EP1812302B1 - Bag with tamper-proof closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure for closing and reclosing a bag (32; 52; 76), said closure comprising a strip (12; 42; 62) that can be placed around the gathered neck (34; 54; 74) of a bag (32; 52; 76), and can be closed by means of two detachable connection points (20) approximately arranged on the opposite end regions (14, 16) of the strip (12; 42), and a tongue (22; 44; 64) that can be lifted out of the strip (12; 42; 62), is placed around the gathered neck (34; 54; 74) in order to close the bag, and can be inserted into the opening (30; 73) created by lifting up the tongue (22; 44; 64). The invention is characterised in that the tongue (22; 44; 64) extends only between the connection points (18; 20), and is connected in the region of one of the connection points in a fixed, and thus non-removable, manner.

Description

The invention relates to the closing and reclosing of a bag, with a strip which can be placed around a shirred neck of a bag, and which can be closed by two approximately at the opposite end portions of the strip arranged releasable connection points to a closed closure, and with a the tab heraushebbaren tab, which can be placed for closing around the shirred neck, and in the resulting by lifting the tab opening can be inserted.

Such a closure is from the EP 1 209 091 A1 known.

In this closure, the flap in its entirety is herauslösbar. When closing the strip is placed around a shirred neck of a bag and sealed, for example by welding in the opposite end portions of the strip. In this case, the strip is welded so that the one end region of the strip is welded to an opposite end region of the removable tab.

When opening the closure for the first time, the flap is cut out of the strip in its entirety, but remains firmly connected to the end of the strip to which it was previously welded. In other words, the weld joint between the one end of the strip and the tab is stronger than the perforated connection along a predetermined breaking line between the tab and the strip.

By that complete separation of the tab formed according to the contour of the tab formed opening.

The separated-out tab remains in contact with the strip via one spot weld and extends approximately in the longitudinal direction of the strip and away from it.

To reclosure of the bag, this assembly is placed approximately U-shaped around the shirred neck and the tab is inserted into the opening, which has arisen by their separation. So that the tab does not move out of the opening again by itself, corresponding contouring is provided.

A disadvantage of this closure is that at the first closure, which is usually still performed by the manufacturer, must pay close attention that the weld is located so that one end of the strip is connected to the distal end of the approximately centrally arranged detachable flap , Furthermore, forcibly when first opening the separation takes place the entire tab. This creates a relatively elongated structure, which, if the closure is no longer needed, because, for example, the bag is no longer to be closed, is correspondingly bulky. It also requires some skill to re-create these structures. Furthermore, a bulky structure is laterally beyond the bag neck after resealing.

From the DE 197 33 294 C2 The applicant is known a bag for closing and reclosing, in which the two ends of the strip are welded by a welding die superimposed. The weld is designed so that when opening for the first time at one of the ends of the strip after tearing in the region of the weld creates an opening. This is done by the fact that when welding by the welding die material in the region of a strip something was pushed through it in the direction of the other strip and fused with this.

In a variant, it is provided to be able to express from the strip a small, approximately triangular tongue, which can be pushed into the opening formed in the area of the weld after reclosing.

In practical use, however, it has been shown that this requires a considerable skill to insert this tongue into the opening in the area of the weld. It has also been found that the size and shape of this opening varies relatively widely, which makes durable closure after resealing difficult.

From the GB-A-2026078 is a strip-shaped closure with lift-out tab known.

It is therefore an object of the invention to further develop a closure of the aforementioned type such that, if closing and / or resealing is desired, this is easy to handle.

According to the invention the object is achieved by the defined in claim 1, placed around the shirred neck of a bag, tamper-evident closure.

When originally closing the closure over the fixed joints of the strip is closed by the two arranged at the opposite end regions joints, eg. Welded. Due to the fact that the removable tab extends between these connection points, this connection does not take place in the region of the detachable tab. This has the consequence when the shutter is opened for the first time by breaking the joints, that the tab is not yet cut out or dissolved out.

If the consumer decides that he no longer wishes to close the bag, the closure may be in the form of the torn open Strip as it is, so be disposed of in the original length of the strip.

