U.S. patent application number 10/193518 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for easy opening, re-closeable bag.
Invention is credited to Garcia, Gonzalo Diaz Infante, Kuroki, Ichiro Eduardo Perez, Nalsen, Miguel Alberto Herrera, Parodi, Gustavo Jose Camargo, Tucci, Monica Maria Di Cocco.
Application Number | 20030019780 10/193518 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23189371 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030019780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parodi, Gustavo Jose Camargo ;
et al. |
January 30, 2003 |
Easy opening, re-closeable bag
Abstract
A bag for storing products such as powdered or granular
detergent, pet food, coffee, cereal etc., has a line of weakness
for easy opening. The bag also has a means for re-closing after
initial opening by the user.
Inventors: |
Parodi, Gustavo Jose Camargo;
(Caracas, VE) ; Garcia, Gonzalo Diaz Infante;
(Caracas, VE) ; Tucci, Monica Maria Di Cocco;
(Caracas, VE) ; Nalsen, Miguel Alberto Herrera;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Kuroki, Ichiro Eduardo Perez;
(Caracas, VE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
23189371 |
Appl. No.: |
10/193518 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60307353 |
Jul 23, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.1 ;
383/203; 383/208; 383/209; 383/86; 383/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5827 20130101;
B65D 33/24 20130101; B65D 2313/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.1 ;
383/208; 383/209; 383/86; 383/203; 383/89 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/24; B65D
065/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bag comprising a front and back panel and two inwardly folded
side panels, each panel having an upper and lower edge, a top and a
bottom formed from the joining of the front and back panels, the
top being further defined by a line of weakness, said line of
weakness spanning one of the front and back panels and both side
panels.
2. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the line of weakness is
formed using a method selected from the group consisting of
chemical treatment, laser scoring, laser perforation, mechanical
scoring, mechanical perforation, embossing methods or combinations
thereof.
3. A bag according to claim 2 wherein the line of weakness is
formed using laser scoring.
4. A bag according to claim 1 further comprising means to re-close
the bag after opening.
5. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the yield stress value of the
bag with the line of weakness as measured according to ASTM method
number D-882 is at least 90% of the yield stress value of the bag
before the line of weakness is added.
6. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the final or rupture stress
value of the bag as measured according to ASTM method number D-882
is at least 90% of the yield stress value of the bag before the
line of weakness is added.
7. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the average trapezoidal
tearing strength of the bag as measured according to ASTM method
number D-5733 is less than 4 Kg.
8. A bag according to claim 1 further comprising laundry
detergent.
9. A bag comprising a front and back panel and two inwardly folded
side panels, each panel having an upper and lower edge, a top and a
bottom formed from the joining of the front and back panels, the
top being further defined by a line of weakness, wherein at least a
portion of the top of one panel is unaffected by the line of
weakness, and wherein the bag further comprises means to re-close
the bag after initial opening.
10. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the means to re-close is
comprised of a mechanical fastening system selected from the group
consisting of hook and loop fastening system, hook and hook
fastening system and mixtures thereof.
11. A bag according to claim 10 wherein the means to re-close is
comprised of a hook and loop fastening system comprising a hook
component and a loop component, wherein the hook component is
positioned on the front panel and the loop component is positioned
on the back panel of the bag.
12. A bag according to claim 10 wherein the means to re-close is
comprised of a hook and loop fastening system comprised of a hook
component and a loop component, wherein the loop component is
positioned on the front panel and the hook component is positioned
on the back panel of the bag.
13. A bag according to claim 11 wherein at least one component of
the fastening system has text imprinted on it.
14. A bag according to claim 12 wherein at least one component of
the fastening system has text imprinted on it.
15. A bag according to claim 11 wherein at least one component of
the fastening system has instructions, for using the contents of
the bag, imprinted on it.
16. A bag according to claim 12 wherein at least one component of
the fastening system has instructions, for using the contents of
the bag, imprinted on it.
17. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the yield stress value of
the bag with the line of weakness as measured according to ASTM
method number D-882 is at least 90% of the yield stress value of
the bag before the line of weakness is added.
18. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the final or rupture stress
value of the bag as measured according to ASTM method number D-882
is at least 90% of the yield stress value of the bag before the
line of weakness is added.
19. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the average trapezoidal
tearing strength of the bag as measured according to ASTM method
number D-5733 is less than 4 Kg.
20. A bag according to claim 9 further comprising laundry
detergent.
21. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the line of weakness is
formed using a method selected from the group consisting of
chemical treatment, laser scoring, laser perforation, mechanical
scoring, mechanical perforation, embossing methods or combinations
thereof.
22. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the line of weakness is
formed using laser scoring.
23. A bag according to claim 1 wherein the line of weakness
comprises a pattern, said pattern comprising a dashed line said
dashed line including a plurality of scored segments whereby the
length of each scored segment ranges from about 0.12 mm to 4.4 mm
and wherein the distance between adjacent scored segments ranges
from about 0.4 mm to 4 mm.
24. A bag according to claim 9 wherein the line of weakness
comprises a pattern, said pattern comprising a dashed line said
dashed line including a plurality of scored segments whereby the
length of each scored segment ranges from about 0.12 mm to 4.4 mm
and wherein the distance between adjacent scored segments ranges
from about 0.4 mm to 4 mm.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/307,353,
filed Jul. 23, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 8644P).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to bags for use in storing products
such as but not limited to powdered or granular detergent, pet
food, coffee, cereal etc., wherein the bag has a line of weakness,
which provides for easy opening of the bag. More particularly the
bags further comprise an adjustable means for re-closing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flexible bags are used today to package a wide variety of
consumer products including granular detergents. In order to be
useful as a package these bags must be resistant to opening during
shipping and handling at the store. Currently marketed detergent
bags have several disadvantages. First, current bags are difficult
to open without the aid of scissors, a knife or other utensil.
Often times the consumer attempts to rip open the bag, with the end
result being that the contents are spilled out. Additionally, the
bag and any text printed on the bag, can become distorted by the
pulling and stretching of the opening action.
[0004] Second, once opened, current detergent bags offer no
efficient and effective means of re-closing the bag. The ability to
re-close the bag is desired by many consumers. This is especially
true for bulk size packages. Until now methods for re-closing such
bags have been unsatisfactory. These methods include zippers and
adhesive tapes as well as simple folding mechanisms. The main
drawback of the aforementioned methods is that contamination of the
re-closing means with the contents of the bag prevents the means
from forming a reliable, re-usable seal. Additionally, simple
folding mechanisms provide no protection from product leakage.
[0005] Third, as the contents of the bag are gradually depleted it
is desirable to be able to adjust the closing means such that the
bag is more thoroughly sealed. Current flexible detergent bags do
not offer means to adjust for a tight reliable closure.
[0006] Accordingly the need remains for a flexible bag for
packaging consumer products that is easy to open i.e. without the
aid of a knife, scissors or other utensil. There remains an
additional need for a mechanism by which the bag can be securely
re-closed after opening by the consumer. The re-closing mechanism
should be unaffected by any contamination. The need also remains
for a re-closing means that is adjustable to provide a secure and
reliable seal as the bag becomes less full.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention meets the aforementioned needs by
providing an easy to open flexible bag. The bag is further provided
with a means for re-closing, which means may also be
adjustable.
[0008] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention a
flexible bag comprising a front panel, back panel and two inwardly
folded side panels, each panel having an upper and lower edge, a
top portion and a bottom portion which are sealed by joining of the
front panel to the back panel, the top portion being further
defined by a line of weakness, wherein at least a portion of one
panel of the bag remains un-weakened by the line. The line of
weakness allows a clean and controlled rupture of the bag.
[0009] The bag may further comprise a means to re-close the bag
after initial opening by the consumer. The re-closeable means may
be adjustable to provide an effective and reliable closure as the
contents of the bag are depleted.
