Flexible pack with a closure

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible pack (1) having an interior space for receiving a product, having a wall (10) and an opposite wall (11), which delimit the interior space, and having a closure, which serves for closing the interior space and can be opened and closed multiple times, wherein, in a closed state, the closure holds the wall (10) and the opposite wall (11) together in a closure region. The invention is characterized in that the closure is in the form of a closure strip (15) which is made of corrugated board and has a first outer strip (16), a central strip (17) and a second outer strip (18), wherein a first separating line (19) runs between the first outer strip (16) and the central strip (17) and a second separating line (20) runs between the central strip (17) and the second outer strip (18), wherein the central strip (17) is connected to the wall (10), and the first outer strip (16) and the second outer strip (18) are connected to the opposite wall (11).

Description

[0001] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

[0002] January 24, 2025

[0003] “Flexible packaging with closure”

[0004] Description

[0005] The invention relates to a flexible packaging with an interior space for receiving a product and with a closure for sealing the interior space.

[0006] Such a flexible packaging in the form of a pouch is known, for example, from US 2002 / 0152719 A1. The pouch has a wall and a back wall that are connected to each other at two longitudinal edges and a bottom edge. The closure is located in an upper area of ​​the packaging, which is spaced apart from the bottom edge. In the closed state, the closure holds the wall and the back wall together in this area (closure area), so that the interior of the packaging is sealed.

[0007] The closure features a first and a second locking bar, with the first bar corresponding to the wall and the second to the opposite wall. The locking bars can be locked and unlocked using a sliding piece that moves along them. When the locking bars are locked, the closure holds the wall and the opposite wall together in the sealing area. Moving the sliding piece releases the lock, allowing the bag to be opened. In the open position, the wall and the opposite wall create an opening to the interior. Moving the sliding piece in the opposite direction reduces the opening until, at the sliding piece's end position, the interior is closed again. The closure can therefore be opened and closed multiple times.The first locking rail, the second locking rail and the sliding piece are made of plastic.

[0008] Climate change is causing consumers and customers to pay increasing attention to the sustainability of packaging solutions. The demand for and requirements for sustainable packaging are constantly rising, thus urging the packaging industry and consumer goods manufacturers to provide more sustainable packaging solutions.

[0009] When assessing the sustainability of packaging, it is relevant whether the packaging ends up in the trash after use or can be recycled. If the wall, back wall, closure, and possibly other parts of the bag are made of different plastic materials, recycling the packaging becomes complex. If only one type of plastic material is used for the bag, the recycling process is simplified. In practice, however, the possibility of recycling the plastic(s) is only used to a limited extent for a variety of reasons, resulting in comparatively low recycling rates. 2024PF00303

[0010] 2

[0011] The paper processing industry, on the other hand, can rely on particularly well-established recycling processes with high recycling rates. Accordingly, sustainable packaging solutions can be implemented using paper packaging. Even if the plastic wall and back panel of the bag described above were replaced with paper walls, the plastic closure would still remain, hindering the simple recycling of the waste paper. Therefore, packaging with a plastic closure only represents a sustainable packaging solution to a limited extent.

[0012] The object underlying the invention is to provide a packaging with a closure that is as sustainable as possible.

[0013] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Exemplary embodiments can be found in the dependent claims to claim 1.

[0014] According to the invention, the closure is designed as a closure strip made of corrugated cardboard, which has a first outer strip, a middle strip and a second outer strip, wherein a first dividing line runs between the first outer strip and the middle strip and a second dividing line runs between the middle strip and the second outer strip, wherein the middle strip is connected to the wall and the first outer strip and the second outer strip are connected to the opposite wall.

[0015] If, as in a preferred embodiment, the wall and the counter wall are made of a material based on plant fibers such as cellulose, like paper, cardboard, or carton, then the packaging according to the invention is a paper package that preferably consists of at least 95% by weight of a material or materials based on plant fibers. In one embodiment, the proportion of the material or materials based on plant fibers exceeds 97% by weight. In another embodiment, the packaging consists of 100% paper, cardboard, or carton.

[0016] The layered structure of corrugated cardboard can consist of two smooth outer liners and an intermediate corrugated layer. The distance between the two outer liners can be 1 to 10 mm, 2 to 8 mm, or 3 to 6 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the corrugated board consists of a plurality of sinusoidal waves. The waves can also be V-shaped. In one embodiment, the layered structure of the corrugated board comprises a B-flute and a C-flute, between which a smooth intermediate liner runs. The outer liners are located on the outside of the composite of B-flute, intermediate liner, and C-flute. The wave height (measurement between wave trough and wave height) and / or the wave pitch (distance between two adjacent wave crests) can be varied.

[0018] 3

[0019] The B-wave track and the C-wave track may be designed differently. It is also possible that the B-wave track and the C-wave track are identical with respect to wave height and wave spacing.

[0020] The corrugated cardboard closure strip is preferably produced by creating the first and second perforation lines using a die-cutting or cutting tool. When the closure is closed, the first outer strip, the middle strip, and the second outer strip lie side by side in the same plane, with the first outer strip lying directly against the middle strip along the first perforation line and the second outer strip lying directly against the middle strip along the second perforation line. To open the packaging, the middle strip, which is connected to the wall, must be moved out of the plane of the two outer strips, which are connected to the opposite wall. Due to the layered structure of the corrugated cardboard and the material containing plant fibers, a certain amount of resistance must be overcome in this process.Without being bound to this theory, it is assumed that the material structure between the outer and middle strips causes entanglements between the fibers along the dividing lines, leading to the resistance encountered when the middle strip is released. It has been shown that this resistance persists even after the closure has been opened and closed multiple times (for example, 100 times).

[0021] The first dividing line can be jagged, at least over a portion of its length. For example, the first dividing line can consist of a series of saw teeth. The jaggedness of the first dividing line leads to additional interlocking and thus to greater resistance in separating the center strip from the first outer strip. The first dividing line can also be wavy, at least over a portion of its length. The explanations regarding the first dividing line and the interaction of the first outer strip with the center strip apply analogously to the second dividing line and the interaction of the second outer strip with the center strip, unless otherwise stated.

[0022] The sealing strip can include an additional strip that abuts the first outer strip and is separated from it by a third dividing line. This additional strip would then be connected to the wall, just like the center strip. The term "outer strip" thus refers to its position relative to the center strip and does not preclude the possibility of an additional strip being attached to the outside of the first outer strip. A further additional strip, located on the outside of the second outer strip, is also possible. It should be noted that the term "wall" can refer to either the front or back wall of the packaging, with the opposite wall then being the other wall of the packaging.

[0023] The wall and the opposing wall must possess a certain degree of flexibility so that they can be deformed to open and close the interior. When closed, the wall and back panel are abutting each other in the locking area, while when open, the wall and back panel are spaced apart in the locking area, and the opening to the interior...2024PF00303

[0024] 4

[0025] to limit. Due to the flexibility of the wall and counter wall, flexible packaging is possible.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first dividing line begins at a distance from the end face of the sealing strip. Between the end of the first dividing line and the end face of the sealing strip, an end region remains in which the first outer strip and the middle strip form a single unit and cannot be separated. This end region ensures that the axial position (position in the longitudinal direction of the sealing strip) of the outer strip relative to the middle strip is always fixed, even when the seal is fully opened. This axial fixation makes it easier to reconnect the first outer strip and the middle strip along their entire length, starting from the open state of the seal.Preferably, such an end region is also provided at an opposite end face of the sealing strip, in which the first outer strip and the middle strip form a unit and cannot be separated from each other. The first outer strip and the middle strip can therefore only be separated between the two end regions.

[0027] The first dividing line can be straight in a starting line section and / or an ending line section. Between the starting line section and the ending line section, the first dividing line can be jagged or have a different line contour, as described above. The starting line section and the ending line section facilitate opening and closing the closure. The proportion of the total length of the starting line section and the ending line section can be between 5 and 30%, preferably between 10 and 20%.

[0028] In one embodiment, the sealing strip is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The first and second outer strips each have the same width. Due to the symmetry, the shape and form of the first dividing line correspond to the shape and form of the second dividing line. In another embodiment, the sealing strip is asymmetrical: the width of the first outer strip can differ from the width of the second outer strip. The first and second dividing lines can also be designed differently.

[0029] In its initial state, the sealing strip's first perforation line may be interrupted by connections. These connections must be severed when the seal is first opened. The presence of these connections allows the consumer to determine whether the packaging has been previously opened. 2024PF00303

[0030] 5

[0031] The sealing strip can run in a straight line. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the sealing strip forms a straight line. Alternatively, the sealing strip can be curved or bent, at least in some sections.

[0032] The wall and the opposing wall can be connected to each other at a first longitudinal edge and at a second longitudinal edge, for example by sealing or gluing. In one embodiment, the sealing strip extends from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge. The sealing strip can extend perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal edges.

[0033] The packaging can be designed as a bag with two long edges and a bottom edge. Alternatively, the packaging can be designed as a stand-up pouch with a bottom gusset.

[0034] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawing. The drawing shows:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a package with a closure in a side view;

[0036] Figure 2 shows the packaging of Figure 1 in a perspective view;

[0037] Figure 3 shows the packaging with the closure in an open state;

[0038] Figure 4 shows various views of the closure (Figures 4A to 4C); and

[0039] Figure 5 shows the shutter in the open position in a perspective view.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a package, designated as a whole by 1. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the package 1. The package 1 comprises a wall or front wall 10 and a back wall 11. In Figure 1, the back wall 11 is completely obscured by the wall / front wall 10, but it is clearly visible in Figure 3. The wall / front wall 10 and the back wall 11 are connected to each other by a first longitudinal edge 12 and a second longitudinal edge 13. The first longitudinal seam 12 and / or the second longitudinal seam 13 can be designed as sealing seams.

[0041] The packaging 1 is designed as a stand-up pouch with a bottom gusset 14. The bottom gusset 14 extends from the first longitudinal seam 12 to the second longitudinal seam 13 near the bottom of the packaging 1. A closure in the form of a sealing strip 15 is provided spaced apart from the bottom gusset 14. In a closed state, the sealing strip 15 holds the front wall 10 and the back wall 11 together, at least in the area where the closure is located. This area can also be referred to as the sealing area. The sealing strip 152024PF00303

[0042] 6

[0043] The sealing strip 15 runs from the first longitudinal seam 12 to the second longitudinal seam 13. It is located near an upper edge 25 and extends parallel to it. The distance between the sealing strips 15 can be, for example, 1 to 20% of the total height of the packaging.

[0044] The closure strip 15 has a first outer stripe 16, a central stripe 17, and a second outer stripe 18. A first dividing line 19 is provided between the first outer stripe 16 and the central stripe 17. A second dividing line 20 separates the central stripe 17 from the second outer stripe 18.

[0045] The central strip 17 is connected to the front wall 10 in the closure area, while the two outer strips 16, 18 are connected to the rear wall 11. Due to the dividing lines 19, 20, it is possible to move the central strip 17 out of the plane of the outer strips 16, 18. For example, if the front wall 10 and rear wall 11 of the packaging 1 are grasped and pulled apart at the upper edge 25, the central strip 17, which is attached to the front wall 10, can detach from the outer strips 16, 18, which are attached to the rear wall, thus opening an interior space bounded by the flexible front wall 10 and flexible rear wall 11. The closure or closure strip 15 is now in an open state, as shown in Figure 3. In this open state, a product, for example, in the form of individual dishwasher tablets, can be filled into or removed from the interior of the packaging.The closure strip 15 can then be closed again by pressing the front wall 10 and the rear wall 11 together at the level of the closure 15, i.e., in the closure area. In doing so, the central strip 17 is pressed in the direction of the plane of the two outer strips 16, 18 until it lies in a plane precisely between the two outer strips 16, 18. Figure 5, which shows a perspective view of the closure strip 15, depicts it in the open state. Figure 3 also shows the closure strip 15 in the open state.

[0046] Figure 4 shows the closure strip 15 in its closed state from various perspectives. As can be seen particularly in Figure 4B, the closure strip 15 is made of corrugated board. The layer structure of the corrugated board shown in Figure 2 comprises two outer liners 21, 22 and an intermediate fluted layer 23 with approximately sinusoidal flutes 24.

[0047] The first dividing line 19 comprises a multitude of saw teeth 26, so that the first dividing line 19 is serrated. The saw teeth 26 increase the contact area between the first outer strip 16 and the middle strip 17. Small interlocks occur between the fibers at this contact area. These interlocks, together with interlocks between the first outer strip 16 and the middle strip due to the sharp edges of the saw teeth 26, result in a certain resistance when opening the closure 15.