If the consumer decides to shoot the bag again, he must remove the tab from the strip, for example, push out with a finger. The fact that the tab in one end, however, fixed, so not herauslösbar, connected to the strip, results after this process a lifted from the strip, but still connected to this tab. At the point where the tab was removed, then creates a corresponding opening. In this state, the closure can now be put back around a shirred neck of a bag, in such a way that the shirred neck is placed between strips and lifted from this tab. The flap around the neck is then inserted into the opening in the strip, so that then again a completely closed closure around the shirred bag neck exists.

The result is a structure that is very tight and compact around the neck of the bag, since the total length of the strip has not changed.

In contrast, arises at the above-mentioned EP 1 209 091 A1 After resealing a much longer structure, since the length of the strip has extended by about the length of the detached and welded with the strip tab. This can not only be unsightly, but interferes with the handling, for example, the stowage of the re-sealed bag.

A further advantage of the construction of the closure of the present invention is that it is also suitable for being individually applied by a consumer by hand. For this purpose, the strip can be made available to the user. This pushes the tab out of the perforation and then applies the closure as previously described in connection with resealing. If a consumer himself fills a bag, for example a freezer bag, with goods to be placed in a freezer, the closure can be used as in the reseal. Thus, both options are open, even in the industrial sector with the mechanical application and the permanent connection when first closing, for example. At a manufacturer of sliced bread, or even in a single consumer or Selbstabfüller or -befüller the bag. This provides a significantly increased manageability and usability of such a closure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tab is also strip-shaped.

This measure has the advantage that after pushing out the tab, an approximately V-shaped structure of two strip-like elements is formed, which can be easily brought from one side to the shirred bag neck for resealing and pushed. All that remains is to push one protruding end of the tab into the opening in the strip. This can be done by skilled persons even with one hand, ie with the other hand can, for example, the bag or the shirred bag neck are kept.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tab is provided at the longitudinal edges with projections.

This measure, which is known per se, makes it difficult to pull the tab out of the opening, but nevertheless makes this possible in principle.

The shirred bag neck has a tendency to widen again after the closure has been applied, this is prevented by the projections, as there are correspondingly negatively contoured projections in the opening, thereby inhibiting accidental sliding out of the flap. For reopening of this projecting portion of the tab needs to be rotated only about 90 °, which then the projecting beyond the opening part can be easily removed again. This also opens up a multiple resealing and opening the bag.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a hole is present in the strip.

This measure has the advantage that it creates a transport or feeding feature into which appropriate fingers or pens can enter.

Such closures are usually produced as an endless belt and must be brought in accordance with position and synchronized to the neck of the bag, which is to be closed with a separate out of this band strip. This hole now opens a simple mechanical measure of Accurate automated first-time application of the closure at the original manufacturer.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the hole at the end of the tab is present, which is leachable from the strip.

This measure now has the additional advantage that the user is given a starting point and an orientation aid through the hole, where he has to start with his finger in order to push the tab out of the strip.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the strip is provided with wedge-shaped tapered side edges.

By this wedge-shaped design of the side edges a certain inhibitory effect against accidental removal of the tab from the opening at a re-closed closure is inhibited. At the same time the insertion of the closure is facilitated in the opening.

This embodiment can be combined without or with the configuration of additional projections on the longitudinal edges.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the tab is relatively narrow at the end at which it can be released, and only then are the projections present.

This measure has the advantage that then even after the release of the tab resulting opening in this area very narrow. After applying the closure and inserting the tab into the opening of the bag neck pushes the inserted into the opening tab portion in this region of the relatively narrow opening. In connection with the projections is then ensured that a self-locking effect is given, ie the pushed-through portion of the tab can then move out of this narrow end itself no longer. Thus, the closure sits securely on the bag neck.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the projections on the side, which face the end of the tab, which is fixedly connected to the strip, provided with an edge which blocks withdrawal of the tab from the opening.

This measure still promotes the aforementioned blocking effect with the result that the inserted tab does not move out of the opening. The shirred bag neck exerts an expanding pressure, which ensures that these edges are pressed firmly into the narrow opening portion of the opening and therefore securely lock a peel.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the projections on the side, which face the leachable end of the tab, are provided with chamfered edges, which facilitate insertion into the opening.

This measure facilitates the insertion or insertion of the tab in the opening. In combination with the aforementioned features, peeling in the opposite direction is then disabled. This also considerably increases the handling and reliability of the closure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tab widens wedge-shaped from the releasable end to the firmly connected end and has an undercut in the region of the firmly connected end.

This measure promotes the handling of the effect that the wedge-shaped tab can be easily threaded with its narrow end in the opening. The wedge-shaped expansion promotes the pushing or pulling the tab. The defined undercut at the end of the tab leads to a very tight fit around a bag neck closure, so that, for example. This ensures that no good can escape from the bag, for example a very finely divided good is included, so the bag neck can be tightly closed.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will be described and explained in more detail below with reference to a few selected embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a top view of a closure in the form of a strip before a first application to a bag,

Fig. 2

a side view of a bag in the region of its shirred bag neck around which the in Fig. 1 Plotted strip is placed and closed,

Fig. 3

a section along the line III-III in Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

the strip of FIGS. 1 to 3 after the closure has been opened again and removed from the neck of the prey, and the tongue has already been removed or pushed out,

Fig. 5

a situation where the in Fig. 4 strips shown again to the bag of Fig. 2 was created in the area of the shirred neck for reclosing,

Fig. 6

a further embodiment of a closure according to the invention, in a state in which this is still formed as a band of several contiguous strips,

Fig. 7

one of the Fig. 2 comparable representation of a bag neck to which the closure of Fig. 6 is created,

Fig. 8

a section along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7 .

Fig. 9

a further embodiment of a closure with a wedge-shaped flap, and

Fig. 10

a perspective view of a bag neck to the closure of Fig. 9 is created.

One in the FIGS. 1 to 5 shown closure is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10.

The closure 10 consists of a rectangular strip 12 of a thermoplastic material.

The strip 12 has two opposite end portions 14 and 16, to each of which a later connection point, 18 and 20 is indicated.

About this end-side connecting parts 18 and 20, the closure after applying to a bag, as in Fig. 2 is shown, connected to a closed closure, for example. Welded, as will be explained later.

Between the connection points 18 and 20, so without reaching these connection points, a tongue-like tab 22 is formed. The tab is indicated by a perforation 24. This perforation 24 thus forms a predetermined breaking point of the connection between tab 22 and strip 12th

Out Fig. 1 It can be seen that the tab 22 at an end 26, which is adjacent here to the connection point 18, permanently and firmly connected to the strip 12. In other words, no perforation is provided here.

The two longitudinal edges 25 of the tab 22 are formed so that a plurality of prongs 27 are outlined.

At the end 29, which is opposite to the permanently connected to the strip 12 end 26, an approximately square hole 28 is provided in the strip, which, for example. Created by a punching operation. The one, in the representation of Fig. 4 left, edge of the hole 28 is thus formed by the right outer end of the tab 22. In the region of the end 29, the tab 22 is relatively narrow and has no teeth 27 on.

In Fig. 2 For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a situation in which the strip 12 is applied to the gathered neck 34 of a bag 32, as seen from above or the corresponding side, around the neck 32 and connected to a closed closure via a weld point 36, such as in particular from the sectional view of Fig. 3 is apparent.

By the welding point 36, the two opposite end portions 14 and 16 of the strip 12 in the region of Fig. 1 indicated connection points 18 and 20 firmly connected to each other, ie, welded together. This is usually done fully automatically. After the strip 12 has been placed around the shirred neck 34, a welding punch is moved up and the two end regions 14 and 16 are welded together.

From the sectional view of Fig. 3 It can be seen that the strip 12 is applied so that the end portions 14 and 16 along one side, namely the same side of the strip 14 together.

From the figures it can be seen that the pre-punched tab 22 extends between these connection points 18 and 20, so this does not touch.

In Fig. 3 is indicated by a double arrow, the angular range 38 over which the pre-punched tab extends.

In Fig. 3 It is shown that the two end portions 14 and 16 terminate at the same height, it can also be carried out so that the one end area slightly surmounted the other, so that an approach help for the consumer is created to reopen the closed closure.

For this purpose, it is necessary to solve the two welded end portions 14 and 16 from each other, so to open the weld point 36 again.

In Fig. 4 such a situation is shown, ie the in FIGS. 2 and 3 closed closure was opened by opening or or tearing open the welding point 36 again.

In the region of the connection points 18 and 20 thereby clearly recognizable material changes that can serve as a clearly recognizable Erstöffungsmerkmal.

It is often desirable for a consumer to have such a bag filled eg with food or the like is, wants to take, clearly recognizes whether the shutter has been opened before or not.

In Fig. 4 Fig. 3 illustrates a situation in which the tab 22 has been separated from the strip 12 as far as possible along the perforated line and raised. Here again is clearly seen that due to the end 26 with the permanent connection, the tab 22 only lifted from the strip 12, but not yet completely dissolved out.

This now in Fig. 4 indicated V-shaped structures may be reloaded on the shirred neck 34 of the bag 32 as shown in FIG Fig. 5 is shown.

The approximately V-shaped formation of strips and tabs 22 lifted therefrom makes it easier for the handling person to apply this structure to the gathered bag neck 34, namely, it only needs to be pushed from the side. For resealing the foremost end 29 of the tab 22 is inserted into the resulting by expressing the tab 22 opening 30 and thus the closure closed again. In this case, then the elastic strip body can be placed approximately U-shaped around the shirred neck 34, as in Fig. 5 is apparent.

The prongs 27 along the longitudinal edges of the tab prevent accidental slipping out of the tab 22 from the opening 30th

The gathered bag neck 34 exerts a pressure that pushes the portion of the tab 22 that passes through the opening 30 is in the relatively narrow end portion of the opening 30 presses.

Thus, a compact formed and close to the shirred bag neck 34 closed structure of a re-closed closure.

If the closure is now to be opened again, the two protruding ends of the U-shaped bent strip can be moved toward one another slightly, the pushed-through region of the flap 22 is rotated approximately 90 ° and thus simply pushed out of the opening 30 again.

This process can also be repeated several times.

As a reclosure of the closure of Fig. 2 only in the in Fig. 5 illustrated manner is possible, a user was immediately recognize that this closure has been previously opened, especially by the material changes in the joints 18 and 20. If so, which unfortunately occurs more often, once in a store shelf such a closure was opened, a part of the goods taken, the closure was put back on and the bag was put back, a next consumer can easily recognize this, as by comparing the closures of Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 is apparent.

Thus, not only can the resealability and ease of handling requirement be followed with this closure, but there is also a first port detection feature.

In the FIGS. 6 and 8 a further embodiment of a closure 40 according to the invention is shown.

In Fig. 6 It is shown that the individual strips 42 are originally produced as an endless belt 40. Each individual strip portion has a pre-perforated tab 44 and also has the corresponding punched hole 46.

As already mentioned, this gives the possibility of the band 40 by engagement of a corresponding transport element in the hole 46 each correct position on the shirred neck 54 of a bag 52, which is to be closed, introduce and create.

The tab 44 is provided along its longitudinal edges with hooks 48, the accidental opening of the closure after Wiedaranlagen, as in Fig. 5 was inhibited. The fangs 48 have a fixed end 47 facing the edge 45, which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip 42. The detachable end 45 facing edge 53 is chamfered and serves as an inlet slope. When resealing accordingly Fig. 5 the portions between the hooks 48 are pressed into the narrow end portion of the hole 46 and the edges 50 block a peeling of the pushed-through portion of the tab 44 and thus an accidental opening of the closure. The three hooks 48 thus define three closure positions.

From the sectional view of Fig. 8 It can be seen that here the strip 42 has been placed around the neck 54 that the one end portion 51 of the strip 42 with the inside on the Outside of the opposite end portion 49 is placed, so this end region overlapped or covered. Again, these two end portions are again connected by a weld point 56.

To open the closure, the overlapping end 51 is gripped, lifted and then torn open the weld.

This initial opening is then visible again through the corresponding material changes. To re-close the closure is according to the sequence of 4 and 5 method, ie the tab 44 is expressed, the resulting V-shaped structure placed around the shirred bag neck 54 and closed by inserting the tab 44 in the correspondingly formed opening.

At the in FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrated embodiment of a closure, this is also formed as a rectangular elongate strip 62. The pre-perforated flap 64 is provided with wedge-shaped flared lateral edges 66 and 68. In this case, the tab 64 widens from the front end 65, which is to be lifted, in the direction of the end 62 fixedly connected to the strip 62. Shortly before this end 72, an undercut 70 is provided which extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip 62. After lifting the tongue-shaped tab 64, out of the plane of the strip 62, a corresponding wedge-shaped widening opening in the strip 62 is formed.

In Fig. 10 Now, a situation is shown how the strip 62 is placed around a shirred neck 74 of a bag 76. The Tab 64 is inserted into the opening 73 and pulled so far through this, that the undercut 70 has passed through the opening 73. This is possible due to the flexibility of the material. This results in a very tight and tight-fitting closure that seals the bag 76 in the region of its gathered neck 74 tight.

The undercut 70 locks off the tab 64 from the opening.

In Fig. 10 is indicated by an arrow that the user pulls the threaded into the opening 73 tab 64 in this direction, namely until it has passed along with their undercut.

This process can be made easier for the user by holding the two outer ends of the strip around the gathered neck 74, for example, between the thumb and forefinger.

The closures described above can also be used in each case so that they are not firmly connected, for example welded, by a machine manufacturer to an original closure at the two opposite ends, but they can also be used exclusively as they were previously be described resealing.

In other words, it is also possible to provide the previously described strips 12, 42 and 62 to a user as individual pieces or as a product separable from a band.

This takes place when, for example, the user himself individually fills a bag, for example, a freezer bag, so quasi the consumer first fills such a bag and closes. Then he handles it so that he pushes the tab out of the bag, for example, as in Fig. 4 the closure is placed around the shirred neck, thread the tab into the opening formed by lifting out the tab and then tighten the closure.

This is particularly facilitated by the fact that the tab is relatively narrow at the beginning. He then takes the already pushed through portion of the threaded tab, pulls on this, which is facilitated by the particular configuration of the tab as such or by the shape of the hooks or projections. Depending on the design of the tab, he pulls the strip so far, until by locking snaps or Hinterschneidunoen a more or less closely closed closure arises, depending on how this is desired.

Claims (10)

1. A bag with an original closure for the initial closing and subsequent re-closing of the bag (32, 52, 76), having a strip (12, 42, 62) which is placed around a gathered neck (34, 54, 74) of the bag (32, 52, 76) and has two connecting points (20), which are approximately arranged at the opposite end areas (14, 16) of the strip (12, 42), are connected with each other, and can be released again, by means of which it is closed to form an original closure, and having a tongue (22, 44, 64), which can be partially separated from the strip (12, 42, 62) by breaking a perforation (24) and can be lifted out and which, following the opening of the original closure, can be placed around the gathered neck (34, 54, 74) to close it again and can be pushed into the opening (30, 73) created by lifting the tongue (22, 44, 64) out, so that the tongue (22, 44, 64) merely extends between the connecting points (18, 20) and is fixedly connected, i.e. cannot be released, in the area of one of the connecting points.
2. An original closure in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the tongue (22, 44, 64) is also strip-shaped.
3. An original closure in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tongue (22, 44) is provided with protrusions (27, 48) along its longitudinal edges (25).
4. An original closure in accordance with one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a hole (28, 46) is provided in the strip (12, 42).
5. An original closure in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the hole (28, 46) is provided at the end (29) of the tongue (22, 44) which can be lifted out of the strip (12, 42).
6. An original closure in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tongue (64) has lateral edges (66, 68) which run together in a wedge shape.
7. An original closure in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the tongue (64) widens in a wedge shape from the releasable end (65) to the fixedly connected end (72), and has an undercut (70) in the area of the fixedly connected end (72).
8. An original closure in accordance with one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at the end (29, 65) at which it can be lifted out, the tongue (22, 44, 64) is relatively narrow, and the protrusions are provided only following this.
9. An original closure in accordance with one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, at the side facing the end (47) of the tongue (22, 44) which is fixedly connected with the strip (42), the protrusions (48) are provided with an edge (50), which blocks the pull-out of the tongue (44) from the opening.
10. An original closure in accordance with one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that at the side facing the end (29, 45) of the tongue (22, 44) which can be lifted out, the protrusions (27, 48) are provided with beveled edges, which make the insertion into the opening easier.

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