[0010] All percentages, ratios, and proportions herein are on a
weight basis unless otherwise indicated. All documents cited herein
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a horizontal perspective view of a first
embodiment of a bag of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a vertical perspective view of a first embodiment
of a bag of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a vertical perspective view of a first embodiment
of a bag of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a horizontal perspective view of a second
embodiment of a bag of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a horizontal perspective view of a second
embodiment of a bag of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a horizontal perspective view of a third
embodiment of a bag of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a vertical perspective view of a third embodiment
of a bag of the present invention in the closed position.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a representation of a typical graph obtained using
ASTM D-882 for measuring tensile strength.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a representation of a typical graph obtained using
ASTM D-5733 for measuring trapezoidal tear strength on a single
specimen.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a vertical perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a vertical perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of the present invention in the closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be understood, the
terms front and back as used herein to describe panels of the bag
are for orientation purposes only and are otherwise
interchangeable. As discussed more fully hereafter, the present
invention is directed to a flexible bag for containing granular,
powdered or other contents, preferably granular detergent, provided
with a line of weakness to facilitate opening. A particularly
preferred bag 10 made in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1. The bag 10 is illustrated having front panel
12, back panel 14, and side panels 16 and 18 with each panel having
an upper edge 20 and a lower edge 22. The bag 10 also has a top
section 24 and a bottom section 26, which are sealed by joining
front panel 12 to back panel 14 along upper edges 20 and lower
edges 22. The bag 10 is provided with a line of weakness 28,
wherein at least a portion of at least one of panels 12 or 14 is
not weakened by the line 28. In a preferred embodiment the line 28
spans both side panels 16 and 18 and one of either front panel 12
or back panel 14.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the same bag 10 as FIG. 1 wherein the
line of weakness 28 has been opened by pulling on either side of
the line 28.
[0024] FIG. 3 represents the same bag 10 as FIG. 1 and additionally
comprises re-closeable means 30 (not shown in FIG. 3) and 32.
Re-closeable means 30 and 32 can be any mechanical fastening
mechanism and are preferably comprised of a hook and loop fastening
system, wherein one of the means 30 or 32 is the hook component and
the other is the loop component. It is within the scope of this
invention that the two are interchangeable. FIG. 4 shows the
re-closeable means 30 as a small strip adjacent to upper edge 20
and affixed to front panel 12. It is also within the scope of this
invention that the re-closeable means is comprised of a hook and
hook system rather than a hook and loop system.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows re-closeable means 32 as a vertical strip
affixed to back panel 14. FIG. 6 illustrates another representation
of re-closeable means 30. FIG. 7 is a representation of the bag in
the closed position.
[0026] Another preferred embodiment of the re-closeable system is
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. One component 30 of the
re-closeable system is attached with the hook or loop portion
facing the panel that is attached to, either front panel 12 or back
panel 14. A portion of component 30 is left unattached. Closing of
the bag occurs by two consecutive folds of the top section 2 of the
bag 10. The first fold leaves the unattached part of the
re-closeable system sticking out and enables it to match to the
second component of the system. The second fold actually matches
the mechanical fasteners together. FIG. 11 represents this
alternative embodiment in the closed position.
[0027] Bag Materials
[0028] The bags of the present invention are formed from elastic
materials including but not limited to polymeric film, woven
materials, non-woven materials, preferably polyethylene film, more
preferably monolayers, coextrusions, two-layer laminations,
three-layer laminations and metalized laminations, all materials
with or without lacquer coatings. Bags according to the present
invention can be formed by any method known in the art. One method
for forming flexible bags from a continuous web of material is well
known in the art and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,619, issued
to Muckenfuhs.
[0029] Line of Weakness
[0030] The easy opening feature of bags according to the present
invention results from the weakening of the film material in the
desired trajectory of bag rupture or separation.
[0031] The line of weakness is such that at least a portion of one
panel of the bag remains un-weakened by the line. This prevents the
entire top of the bag from being separated upon opening. After
opening, the flap that results from the line of weakness being
broken provides the bag with a handle or grasp area for the
consumer to hold onto while dosing the product. This feature
provides better maneuverability of the bag and allows easier
dosing.
