EP0999986B1 - Seal for sealing and re-sealing a bag, and bag with such seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal (10) for sealing and re-sealing a bag, in particular a bag for storing food e.g. bread, confectionery, pasta. The inventive seal comprises a strip (12) made of a plastic material which can be applied around the gathered neck (15) of the bag in such a way that the side (16) facing the bag of one end (20) of the strip (22) overlaps the outer side (22) of the other end (18), and is fixed in this position. The seal (10) can be closed again after opening. On opening for the first time, the structure of the strip (12) is modified in such a way that it is clear that the bag has been opened. The invention is characterized in that the strip is made of a thermoplastic plastic, and that the overlapping end (20) is welded to the underlying end (18) in such a way that a welding point is visible from the outside, and that, when first opened, an opening forms in the lifted end (20) at the welding point.

Description

The invention relates to a closure for closing and Reseal a pouch, particularly a pouch for the intake of foods such as bread, confectionery and pasta, consisting of a strip of plastic material which is around a shirred neck of the bag can be placed so that one end of the strip with the bag side the other end the outside of which is overlapped and fixed in this position, the closure being reclosable after opening, and when opening the structure for the first time Streak takes place that this opening process is recognizable.

The invention further relates to a bag with such Closure is provided and a clip unit to put on and closing such a closure.

Such a closure by the applicant is known from DE 44 18 877 A1 known.

With this closure, the fixation is done using an adhesive reached. The structure change when opening for the first time exists in that the strip is made at least on the outside a brittle material that, when opened once, thus bending the overlapping end, cracks, warps and the like. shows that can be recognized from the outside. This Changes can also be seen when the closure is created again. Such closures, including closure clips, Clips, or clip strips, are commonly used well-known clip units pre-bent into a U-shape on the neck of the bag and then the ends meet each other depressed overlapping.

In practical use, it has now been found that in particular for strips of plastic material due to its elasticity special surface treatments, e.g. lamination with a papery fabric are necessary to make this structural and to make clearly recognizable changes. About that In addition, there are considerable demands on the quality of the pressure sensitive adhesive to ensure that the manufacturer's sealed Closure clings permanently and closes tightly after one open but still has sufficient adhesive strength to reclose to enable. Since some goods, such as pasta, have a shelf life in the range of one year the adhesive used is resistant to aging over a long period of time his.

EP-A-0 416 497 describes a package with plastic strapping known, the ends of the tape lie on top of each other and welded together in some areas are, so that the top lying, only in parts of the Cover welded with the tape arranged on the underside The tape ends in a free protruding tab.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a closure create that is particularly firmly adherent on the one hand and to which on the other hand, clear opening features remain.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the strip made of a thermoplastic material is that the overlapping end with the end below is welded in such a way that it is visible from the outside There is a weld, the weld being a Spot weld is caused by one on the outside of the overlapping end of the weld stamp results, and that material of the overlapping end is partially through the strip is pushed through and with the outside of the underlying The end is welded, and that at a first time Open in the overlapping raised end at the weld an opening is created.

By choosing a thermoplastic material the possibility is opened, the closure over a thermoplastic To close the welding process. Because that overlapping end welded to the underlying end is, the manufacturer has a particularly firmly adhering closure created that is permanent and no aging processes as subjected to the adhesive mentioned at the beginning is.

In addition, the unwanted opening by the welding point also opposed considerable resistance. The unwanted first-time opening often takes place at the sales stands instead, in places that are generally easily accessible and can be seen. It is a targeted grasp and one strong jerk necessary to open the closure. This requires some attention so that the operator can't watch the environment at the same time, whether a third person has this unauthorized opening observed.

Due to the fact that the overlapping end with the welded end below is an externally visible one Sweat is present is an eye-catching one Characteristic available, based on which specifically determined whether a one-time opening has already taken place or not. This is because the first time it is opened in the lifted end a round hole-shaped, a slit-shaped or another, adapted to the shape of the welding stamp Opening arises, which can no longer be closed, because that material originally present in it underneath End or stuck on the outside. Because after tearing open the spot weld in the case of an unglued strip at all there is no resealability in the conventional sense, and a glued strip at the welding point is not more sticks, and leaves a seal-like opening, is a previous opening is clearly recognizable.

The position of the opening in the strip is thus determined by the location predetermined to which the welding stamp engages. This has now the significant advantage over pre-punched openings that as is otherwise common in this technology, such Die cuts have not previously been made on the endless belt Stripes need to be done with problems of the correct insertion into a clip assembly, but that the opening or its position only when closing of the clip at the designated place, namely in the area of the overlapping end is predetermined. At this time the clip is already isolated, so the opening is only on isolated clip predetermined by the welding stamp or prepared. This has significant manufacturing and engineering handling advantages.

The welding therefore serves several purposes, on the one hand in order to make the closure strong and durable, especially in the long run, and secondly, a unique identifier for to create a first opening.

One is created in the overlapping end certain trough adapted to the shape of the welding stamp, by the outside is clearly recognizable.

The spot weld can be shaped by a cylindrical, contoured or otherwise somehow designed welding stamp as is common in this area. The Contour can be circular, oval, slit-shaped or multi-digit his.

In a further embodiment of the invention is in the strip punched in at least one tongue that can be bent out of the strip plane, that when reclosing in an opening in the strip can be hooked on.

This measure has the advantage that the reclosing mechanically can be done by namely the tongue in a corresponding Opening can be hooked into the strip. An opening and a tongue can easily with common equipment be punched or punched into such a strip.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the tongue into the opening when it was first opened hooked.

This measure now has the considerable advantage that the opening for the first time is now used is used to reclose the tongue in it hook to lock.

In a further embodiment of the invention is in the strip an elongated hole opening is provided in one end region, through which the other end can be plugged in on both sides is.

This measure has the advantage that reclosing also by means that are easy to achieve mechanically is to be carried out. One end ends on the inside folded, creating a strip-like end section, whose surface is rotated approximately 90 ° to the remaining strip surface in which the slot opening is located. The the folded end can now be inserted through this slot and opens due to the elasticity of the material again V-shaped and thus prevents pulling off due to the Pressure that the gathered neck of the bag exerts in the direction of expansion. Based on the inserted end, pulling on the End when reclosing the closure around the neck of the bag be tightened. To remove the clasp again the meanwhile somewhat spread end compressed again and can then be pulled out of the slot opening.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the strip has at least on one side in the middle a longitudinal groove on to one end of the strip laterally inwards is foldable.

This measure has the considerable advantage that the previously mentioned Folding process easy, exactly in the middle and defined takes place along the longitudinal groove, so none special attention must be paid to folding.

In a further highly preferred embodiment of the invention is the strip along its outer longitudinal edges with a Knurling provided.

This measure now has the advantage that due to the knurling the edges have a rough wavy structure that peels off one folded through the slot opening mentioned above End section inhibits and locks. This is the closure especially after reclosing due to the knurling held securely mechanically.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the strip is Provide at least one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

This measure has the advantage that the reclosing the pressure sensitive adhesive is accomplished, as is known per se is. In this case, for example, the streak can then continue Bending the bent ends sticking to the neck remain what handling also easier.

In the case of a clip unit for applying an inventive device On a bag and to close the clip strip is advantageous that a welding stamp as an additional device is provided, the radially on the closed clip strips can be approached at its overlapping end.

This measure has the advantage that by structurally simple Measures, namely by an additional device, the invention conventional clip units for processing conventional Clips can be done.

There are no special precautions in terms of construction be hit, it only has to hold down the the overlapping end depresses and holds a corresponding one Have recess so that the welding stamp from the outside can be moved radially to this end, then to accomplish the defined welding point. The sweat stamp is then of course with a corresponding Facial expressions and connectors provided to be in sync with the beat of the Clip aggregates to be integrated.