[0048] 7

[0049] must be overcome. In other words, the clasp 15 has a certain holding force that keeps the clasp in the open position.

[0050] A distance 29 exists between the start 27 of the first dividing line 19 and the end face 28 of the sealing strip 15. Thus, an end region 30 remains between the start 27 of the first dividing line 19 and the end face 28 of the sealing strip 15, in which the first outer strip 16 and the middle strip 17 are not separated by the first dividing line 19. Even when the middle strip 17 is lifted out of the plane of the outer strips 16, 18 to open the package 1 (see Figure 5), the middle strip 17 remains connected to the first outer strip 16 in the end region 30. This defines the axial position of the middle strip 17 relative to the first outer strip 16, thereby simplifying the subsequent closing of the seal.

[0051] Starting from point 27, the first dividing line in an initial line section 31 has a straight course. This straight course allows for easy opening of the closure.

[0052] The locking strip 15 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, which runs from left to right in Figure 4A. Accordingly, the second dividing line 20 has the same or a mirror image of the first dividing line 19. The locking strip is also essentially symmetrical with respect to a central axis, which runs from top to bottom and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in Figure 1A. This symmetry results in a further end region 33 being provided at an opposite end face 32, in which the central strip 17 and the first outer strip 16 are not separated from each other. In these end regions 30, 33, the second outer strip 18 and the central strip 17, together with the first outer strip 16, each form a unit that remains intact even when the locking strip 15 is open (see Figure 5).

[0053] 8

[0054] Reference symbol list

[0055] Packaging

[0056] 10 Wall / Front wall

[0057] II Opposite wall / Back wall

[0058] 12 First longitudinal edge

[0059] 13 Second long edge

[0060] 14 bottom fold

[0061] 15 Closure / Closure strip 16 First outer strip

[0062] 17 median strips

[0063] 18 Second outer stripe

[0064] 19 First dividing line

[0065] 20 Second dividing line

[0066] 21 Outer ceiling layer

[0067] 22 Outer ceiling layer

[0068] 23 wave track

[0069] 24 Sinusoidal wave

[0070] 25 Top edge

[0071] 26 sawtooth

[0072] 27 Beginning of the first dividing line 28 End face

[0073] 29 gap

[0074] 30 End range

[0075] 31 Initial line section

[0076] 32 Front end

[0077] 33 Further end area

Claims

2024PF00303 9 Patent claims 1. Flexible packaging (1) with an interior for receiving a product, with a wall (10) and a counter wall (11) that define the interior, and with a closure that serves to close the interior and can be opened and closed multiple times, wherein the closure, in a closed state, holds the wall (10) and the counter wall (11) together in a closure area, characterized in that the closure is designed as a closure strip (15) made of corrugated cardboard, which has a first outer strip (16), a middle strip (17) and a second outer strip (18), wherein a first dividing line (19) runs between the first outer strip (16) and the middle strip (17) and a second dividing line (20) runs between the middle strip (17) and the second outer strip (18), wherein the middle strip (17) is connected to the wall (10) and the first outer strip (16) and the second outer strip (18) are connected to the counter wall (11).

2. Flexible packaging (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the wall (10) and the counter wall (11) are made of a material or materials based on plant fibers.

3. Flexible packaging (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first dividing line (19) is jagged at least over a partial length.

4. Flexible packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first separation line (19) begins at a distance in front of an end face (28) of the closure strip (15).

5. Flexible packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first dividing line (19) runs in a straight line in a starting line section (31) and / or in a final line section.

6. Flexible packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the closure strip (15) is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis.

7. Flexible packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in an initial state of the closure strip (15) the first dividing line (19) is interrupted by connection points.

8. Flexible packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the closure strip (15) is straight. 2024PF00303 10 9. Flexible packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall (10) and the counter wall (11) are connected to each other at a first longitudinal edge (12) and at a second longitudinal edge (13).

10. Flexible packaging (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the closure strip (15) extends from the first longitudinal edge (12) to the second longitudinal edge (13).

11. Flexible packaging (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the closure strip (15) extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge (12) and the second longitudinal edge (13).

12. Flexible packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flexible packaging (1) is designed as a stand-up pouch with a bottom gusset (14).

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