[0032] The line of weakness will deteriorate the strength of the
film in such a way that it can withstand normal filling, packing
and handling operation and yet be easily opened by the consumer.
This behavior is achieved by reducing the trapezoidal tear strength
of the original film. Reduction of the trapezoidal tear strength is
also most likely accompanied by loss of tensile strength.
[0033] The line of weakness is characterized by the following test
methods: a) ASTM D-882 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties
on Thin Plastic Sheeting and b) ASTM D-5733 Standard Test Method
for Tearing Strength of Nonwoven Fabrics by the Trapezoidal
Procedure. The resultant graphs of these test methods are
exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9. The samples used to generate FIGS. 8
and 9 are taken from the line of weakness 28 as shown in FIG. 1. In
accordance with ASTM D-882 and ASTM D-5733, the line of weakness 28
must be parallel to the shortest side of the sample (i.e.; width).
The line of weakness 28 must cover the entire width of the sample
and must be centered with respect to the sample length. The slot
for initiating the cut of the trapezoidal tear sample must be on
top of the line of weakness 28.
[0034] The line of weakness is characterized by three parameters
obtained from the above-mentioned standard tests. The first
parameter is yield stress value. Referring to FIG. 8, this graph is
illustrative of the approximate yield stress value of a weakened
film (shown in FIG. 8 as Y.sub.2) versus the approximate yield
stress value of an unweakened film (shown in FIG. 8 as Y.sub.1).
The yield stress value of the weakened film in the ASTM D-882
tensile test should be no less than 90% of the yield stress value
of the un-weakened film. Second, the final or rupture stress value
of the weakened film (shown as R.sub.2 in FIG. 8) should be no
lower than 90% of the yield stress value of the unweakened film
Y.sub.1.
[0035] Third, the average trapezoidal tearing force according to
ASTM D-5733, of the weakened film should be less than 4 Kgf. FIG. 9
is illustrative of a typical graph obtained using ASTM D-5733 for
measuring trapezoidal tear strength on the weakened film of a
single specimen. With regard to both FIGS. 8 and 9, the values
indicated therein for force, elongation (FIG. 8), and extension
(FIG. 9), should be considered as merely exemplary and in no way
limiting to the present invention.
[0036] Additionally, the line of weakness may possess a pattern.
Those patterns may take the form of a continuous line, a dashed
line, or a combination thereof. However the most preferred pattern
is the dashed line, wherein the dashed line is comprised of a
plurality of scored segments. The length of each scored segment
varies from about 0.12 mm to 4.4 mm, preferably varies from about
0.3 mm to 2 mm, and most preferably varies from about 0.6 mm to 1
mm. The distance between adjacent scored segments varies from about
0.4 mm to 4 mm, preferably varies from about 1 mm to 3 mm, and most
preferably varies from about 1.5 mm to 2 mm. The score depth will
vary depending upon the thickness of the film.
[0037] A starting notch may be provided at some point along the
line of weakness. The starting notch provides an area, which is
easier to tear because the scoring is deeper. If the line of
weakness spans the back panel wherein there is also a vertical
seal, the starting notch provides easy tearing through the multiple
plies of the vertical seal to the line of weakness.
[0038] Method of Producing the Line of Weakness
[0039] The line of weakness can be produced using methods including
but not limited to scoring, perforating, chemical treatment,
preferably laser scoring, laser perforation, mechanical scoring,
mechanical perforation, embossing methods, or combinations of these
methods. The line of weakness is preferably made in the film before
it is formed into a bag.
[0040] One method of making a line of weakness in a flexible film
uses at least one laser. First a laser bean with sufficient wattage
to evaporate a portion of the film material is focused onto the
film. The use of laser technology allows for very accurate control
of the depth or penetration from very slight scoring to complete
perforation of the film. A laser using any form of electromagnetic
radiation can be used. Suitable lasers for use in the present
invention include those based on CO.sub.2 gas.
