• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    opening device for a flexible package and flexible package having an opening portion defined by two side walls. it is an opening device for a flexible package (15; 15; 15, 15) which has an opening portion (16) which is defined by the two side walls (17) and has a width (w), where the opening device should be arranged in the opening portion (16) of the package (15; 15; 15, 15) adjacent to an opening (20) formed in the initial opening of the package (15; 15; 15, 15) to open and close it. the opening device comprises a first thin-walled body (4) with a contact surface (8) and a first application surface (9) opposite thereto to allow the application of said first body (4) to the opening portion ( 16) to a first (17a) of said two side walls (17) and a locking member (5). the first body (4) is maneuverable, by folding about a first folding axis (2), between a basic position and a sealing position, wherein the sealing position of said contact surface (8) has sub-portions (10a). , 10b) that face each other directly. said sub-portions (10a, 10b) are contiguous with each other along a boundary portion which is projected along the substantially full width (w) of the opening portion and said locking member (5) is designed for releasable locking of the body ( 4) in said sealing position. the locking member (5) is arranged on at least one of the sub-portions (10a, 10b) of the contact surface (8) and is designed to act between said sub-portions (10a, 10b) in order to achieve said releasable locking.
    公开号:BR112013011374B1
    申请号:R112013011374-0
    申请日:2011-11-09
    公开日:2022-01-04
    发明作者:Bengt Jönsson；Peter Marbe
    申请人:Ecolean Ab；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF TECHNIQUE
    [001] The present invention relates to a releasable opening device for a flexible package and to a package comprising such an opening device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] There are a large number of different goods that are packaged in flexible packaging produced from a film material.
    [003] Packages can house particulate goods, such as potato chips, peanuts or coffee beans, and in this case, they often have a so-called pillow shape.
    [004] Alternatively, the packages can house liquid goods, such as milk, water or wine, and are here usually of the so-called flat-bottomed bag type, also referred to as collapsible type packages. Flat bottom bag type packaging can of course also be used for particulate goods.
    [005] Packages or containers of this flexible type are normally opened by removing an end flap or corner portion. Alternatively, they can be opened by a user pulling away the side walls of the package in order to thus break an upper transverse seal of the package.
    [006] It is common for such flexible packaging that there is often a need to be able to reseal the packaging once it has been opened. By resealing the package, the risk of accidental spillage of the package contents is reduced, while release often has a positive effect on the shelf life of the contents.
    [007] This release can be carried out with the help of fasteners, screw caps, elastic bands, tapes, etc. However, it has proved difficult to provide an opening device that is cheap, reliable, easy to use and, moreover, relatively easy to apply to the package in connection with filling the same. Openers for flexible packages are known, for example, from U.S. 3,815,810, U.S. 6,296,388 and WO2004/092022.
    [008] U.S. document 3,815,810 discloses an opening device in the form of a thin-walled body that is applied to a side wall of the package. For releasing the package, an end section comprising an opening is folded over, and the end section is locked in the folded state by flaps on the body which are folded up over said end section.
    [009] U.S. document 6,296,388 discloses a collapsible thin-walled body that is intended for application within a package opening.
    [0010] WO2004/092022 discloses various types of opening devices of the zip-lock type, which are sealed in place in the package adjacent to their opening.
    [0011] Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for an improved releasable opening device for flexible packaging. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [0012] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved releasable opening device for flexible packaging.
    [0013] It is also an object of the invention to provide a flexible package comprising such a releasable opening device.
    [0014] In accordance with the present invention, a releasable opening device having the distinctive features defined in Claim 1 and a package having the distinctive features defined in Claim 21 are thus provided. The modalities emerging from the dependent claims depend on the respective main claims.
    [0015] More precisely, according to the present invention, an opening device for a flexible package having an opening portion which is defined by two side walls and having a width is provided, which opening device is intended to be arranged in the opening portion of the package adjacent to an opening, formed by the initial opening of the package, for opening and closing the same, the opening device of which comprises a first thin-walled body with a contact surface and a first application surface opposite thereto, to allow applying said first body to the opening portion in a first of said two side walls, and a locking member. The first body is manoeuvrable, by bending over a first bending axis, between a basic position and a sealing position, in which the sealing position of said contact surface has sub-portions directly facing one another. Said sub-portions are contiguous with each other along a boundary portion which is designed to extend substantially along the entire width of the opening portion, and said locking member is designed to releasably lock the body in said sealing position. The locking member is disposed on at least one of the sub-portions of the contact surface and is designed to act between said sub-portions in order to achieve said releasably locking.
    [0016] An improved releasable opening device for flexible packaging is provided herein. The opening device comprises a collapsible first body and a locking member which allows the first body to be locked in the folded position, i.e. the sealing position, and thus is relatively easy and inexpensive to produce. As the body of the opening device is thin-walled and is also collapsible about the first fold axis, the body can be produced substantially flat and is therefore relatively easy to apply to the opening portion of a package. The opening device of the invention also allows reliable release of a flexible package. The opening device is here disposed in the opening portion of the flexible package by placing the application surface of the body against one of the two side walls of the package which define the opening portion. The opening device can be applied to the package with the help of an adhesive or through a heat treatment process or the like. By maneuvering the first body of the opening device from its basic position to its sealing position, i.e. by bending the first body about the first bending axis, it becomes possible to bend an end section of the opening portion. opening on said first geometric folding axis, through which the package is released. By properly adapting the length of the first body to the width of the opening portion, it is possible to achieve release with a high level of reliability. More precisely, it is ensured that the sub-portions are contiguous with each other along said boundary portion, which is designed to extend substantially over the entire width of the opening portion. Preferably, it is ensured that the length of the first body somehow exceeds the width of the opening portion, whereby a substantially airtight release can be achieved.
    [0017] According to one embodiment, a first articulated joint having an extension that coincides with said first geometric bending axis can be configured in said first body. Through the present document it is guaranteed that the bending about the first bending geometric axis during the maneuver of the first body from the basic position to its sealing position is well defined. The first articulated joint may here have a v-shaped or w-shaped cross section. In particular, the use of a w-shaped cross-section in the first hinge joint can make it possible to achieve such a tight release that a package housing a liquid contents can be flipped up and down without leakage after it is released.
    [0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, said locking member may form a spacer element that mutually separates the contact surface subportions in the sealing position of the first body. The maneuvering of the first body of the opening device from the sealing position to the basic position, which corresponds to the opening of the package from the released state, is facilitated by the present document. The spacer element notably allows a user's finger to be introduced between the two mutually facing sub-portions in order to spread them apart and thereby release the locking member.
    [0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, said first body is maneuverable between said basic position and an open position by folding over a second folding axis transversely extended to said first folding axis. By maneuvering the first body into the open position, it becomes possible to arrange the package in an open state, which facilitates dispensing of the package's contents. A second articulated joint having an extension that coincides with said second bending axis can be configured here in said first body. Through the present document, it is ensured that the bending about the second bending geometric axis during the maneuver of the first body from its basic position to its opening position is well defined. The application surface may have, in the opening position of the first body, two sub-portions angled with respect to each other.
    [0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the opening device further comprises a second body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a second application surface to allow application of the second body to the opening portion. opening in a second of said two side walls, the second body being maneuverable between an unfolded position and a folded position by folding over a third folding geometric axis, the second body being intended for maneuvering in said folded position in connection with the maneuver of the first body into its opening position. The first and second bodies of the opening device are thus folded in connection with the opening of the package in its open state and, by means of the present document, it becomes possible to achieve a well-defined opening with a bottom corner having an opening angle. bottom which is large enough to ensure that product residues, if fluid, are not trapped in the opening portion under the influence of surface tension effects which follow full distribution of contents by a pouring process. Surface tension effects can vary depending on the product, so the bottom opening angle can be adapted to the particular type of product.
    [0021] Through proper placement of the second body in the package and proper configuration of the same, it can be ensured that the second body has no support when the first body is maneuvered from its basic position to the sealing position for package release. In particular, said first body may have a first width and said second body may have a second width, the second width being less than half of the first width. Through the present document, it becomes possible to apply the second body to the package, so that the package can be freely released through the first body.
    [0022] According to another embodiment, said first body may have a first length and said second body may have a second length, wherein the second length is equal to or less than the first length. Through the present document, it becomes possible to guarantee that the first and second bodies can be freely maneuvered to an open position and a second position, respectively, of the package for the disposition of the package in its open state.
    [0023] According to one embodiment, a third articulated joint having an extension that coincides with said third bending axis may be configured in said second body. Through the present document, it is guaranteed that the bending about the third bending geometric axis, when the second body is maneuvered from its unfolded position to its folded position, is well defined.
    [0024] One, some or all of the ball joints specified above may have a v-shaped or w-shaped cross section.
    [0025] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said locking member may be designed for spot locking. Alternatively, the locking member may be designed for linear locking.
    [0026] According to a further embodiment of the opening device, said locking member may be designed for mechanical locking. The locking member may be designed for mechanical locking by pressing action. As an alternative to mechanical locking, said locking member can be designed for locking with the aid of an adhesive.
    [0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body of the opening device can be produced from a plastic material, such as PET, which has a thickness within the range of 0.1 to 1 mm.
    [0028] According to yet another embodiment, the application surface may be provided with an adhesive layer comprising a hot melt adhesive. Throughout the present document, an opening device is provided that is non-tacky at room temperature and thus easy to handle. The adhesive layer of the opening device can be activated by exposure to heat to allow application to a package. The adhesive layer preferably covers the application surface. Through the adhesive layer covering the entire application surface, it can be ensured that an end section of the package is properly bent by maneuvering the first body into the sealing position.
    [0029] The adhesive layer may have a wavy surface. Through the present document, the ability of the adhesive layer to store heat in connection with exposure to heat is enhanced, which may be beneficial in connection with the application of the opening device to a package.
    [0030] In accordance with the present invention, there is also indicated a flexible package having an opening portion defined by two side walls, comprising an opening device which is disposed in the opening portion adjacent to an opening formed over the opening. package, for opening and closing the same, the opening device of which comprises a thin-walled first body with a contact surface and a first application surface opposite thereto, through which the first body is secured to an external surface of a first of said side walls of the package, and a locking member. The first body is manoeuvrable, by bending over a first bending geometric axis, between a basic position and a sealing position, in which sealing position said contact surface has subportions directly facing each other, and the locking member is arranged on at least one of the sub-portions of the contact surface and is designed to act between said sub-portions in order to achieve releasably locking of the body in said sealing position. The first folding axis of the first body is oriented parallel to said opening, and the package is maneuverable in a released state in which an end section of the opening portion comprising said opening is folded about said first folding axis. by maneuvering the first body into said sealing position.
    [0031] According to an embodiment of the packaging of the invention, the first body of the opening device can be maneuverable, by folding over a second bending axis transversely extended to said first bending axis, between said basic position and an opening position, the package being able to be arranged in an open state in which the side walls in the opening portion are separated by maneuvering the first body into said opening position.
    [0032] According to a further embodiment, the opening device may further comprise a second body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a second application surface through which the second body is secured to an external surface. of a second of said two side walls, the second body of which is manoeuvrable, by folding over a third folding axis, between an unfolded position and a folded position, the package being able to be arranged in the open state by maneuvering the second body until a bent position in connection with the maneuver of the first body to an opening position.
    [0033] According to yet another embodiment, the first body and the second body can be arranged in the opening portion in the first side wall and in the second side wall, respectively, of the package, so that the second body is situated within a region defined by the contour of one of said sub-portions of the first body. Through the present document, it is ensured that the first body can be maneuvered into its sealing position so as to reseal the package, without influence from the second body.
    [0034] According to another embodiment, the second bending axis of the first body can be displaced parallel to the third bending axis of the second body. By virtue of the fact that the first and second bodies are applied with respectively the second and third folding axis parallel to each other, opening the package in its open state is facilitated, since folding is, hereby controlled so that the bodies are bent in different directions.
    [0035] The advantages that have been specified above with reference to the opening device of the invention are also, in relevant parts, applicable to the flexible packaging of the invention.
    [0036] The terms in the claims shall, in general, be interpreted in accordance with their normal meaning within the field of the art, unless expressly stated otherwise. All references to "an [element, device, component, member, step]" must be interpreted as referring to at least one presence of said element, device, component, member, step, etc. ., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method that is described in this document need not be performed in exactly the order described, unless expressly stated otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0037] The objects, distinctive features and advantages of the present invention above, as well as additional ones, will be better understood as a result of the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference symbols will be used for elements of the same type.
    [0038] Figure 1a shows a plan view of an embodiment of an opening device according to the present invention.
    [0039] Figure 1b shows a side view of the opening device shown in Figure 1a.
    [0040] Figures 2a and 2b are plan views that schematically show the contact surface and application surface subportions, respectively, of the first opening device body shown in Figure 1.
    [0041] Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the opening device shown in Figure 1a, in a basic position.
    [0042] Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the opening device shown in Figure 1a, in a sealing position.
    [0043] Figure 3c shows a perspective view of the opening device shown in Figure 1a, in an open position.
    [0044] Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a flexible package of the invention, in an unopened state.
    [0045] Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the package shown in Figure 4a, in an initially open state.
    [0046] Figure 4c shows a perspective view of the package shown in Figure 4a, in an open state.
    [0047] Figure 4d shows a perspective view of the package shown in Figure 4a, in a state when it is about to be released.
    [0048] Figure 4e shows a perspective view of the package shown in Figure 4a, in a released state.
    [0049] Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line a-a of Figure 4b.
    [0050] Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b in Figure 4d.
    [0051] Figure 5c shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line c-c in Figure 4e.
    [0052] Figures 6a and 6b show a second embodiment of a flexible package of the invention, in an unopened and released state, respectively.
    [0053] Figures 7a and 7b show a third embodiment of a flexible package of the invention, in an unopened and released state, respectively.
    [0054] Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show a fourth embodiment of a flexible package of the invention, in an unopened, open and released state, respectively.
    [0055] Figure 9 shows a schematic production line for producing an opening device of the invention.
    [0056] Figure 10 shows a plan view of an additional embodiment of an opening device of the invention.
    [0057] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the opening device shown in Figure 10, in which a first body is shown in an open position and a second body is shown in a folded position.
    [0058] Figures 12a to 12c show detached plan views of a flexible package, with the opening device shown in Figure 10 applied to an opening portion thereof.
    [0059] Figures 13a, 13b show detached perspective views of the package shown in Figures 12a to 12c, in an open state.
    [0060] Figure 14 shows an exploded perspective view of the package shown in Figures 12a to 12c, in a released state. DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE MODALITIES
    [0061] The present invention relates to an opening device for a flexible package and a flexible package comprising such an opening device.
    [0062] Flexible packaging refers to a package or container that is produced from a flexible material in the sense that the material is malleable. Such a flexible package can thus be produced from a single-layer or multi-layer film material. The film material may comprise layers of plastic, such as PE, PP, PET, EVOH, and/or aluminum foil. Plastic layers such as PE or PP may also comprise a filler such as a mineral material.
    [0063] In Figure 1a and 1b, to which reference is made, an embodiment of the opening device of the invention 1 is illustrated.
    [0064] The opening device 1 comprises a first body 4 extended along a first bending axis 2, and a locking member 5 arranged on the body 4.
    [0065] The first body 4 can be produced from a rigid but malleable plastic material, such as PET plastic, and can have a thickness within the range of 0.1 to 1 mm.
    [0066] As in the embodiment shown, the first body 4 may have an elongated shape that has parallel long sides, and short sides that are symmetrically beveled.
    [0067] According to the embodiment shown, the corners of the first body 4 are rounded to avoid scratching injuries to a user while handling the opening device of the invention 1.
    [0068] It will be noted that the first body can be given numerous other configurations, and that the first body can thus be given a rectangular shape or be provided with asymmetrically beveled short sides, such as chamfered or straight cut short sides.
    [0069] The first body 4 is maneuverable between a basic position to allow opening of the package, and a sealing position corresponding to a released state of the package, in which sealing position said first body 4 is folded over said first bending geometric axis 2.
    [0070] In the embodiment shown, a first articulated joint 6 having an extension that coincides with said first bending axis 2 is configured in said first body 4. The first articulated joint 6 has a w-shaped cross section, as can be seen from the partial enlargement highlighted in Figure 1b, but it will be noted that the first hinge joint 6 can be configured differently, as with a v-shaped cross section.
    [0071] In the embodiment shown, it is therefore the first articulated joint 6 that allows a well-defined bending over the first bending geometric axis 2 for the maneuver of the first body 4 in said sealing position.
    [0072] The first body 4 has a contact surface 8, on which said locking member 5 is arranged, and an application surface 9, facing away from the contact surface 8, through which said opening device 1 can be applied to packaging.
    [0073] The application surface 9 may be partially or, preferably, completely covered by an adhesive (not shown) to allow application of the opening device 1 to the package. The adhesive can be in the form of an adhesive layer in the form of a hot melt adhesive, also known as hot glue. In connection with the application of the opening device 9 on the package, the adhesive layer can be activated by exposure to heat.
    [0074] The contact surface 8 has two sub-portions 10a, 10b, which are arranged on one side of each of the first articulated joint 6 and which, when the first body 4 is in said sealing position, are directly facing one another. other. The locking member 5 which, in accordance with the present invention, is arranged in at least one of said sub-portions 10a, 10b, is designed, when activated, to act between said sub-portions 10a, 10b so as to stop the first body 4 in said second position. By virtue of the fact that the sub-portions 10a, 10b of the contact surface 8 are directly facing each other in the sealing position of the first body 4, it is ensured that nothing prevents the locking member 5 from acting between said sub-portions 10a, 10b.
    [0075] The sub-portions 10a, 10b of the contact surface 8 are schematically illustrated in Figure 3a, to which reference is now made.
    [0076] In the embodiment shown, the locking member 5 is configured in one piece with the first body 4, and is designed for mechanical and point locking of the body 4 in said sealing position. More precisely, the locking member 5 comprises two male members 11 which, by pressing action, can be releasably brought into locking engagement with their respective female members 12. Each pair of male and female members 11, 12 forms, thus, a push-button type construction and the locking member 5 is thus activated by the pairs of male and female members 11, 12 being pressed against each other in connection with maneuvering the first body 4 into its sealing position .
    [0077] The male members 11 are arranged on a first 10a of said contact surface subportions 8, and the female members 12 are disposed on a second 10b of said contact surface subportions 8. It will be noted that the number of pairs of members male and female 11, 12 can also be less than or more than two.
    [0078] It will be further noted that locking member 5 may be configured differently. For example, the locking member may be designed to mechanically and linearly lock the body in its sealing position. Such a locking member may comprise an elongated male member which, by pressing, can be induced to engage with an elongated female member.
    [0079] The locking member can alternatively be configured separately from the first body. For example, the locking member may be configured in the form of an adhesive that is disposed on one of the two sub-portions of the contact surface, which adhesive releasably adheres to the second of the two sub-portions of the contact surface when maneuvering the first body to its position. sealing position.
    [0080] The shown embodiment of the opening device of the invention 1 is additionally maneuverable between said basic position and an opening position, which corresponds to an open state of the package, by folding over a second folding axis 3 that extends transversely to said first bending axis 2. A second articulated joint 7 having an extension which coincides with the second bending axis 3 is configured in said first body 4. The second articulated joint 7 may have a cross-section in the shape of a v.
    [0081] As in the embodiment shown, the second bending axis 3 can extend at right angles to the extent of the first bending axis 2, but it will be noted that the second bending axis 3 can also extend transversely to the first bending geometry axis 2 with other angular relationships.
    [0082] The second hinge joint 7 is configured so that the application surface 9 has, in the opening position of the first body 4, two sub-portions 13a, 13b angled relative to each other.
    [0083] The sub-portions 13a, 13b of the application surface 9 are schematically illustrated in Figure 3b, to which reference is now also made.
    [0084] The first articulated joint 6 and the second articulated joint 7 thus allow well-defined bending of the first body 4 in opposite directions. The first hinge joint 6 allows the first body 4 to be bent in such a direction that the sub-portions 10a, 10b of the contact surface 8 are angled, and are also turned towards each other, while the second hinge joint 7 allows the first body 4 is bent in such a direction that the subportions 13a, 13b of the application surface 9 are angled relative to each other.
    [0085] The configuration of a first and a second articulated joint 6, 7 in said first body 4 results in the acquisition of a bistable character of the first body 4. When the first body 4 is in its basic position, the first articulated joint 6 thus allows the bending over the first bending axis 2, while the second articulated joint 7 allows bending over the second bending axis 3. The bistable character of the first body 4 means, however, that once the bending has been initiated on one of the first and second bending geometry axes 6, 7, i.e. once the first body has been maneuvered from its basic position, the bending on the second of the first and second bending axis 6 , 7 is not allowed.
    [0086] If the second articulated joint extends transversely to the first articulated joint at an angle other than 90°, it becomes possible to guarantee that the bistable character of the first body is also maintained in the folded state. In particular, bending about the second bending axis 7 is prevented when the first body is bent about the first bending axis 6 and is in the sealing position.
    [0087] In Figures 3a to 3c, to which reference is now made, the first body 4 of the opening device of the invention 1 is illustrated in its three different positions.
    [0088] In Figure 3a, the first body 4 of the opening device 1 is shown in its basic position, which corresponds to an unchanged position of the first body 4. The basic position represents a position that allows the release or opening of the package, i.e. that is, maneuvering the first body 4 to its sealing position or its opening position.
    [0089] In Figure 3b, the first body 4 of the opening device 1 has been maneuvered from the basic position to said sealing position by bending over the first bending axis 2. The first articulated joint 6 ensures that the bending is well defined on said first bending axis 2.
    [0090] It will be noted that the opening device 1 could also be configured without the first articulated joint 6. The first body 4 of the opening device 1 is here dimensioned so that it has the necessary rigidity, while still being able to be flexed about the first bending axis 2. The absence of a first articulated joint 6 means, however, that the bending is not so well defined.
    [0091] The locking member 5 is configured so that its pair of male and female members 11, 12 engage each other under the action of pressure and releasably lock the first body 4 in the sealing position. The sealing position represents a released state of the package.
    [0092] As can be seen in Figure 3a, each male member 11 is configured in the form of a projection and each female member 12 is formed by an opening in a projection. Both projections and projections protrude from the contact surface 8 and the locking member 5, hereby, forms a spacer element 14 which mutually separates the sub-portions 10a, 10b of the contact surface 8 when the male members 11 engage with each other. the female members 12 in the sealing position of the first body 4. This separation is illustrated in Figure 3b through the distance D. By virtue of the fact that the sub-portions 10a, 10b are separated from each other in the sealing position of the first body 4, a user can easily introduce a finger between said sub-portions 10a, 10b in order to release the locking member 5 and open the opening device 1.
    [0093] In Figure 3c, the first body 4 of the opening device 1 has been maneuvered from the basic position to said opening position when bending over the second bending axis 3. The second hinge joint 7 ensures that the bending is well defined about said second folding axis 3. The third position represents an open state of the package.
    [0094] It will be noted that the opening device 1 could also be configured without the second hinge joint 7. The first body 4 of the opening device 1 is here dimensioned so that it has the necessary rigidity, while still being able to be flexed over the second bending axis 3. The absence of a second articulated joint 7 means, however, that the bending is not well defined. If an opening device of the invention 1 without a second hinge joint 7 is applied adjacent to an opening in a flexible package containing a liquid product, the maneuvering of the first opening member body from its basic position to its opening position could be performed by the user when performing a pouring movement, whereby the pressure of the product opens the opening in the flexible package and, thus, acts on the first body of the opening device, so that it is flexed about the second geometric bending axis .
    [0095] The opening device of the invention 1 allows the release of flexible packages, and the opening device will be described below with reference to a first embodiment of a package of the invention 15, according to Figures 4a to 4e, to which are references made now.
    [0096] The first embodiment is a flexible package 15 of the collapsible type, also referred to as a flat-bottomed bag. This type of packaging is suitable for liquid products and, as shown in the Figures, may comprise a gas-filled handle.
    [0097] An opening device of the invention 1, of the type that has been described above with reference to Figures 1a and 1b and Figures 3a to 3c, is applied to the package 15 at an opening portion 16 of the package, which opening portion 16 it is formed by two opposing side walls 17 of the flexible package 15 in a corner section thereof.
    [0098] The opening portion 16 of the flexible package comprises, in the unopened state of the package, an end flap 18, which, for the initial opening of the package, is separable from the package 15 by tearing along a separation line 19. The package 15 is shown in its unopened state in Figure 4a.
    [0099] The first body 4 of the opening device 1 is arranged on one of said opposing side walls 17 adjacent to the end flap 18 of the opening portion 16, and, more precisely, is arranged on that side of the parting line 19 situated opposite to the end flap 18, adjacent to and parallel to that same parting line.
    [00100] The separation line 19 may be configured as a start to facilitate detachment of the end flap 18 from the package 15. The start may comprise treated and untreated portions. The treated portions can be configured as weakens, punctures or the like.
    [00101] The opening device 1 can be applied to the package 15 by the use of adhesive or by a heat-sealing process, or by any other suitable process. As mentioned above, the application surface of the opening device 1 may comprise a hot melt adhesive layer in order to facilitate application.
    [00102] By virtue of the fact that the opening device is produced separately from the packaging, the production of preformed packaging that can be delivered in roll form to a filling plant such as a dairy is permitted. Such a roll of preformed packages can then be used in a filling machine to produce filled packages. The opening device of the invention can in that case be applied to the package in the filling machine. The opening device can be applied to the package before, during or after filling it.
    [00103] In Figure 4b, the end flap 18 has been separated from the package 15 for the initial opening thereof, through which an opening 20 is formed in the opening portion 16, the opening 20 of which allows a content housed in the package 15 to be poured or distributed. As can be seen in the Figure, the opening device 1 is arranged adjacent to and parallel to said opening 20.
    [00104] In the Figure, the opening device 1 is illustrated with its first body 4 in the basic position, which, as previously described, allows the opening of the package 15.
    [00105] In Figure 4c, the package 15 is illustrated in an open state. The first body 4 of the opening member 1 has here been maneuvered from the basic position to an opening position by bending over the second bending axis 3, whose bending is controlled by the second articulated joint 7. The maneuver is opportunely carried out by the user, with a grip of the thumb and index finger, pressing the two opposite short sides of the opening device 1 against each other, so that the bending takes place on the second bending axis 3. By virtue of the fact that the opening device 1 is arranged on a side wall 17 of the package 15, part of which will accompany the opening device 1 during folding about the second folding axis 3, and will be separated from the second side wall 17, which can be produced by the bulge on the opposite direction. In Figure 4c, it can be seen how the opening 20 in the opening portion 16 is open and acquires a well-defined spillage area when the first body 4 of the opening device 1 assumes said opening position.
    [00106] It will be noted that the opening position does not represent an exactly defined position, but consists of a position that may vary from one hour to the next. The purpose of the opening position is to achieve a spillway area for the opening 20 in the opening portion 16. It will also be appreciated that the first body may be able to assume and maintain the open position in response to a force load. This force load may be exerted by the product housed in the package, in connection with the performance of a pouring motion when the product reaches the opening portion 16 of the package.
    [00107] Due to the bistable nature of the opening device 1, the bending of the first body 4 of the opening device 1 about said first bending geometric axis 2 is not allowed, as long as the first body 4 of the opening device 1 is in the opening position. It should be noted here that the first body 4 is not completely bent about the second bending axis 3 in the third position, which is also the reason why the bistable character is maintained in the open position despite the fact that the second hinge joint 7, in the embodiment shown, extends transversely to the first hinge joint 6 at a right angle.
    [00108] In Figure 4d and 4e, the process for releasing the open package 15 is shown. To begin with, the first body 4 of the opening device 1 is returned from the opening position to a basic position by bending over the second bending axis 3 (not shown). After that, the first body 4 is folded over the first bending axis 2 and in Figure 3d it is shown as the bending has started and in Figure 3e the first body 4 is shown in the sealing position that follow the complete fold. The locking member 5 has been activated here and thus ensures that the first body 4 is held in said sealing position.
    [00109] Due to the bistable nature of the opening device 1, the bending of the first body 4 of the opening device 1 about said second bending axis 3 in connection with the bending of the first body 4 about the first bending axis 2 is not allowed. It should be noted here that the first body 4 is completely folded over the first folding axis 2 in the sealing position. As the second hinge joint 7, in the embodiment shown, extends transversely to the first hinge joint 6 at a right angle, the bistable character of the first body ceases to exist when the first body assumes the sealing position.
    [00110] As the opening device 1 and its first body 4 are arranged on a side wall 17 of the package 15, part of this side wall 17 will be folded, together with the opening device 1, in the course of folding about the first geometric axis 2 and thus will also drag with it part of the second side wall 17. Consequently, the maneuvering of the first body 4 of the opening device 1 from the basic position to the sealing position causes an end section comprising said opening 20 in the opening portion 16 to be folded about the first folding axis 2, as a result of which the package 15 is released, as can thus be seen in Figure 4e.
    [00111] As in the embodiment shown, the opening device 1 can be configured so that it has a length L that substantially conforms to a width W of the opening portion 16 in the same position, i.e. measured along a line that coincides with the second fold axis 2. More precisely, the subportions 10a, 10b of the contact surface 8 of the first body 4 are contiguous with each other along a boundary portion that extends along the substantially full width of the portion of opening. Preferably, the length of the opening device 1 slightly exceeds the width W of the opening portion 16. This ensures that a relatively tight seal is achieved, which has a positive effect on the good taste and shelf life of the closed product. on package 15. A new tight seal further minimizes the risk of spillage if the package is dropped.
    [00112] The first articulated joint 6 configured in the first body 4 of the opening device 1 can have, as previously described, a cross-section in the shape of a w. The advantage with a first hinge joint 6 which is configured in this way will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5a to 5c, which schematically shows the invented opening device 1 applied to a side wall 17 of the package 15 adjacent the opening 20 in the opening portion 16.
    [00113] The first articulated joint 6 of the first body has a w-shaped cross section, which can be said to comprise two legs 21 and an intervening groove 22, as can be clearly seen from the partial enlargement highlighted in Figure 5a, where the w-shaped cross section is marked. The "free" ends of the legs 21 of the cross section connect to one half each of the first body 4 of the opening device 1. The w-shaped cross section is oriented so that the groove 22 faces the side wall 17 of the cross section. packaging 15.
    [00114] In Figure 5a, the opening device 1 is illustrated with its first body 4 in the basic position.
    [00115] In Figure 5b, it is illustrated how a user started to act on the opening device 1 to maneuver the first body 4 from its basic position to the sealing position, where the first articulated joint 6 controls the folding over the first folding axis 2. It can be seen here how that part of the first body 4 that is folded drags with it the side wall 17 directly connected thereto, which, in turn, drags with it the second of the side walls 17 By bending the first body 4 about the first bending axis 2, said end section of the opening portion 16 will consequently be folded about the first bending axis 2.
    [00116] In Figure 5c, it is illustrated how the first body 4 of the opening device 1 has been maneuvered into the sealing position, wherein the locking member 5 has been activated in order to maintain said sealing position. The side walls 17, and the thus defined opening portion 16, are folded about the first fold axis 2. From the partial enlargement highlighted in Figure 5c, it can be seen how the side walls 17 are stretched and pressed against the groove 22 of the w-shaped cross-section of the first hinge joint 6 when the first body 4 assumes said sealing position. This stretching and pressing helps to increase the reliability of the sealing ability of the opening device 1.
    [00117] Hinged joints can be formed by a thermoforming operation. The w-shape of the first hinge joint 6 can be realized so that the material is moved from the recesses into the groove, which consequently can be made to protrude from the contact surface 8 of the first body 4.
    [00118] In the figures, the legs of the w-shaped cross section are angled. However, the legs may be perpendicular towards the contact surface 8. As a consequence, no material will in that case be displaced in one direction from the groove in connection with the formation of the first hinge joint by a thermoforming operation.
    [00119] Practical tests have shown that the new seal can be made tight enough so that a package housing a liquid product, when the package has been opened and resealed with the aid of the invented opening device 1, can be turned up and down low without leakage.
    [00120] It should be noted that the invented opening device 1 need not be used in combination with packages of the type described above.
    [00121] It is therefore conceivable to use the opening device together with a flexible pillow-shaped package. According to a second embodiment of an invented flexible releasable package 15', in which the second embodiment is illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, an invented opening device 1 is arranged in an opening portion 16, which is formed by two side walls. 17 of the flexible package 15' in a corner section thereof.
    [00122] The opening device 1, which, as previously, comprises a first body 4, is more precisely arranged on one of said opposing side walls 17 adjacent to an end flap 18 of the opening portion 16, wherein the opening flap 16 end 18 is separable from package 15' by tearing off along a line of separation 19. The opening device 1 is arranged on that side of the line of separation 19 opposite the end flap 18, adjacent and parallel to that same line of separation .
    [00123] A flexible release package 15' according to said second embodiment is well suited for a particular content, such as peanuts and candy. It should be noted, however, that this type of packaging can also hold other types of content, such as a liquid content.
    [00124] In Figure 6a, the package 15' is shown in an unopened state, and in Figure 6b, the end flap 18 has been separated along the indicated separation line 19, which allows the package 15' to be opened by maneuvering the opening device 1 into the opening position of the first body 4 in a manner corresponding to that described above in connection with the first embodiment of a flexible releasable package 15, or by maneuvering the opening device 1 into the sealing position of the first body 4 in order to reseal the package 15', as is also shown in Figure 6b.
    [00125] It should further be understood that the invented opening device 1 does not necessarily have to be applied to an opening portion forming part of a corner section of the package. In Figure 7a and b, to which reference is now made, a flexible releasable package 15'' according to a third embodiment is illustrated.
    [00126] The package 15'' has an opening portion 16 defined by two opposing side walls 17 of the package 15''. The opening portion 16 comprises an end flap 18 which forms a top portion of the package 15'', wherein the end flap 18 is separable from the package 15'' along a line of separation 19. The opening device 1 comprising a first body 4 is disposed in the opening portion 16 adjacent its end flap 18 and is disposed parallel to said parting line 19.
    [00127] The opening device 1 has a length L which substantially conforms to the width W of the opening portion 16 measured along a line which coincides with the second folding axis 2. It should be understood that for a package rectangular, such as the one shown in the figures, this width W corresponds to the width of the package itself. The package 15'' according to said third embodiment is shown in Figure 7a in an unopened state and in Figure 7b in a resealed state.
    [00128] The first body 4 of the opening device 1 has, in the embodiment shown, a rectangular shape, that is, the first body 4 has short straight cut sides.
    [00129] The first body 4 of the opening device 1 also has two spaced apart hinged joints 35, 36 which are each disposed in a respective end portion of the first body 4. The spaced apart hinged joints 35, 36 extend transversely to the first hinged joint 2. The purpose of the spaced apart hinged joints 35, 36 is to facilitate maneuvering of the invented opening device. Hinged joints 35, 36 more precisely delimit a gripping tab at the respective end of the first body 4, in which gripping tabs can be gripped by a user in connection with maneuvering the first body into its open position.
    [00130] As can be seen from the figure, the first body does not, in the embodiment shown, have a second articulated joint which controls bending about the second bending axis in connection with maneuvering the body in its open position.
    [00131] It should also be appreciated that the opening portion 16 need not comprise a detachable end flap. In Figure 8a to 8c, to which reference is now made, a fourth embodiment of an invented flexible releasable package 15''', comprising an opening portion 16 defined by two opposing side walls 17 of the package 15''', is illustrated. . The opening portion 16 forms part of a top portion of the package 15''' and may be opened by separating the side walls 17 of the package 15''' in order to break a transverse edge seal 23 together with the two side walls. 17 of package 15''' are mutually connected. The opening device 1 is arranged in the opening portion 16, parallel to said edge seal 23.
    [00132] The package 15''' according to said fourth embodiment is shown in Figure 8a in an unopened state and in Figure 8b in an open state and in Figure 8c in a resealed state. In this embodiment, also, of the present invention, the opening device is illustrated with two spaced apart hinged joints 35, 36 of the first body 4, in which the spaced apart hinged joints 35, 36 delimit their respective gripping tab in order to facilitate the maneuver of the opening device 1.
    [00133] A process for producing the invented opening devices will be described below with reference to Figure 9, which shows a production line 24 comprising a drilling station 25, a forming station 26 and a sorting station 27. In the embodiment shown, forming station 26 comprises a heating unit 28 and a pressing unit 29.
    [00134] The material from which the opening devices are to be produced is supplied in the form of a roll 30 from which a web of material 31 is unrolled and carried to the various stations.
    [00135] The blanket of material 31 initially reaches the drilling station 25, which, in the embodiment shown, comprises a laminating press 32 that engages with the lateral edges of the blanket of material 31 in order to perforate a profile that meets the format desired from the short sides of the opening devices.
    [00136] The mat of material 31 then reaches the heating unit 28 of the forming station 26, where the mat of material 31 is heated to a temperature necessary for thermoforming. In practice, it has been shown to be suitable to heat a mat of material made of PET to a relatively low thermoforming temperature, such as 100°C.
    [00137] When the material mat 31 is subsequently taken to the pressing unit 29 of the forming station 26, a tool 33 comprising two halves of the tool engages the heated material mat 31 for thermoforming the same. The tool 33 is thus configured so that, upon engagement with the mat of material 31, it thermoforms the articulated joints and locking members of the respective opening device. Tool 33 may also comprise cooling members for cooling the mat of material after thermoforming is complete. Alternatively, the cooling members, as may be required, can be arranged separately from the forming station 26.
    [00138] Finally, the blanket of material 31 reaches the sorting station 27 and, in the embodiment shown, a knife member 34 engages with the blanket of material 31 for detachment of individual opening devices 1.
    [00139] It should be noted that the heating unit 28 and the pressing unit 29 can be integrally configured. It should be understood that the sorting unit 27 can be integrated into the forming station 26.
    [00140] It must also be shown that the drilling station can be dispensed with. The short sides of the opening device can be realized by preformed side edges of the material web. Alternatively, the sorting station can be designed to cut all sides of the respective opening device.
    [00141] In addition, the picking station can be dispensed with. In that case, the mat of interconnected opening devices can be rolled up in order to be supplied in roll form to a filling machine.
    [00142] The production line can be arranged to produce a mat of interconnected opening devices comprising a plurality of opening devices in the transverse direction of the mat. A roll comprising such a web of interconnected opening devices can be used in a filling machine arranged to fill packages at parallel filling stations.
    [00143] In addition, the production line may also comprise an adhesive application station. The adhesive application station may be arranged to apply an adhesive layer which partially or preferably entirely covers the application surface of each opening device. The adhesive layer can be in the form of a hot melt adhesive, also known as hot glue. The adhesive layer may be formed with a wavy or wave-shaped surface.
    [00144] The opening device can be applied to the package in connection with or after the production of the package.
    [00145] It is also possible to apply the invented opening device to the package before, during or after filling it.
    [00146] Particularly, it is possible to apply an invented opening device to a pre-formed package in the filling machine before the package has been filled.
    [00147] The filling machine can comprise an applicator for the application of said opening devices which, as mentioned above, can be supplied in said roll form.
    [00148] The applicator may comprise a knife or the like arranged to separate a single blanket opening device from interconnected opening devices. The knife can optionally be arranged to cut the contour of the opening devices into the proper shape.
    [00149] The sorting station may further comprise an indexable retainer, which, after separating an opening device, moves the separate opening device into a position where the opening device can be applied to the opening portion of a package completed.
    [00150] In the case where the opening devices comprise an adhesive layer in the form of a hot melt adhesive, the applicator comprises a heater arranged to activate the adhesive layer. The heater may be a radiation heater or a hot air heater. If the surface of the adhesive layer is wavy or wave-shaped, the grooves on the surface will accumulate heat and ensure that the adhesive layer is still active in connection with the application of the opening device on a package.
    [00151] Alternatively, the heater may be in the form of a contact heater which is pressed against the adhesive layer. The contact ensures controlled heat transfer to the adhesive layer and can be provided with a surface treatment to prevent the adhesive layer from adhering to the contact heater. The contact heater can be provided with a surface profile in order to realize the wavy or wave-shaped surface of the adhesive layer.
    [00152] The heater may affect the hinge joints of the opening device. For a w-shaped opening device, the bottom of the recesses and the top of the groove may be rounded as a result of exposure to heat. The rounded bottom of the recesses can adversely affect the holding ability of the opening device. By forming the legs of the w-shaped cross-section so that, as previously described, they are perpendicular to the contact surface, rounding of the recesses in connection with exposure to heat can be avoided.
    [00153] According to another aspect, the filling machine may comprise equipment that allows the production of opening devices, such as the equipment that allows the execution of the process described with reference to Figure 8. The separation station can be here designed to cut all sides of the respective opening device in connection with the separation thereof. The sorting station may further comprise an indexable retainer, which, after separating an opening device, moves the separated opening device by a rotating movement into a position where the opening device can be applied to the opening portion of a filled packaging.
    [00154] According to a further embodiment of the invented opening device, which will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 15, the opening device 1 comprises a first body 4, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and a second body 40.
    [00155] The first body 4 and the second body 40 of the opening device 1 are illustrated in Figure 10. The second body 40 extends along a longitudinal axis 41 and has a second application surface to allow the second body 40 in a package.
    [00156] The second body 40 is still maneuverable between an unfolded position and a folded position by folding about a third folding axis 42. In Figure 11, the opening device 1 is illustrated with its first body 4 in its third position. and its second body 40 in its folded position.
    [00157] The third bending axis 42 of the second body 40 can extend, as in the embodiment shown, at right angles to the longitudinal axis 41, but it should be understood that it is also possible to arrange the third bending axis 42 of so that it extends at a non-right angle with respect to said longitudinal axis 41. In particular, the second bending axis 3 of the first body 4 can be angled with respect to the third bending axis 42 of the second body 40 so as to that said folding geometric axes are parallel in a state applied to a package.
    [00158] A third ball joint 43 having an extension that coincides with said third bending axis 42 can be configured in the second body 40. The third ball joint 43 can have a v-shaped or w-shaped cross section. .
    [00159] The second body 40 further has a width B2 which is less than half the width B1 of the first body 4. The second body 40 further has a length L2 which is equal to or less than the length L1 of the first body 4.
    [00160] It should be understood that the end portions of the first body 4 and of the second body 40 can be configured otherwise than shown in the figures to adapt to the geometry in the opening portion of the package in which the opening device 1 must be willing.
    [00161] In Figure 12a to 12c, an opening portion 16 of a flexible package is illustrated, wherein the opening portion 16 is formed by two opposing side walls 17a, 17b of the flexible package at a corner section thereof. An opening device 1 according to said additional embodiment is arranged in said opening portion 16.
    [00162] The opening portion 16 of the flexible package comprises in the unopened state of the package an end flap 18, which for the initial opening of the package is separable from the package by tearing along a separation line 19.
    [00163] The first body 4 of the opening device 1 is arranged in a first 17a of said opposing side walls 17a, 17b, adjacent to the end flap 18 of the opening portion 16 and, more precisely, is arranged on that side of the line of separation 19 situated opposite the end flap 18, adjacent and parallel to the same separation line, as can be clearly seen in Figure 12a.
    [00164] The second body 4 of the opening device 1 is arranged in a second 17b of said opposite side walls 17a, 17b, adjacent to the end flap 18 of the opening portion 16 and, more precisely, is arranged on that side of the line of separation 19 situated opposite end flap 18, adjacent and parallel to the same separation line, as can be clearly seen in Figure 12b.
    [00165] The parting line 19 can be provided as an initiation to facilitate the detachment of the end flap 18 from the package. The priming may comprise treated or untreated portions. The treated portions can be configured as weakens, punctures or the like.
    [00166] The opening device 1 may be applied to the opening portion 15 by the use of an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive as described above, or by a heat-sealing process, or by some other suitable process.
    [00167] As described above, the second body 40 has a length L2 that is equal to or less than the length L1 of the first body 4 and has a width B2 that is less than half the width B1 of the first body 4. It becomes It is thus possible to arrange the second body 40 within a region on the second side wall 17b, wherein the region, in the state of the opening device 1 applied to the package, is defined by the contour of a subportion 10a of the contact surface 8 of the first body 4 , as can be clearly seen in Figure 12c.
    [00168] From Figure 12c, it can be seen that the bodies 4, 40 are mutually arranged so that the third bending axis 42 of the second body 40 is offset parallel to the second bending axis 3 of the first body 4. The bending geometry axes 3, 42 can be displaced parallel to each other with a distance A offset within the range of 1 to 3 mm, but it should be noted that the parallel displacement may be greater or less than the same. In certain applications, parallel displacement may be dispensed with entirely.
    [00169] For the initial opening of the package, its end flap 18 is removed, and for further opening of the package in its open state, the first body 4 is maneuvered into its open position and the second body 40 into its folded position, as is illustrated in Figure 13a and 13b. In practice, the first body 4 is maneuvered into its open position and the second body 40 into its folded position simultaneously, by a user, with a thumb and index finger press, pressing the opposite short sides of the opening device 1 against each other. the other so that the bending takes place about the second bending axis 3 and about the third bending axis 42 respectively. By virtue of the fact that the bending axes 3, 42 in the shown embodiment are offset in parallel, bending is guaranteed to occur in opposite directions. From the figures, it can be seen how the opening 20 in the opening portion 16 is open and acquires a well-defined spill area which has an outline which takes the form of a parallelogram.
    [00170] As can be seen from the figures, the first body 4 and the second body 40 are configured so that they do not extend beyond the connecting portion where the side walls 17a, 17b of the package are mutually connected, but kept within the width of the opening portion. One of said bodies 4, 40 could be allowed to have an extension beyond said connecting portions, but the fact that at least one body lacks such an extension ensures that the two bodies 4, 40 do not cancel each other out in connection with the opening of the packaging in its open state.
    [00171] Said additional embodiment of the invented opening device 1 minimizes the incidence of drops after a completed pouring process. Surface tension effects, i.e. imply that remaining product residues can be better held between the side walls 17a, 17b at the bottom corners 44 of the opening 20. The opening device, however, produces an opening angle minor α of aperture 20, wherein the minor aperture angle α is large enough to overcome these surface tension effects. It is thus the second body 40 which, when the package is opened in its open state, tries to angle the second side wall 17b away from the first side wall 17a by a sufficient degree to allow obtaining a smaller opening angle α that is sufficiently large. .
    [00172] When an opening device without a second body is used in a package, it may happen that the second side wall over a short distance extends parallel to the first side wall so as to be subsequently angled. When the first body is used together with a second body, as in the embodiment shown, it is ensured that the second side wall 17b is angled from the first side wall 17a at a well-defined opening angle, which is advantageous to overcome the effects of surface tension that try to stop the product residues in the opening portion.
    [00173] The smallest opening angle α that is needed to overcome surface tension effects is dependent on the product that is housed in the package. For example, the smallest opening angle α needs to be larger for milk than for water. The minor opening angle α may be within the range of 15 to 65° or, more preferably, within the range of 35 to 55°.
    [00174] As described above, the opening device 1 need not be configured so that the opening position of the first body 4 and the folded position of the second body 40 are identical in each maneuvering operation to open a package. This means that the smaller opening angle α can be allowed to vary slightly with repeated openings of the package in its open state.
    [00175] In Figure 14, to which reference is now made, the pouring portion of the package is illustrated in the released state of the package. By virtue of the fact that the second body 40 is disposed within or within a region defined by a subportion 10a of the contact surface 8 of the first body 4, it is possible to maneuver the first body 4 into its second position by folding over the first folding geometric axis 2 without the second body 40 preventing said maneuver. The fact that the second body 40 is smaller than said sub-portion 10a also implies that the second body 40 can be placed at a distance from the first bending axis 2, as can be seen from the figure. It is thus ensured that the second body 40 does not act on the side walls 17 when these are folded in connection with the package release, which allows for repeated, substantially airtight release.
    [00176] It should thus be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.
    [00177] For example, the process described above for producing an opening device can be adapted so that the process also allows the production of the second body of the opening device according to the additional embodiment described above.
    [00178] Additionally, it is conceivable to configure the invented opening device integrally with the side walls in the opening portion of the package.
    [00179] It is also conceivable to configure the package so that its geometry helps the opening device influenced, when its locking members have not been activated, so that the package assumes its open state. This can be carried out, for example, in such a way that the opening portion is given a somewhat protruding geometry so that the package, under the influence of gravity, forms a fold which serves to separate the side walls at the opening portion. The fold will thus serve to maneuver the first body into its open position and, where appropriate, the second body into its folded position, which corresponds to the open state of the package.
    [00180] Many variations and modifications of the present invention are thus possible. The scope of the invention is then defined only by the appended patent claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    1. OPENING DEVICE (1) FOR A FLEXIBLE PACKAGE (15; 15'; 15'', 15'''), which has an opening portion (16) that is defined by two side walls (17) and has a width (W), whose opening device (1) is to be arranged in the opening portion (16) of the flexible package (15; 15'; 15''; 15''') adjacent to an opening (20) formed in the initial opening of the package (15; 15'; 15''; 15'''), for opening and closing the same, whose opening device (1) comprises a first thin-walled body (4) with a contact surface ( 8) and a first application surface (9) for allowing application of said first body (4) in the opening portion (16) to a first (17a) of said two side walls (17), and a locking member ( 5), whose first body (4) is manoeuvrable, by bending over a first bending geometric axis (2), between a basic position and a sealing position, wherein the sealing position of said contact surface (8) has subportions (10a, 10b) facing each other directly, and wherein said locking member (5) is designed to releasably lock the body (4) in said sealing position, wherein said locking member (5) is arranged on at least one of the sub-portions (10a, 10b) of the contact surface (8) and is designed to act between said sub-portions (10a, 10b) in order to achieve said releasable locking, characterized by the first application surface (9) being opposite said first contact surface (8) and said sub-portions (10a, 10b) being contiguous with each other along a boundary portion which is designed to extend over the full width (W) of the opening portion.
    [0002]
    2. OPENING DEVICE (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a first articulated joint (6) that has an extension that coincides with said first bending geometric axis (2) and is configured in said limit portion of the first body (4).
    [0003]
    3. OPENING DEVICE (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said first articulated joint (6) has a v-shaped or w-shaped cross section.
    [0004]
    OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said locking member (5) forms a spacer element that mutually separates the subportions (10a, 10b) of the contact surface (8) in the sealing position of the first body (4).
    [0005]
    OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first body (4) is maneuverable between said basic position and an opening position by folding about a second geometric folding axis ( 3) extended transversely to said first bending axis (2).
    [0006]
    6. OPENING DEVICE (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that it has a second articulated joint (7) which has an extension that coincides with said second folding geometric axis (3) and is configured in said first body (4).
    [0007]
    Opening device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first application surface (9) has, in the opening position of the first body (4), two sub-portions (13a, 13b) angled to each other. .
    [0008]
    8. OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said locking member (5) is designed for punctual locking.
    [0009]
    9. OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said locking member (5) is designed for linear locking.
    [0010]
    10. OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said locking member (5) is designed for mechanical locking.
    [0011]
    11. OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said locking member (5) is designed for mechanical locking with the aid of an adhesive.
    [0012]
    OPENING DEVICE (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 11, characterized in that the application surface (9) is provided with an adhesive layer comprising a hot melt adhesive.
    [0013]
    OPENING DEVICE (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the adhesive layer has a wavy surface.
    [0014]
    FLEXIBLE PACKAGE, having an opening portion (16) defined by two side walls (17), comprising an opening device (1) as defined in claim 1, which is disposed in the opening portion (16) adjacent to an opening (20) formed in the initial opening of the package (15; 15'; 15'', 15'''), for opening and closing the same, wherein the opening device (1) comprises a first thin body (4) with a contact surface (8) and a first application surface (9) by which the first body (4) is attached to an external surface of a first (17a) of said side walls (17) of the package, and of a locking member (5), whose first body (4) is maneuverable, by folding about a first folding axis (2), between a basic position and a sealing position, wherein the sealing position of said contact surface (8) has sub-portions (10a, 10b) facing each other directly, and on which the locking member (5) is arranged. located in at least one of the sub-portions (10a, 10b) of the contact surface (8) and is designed to act between said sub-portions (10a, 10b) in order to achieve said releasable locking of the body (4) in said position of seal, wherein the first folding axis (2) of the first body (4) is oriented parallel to said opening (20), and wherein the package is maneuverable in a released state wherein an end section of the opening portion (16) comprising said opening (20) is folded over said first folding axis (2) by maneuvering the first body (4) into said sealing position characterized in that the first application surface (9) is opposite to said contact surface (8) and said sub-portions (10a, 10b) are contiguous with each other along a boundary portion which is designed to extend along the full width (W) of the opening portion.
    [0015]
    FLEXIBLE PACKAGE, according to claim 14, characterized in that the first body (4) of the opening device (1) is maneuverable by bending over a second bending axis (3) extended transversely to said first bending axis (15). 2), between said basic position and an opening position, in which the package is maneuverable in an open state in which the side walls (17) in the opening portion (16) are separated by maneuvering the first body (4) in the opening. said opening position.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112013011374B1|2022-01-04|OPENING DEVICE FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
    BR112015020719B1|2021-02-23|packaging comprising a flexible film laminate
    JP4996815B2|2012-08-08|Liquid pouring nozzle, packaging bag using the same, and method of using the packaging bag
    JP4748064B2|2011-08-17|Bag-like container with spout
    JP5125310B2|2013-01-23|Zipper pouch with spout
    JP2005015029A|2005-01-20|Liquid discharging nozzle and packaging bag using the nozzle
    MXPA04007657A|2004-11-10|Child resistant sachet.
    BRPI1102951A2|2013-02-19|apparatus, packaging, and method for forming a package having an opening feature.
    BRPI1101726A2|2012-11-20|pack with tear opening aid
    JP5432377B2|2014-03-05|Easy-open packaging for liquid or gel products
    US11111066B2|2021-09-07|Composite pack for filling liquid material
    JP2010089819A|2010-04-22|Packing container
    RU2701585C1|2019-09-30|Resealable opening device and package containing such an opening device
    JP2020109021A|2020-07-16|Shrink film
    JP2013039932A|2013-02-28|Packaging bag with spout
    JP3034765U|1997-03-07|Packaging bag
    JP2020169033A|2020-10-15|Packaging bag
    JP6168859B2|2017-07-26|Spout
    JP4397616B2|2010-01-13|Pouch container with spout and method for producing the same
    BR202012026979U2|2014-07-22|OCTAVED PURSE PROVIDED FROM PLASTIC BUBBLE AND TWO NOZZLES
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    ES2535269T3|2015-05-07|
    JP2013542147A|2013-11-21|
    NZ609701A|2015-01-30|
    EA201390628A1|2013-11-29|
    TWI520878B|2016-02-11|
    KR20130141582A|2013-12-26|
    EA022405B1|2015-12-30|
    CN103415445B|2015-06-24|
    DK2637943T3|2015-03-30|
    CN103415445A|2013-11-27|
    AR083853A1|2013-03-27|
    PL2637943T3|2015-06-30|
    TW201226268A|2012-07-01|
    EP2637943A1|2013-09-18|
    BR112013011374A2|2020-06-09|
    CA2817412A1|2012-05-18|
    MX2013005319A|2013-12-06|
    KR101726826B1|2017-04-14|
    US20140003744A1|2014-01-02|
    ZA201304197B|2014-08-27|
    EP2637943B1|2015-01-28|
    US9315297B2|2016-04-19|
    AU2011328162A1|2013-05-23|
    AU2011328162B2|2016-06-23|
    MY166689A|2018-07-18|
    WO2012062806A1|2012-05-18|
    CA2817412C|2016-12-06|
    JP6103598B2|2017-03-29|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US432308A|1890-07-15|Paper bag |
    US2369716A|1942-01-15|1945-02-20|Du Pont|Bag closure|
    US2620944A|1949-01-21|1952-12-09|William F Stahl|Plastic container|
    US2843309A|1956-02-02|1958-07-15|H J Dowd Co Inc|Tamper-proof shipping bag|
    GB1015383A|1963-10-03|1965-12-31|Arenco Ab|Improvements in or relating to easily openable bags|
    US3208640A|1964-04-17|1965-09-28|Weed Master Western Ltd|Package applicator|
    US3727829A|1971-02-19|1973-04-17|Mazereu M|Closure device for plastic bags|
    US3815810A|1972-07-07|1974-06-11|L Wellman|Opening and re-sealing device for bag containers|
    JPS50141493A|1974-04-27|1975-11-13|
    US4027819A|1976-03-29|1977-06-07|Herrera Gutierrez Jesus|Closure device for bags or similar containers|
    DE4213397A1|1992-04-23|1993-10-28|Buchholtz Ulrich Gmbh & Co|Closing strip for bag-like transport and storage containers - has straight sections connected together by bending joints and fitting over different bag ends.|
    CA2305999A1|1999-04-19|2000-10-19|Fres-Co System Usa, Inc.|Pour-spout closure for flexible packages and flexible packages including a pour-spout closure|
    US5692837A|1996-08-08|1997-12-02|Fres-Co System Usa, Inc.|Gussetted flexible package with reclosable mouth using a snap type reclosure strip|
    US6047883A|1998-09-08|2000-04-11|Westvaco Corporation|Bagless barrier paperboard container with a tamper evident reclosable fitment|
    US6007246A|1998-09-29|1999-12-28|Kraft Foods Inc.|Reclosable container arrangement|
    CN1142882C|1998-11-06|2004-03-24|维尔克鲁工业公司|Touch fasteners, their manufacture, and products incorporating them|
    US6082897A|1999-01-13|2000-07-04|Fres-Co System Usa, Inc.|Segmented snap closure for flexible packages and flexible packages including the same|
    DE29902988U1|1999-02-19|1999-05-12|Baar Gisela|Long-legged locking clip|
    US6168312B1|1999-06-09|2001-01-02|Arthur D. Little Enterprises, Inc.|Closure system for pliable container|
    JP2001139039A|1999-11-17|2001-05-22|Kao Corp|Packaging bag|
    JP4351403B2|2001-07-23|2009-10-28|株式会社細川洋行|Zipper bag and manufacturing method thereof|
    US20050141787A1|2002-01-22|2005-06-30|Breil Gary L.Jr.|Snap on envelope|
    JP4363187B2|2002-03-15|2009-11-11|栗田工業株式会社|Flexible container, method for forming the same, opening guide for flexible container, and method for enclosing liquid in flexible container|
    US6994470B2|2002-08-15|2006-02-07|Fres-Co System Usa, Inc.|Aesthetically pleasing snap closure for flexible packages with means for facilitating automated application to flexible packages, flexible packages including the same, and apparatus for applying snap closures to flexible packages|
    JP3756145B2|2002-12-10|2006-03-15|中本パックス株式会社|Food containers|
    US7300207B2|2003-04-16|2007-11-27|Ron Linneweil|Closure for containers and reclosable containers including the same|
    US6988828B2|2003-04-16|2006-01-24|Ron Linneweil|Closure for containers and reclosable containers including the same|
    US20050031228A1|2003-08-06|2005-02-10|Fres-Co System Usa, Inc.|Reclosable flexible package and method for making the same|
    JP4603824B2|2004-06-10|2010-12-22|株式会社細川洋行|Packaging bag with fastener|
    DE102006005740A1|2006-02-07|2007-08-09|Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co. Kg|Closure device for re-closing bag, especially for holding foodstuff, has closure parts arranged, in particular fixed, along edge of extraction opening of bag|
    EP1997745B1|2006-03-20|2011-04-20|Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.|Packaging bag with fastener|
    DE202006020936U1|2006-06-22|2011-01-13|Nordenia Deutschland Halle Gmbh|foil pouch|
    US7857514B2|2006-12-12|2010-12-28|Reynolds Foil Inc.|Resealable closures, polymeric packages and systems and methods relating thereto|
    SE534097C2|2008-10-22|2011-04-26|Ecolean Res & Dev As|Resealable packaging|
    CH701361A1|2009-06-26|2010-12-31|Michael Schimmel|One-piece bag connection for close locking of plastic bag, is made of plastic and has shanks tiled to each other|US20130292395A1|2012-05-07|2013-11-07|The Procter & Gamble Company|Flexible Containers|
    BR112015002536A2|2012-08-06|2017-08-08|Procter & Gamble|methods for producing flexible containers.|
    MX2016001442A|2013-08-01|2016-04-15|Procter & Gamble|Enhancements to tactile interaction with film walled packaging having air filled structural support volumes.|
    CN105408226B|2013-08-01|2018-06-08|宝洁公司|Disposable flexible container with surface element|
    FR3011825B1|2013-10-11|2016-01-01|Oreal|MULTIPLE CLOSURE ELEMENT FOR A CONTAINER RECEIVING A COSMETIC PRODUCT|
    MX2016005514A|2013-11-06|2016-07-22|Procter & Gamble|Containers having a product volume and a stand-off structure coupled thereto.|
    JP1520296S|2013-11-07|2015-03-30|
    PL2871051T3|2013-11-07|2018-06-29|Ecolean Ab|Device and method for attachment of an opening device on a flexible package|
    USD760079S1|2013-11-07|2016-06-28|Ecolean Ab|Closure|
    JP5572773B1|2014-01-30|2014-08-13|日野智晴|Opening and closing tool and bag provided with the same|
    JP6267556B2|2014-03-24|2018-01-24|日本クロージャー株式会社|Pouch with dispensing aid and method for producing the same|
    CN106458414A|2014-06-19|2017-02-22|利乐拉瓦尔集团及财务有限公司|Closure device, and method of manufacturing a closure device and a packaging container having such closure device|
    KR101969665B1|2015-04-10|2019-04-16|더 프록터 앤드 갬블 캄파니|Flexible container with reinforcing seal|
    CN105620885A|2016-03-16|2016-06-01|李克勤|Packaging bag|
    PL3219641T3|2016-03-16|2019-05-31|Ecolean Ab|Resealable opening device and package comprising such an opening device|
    RU2706442C1|2016-07-14|2019-11-19|Тотани Корпорейшн|Apparatus for making a plastic bag and a method of making a plastic bag|
    EP3486189B1|2017-11-15|2020-06-17|BARILLA G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A.|Reclosable bag|
    CN110979956B|2019-12-11|2022-02-11|黄山永新股份有限公司|Aseptic packaging bag for milk machine and production process thereof|
    法律状态:
    2020-06-23| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-06-30| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-12-01| B07A| Application suspended after technical examination (opinion) [chapter 7.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-09| B07A| Application suspended after technical examination (opinion) [chapter 7.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-07-20| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-10-19| B350| Update of information on the portal [chapter 15.35 patent gazette]|
    2021-11-16| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2022-01-04| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 09/11/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. PATENTE CONCEDIDA CONFORME ADI 5.529/DF, QUE DETERMINA A ALTERACAO DO PRAZO DE CONCESSAO. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    SE1051188-9|2010-11-11|
    SE1051188|2010-11-11|
    SE1150053-5|2011-01-26|
    SE1150053|2011-01-26|
    PCT/EP2011/069749|WO2012062806A1|2010-11-11|2011-11-09|Resealable opening device and package comprising such an opening device|
    [返回顶部]