weak in the bag with the zipper tape.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a plan view of a bag with a zipper tape according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a sectional view taken along line II-II of the bag with a zipper tape shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a view for explaining the thin portion formed in the bag with a zipper tape and its operation in this embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of a bag with a zipper tape according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of a bag with a zipper tape according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a sectional view showing an example of a zipper tape for preventing unintentional opening. [Figure 7] It is a sectional view showing still another example of the zipper tape. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a three-side bag-making machine for manufacturing a bag with a zipper tape according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a view showing an example of a hinge forming means in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a view showing an example of a guide member in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]It is a figure which shows the example of the guide member in the embodiment of this invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a bag with a zipper tape according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of the bag with a zipper tape shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bag 100 with a zipper tape includes a film 110 and a zipper tape 120. The film 110 forms a bag body including a first region 111A and a second region 111B facing each other. The zipper tape 120 includes a base strip 121A at least partially joined to the first region 111A, a base strip 121B at least partially joined to the second region 111B, and a pair of engaging portions 122 (engaging portions 122A, 122B) protruding from the base strips 121A and 121B and engageable with each other.

[0015] The film 110 is formed from, for example, a single-layer or multi-layer thermoplastic resin. Specifically, the thermoplastic resin may be low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or polypropylene (PP). PP may be homopolypropylene (HPP), random polypropylene (RPP), or block polypropylene (BPP). If the film 110 is a multi-layer film, biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), or biaxially oriented nylon (ONy) may be used as the surface material. These are not limited to resins derived from fossil fuels, but may also be environmentally friendly bioplastics, or a mixture of fossil fuel-derived resins and bioplastics may be used. As a bioplastic, biopolyethylene is preferred, for example. The film 110 may also include layers of metallic materials such as aluminum or inorganic materials. For example, by monomaterializing the film 110 together with the zipper tape 120 using a resin composition mainly composed of polyethylene, an environmentally friendly configuration with excellent recyclability can be achieved.

[0016] The thickness of the film 110 is, for example, 20 μm or more, preferably 35 μm or more, and more preferably 50 μm or more. Alternatively, the thickness of the film 110 may be, for example, 300 μm or less, preferably 200 μm or less, and more preferably 180 μm or less.

[0017] In this embodiment, two films 110 are overlapped and joined to each other at the bottom seal 112 and side seal 113 to form the first region 111A and the second region 111B. However, in another embodiment, for example, one film 110 may be folded back at the portion corresponding to the bottom seal 112 and joined to each other at the side seal 113. The side seal 113 is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120 and is a joining region in which the first region 111A, the base strips 121A and 121B of the zipper tape 120, and the second region 111B are overlapped and joined to each other in this order.

[0018] Furthermore, a portion of the film that is folded inward, known as a gusset, may be formed in the portion corresponding to the bottom seal 112 or the side seal 113. In this case, the gusset may be formed from the same film as the first region 111A or the second region 111B, or from a different film. Also, the zippered bag 100 may be a standing pouch that can be placed upright by forming a gusset at the bottom.

[0019] In this embodiment, an opening is formed in the bag body by forming a bottom seal 112 and a side seal 113 while not forming a top seal. However, in another embodiment, a top seal may be formed in addition to the bottom seal and side seals, and an opening may be formed in the bag body retrospectively by cutting between the top seal and the zipper tape.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, a zippered bag may be provided without a bottom seal on the opposite side of the zipper tape. In this case, the bottom seal is formed after the bag is filled with contents. Beyond this, the present invention can be applied to zippered bags of various known configurations.

[0021] The zipper tape 120 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding of a polyolefin resin. More specifically, the zipper tape 120 may be formed from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or polypropylene (PP). The PP may be homopolypropylene (HPP), random polypropylene (RPP), or block polypropylene (BPP). These are not limited to resins derived from fossil fuels, but may also be environmentally friendly bioplastics, or a mixture of fossil fuel-derived resins and bioplastics may be used. As a bioplastic, biopolyethylene is preferred, for example. Known additives, such as stabilizers, antioxidants, lubricants, antistatic agents, or colorants, may be added to the material of the zipper tape 120 as needed.

[0022] Furthermore, the zipper tape 120 may be monomaterialized using a resin composition mainly composed of polyethylene. In this case, the entire zipper tape 120 is formed from a resin composition mainly composed of polyethylene. Here, the main component is a component that accounts for a predetermined proportion or more of the resin composition, and its content is usually 50% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, particularly preferably 98% by mass or more, and most preferably 100%. However, even if the content of the main component is 100%, the mixing of additives and impurities is permitted. The main component can be confirmed, for example, by the IR method. By monomaterializing the zipper tape 120 using a resin composition mainly composed of polyethylene, an environmentally friendly configuration with excellent recyclability becomes possible. Furthermore, by using biopolyethylene as polyethylene, an environmentally friendly configuration with even greater recyclability becomes possible.

[0023] In addition, the shape of the engaging portions 122A and 122B in the zipper tape 120 is not limited to the illustrated example, and can be any known shape of the engaging portion of a zipper, such as a claw shape, hook shape, or knob shape. In the illustrated example, the engaging portion 122A is male and the engaging portion 122B is female, but the opposite may also be true. Also, in the illustrated example, one pair of engaging portions is arranged, but multiple pairs of engaging portions may be arranged.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the thin-walled portion formed in the zipper-tape bag and its function in this embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the zipper-tape bag shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 3(A), in the zipper-tape bag 100 according to this embodiment, thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed in the portion of the zipper tape 120 that includes the engaging portion 122. The thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed when the engaging portions 122A and 122B of the zipper tape 120 are thinned together with the base strips 121A and 121B and the film 110 that forms the bag body, for example, by a pressing process as described later.

[0025] In this embodiment, the engagement portions 122A and 122B with an uneven cross-sectional shape within the zipper tape 120 are thinned, so that the thinned portions 131A and 131B function as hinges for the zipper tape 120. Here, in this specification, a hinge means a point where the deflection angle of the zipper tape 120 becomes discontinuous because the bending moment is not transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120 or is relatively weakened. Therefore, the zipper tape 120 can be easily bent at the hinge.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3(A), in this embodiment, such hinges are formed as thin-walled portions 131A and 131B at two positions in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120. Here, the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120.

[0027] Here, the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed at positions where m / n < 0.25, where n is the length of the opening of the bag body and m is the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape (both ends of the section of length n). Preferably, m / n ≤ 0.22, more preferably m / n ≤ 0.20, even more preferably m / n ≤ 0.16, and particularly preferably m / n ≤ 0.12. The lower limit of m / n may be 0, but m / n ≥ 0.01 is preferred, m / n ≥ 0.03 is more preferred, and m / n ≥ 0.05 is even more preferred. This range allows for both ease of opening and the ability to prevent unintended opening with a higher degree of certainty. Here, the length n of the opening of the bag body is, for example, 30 mm or more, preferably 50 mm or more, and more preferably 70 mm or more. Also, the length n of the opening of the bag body is, for example, 500 mm or less, preferably 400 mm or less, and more preferably 350 mm or less.

[0028] The thin-walled portions 131A and 131B may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120 at positions such that the distance m to the side seal 113, which is the joining region, is 20 mm or less. Here, distance m is the distance from the edge of the side seal 113 closest to each of the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B to the edge of the thin-walled portion 131A and 131B opposite to the said side seal 113. In other words, the regions where the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed are within the range of distance m from the edge of the side seal 113 closest to each other. Distance m is preferably 18 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, and even more preferably 12 mm or less. Distance m may also be 0 mm, but from the viewpoint of ease of opening, it is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and even more preferably 7 mm or more. Distance m may be the same value or may be different values.

[0029] As the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed as described above, when the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110 are slid symmetrically along the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120 near the midpoint between the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B, the engaging portion 122B bends away from the engaging portion 122A in the thin-walled portion 131A, and the engaging portion 122A bends away from the engaging portion 122B in the thin-walled portion 131B. As a result, the engagement between the engaging portion 122A and the engaging portion 122B is released near the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B. For example, by inserting a finger or the like into the opening formed near the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B and pushing it open, the engagement between the engaging portions 122A and 122B can be released across the entire zipper tape 120, and the zipper tape bag 100 can be opened.

[0030] Furthermore, to facilitate the opening operation described above, an anti-slip structure 140 may be formed on the surface opposite to the surface where the base strips 121A and 121B of the zipper tape 120 in the first region 111A and the second region 111B are joined, as shown in Figure 1. The anti-slip structure 140 may be formed, for example, between the two positions where the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed, as in the illustrated example. Alternatively, the anti-slip structure 140 may be formed along the entire length of the zipper tape 120, including the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B. Specifically, the anti-slip structure 140 may be a roughening or embossing process, or an adhesive process, to increase the coefficient of friction between the film 110 and the user's finger.

[0031] In this embodiment, the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed at positions where m / n < 0.25, where n is the length of the opening of the bag body and m is the distance from the zipper tape to the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction. Since the base strips 121A and 121B of the zipper tape 120 are fixed together in the side seal 113 that forms the inner end of the opening, the engagement strength of the engagement portion 122 is relatively higher in the portion of the zipper tape 120 closest to the side seal 113 in the longitudinal direction compared to other portions. By forming the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B at the above positions, the engagement strength is relatively higher in the sections on both sides of the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B, which compensates for the decrease in engagement strength due to the change in the shape of the engagement portion 122 in the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the engagement strength in the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B of the zipper tape bag 100 from becoming relatively weaker.

[0032] Specifically, for example, if the engagement strength of the zipper tape 120 in a section that does not include either the thin-walled sections 131A or 131B is 26 N / 50 mm or more, it is possible to prevent unintended opening of the zipper tape bag 100 starting from the thin-walled sections 131A or 131B. The engagement strength of the zipper tape 120 in a section that does not include either the thin-walled sections 131A or 131B is preferably 30 N / 50 mm or more, and more preferably 40 N / 50 mm or more. The engagement strength can be measured, for example, using a digital force gauge (manufactured by Imada Corporation) as follows. First, the base strips 121A and 121B are held at a point 2 mm from the engagement portion of a zipper tape cut to 50 mm in the longitudinal direction. Next, while keeping the base strip 121A fixed, the base strip 121B is pulled up and the strength until the engagement of the engagement portion 122 is released is measured, and the measurement result at the maximum load is taken as the engagement strength. If the length in the longitudinal direction is less than 50 mm, and that length is X mm, the measurement result N / X mm can be converted to N / 50 mm by multiplying it by 50 / X.

[0033] (Second embodiment) Figure 4 is a plan view of a zippered bag according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, in the zippered bag 200 according to this embodiment, notches 132A and 132B are formed in the portion of the zipper tape 120 that includes the engaging portion 122. In the illustrated example, notches 132A and 132B are formed on both sides of the zippered bag 200, respectively. Specifically, notch 132A is formed from the first region 111A of the film 110 to the base strip 121A and engaging portions 122A and 122B of the zipper tape 120, and notch 132B is formed from the second region 111B of the film 110 to the base strip 121B and engaging portions 122A and 122B of the zipper tape 120. The configuration of the zippered bag 200 other than those described above is the same as that of the zippered bag 100 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0034] In this embodiment, notches 132A and 132B that reach the engagement portions 122A and 122B, which have an uneven cross-sectional shape, within the zipper tape 120 function as hinges for the zipper tape 120. As already described in the first embodiment, the hinges allow the zipper tape 120 to be easily bent. Similar to the first embodiment, the notches 132A and 132B are formed near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120. Specifically, the notches 132A and 132B are formed in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120 at positions where the distance m to the side seal 113, which is the joining region, is 20 mm or less. The definition of distance m is the same as in the first embodiment, and the regions in which the notches 132A and 132B are formed are within a distance m from the edge of the side seal 113 on the closer side.

[0035] In the second embodiment of the present invention described above, similar to the first embodiment, the notches 132A and 132B formed in the zipper tape 120 function as hinges, making it easy to bend either the engaging portion 122A or 122B of the zipper tape 120 at the notches 132A or 132B, even when the zipper tape 120 is made of a relatively rigid material. In this embodiment as well, the notches 132A and 132B are formed at positions where m / n < 0.25, where n is the length of the opening of the bag body and m is the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. This compensates for the reduction in engagement strength due to the absence of the engaging portion 122 at the notches 132A and 132B. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the engagement strength at the notches 132A and 132B from becoming relatively weaker in the zipper tape bag 200.

[0036] (Third embodiment) Figure 5 is a plan view of a zippered bag according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown, in the zippered bag 300 according to this embodiment, punch holes 133A and 133B are formed in the portion of the zipper tape 120 that includes the engaging portion 122. In the illustrated example, the punch holes 133A and 133B are formed by penetrating the zipper tape 120. Specifically, the punch holes 133A and 133B are formed by penetrating the base strip 121A, engaging portions 122A and 122B, and base strip 121B of the zipper tape 120 by a process performed before joining the zipper tape 120 to the film 110, for example, as will be described later. The configuration of the zippered bag 300 other than that described above is the same as that of the zippered bag 100 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0037] In this embodiment, punch holes 133A and 133B that penetrate the engagement portions 122A and 122B, which have an uneven cross-sectional shape within the zipper tape 120, function as hinges for the zipper tape 120. As already described in the first embodiment, the hinges allow the zipper tape 120 to be easily bent. Similar to the first embodiment, the punch holes 133A and 133B are formed near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120. Specifically, the punch holes 133A and 133B are formed in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape 120 at positions where the distance m to the side seal 113, which is the joining region, is 20 mm or less. The definition of distance m is the same as in the first embodiment, and the regions in which the punch holes 133A and 133B are formed are within a distance m from the edge of the side seal 113 on the closer side.

[0038] In the third embodiment of the present invention described above, similar to the first embodiment, the punch holes 133A and 133B formed in the zipper tape 120 function as hinges, making it easy to bend either the engaging portion 122A or 122B of the zipper tape 120 at the punch holes 133A and 133B, even when the zipper tape 120 is made of a relatively rigid material. In this embodiment as well, the punch holes 133A and 133B are formed at positions where m / n < 0.25, where n is the length of the opening of the bag body and m is the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. This compensates for the reduction in engagement strength due to the absence of the engaging portion 122 at the punch holes 133A and 133B. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the engagement strength at the punch holes 133A and 133B from becoming relatively weaker in the zipper tape bag 300.

[0039] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which hinges are formed at two positions where m / n < 0.25, where n is the length of the opening of the bag body and m is the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. However, the hinge may be formed at only one position on either end of the zipper tape. Also, in the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the container body is bag-shaped, but a zipper tape-attached container including a container body other than a bag and a zipper tape may also be provided.

[0040] (Example of a zipper tape to prevent unintended opening) Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a zipper tape that prevents unintended opening, which can be used, for example, in the first to third embodiments described above. In the illustrated example, the base strip 121C on the male engaging portion 122A side does not extend beyond the engaging portion 122A towards the opening side in the width direction of the zipper tape. Therefore, the base strip 121C is not joined to the first region 111A of the film 110 on the opening side of the engaging portion 122A in the width direction of the zipper tape. As a result, even if the film 110 is grasped on the opening side of the zipper tape, force cannot be applied in the direction of releasing the engagement of the engaging portion 122, making it difficult to open the zipper tape bag 100 by conventional methods. Even in such cases, it is still possible to open the zipper tape bag 100 by the method described above with reference to Figure 3, so the zipper tape configuration shown in Figure 6 is effective in preventing unintended opening of the zipper tape bag 100.

[0041] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of a zipper tape. For example, in the zipper tape shown in Figure 6 above, engaging portions 122C and 122D may be further provided, which protrude from the base strip 121C and base strip 121B, respectively, and are capable of engaging with each other. In this case, the zipper tape is engaged by two sets of engaging portions, engaging portions 122A, 122B and engaging portions 122C, 122D, thereby increasing the engagement strength. Such a structure is effective when opening is made difficult by not joining one side of the base strip 121C to the first region 111A of the film 110 on the opening side of the engaging portion 122A in the width direction of the zipper tape, as in the illustrated example, but it may also be used when both base strips are joined to the film on both sides in the width direction, as in the example shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, while it is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of opening that hinges like the thin-walled portions 131A, 131B, notches 132A, 132B, or punch holes 133A, 133B described above be formed on the engaging portions 122C, 122D, it is also possible to form hinges only on the engaging portions 122A, 122B on the opening side and not on the engaging portions 122C, 122D on the storage space side in order to achieve both higher airtightness and ease of opening. Alternatively, contrary to the illustrated example, it is also possible to place the engaging portions 122C, 122D without hinges on the opening side and the engaging portions 122A, 122B with hinges on the storage space side. In addition, when hinges are formed on both the engaging portions 122A, 122B and the engaging portions 122C, 122D, the values ​​of m for both may be different, but it is preferable from the viewpoint of achieving smoother opening.

[0042] (Method of manufacturing a bag with zipper tape) Figure 8 is a perspective view of a three-side seal bag making machine for manufacturing a zipper tape bag according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the three-side seal bag making machine 600, the film supply unit 601 unwinds the film 110 wound on the film roll 602 and cuts it in the width direction using a cutting blade (not shown) to form a pair of opposing portions (first region 111A and second region 111B). Meanwhile, the tape supply unit 603 unwinds the zipper tape 120 wound on the tape roll 604 and supplies it to a predetermined position between the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110 using a guide member (not shown). The seal bar 605 joins the base strips 121A and 121B of the zipper tape 120 to the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110, respectively. For joining, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding can be used.

[0043] After the zipper tape 120 is joined to the film 110, a bottom seal 112 is formed between the first region 111A and the second region 111B by a sealing bar 606, and similarly, a side seal 113 is formed by a sealing bar 607. The zipper tape bag 100 is manufactured by forming the bag body of the film 110 using a cutting blade 608 that cuts the film 110 longitudinally along the bottom seal 112 and a cutting blade 609 that cuts the film 110 widthwise along the side seals 113. The same applies to the zipper tape bags 200 and 300 according to the second and third embodiments.

[0044] Here, Figure 8 does not show the means for forming hinges such as thin-walled portions 131A, 131B, notches 132A, 132B, or punch holes 133A, 133B in the zipper tape 120. The means for forming hinges are located, for example, in one of the parts indicated by arrows P1 to P4 in Figure 8. Arrow P1 is located between the tape supply unit 603 that supplies the zipper tape 120 and the seal bar 605 that joins the base strips 121A, 121B of the zipper tape 120 to the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110. Arrow P2 is located after the seal bar 605 and before the seal bar 606 that forms the bottom seal 112. Arrow P3 is located after the seal bar 606 and before the seal bar 607 that forms the side seal 113, and arrow P4 is located after the seal bar 607.

[0045] Figure 9 shows an example of a hinge forming means in an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, at the position indicated by arrow P4 in Figure 8, i.e., after the side seal 113 has been formed between the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110, the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B of the zipper tape bag 100 according to the first embodiment are formed by pressing the first region 111A and the second region 111B from both sides using pressers 610A and 610B having protrusions 611 (protrusions 611A and 611B). By performing such pressing, the engaging portion 122 of the zipper tape 120 can be thinned while maintaining its shape, and the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B can be formed while maintaining the sealing function of the zipper tape 120.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the pressers 610A and 610B are positioned so as to straddle the side seal 113 before the film 110 is cut along the side seal 113. This allows for efficient formation of the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B when they are formed close to the side seal 113, specifically when the length of the opening of the bag body is n and the distance to the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape is m, such that m / n < 0.25. For example, even if the width of the zipper tape bag 100 is changed, the same pressers 610A and 610B can be used to form the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B. In other words, in this embodiment, by forming hinges such as the thin-walled sections 131A and 131B towards the ends, the distance from the end of the bag body to the hinge remains constant as long as the width of the zipper-taped bag 100 does not change significantly, and the hinge can be formed with the same jig regardless of the width of the bag. In other examples, different jigs may be used to form the hinges for each width of the zipper-taped bag 100, or each of the hinges on both sides may be formed with a different jig.

[0047] In the above example, the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B are formed using the projection 611. Similarly, by providing a cutting blade instead of the projection 611, the cut portions 132A and 132B of the zipper tape bag 200 according to the second embodiment can be formed. Furthermore, by providing a punch instead of the projection 611 and providing a die hole with a shape corresponding to the punch at a position opposite the punch, the punch holes 133A and 133B of the zipper tape bag 300 according to the third embodiment can be formed. In the illustrated example, the thin-walled portion 131A is formed by pressing from the first region 111A side, and the thin-walled portion 131B is formed by pressing from the second region 111B side. However, both the thin-walled portions 131A and 131B may be formed by pressing from either the first region 111A side, the second region 111B side, or both.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above example, the hinge is formed on the zipper tape 120 at the position of arrow P4 shown in Figure 8, but it is also possible to form the hinge at any of the positions of arrows P1 to P3. For example, when forming the hinge at the position of arrow P1, the hinge can be formed on the zipper tape 120 without affecting the film 110, since the zipper tape 120 is not yet joined to the film 110. For example, when forming punch holes 133A and 133B as in the third embodiment, it is preferable to form the zipper tape 120 before it is joined to the film 110 in order to ensure the strength and sealing performance of the bag body. On the other hand, when the hinge is formed at the positions indicated by arrows P2 to P4, for example, thin-walled portions 131A, 131B and notches 132A, 132B are also formed on the film 110. However, since the hinge is formed in a process close to the process in which the side seal 113 is formed between the first region 111A and the second region 111B, the accuracy of the alignment between the hinge and the side seal 113 (i.e., the end of the zipper tape 120) is improved.

[0049] In the example above, the zipper-taped bag was manufactured using a three-side seal bag making machine. However, the process is not limited to a three-side seal bag making machine. By incorporating a device like the one described with reference to Figure 9 between the zipper tape supply process and the process of joining the zipper tape to the film, or after the process of joining the zipper tape to the film, it is possible to manufacture zipper-taped bags with hinges formed on the zipper tape using other types of bag making machines as well.

[0050] Figures 10 and 11 show examples of a device for guiding a zipper tape in an embodiment of the present invention. In both figures, an example of a zipper tape is shown in which one base strip 121C is not joined to the first region 111A of the film 110 on the opening side of the engaging portion 122A, as described above with reference to Figure 6. However, the configurations illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 are applicable to other zipper tapes as well. In each figure, (A) shows a configuration for guiding the zipper tape in the front portion of the seal bar 605 shown in Figure 8, and (B) shows a configuration of the seal bar 605 portion.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 10, as shown in (A), the zipper tape is guided by plates 651 and 652 interposed between the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110, and between the base strips 121B and 121C of the zipper tape. The widthwise positions of the engaging portions 122A and 122B of the zipper tape are fixed between plates 651 and 652, thereby allowing the zipper tape to be positioned relative to the film 110. As shown in (B), in the portion shown as the seal bar 605 in Figure 8, the seal bar 653A sandwiches the first region 111A and the base strip 121C between plates 651 and 652, and the seal bar 653B sandwiches the second region 111B between plates 651 and 652, thereby joining the zipper tape to the film 110.

[0052] On the other hand, in the example of Figure 11, as shown in (A), the zipper tape is guided inside a cylindrical guide member 654 positioned between the first region 111A and the second region 111B of the film 110. The zipper tape can be positioned relative to the film 110 by fixing the widthwise position of the base strip 121B between the side walls of the guide member 654. As shown in (B), in the portion shown as the seal bar 605 in Figure 8, the seal bars 653A and 653B join the zipper tape to the film 110 by sandwiching the first region 111A and the second region 111B, as well as the base strips 121B and 121C positioned between them.

[0053] The configuration shown in Figure 11 may be effective when, for example, due to conditions such as sealing temperature, the sealing bars 653A and 653B do not need to have a plate in between. Also, as in the illustrated example, if the flange portion protruding from the engaging portion 122A of one of the base strips 121C is short or not formed, using a cylindrical guide member 654 allows for more reliable positioning of the zipper tape than using plates 651 and 652. Note that the guide member 654 does not necessarily have to have a rectangular cross-section as shown; for example, it may have a polygonal cross-section other than a rectangle, or a U-shaped cross-section with the top or bottom open as shown in the figure.

[0054] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these will naturally also be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 100, 200, 300...Bags with zipper tape, 110...Film, 111A...First area, 111B...Second area, 112...Bottom seal, 113...Side seal, 120...Zipper tape, 121A, 121B, 121C...Base strip, 122, 122A, 122B...Engaging part, 131A, 131B...Thin-walled part, 132A, 132B...Notched part, 133A, 133B...Punch hole, 140...Anti-slip structure, 600...Three-side seal bag making machine, 601...Film supply unit, 602...Film roll, 603...Tape supply unit, 604...Tape roll, 605, 606, 607...Seal bar, 608, 609...Cutting blade, 610A, 610B...Presser, 611, 611A, 611B...Protrusion, 651, 652...Plate, 653A, 653B...Seal bar, 654...Guide member.

Claims

1. A container body including at least a first region and a second region that are opposite to each other, A zipper tape comprising a first base strip at least partially joined to the first region, a second base strip at least partially joined to the second region, and first and second engaging portions protruding from the first and second base strips and engaging with each other, respectively. Equipped with, A hinge is formed at at least one position such that 0.03 ≤ m / n ≤ 0.16, where n is the length of the opening of the container body and m is the distance from the zipper tape in the longitudinal direction to the inner end of the opening. A container with a zipper tape, wherein the hinge is not formed at a position where m / n > 0.

16.

2. The container with zipper tape according to claim 1, wherein the hinge is formed at a position such that the distance m to the inner end of the opening is 20 mm or less.

3. A container with a zipper tape according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement strength of the portion of the zipper tape that does not include the hinge is 26 N / 50 mm or more.

4. The container with zipper tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge includes thin-walled portions or notches formed in the first and second engaging portions.

5. The zipper tape container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hinge includes punch holes that penetrate the first and second base strips and the first and second engaging portions.

6. A zipper tape container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an anti-slip structure is formed on at least one of the surfaces of the first region opposite to the surface to which the first base strip is joined, and the surface of the second region opposite to the surface to which the second base strip is joined.

7. An opening is formed in the container body on one side in the width direction of the zipper tape. The zipper tape container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first base strip is not joined to the first region on the opening side of the first engaging portion in the width direction.

8. A container with a zipper tape according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the zipper tape further includes third and fourth engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips, respectively, and are capable of engaging with each other.

9. The container body is bag-shaped, a zippered container according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A step of supplying a zipper tape including first and second base strips, and first and second engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips, respectively, and are capable of engaging with each other; The process involves joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions of the film that are opposite to each other, The process of cutting the aforementioned film to form the container body A method for manufacturing a container with a zipper tape, including The process further includes forming a hinge at at least one position such that 0.03 ≤ m / n ≤ 0.16, where n is the length of the opening of the container body and m is the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. A method for manufacturing a container with a zipper tape, wherein the hinge is not formed at a position where m / n > 0.

16.

11. The method for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to claim 10, wherein the step of forming the hinge is performed between the step of supplying the zipper tape and the step of joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions, respectively.

12. The method for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to claim 10, wherein the step of forming the hinge is performed after the step of joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions, respectively.

13. The process further includes joining the first region and the second region to each other at the joining regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape, In the process of forming the container body, the film is cut along the joining region, The method for manufacturing a container with a zipper tape according to claim 12, wherein the step of forming the hinge includes the step of forming the hinge with forming means arranged to straddle the joining region.

14. The method for manufacturing a container with a zipper tape according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the step of supplying the zipper tape includes the step of guiding the zipper tape using a cylindrical guide member.

15. Means for supplying a zipper tape including first and second base strips, and first and second engaging portions that protrude from the first and second base strips, respectively and are capable of engaging with each other, Means for joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions of the film that are opposite to each other, Means for cutting the aforementioned film to form a container body A manufacturing apparatus for containers with zipper tape, comprising: The invention further includes means for forming a hinge at at least one position such that 0.03 ≤ m / n ≤ 0.16, where n is the length of the opening of the container body and m is the distance from the inner end of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape. A manufacturing apparatus for containers with zipper tape, wherein the hinge is not formed at positions where m / n > 0.

16.

16. The apparatus for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to claim 15, wherein the means for supplying the zipper tape includes a cylindrical guide member capable of guiding the zipper tape internally.

17. The apparatus for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to claim 16, wherein the means for joining the first and second base strips to the first and second regions of the film, respectively, does not include a plate interposed between the first and second base strips.

18. The invention further comprises means for joining the first region and the second region to each other at the joining regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the zipper tape, The means for forming the container body involves cutting the film along the joining region, The apparatus for manufacturing a zipper tape container according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the means for forming the hinge includes forming means arranged to straddle the joining region.

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