It is understood that the above and those below features to be explained not only in the specified Combination, but also in other combinations or alone are usable without the scope of the present Leaving invention.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verschlusses, der um einen gerafften Beutelhals gelegt ist;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den Verschluß von Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine der Fig. 2 entsprechende Darstellung nach einem erstmaligen Öffnen durch Aufbiegen des überlappenden Endes des Verschlusses von Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Schnittdarstellung des geöffneten Verschlusses von Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine Stellung nach Ausdrücken einer Lasche zur Vorbereitung eines Wiederverschließens des Verschlusses von Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung dieses Verschlusses nach einem Wiederverschließen;

Fig. 7

eine der Fig. 2 entsprechende Draufsicht des wiederverschlossenen Verschlusses;

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht einer Innenseite eines Streifens eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verschlusses;

Fig. 9

eine abschnittsweise perspektivische Schnittdarstellung längs der Linie IX-IX in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

den Verschluß bzw. den Streifen vollständig aufgefaltet nach einem erstmaligen Öffnen;

Fig. 11

den Streifen von Fig. 10 mit längs der Mittellängsachse zusammengefaltetem Endbereich zur Vorbereitung eines Wiederverschließens; und

Fig. 12

den Verschluß von Fig. 11 im wiederverschlossenen Zustand.

The invention is described and explained in more detail below on the basis of a few selected exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a cross section of a first embodiment of a closure which is placed around a gathered neck of the bag;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the closure of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a representation corresponding to Figure 2 after a first opening by bending the overlapping end of the closure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4

1 shows a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the opened closure from FIG. 3;

Fig. 5

a position after pressing out a tab in preparation for reclosing the closure of FIG. 1;

Fig. 6

a representation corresponding to Figure 1 of this closure after reclosing;

Fig. 7

a plan view corresponding to Figure 2 of the reclosed closure.

Fig. 8

a plan view of an inside of a strip of a second embodiment of a closure;

Fig. 9

a sectional perspective sectional view along the line IX-IX in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

the closure or the strip fully unfolded after opening for the first time;

Fig. 11

the strip of Figure 10 with the end portion folded along the central longitudinal axis in preparation for reclosing; and

Fig. 12

the closure of Fig. 11 in the resealed state.

1 to 7 is a first embodiment of a closure 10 according to the invention shown.

The closure 10 has an elongated rectangular shape Strip 12 made of a thermoplastic material.

The strip 12 is around a gathered neck 15 of a plastic bag 14 laid. The strip 12 lies with his Inside 16 on neck 15. Via an "inner" end 18 an outer overlapping end 20 is placed.

The overlapping end 20 is now with the end below 18 welded. For this purpose, a welding stamp 26 is applied the outside 22 of the overlapping end 20 is brought up and pressed into the material. As a result, this is now partially softened material is pushed through the overlapping end 20 and for welding to the one below Used in the late 18s. This material 28 is therefore as Welding material between ends 18 and 20.

After removing the welding stamp 26 and cooling the material there is a weld 24 that is clearly visible from the outside in front.

As can be seen in particular from the top view of FIG. 2 the recess 30 in the outside of the overlapping end 20 clearly recognizable as well as that melted by the welding stamp and solidified material 28.

By welding the two ends 18 and 20 of the closure 10 firmly connected.

To open the closure 10, the overlapping end 20 is on extreme end gripped and subtracted, as in Fig. 1 by an arrow 19 is indicated. The weld 24 is now sc designed that in this tearing in the overlapping end 20th a continuous opening 34 is created, and on the outside 22 of the end 18 a residue 32 remains. The opening 34 is clearly recognizable, even if you try to to put the overlapping end 20 back on the residue 32. Since this residue 32 is quite thin, it is not possible stick the end 20 open again.

For reclosing is a tongue 26 in the area of the end 18 stamped. Before reclosing this tongue expressed, as shown in Fig. 5 by an arrow 37 is. If the closure 10 is now open again to one Bag neck 15 applied, the opened end 20 is again brought over the end 18, as that in Fig. 5 by an arrow 37 is indicated, and the expressed tongue 36 in the opening 34 inserted, as that from the representations of FIGS. 6 and 7 is recognizable. The raised tongue 36 blocks opening of the reclosed closure 10.

If the reclosed closure is now to be opened again, the outer end of the overlapping end 20 is gripped again and withdrawn from the tip of the tongue 36 so that this emerges from the opening 34, then the overlapping end 20 to be bent again.

It is therefore a multiple by exclusively mechanical means Opening and reclosing possible.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 12 the closure 50 also has a rectangular shape Strips 52 made of thermoplastic material.