[0041] The speed of the film and the movement of the laser beam are
dependent upon the pattern and depth of score desired as well as
the type of film used. Suitable methods for laser scoring films are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,626,143, 3,790,744, 3,909,582 all to
American Can Company and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,158,499 and 5,229,180 to
American National Can Company, U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,325 to L P F
Verpakkingen B. V, U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,123 to Wavin B. V., Japanese
Patents 09133018, 07008283 and 06103200 all to Dainippon Printing
Company.
[0042] Another suitable method for producing the line of weakness
is the use of blades. The blades are installed on an engraving
cylinder, which is mounted directly on the film processing
machinery so that the cuts are made prior to formation of the bag.
Different blade patterns can be used to get different patterns in
the line of weakness. The pressure applied to the blades is also
varied during the process to control the dimensions and depth of
the cuts to ensure the bag opens easily.
[0043] Embossing is another alternative method for production of
the line of weakness. The embossing technology weakens the film in
specific areas by means of pressure, temperature, time and a
deforming profile. The desired results are achieved by changing the
caliper and/or material structure at the embossed trajectory. The
basic equipment used for embossing consists of a sealing jaw
capable of pressing against a back plate. A deforming profile or
pattern is fixed to the jaw and heated. The film is pressed between
the deforming profile and the back plate. The main variables known
to affect this process are: heating temperature, cooling
temperature, pressure, heating time, cooling time, film tension
while embossing, film tension after embossing, back plate material,
back plate thickness, back plate temperature, jaw pattern and jaw
thickness. The embossing unit would be installed after an unwinding
station of film, preferably incorporated into the packaging
equipment line. Suitable examples of embossing are described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,549 to American National Can Company.
[0044] Re-Closeable System
[0045] The re-closeable system is resistant to contamination by the
contents of the bag. Its main objective is to protect granule
products contained in bags from spillage, humidity, and other
external factors that might affect the integrity of the product.
This re-closeable system comprises a mechanical fastener,
preferably hook and loop or hook and hook type, attached to a
flexible bag that allows consumers to open and securely close the
bags as many times as product uses in the bag.
[0046] The system consists of placing fastening materials on
opposite panels of the bag. In a preferred embodiment, the panels
are the front and the back panel although other configurations are
contemplated. The fasteners can be either disposable or industrial
materials. It is desired to use disposable materials to optimize
costs. The mechanical fasteners can be of any shape and size, and
in any disposition. The particular configuration of the
re-closeable system components should be such that the bag can be
sealed throughout the entire use of the product contained therein.
By sealed is meant that no product spills out when the bag is
tipped on its side. Specifically, the re-closeable system is
characterized by the energy required to peel off one component of
the fastener from the other component. This energy must not be less
than 2.4 Kgfmm per each Kg of product contained in the bag.
[0047] The re-closeable system is intended to work with the easy
opening feature described above which facilitates the opening of
the bag. At least one (1) piece of the mechanical fastener is
placed on one panel of the bag while a piece of the matching
fastener is placed on the opposite panel of the bag. Preferably one
piece of the mechanical fastener is a vertical strip. The top of
the bag (with the small piece of fastener) is rolled over for the
two fasteners to match and tightly close the bag as the product is
being consumed. As more product is consumed, the fasteners close
farther down vertically to allow the tight seal. A variation of
this design is also a button-to-button closure. This means that the
mechanical fasteners can also consist of two individual buttons
that perform the seal. In this case, the seal is a stationary one,
instead of an adjustable one.
[0048] These mechanical fasteners can be adhered to the bag by the
means of adhesives. The adhesive can be either a hot melt or
pressure sensitive adhesive. A hot melt adhesive is applied to the
mechanical fastener right before the piece is to be applied to the
bag. The pressure sensitive adhesive is adhered to the fastener as
one piece.
[0049] The application of these mechanical fasteners to the bag can
be accomplished in different ways. One way is to adhere these
fasteners to the film before the bag is produced. In this case, the
pieces of mechanical fasteners are attached to the film either
while the roll of film is being prepared or while the roll of film
is being unwound at the machine. The mechanical fasteners may also
be adhered to the bag after it has been formed.
[0050] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *