U.S. patent application number 12/652929 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for film package.
Invention is credited to Detlef STOEPPELMANN.
Application Number | 20100226598 12/652929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40459523 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100226598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STOEPPELMANN; Detlef |
September 9, 2010 |
FILM PACKAGE
Abstract
A film bag has a multi-layered film whose outer layer forms and
outer side of the film bag and whose inner layer forms the inner
side of the film bag. The bag further has two oppositely directed
face panels on which weld seams are disposed laterally and having a
linear tearing aid which is disposed in the face panels in the
region of the top of the film bag and which has three weakening
lines spaced apart from one another. The two outer weakening lines
begin at a distance A from a lateral edge of the face panels, and
the middle weakening line begins directly at the lateral edge of
the face panels and merely extends along a part of the tearing
aid.
Inventors: |
STOEPPELMANN; Detlef;
(Steinfeld, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KF ROSS PC
5683 RIVERDALE AVENUE, SUITE 203 BOX 900
BRONX
NY
10471-0900
US
|
Family ID: |
40459523 |
Appl. No.: |
12/652929 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/207 ;
383/113; 383/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5822 20130101;
B65D 31/02 20130101; B65D 31/10 20130101; B65D 75/5811 20130101;
B65D 75/5816 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/207 ;
383/120; 383/113 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/28 20060101
B65D065/28; B65D 30/20 20060101 B65D030/20; B65D 30/08 20060101
B65D030/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 10, 2009 |
DE |
202009000302.7 |
Claims
1. A film bag comprising a multi-layered film, whose outer layer
forms the outer side of the film bag and whose inner layer forms
the inner side of the film bag, comprising two oppositely directed
face panels on which weld seams are disposed laterally and
comprising a linear tearing aid which is disposed in the face
panels in the region of the top of the film bag and which comprises
three weakening lines spaced apart from one another, wherein the
two outer of the three weakening lines begin to at a distance A
from a lateral edge of the face panels and that n the middle
weakening line begins directly at the lateral edge of the face
panels and merely extends along a part of the tearing aid.
2. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the two outer weakening
lines end at a top edge of the face panels.
3. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the two outer weakening
lines have at least one bend or are curved in an arcuate manner in
certain areas.
4. The film bag defined in any claim 1, wherein the two outer
weakening lines are formed by a laser seam.
5. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the two outer weakening
lines pass through the outer layer at least in part.
6. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the middle weakening
line is formed by punching.
7. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the middle weakening
line passes completely through the outer layer and at least
incompletely through the inner layer.
8. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein V-shaped inset side
gussets are disposed at the edge on the face panels, which gussets
are delimited by the weld seams at their edges.
9. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the outer layer is
formed from polyester.
10. The film bag defined in claim 9 wherein the polyester is
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
11. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein the inner layer is
formed from a polyolefin.
12. The film bag defined in claim 11 wherein the polyolefin is
polypropylene (PP).
13. The film bag defined in claim 1, wherein each tearing aid has
at least one notch or an incision at the end.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a film bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A typical film bag comprises a multi-layered film whose
outer layer forms the outer side of the film bag and whose inner
layer forms the inner side of the film bag. The film comprises two
oppositely directed face panels on which weld seams are disposed
laterally. The film further comprises a linear tearing aid which is
disposed in the face panels in the region of the top of the film
bag and which comprises three weakening lines spaced apart from one
another.
[0003] Film bags are known in various designs from practice and are
used inter alia for airtight and moisture-proof packagings of
fodder and foodstuffs. In order that the consumer can open the bag
more easily, the film is frequently weakened along one line so that
it can be opened by tearing movements. Such a tearing aid is
described in the document EP 0 473 517 (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,158,499
and 5,630,308). This discloses the use of a laser for producing the
tearing aid whereby a laminated packaging film is notched or
weakened along one, but in particular three, identically formed
lines. The additional weakening lines are intended to improve the
tearing aid. Nevertheless it can occur with such tearing aids that
during the tearing movement of the user, the tear does not run
along one of the weakening lines but begins at one of the outer
weakening lines, departs from this and from there propagates
uncontrollably in the film. This is particularly the case when the
tearing movement is executed too vigorously and the forces acting
on the film are too large. However, the tear propagation can also
be perturbed by an orientation of the tearing forces which deviates
from the conventional orientation. A possible consequence of this
uncontrolled tear propagation is, for example, that the opening of
the bag becomes too large, with the result that the contents can
emerge uncontrollably from the bag.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Against this background, it is the object of the invention
to provide a film bag in which the function of the tearing aid is
improved, whereby in particular uncontrolled tear propagation
should be avoided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The object is achieved by the two outer of the three
weakening lines beginning at a distance A from a lateral edge of
the face panels and by the middle weakening line beginning directly
at the lateral edge of the face panels and merely extending along a
part of the tearing aid. In this way it is achieved that the tear
produced by the tearing movement begins initially at the middle
weakening line. From there it propagates preferably as far as the
end of the middle weakening line, wherein this merely extends along
a part of the entire tearing aid. The tear line moves from there
either to the first or to the second outer weakening line. On which
of the two outer weakening lines the tear propagates after leaving
the middle weakening line is dependent on the direction of the
acting tearing forces. If the forces are too strong in this case,
it can occur that at any point between the initial and the end
point of the middle weakening line, the tear line departs from the
weakening line. In this case, the tear line only propagates
uncontrollably until it reaches one of the outer weakening lines
and from there is again guided along the tearing aid. Thus the
outer weakening lines which are preferably disposed at a distance
of a few millimeters from the middle weakening line also
continually take on the function of a security weakening line which
is used precisely when the tear line leaves the middle weakening
line. Since the outer weakening lines according to the invention
are at a distance from the lateral edge of the bag, this ensures
that when tearing, the tear always propagates initially along the
middle weakening line. The arrangement of the three weakening lines
according to the invention therefore ensures that when tearing the
bag, the tear does not initially propagate along one of the outer
weakening lines and if possible leaves the weakening line in an
uncontrolled manner from there.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the film bag according to the
invention, it can be provided that the two outer weakening lines
end at a top edge of the face panels of the film bag. The tearing
aid thus begins at one of the lateral edges and ends at the top
ends of the bag. This arrangement brings about advantageous
ergonomics since the consumer can hold the bag with one hand and
can tear the top or one corner of the packaging pouch with the
other hand in a swing movement. On the other hand, the arrangement
of the tearing aid specifies a defined pouring region which can
have the function of a pouring spout.
[0007] In this context, it can be expedient if the two outer
weakening lines have at least one bend and/or are curved in an
arcuate manner in certain areas. In this way, it is possible to
assign a specific shape or a specific profile to the entire tearing
aid which in addition to the shorter middle weakening line,
comprises the two substantially continuous outer weakening lines,
which improves the entire handling of the bag during the tearing
process.
[0008] It is also expedient if the two outer weakening lines pass
through the outer layer at least in part. In this way, the bag is
only weakened in the region of the outer layer of the film along
the outer weakening lines extending substantially over the entire
length of the tearing aid. The seal of the bag is not substantially
impaired by the outer weakening lines which merely penetrate into
the outer layer of the films.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the film bag according to the
invention, it is additionally provided that the two outer weakening
lines are formed by a laser seam. The film should preferably be
selected in this case so that the laser radiation of a laser tool
used is strongly absorbed by the outer layer of the film and weakly
absorbed by the inner layer of the film. This avoids the film being
completely cut through by the action of the laser tool. The
avoidance of completely cutting through is particularly important
when the film bag according to the invention is to be used for the
bag of fodder, foodstuffs or liquids and must be tightly sealed in
this case.
[0010] In the film bag according to the invention, it can
preferably be provided that the middle weakening line is formed by
punching. A punched weakening line can be produced in a
particularly simple and comparatively cost-effective manner. At the
same time, it can be expedient if the middle weakening line passes
completely through the outer layer and at least incompletely
through the inner layer. Since the middle weakening line
consequently also weakens the lower film layer, the tearing process
is made easier. The film is accordingly significantly thinner in
the region of the middle weakening line compared with that at other
locations and can therefore be torn without a large expenditure of
force. Since the lower film layer is not completely but only
partially weakened in the region of the middle weakening line, the
seal of the film bag is still ensured. According to the invention,
it is provided that the middle weakening line only extends over the
length of the entire tearing aid in certain areas. In this way, the
region of the tearing aid where both the upper and also the lower
film layer is weakened is reduced. As a result, the local diffusion
of gas or liquid, for example, which can enter into the bag or
escape from the bag, is is merely restricted to the small region
formed by the comparatively short middle weakening line. The risk
of a leak in the region of the tearing aid is reduced by the
arrangement of the three weakening lines according to the invention
of which only the middle weakening line weakens the lower film. In
addition, the risk of unintentional opening of the bag is reduced
by the short design of the weakening line. Such accidental opening
can possibly occur when carrying a packaging pouch. Lifting the bag
is therefore not critical and an intentionally executed tearing
movement is required to open it.
[0011] A particularly preferred embodiment of the film bag
according to the invention is characterized in that V-shaped inset
side gussets are disposed at the edge on the face panels, which
gussets are delimited by the weld seams at their edges. Such a
side-gusseted pouch has the advantage that it has a larger packing
volume and at the same time can be stood up or stacked more
effectively.
[0012] It can be provided that the outer layer of the film bag
pouch according to the invention, which forms the outer side of the
pouch, is formed from polyester, in particular from polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). PET is a layer having good functional
properties and attractive appearance which can be printed on the
inside if desired and thus forms an expedient material for film
bags. It can furthermore be provided that the inner layer of the
film bag forming the inner side of the bag is formed from a
polyolefin, in particular from polyethylene (PE) and/or
polypropylene (PP). Polyolefins are comparatively tough but they
are also characterized in that they are inexpensive and at the same
time have good sealing properties which are very important for
processing.
[0013] With a view to facilitating the tearing process, the tearing
aid of the film bag according to the invention can have at least
one notch and/or an incision at the end. The notch or the incision
is more appropriately disposed completely in the weld seam so that
no leaks occur. The user of the film bag clearly perceives this
notch with the result that he intuitively begins the tearing
process in the region of the notch. The notch should in this case
preferably adjoin the middle weakening line, i.e. should be
disposed at the edge in the region of the lateral weld seams. The
tear line thus begins in the notch, propagates from there along the
middle weakening line and from there passes to one of the
neighboring outer weakening lines until the tearing process is
terminated at the end of the tearing aid. In principle, a reclosure
can also be provided in the bag in a manner known per se in the
region of the opening that is formed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] The invention is explained hereinafter with reference to a
drawing showing merely one illustrated embodiment. In the
figures:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a film bag,
[0016] FIG. 2a is a side view according to FIG. 1 with an
alternative embodiment of the tearing aid,
[0017] FIG. 2b is an enlarged section of the tearing aid from FIG.
2a,
[0018] FIG. 3 is a vertical section A-A through the film bag
according to FIG. 2a,
[0019] FIG. 4 is a horizontal section B-B through the film bag
according to FIG. 2a and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a section of a material web for producing a film
bag according to FIG. 2a.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
[0021] The figures show schematically a film bag comprising a
multi-layer film, whose outer layer 1 forms the outer side of the
film bag and whose inner layer 2 forms the inner side of the film
bag. At the same time the film has two oppositely directed face
panels 3 on which weld seams 4 are disposed laterally as well as a
linear tearing aid which is disposed on the face panel in the
region of the top 5 of the film bag and which comprises three
weakening lines 6, 6', 7 spaced apart from one another. It can be
deduced from FIG. 1 that the two outer of the three weakening lines
6, 6' begin at a distance a from a lateral edge 8 of the face panel
3 and that the middle weakening line 7 begins directly at the
lateral edge 8 of the face panel 3 and extends at least along a
part of the tearing aid.
[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the film bag according to the
invention can be deduced from FIG. 2a, wherein the two outer
weakening lines 6, 6' end at the top edge 9 of the face panels 3.
At the same time, the two outer weakening lines 6, 6' have a bend
10. Alternatively to this, it can also be provided that the
weakening lines 6, 6', 7 are curved in an arcuate manner in some
areas or along their entire course. An enlarged section of the film
bag can be deduced from FIG. 2b. The two outer weakening lines 6,
6' which can preferably be formed by a laser seam begin at a
distance a from the lateral edge 8 of the film bag. The middle
weakening line 7 which is preferably formed by punching begins
directly at the lateral edge 8 of the face panel 3 of the film bag.
It can also be deduced from FIG. 2b that the tearing aid comprises
at least one notch 11 and/or an incision at one end, wherein the
notch 11 directly adjoins the middle weakening line 7 and is formed
completely in the region of the associated longitudinal weld seam
4.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a vertical section A-A through the film bag
according to FIG. 2a in the section shown enlarged. It can be seen
there that the middle weakening line 7 passes completely through
the outer layer 1 and at least incompletely through the lower film
layer 2. The two outer weakening lines 6, 6' on the other hand pass
through the upper film layer 1 at least in part.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a horizontal section along the line B-B in FIG.
2a. It can be seen here that V-shaped inset side gussets 12 are
disposed at the edges on the face panels, which are delimited by
the weld seams 4 at their edges. Both the outer two weakening lines
6, 6' and also the middle weakening line 7 run along the inserted
side gussets 12 in this case. In the region of the face panels 3 of
the film bag, the middle weakening line 7 extends over a partial
region of the tearing aid. With regard to the manufacture of the
film bag according to the invention, it is advantageous if the
outer layer 1 of the film is not sealable whilst the inner layer 2
of the film is sealable. Consequently, the film can easily be
sealed even with an inserted side gusset 12 along the lateral edges
8 without modifying the structure of the outer layer 1. In this
case, it is possible that the outer layer 1 of the film is formed
from polyester, in particular from polyethylene terephthalate
(PET). The inner layer 2 of the film bag can be formed from a
polyolefin, in particular from polyethylene (PE) and/or
polypropylene (PP).
[0025] FIG. 5 is a section through a material web 13 such as is
formed to produce a film bag according to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3 and 4.
The material web 13 comprises a multi-layered film comprising an
outer layer 1 forming the outer side of the film bag and a inner
layer 2 forming the inner side of the film bag. The two face panels
3 of the film bag are initially disposed adjacently on the material
web 13. The tearing aid is disposed at the upper edge of the
material web section shown which subsequently forms the top end 9
of the film bag. This comprises three weakening lines 6, 6', 7
spaced apart from one another, of which the two outer 6, 6' of the
three weakening lines begin at a distance a from the lateral edge 8
of the face panels 3 of the bag.
[0026] It can also be deduced from FIG. 5 that the middle weakening
line 7 merely extends along a part of the tearing aid and begins
directly at the lateral edge 8 of the face panel 3. To produce a
film bag according to FIG. 2a it is provided that the tearing aid
is produced by punching the film in some areas or by providing it
with a laser seam. The two outer weakening lines 6, 6' are
preferably produced by a laser tool and the middle weakening line 7
is produced by a punching tool. The two outer weakening lines 6, 6'
are provided with gaps 14. These gaps 14 are located at those
places where the lateral edges 8 of the film bag are formed
subsequently by folding and sealing the film.
[0027] The side gussets 12 are also produced when folding the film
bag, these being disposed subsequently between the face panels 3 of
the bag. The lateral edges of the face panels 3 are then provided
with weld seams 4. The bag is then provided with a notch 11 or an
incision in the region of the middle weakening line 7.
* * * * *