On the inside 53 there is a longitudinal groove in the middle 54 indented. The indentation depth is about 0.1 mm.

Both opposite longitudinal edges are on both sides with one Knurling 56, 57 provided, which is simply accomplished the continuous strip from which the individual strips 52 be cut off between knurled wheels.

The shutter 50 is used as before in connection with the Closure 10 described, via a not shown here Welded joint.

After opening the closure 50 for the first time, how arises previously described, an opening 60. Here it is provided that the opening 60 has the shape of an elongated hole. It can also be provided be that the strip 62 from the outset with a such opening 60 is provided, in which case the Weld at an adjacent location to opening 60.

To reclose the end 58 in the area of Opening 60 opposite side end regions 62 and 63 bent up or folded inward around the groove 54. The areas the folded up end portions 62 and 63 extend now rotated about 90 ° around the central longitudinal axis to the remaining one Area of the strip 52.

The strip prepared in this way is now with its inside 53 around the gathered neck of the bag, and the folded End regions 62 and 63 are then through the opening 60 pushed through.

This results in an assembly as can be seen in FIG. 12 is.

After the folded end portions 62 and 63 through the opening 60 have been pushed through, these tend to become something again spread open. Due to the knurls 56 and 57 stand now the knurled edges with the inner edge of the opening 60 in toothed engagement, and there will be a peeling of the folded End regions 62 and 63 blocked from the opening 60. So it stops the reclosed fastener 50 firmly.

By pulling on the end regions pushed through the opening 60 62 and 63, the closure 50 can be tightened accordingly be so that the neck of the bag is gathered accordingly closely becomes.

The projecting end areas are then opened again 62 and 63 folded together, pushed through the opening 60, and the shutter 50 can be opened again and can also be closed again.

Claims (9)

1. A seal for sealing and resealing a bag (14), in particular a bag for accommodating foodstuffs such as bread, confectionery or pasta, consisting of a strip (12, 52) of plastics material, which may be positioned about the gathered neck (15) of the bag (14) in such a way that the side (16) facing the bag of one end (20) of the strip (12, 52) overlaps the other end (18) on the outside (22) thereof and is fixed in this position, wherein the seal (10, 50) may be resealed after opening and, on the occasion of first opening, such a structural change takes place in the strip (12, 52) that this opening is detectable, characterised in that the strip (12, 52) is made of a thermoplastic material, in that the overlapping end (20) is welded to the end (18) therebelow in such a way that a weld point (24) visible from the outside is present, wherein the weld point (24) is a spot weld produced by a welding punch (26) applied to the outside (22) of the overlapping end (20), and in that material (28) of the overlapping end (20) is pressed partially through the strip (12) and welded to the outside (22) of the end (18) therebelow, and in that, on the occasion of first opening, an opening (34, 60) arises in the overlapping, lifted end (20) at the weld point (24).
2. A seal according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one tongue (36) which may be bent out of the strip plane is punched in the strip (12), which tongue (36) may be hooked into an opening (34) in the strip (12) upon resealing.
3. A seal according to claim 2, characterised in that the tongue (36) may be hooked into the opening (34) arising on the occasion of first opening.
4. A seal according to claim 1, characterised in that an elongate hole (60) is provided in one end area (58) of the strip (50), through which elongate hole (60) the other, opposing end (61) of the strip, folded inwards on both sides, may be inserted.
5. A seal according to claim 4, characterised in that the strip (50) comprises a longitudinally extending groove (54) centrally on at least one side, about which groove (54) the end areas (62, 63) of the strip may be folded laterally.
6. A seal according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the strip (50) is provided along its outer longitudinal edges with knurling (56, 57).
7. A seal according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the strip (12, 52) is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least one side.
8. A bag, characterised in that it is sealed with a seal according to one of claims 1 to 7.
9. A clip unit for applying a strip (12, 52) according to one of claims 1 to 7 to a bag (14) and for sealing the clip strip (12, 52), characterised in that a welding punch (26) is provided as an auxiliary implement which may be served up to the closed clip strip (12, 52) on the outside (22) of the overlapping end (20) thereof.

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