Package

Abstract

A package has generally congruent front and back panels having upper and lower edges and first and second side edges extending vertically between the upper and lower edges. The upper, side, and bottom edges of each panel are connected to the upper, side, and bottom edges of the other panel. The panels are formed with a first weakened tear line extending continuously from the connected first side edges to the connected upper edges and with a second weakened tear line extending continuously below the upper edges between the connected first and second side.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a package. More particularly this invention concerns a package for marketing fluent goods, that is liquids or particles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A typical package is formed by normally rectangular front and back face panels each having a horizontal upper edge, a horizontal lower edge, and a pair of normally vertical side edges extending vertically between outer ends of the upper and lower edges. These panels are typically made of a thermoplastic sheet or of cardboard coated on at least one face with a thermoplastic. The upper edges, the lower edges, and the side edges are heat-welded together to form a closed pouch. In order to open this pouch, a tear line formed by coextensive thin elongated weakened regions of the panels and extending between two edges is provided. The regions of the panels lying outward of these tear lines can be ripped off to make a hole from which the contents of the pouch can be poured.

[0003] To make a stand-up package of generally parallepipedal shape, side gusset panels are provided between the side edges of the front and back face panels. These gusset panels each have a center fold so that in an empty, flattened condition of the package, two subpanels of the gusset panels lie against each other and the front and back panels are closely juxtaposed, but, when the package is full, the front and back panels are widely spaced and the two side panels extend generally in respective parallel planes between the respective face-panel side edges.

[0004] Such a gusset bag is described in US 2011/0033133. It has generally congruent front and back panels having upper and lower edges and a pair of side edges extending vertically between the upper and lower edges with first and second gussets of plastic film each extending between one of the side edges of one of the panels and the respective side edge of the other panel. The first gusset can move between a folded-in position tucked between the panels and a folded-out position projecting out from between the panels. A weld extends between and seals together the upper edges, and a reclosable fastener comprising a pair of matable strips secured to inner surfaces of the panels extends horizontally below the weld. Formations facilitate removal of a part of the front and back panels above the fastener at the first gusset so that, when the part is removed, the first gusset can be moved from the folded-in to the folded-out position in which it forms a spout and fluent contents of the bag can be poured out of the spout. A handle is secured to the second gusset below the slide fastener and above the lower edges.

[0005] According to an alternative configuration of US 2011/0033133 A1, the entire upper edge can be torn off along a weakened tear line running between the two side edges, so that a pour spout formed by the folded-out first side gusset is delimited by a laterally adjoining transverse weld. In order to be able to close the bag again after removing a partial quantity, a slide fastener having profile strips is provided which both can be locked together. Exactly like the weakened tear line, the zipper fastener extends not only on the front and back panels but also on the first side gusset in order to keep the side gusset in the folded-in state when the bag is closed. Thanks to the first side gusset which can be folded out, the fluent contents, for example palletized pet food, washing powder, cat litter, road salt and powdery or granular building materials can be accurately and easily dosed. However, removing the fluent contents with a shovel, measuring cup or the like through the relatively small opening is not possible or only with difficulty. A similar configuration of a package with a tear-off corner and a fastener arranged therebelow is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,794 B2.

[0006] Furthermore, US 2009/0136160 discloses a container or package configured as a side-gusset bag from which the entire upper edge can be torn off along a weakened tear line extending the full width of the bag between the first side edge and the second side edge. Inside the closed bag, a slide fastener is provided that has interlocking profile strips as well as a slider. In order to be able to have room for the slide fastener, the side gussets are offset with respect to the upper bag edge. Accordingly, it is not possible to fold the side gussets fixed by the slide fastener outward to make emptying easier. Thus, the handling of the package needs to be improved, in particular if the fluent contents is to be poured out. A package having an upper edge that can be completely torn off along a weakened tear line is also known from US 2006/0108375.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved package.

[0008] Another object is the provision of such an improved package that overcomes the above-given disadvantages, in particular that is versatile and easy to handle.

[0009] A further object is to provide an improved bag or package where it is possible to take quantities from the bag with auxiliary means such as a shovel or a measuring cup, and where it should also be possible to pour out the contents, making complete emptying of the package possible and simple.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A package has according to the invention has generally congruent front and back panels having upper and lower edges and first and second side edges extending vertically between the upper and lower edges. The upper, side, and bottom edges of each panel are connected to the upper, side, and bottom edges of the other panel. The panels are formed with a first weakened tear line extending continuously from the connected first side edges to the connected upper edges and with a second weakened tear line extending continuously below the upper edges between the connected first and second side.

[0011] The bag or package according to the invention allows different possibilities of use. First of all, starting at the first longitudinal side, it is possible to tear off only a corner of the upper edge so that a precise dosing is possible. In a particularly advantageous manner, a carry handle can project in the region of the second side edge so that the bag or package can be held in a simple manner during a pouring process, whereby even in case of a large volume and a heavy weight, good handling is possible. In addition, it is also possible to tear the package completely open at its upper edge, for which purpose the weakened tear line extending from the second side edge is provided.

[0012] In order to implement the described handling possibilities, different configurations are possible within the context of the invention. According to a first configuration of the invention, the second weakened tear line extends from the second side edge to the first side edge and ends there at a spacing from the first weakened tear line, the first weakened tear line and the second weakened tear line intersecting and crossing each other. Such a configuration results in the advantage that both weakened tear lines can be high up on the bag or package, making a relatively high filling height possible. According to a preferred development of the invention the first weakened tear line and the second weakened tear line intersect each other at an angle and do not run parallel to each other or at a small acute angle where they intersect. Due to the tensile forces acting in different directions along the first weakened tear line or the second weakened tear line during a tearing process this prevents the tear from propagating in a wrong direction, i.e. accidentally going from the second weakened tear line to the first tear line or vice versa.

[0013] According to an alternative configuration of the invention the second weakened tear line extends from the second side edge to the first side edge without intersecting the first weakened tear line, so the weakened tear line ends at the first side edge at a spacing from the first weakened tear line. With such a configuration, the two weakened tear lines are completely independent of each other, in that the first weakened tear line is above the second weakened tear line. Incorrect tear propagation as well as an operating error can be reliably prevented with the context of such a configuration, but a slightly larger region of the bag or package is necessary for the provision of the two spaced tear lines.

[0014] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the second weakening section line extends below the upper edge up to the first weakened tear line and ends there. If the bag or package is to be torn open by means of the second weakened tear line, the tear is then advantageously formed on the second longitudinal side, wherein in this case, the tear merges at the end of the second weakened tear line into the first tear line and finally propagates to the second longitudinal side. In other words, the two tear lines are coextensive for a portions of their lengths.

[0015] In all variants according to the invention it is possible to tear off only one corner or the entire upper edge. If, for example, one needs to dispense the container's contents with a measuring cup or a shovel, advantageously, the entire upper edge is detached. In contrast, emptying by pouring is made easier if only a corner of the bag or package is torn off along the first tear line. However, in order to be able to completely empty the package, it is possible to remove the remaining part of the upper edge along the second weakened tear line at a later time.

[0016] According to a preferred configuration, the container according to the invention is a side-gusset bag or package whose front and back panels on the first side edge are connected by a first side gusset and on the second side edge by a second side gusset. The first weakened tear line and the second weakened tear line then extend also between the front and back panels along the side gussets to allow tearing open. Advantageously, the first weakened tear line ends at the upper edge in a region between the two side gussets. When tearing off a corner of the bag or package along the first weakened tear line, accordingly, the entire upper region of the first side gusset is removed as well so that the first side gusset can be folded out to form a pour spout. If the entire upper edge is detached with the aid of the second weakened tear line from the second side edge up to the first longitudinal side, preferably, the first side gusset and also the second side gusset can be folded outwardly or at least spread. When a filled package is opened, this results in a rectangular opening that corresponds to the cross-section of the filled bag or package. Then, if desired, the bag or package can be completely emptied all at once.

[0017] If the package has side gussets, it is also possible to provide a carry handle on the second side gusset. Suitable carry handles are known from US 2011/0033133 that, by reference, is incorporated in this disclosure. By means of the carry handle, on the one hand, the still closed package can be comfortably transported. Furthermore, in addition, an easy and accurate dosing is possible if along the first weakened tear line, a corner of the bag or package is detached.

[0018] According to a preferred configuration, the side edges are reinforced by longitudinal welds. If the package with its front and back panels and optionally also with its incorporated side gussets is formed from individual film sections, the longitudinal welds are also necessary for connecting the individual film section to each other. Moreover, a reinforcement of the side edges by longitudinal welds is also advantageous if the package is formed by folding and sealing an individual film section or a film sheet.

[0019] At the first weakened tear line and also at the second weakened tear line, a tear notch or cut can be formed at least at one end so as to facilitate starting the tear. Such a tear notch or such a cut is advantageously arranged in a welded region to prevent accidental tearing as well as increased leakage of the package. In case of the first weakened tear line, the welded region can be a longitudinal weld or longitudinal welds on the first side edge or a transverse weld at the upper edge. In case of the second weakened tear line, the described tear aid is advantageously formed on the second longitudinal side.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively to the described longitudinal welds or the transverse weld at the upper edge it is also possible to form separate welds for the tear notch. The welds can also extend along a portion of the first weakened tear line or the second weakened tear line so as to control the tear propagation in an advantageous manner.

[0021] In the simplest case, the weakened tear lines are formed by a perforation. However, since a perforation can affect the tightness of the still closed package, depending on the sensitivity of the fluent contents or the intended storage period, other configurations of the weakened tear line in which the front and back panels or the optionally provided side gussets are not completely cut through are also possible. Thus, the weakened tear lines can also be generated, for example, by stamping and/or by means of a laser, the film material of the front and back panels or the optionally provided side gussets being only weakened but not completely cut through. In particular in case of the treatment with a laser, the tear behavior is improved not only due to material weakening but, depending on the film material, also due to embrittlement.

[0022] Within the context of the invention, in particular such film materials are suitable that are specified in the already cited US 2011/0033133.

[0023] Within the context of the present invention, the container or package can be reclosed in a particularly simple manner in that the opened section of the package is folded downwardly and is fixed there with an adhesive strip. In contrast to fasteners having profile strips, a significant simplification of the design as well as its manufacture is achieved. Since the package according to the invention is to be torn open in different ways, fasteners having profile strips cannot be readily provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0024] The above and other objects, features, and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an opened package according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an opened package according to the invention that has been closed by folding over an upper section;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of a package in empty flattened condition; and

[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 show alternative views like FIG. 3 of a package according to the invention.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

[0029] As seen in FIG. 1 shows a package according to the invention having opposing front and back wall panels 1 that each extend between a respective first side edge 2a and a respective second side edge 2b and from a closed and folded-flat bottom edge 3 to a closed upper edge 4 of the bag or package. The bottom edges 3 and the top edges 4 extend between lower and upper ends of the side edges 2a and 2b.

[0030] Starting from the first side edge 2a of the package illustrated in FIG. 1, a portion of the upper edge 4 can be detached. The package is configured as a side-gusset bag with a first side gusset panel 5a between the first side edges 2a of the front and back panels 1 and a second side gusset panel 5b between the second side edges 2b. While the first side gusset 5a is folded out to form a pour spout 13, a carry handle 6 is mounted centrally on the second side gusset panel 5b. The carry handle 6 makes it easy to carry the package when it is closed. Furthermore, it is also possible in a particularly easy manner to handle the torn-open package illustrated in FIG. 1 and to pour fluent contents out of the package.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the package according to FIG. 1, but here the entire upper edge 4 is torn off. In order to be able to reclose the package, both side gussets 5a and 5b are folded in at least at their upper regions between the front and back panels 1, and upper regions of the front and back panels 1 with the side gussets 5a and 5b between them are folded over and fixed with an adhesive strip 7.

[0032] If, according to FIG. 2, the entire upper edge 4 is torn off, a maximum filling opening is formed at the upper side of the bag or package, so that it is possible to remove limited amounts of the contents with a shovel or a measuring cup.

[0033] As is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, the package according to the invention can be torn open in different ways. As shown in FIG. 3 where the package is shown in an empty and flattened condition, the front and back panels 1 are each formed with a first weakened tear line 8a and a second weakened tear line 8b each extending between two edges and each formed by a perforation or a material weakening by stamping and/or laser in the respective panel.

[0034] The first weakened tear line 8a as shown in FIG. 3 is mostly arcuate and extends starting from the first side edge 2a upward and inward to the upper edge 4. More particularly, the first tear line 8a has a lower section formed as a gentle arc extending upward from the edge 2a to the line 8b and thence as a straight line perpendicular to the line 8b to the upper edge 4. The second line 8b extends as a straight line between the side edges 2a and 2b and parallel to the to the edge 4 and crosses the line 8a at an angle of about 45.degree.. The tear line 8a could be straight instead of arcuate or formed of several straight portions. If a portion of the upper edge 4 of the bag or package is torn off along the first weakened tear line 8a, this results in what is shown in FIG. 1, that is the fold-out pour spout 13. If, in contrast, the entire upper edge 4 is torn off along the second weakened tear line 8b, this results in a bag or package as shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] The package with its front and back panels 1 and its side gussets 5a and 5b can be formed from individual film sections or from a continuous bag or package film by folding. If the package is formed from individual film sections, they are connected to each other by the longitudinal welds 9 that run along the side edges 2a and 2b. In case of bag or packages formed by folding and heat sealing, the longitudinal welds 9 advantageously give the package greater stability.

[0036] In addition, it is also possible to form tear notches 10 or cuts in the longitudinal welds 9 at one end of each of the weakening lines 8a and 8b without affecting the tightness of the package. Usually, the upper edge 4 is closed with a transverse weld 11 that is formed after filling the bag or package. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the filling takes place through the bottom, in which case the bottom edges 3 are welded together after filling.

[0037] According to FIG. 3, the second weakened tear line 8b extends parallel to but spaced from the upper edge 4 in a straight line from the tear notch 10 on the second side edge 2b across the entire width of the front and back panels to the first side edge 2a. FIG. 3 shows the package in a side view in a flattened state. To ensure a complete tearing process, the weakened tear lines 8a and 8b extend not only in the two front and back panels 1 but also in the side gussets 5a and 5b between them. In order to be able to fold the first side gusset 5a according to FIG. 1 completely open toward the outside, the first weakened tear line 8a extends at the upper edge 4 up to a region between the two side gussets 5a and 5b and in fact close to the centerline of the gusset 5a when it is folded in.

[0038] In FIG. 3, the two weakened tear lines 8a and 8b cross so that they take up a small amount of space. If the two weakened tear lines 8a and 8b cross at a significant angle to each other, here equal to at least 45.degree., it is unlikely that a tear along one of them will propagate to the other. FIG. 3 further shows that, in addition to the longitudinal welds 9 and the transverse weld 11, welds 12 can be provided in the region of the tear notches 10, extending beyond the region of the longitudinal welds 9 or the transverse weld 11.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a configuration with a comparable structure. Here, however, the first tear line 8a starts from the edges 2a and is initially coextensive with the tear line 8b, eventually turning upward at a right angle to end at the upper edges 4 at the notch 10. The tear line 8b here, as in FIG. 3, extends straight across the package on each panel 1 and in the gussets 5a and 5b. Thus a small square piece can be torn out of the package starting at the upper edge using the tear line 8a, or the entire top can be opened using the tear line 8b and starting at the edge 2b.

[0040] Uncontrolled tearing open can be prevented in that according to FIG. 5, the two weakened tear lines 8a and 8b are completely separate and never cross each other. The straight tear line 8b extending over the entire bag or package width is below the arcuate tear line 8a.

Claims

1. In a package comprising generally congruent front and back panels having upper and lower edges and first and second side edges extending vertically between the upper and lower edges wherein the upper, side, and bottom edges of each panel are connected to the upper, side, and bottom edges of the other panel, the improvement wherein the panels are formed with: a first weakened tear line extending continuously from the connected first side edges to the connected upper edges, and a second weakened tear line extending continuously below the upper edges between the connected first and second side.

2. The package defined in claim 1 wherein the second tear line extends in a generally straight line between the side edges and generally parallel to the upper edges.

3. The package defined in claim 2 wherein the first tear line crosses the second tear line.

4. The package defined in claim 3 wherein the first tear line extends in an arc from the second tear line to the first side edges and as a generally straight line from the second tear line to the upper edges.

5. The package defined in claim 3 wherein the first tear line crosses the second tear line at an angle of at least 45.degree..

6. The package defined in claim 2 wherein the first tear line has a first section extending coextensively with a portion of the second tear line from the first side edges and a portion extending from the second tear line to the upper edges.

7. The package defined in claim 2 wherein the first and second tear lines are spaced from and do not touch or intersect each other.

8. The package defined in claim 7 wherein the first tear line is arcuate.

9. The package defined in claim 1 wherein the package further comprises first and second gussets extending between rit respective first and second side the front and back panels.

10. The package defined in claim 9 wherein the first and second tear lines are also formed in the gussets directly between the respective tear lines of the front and back panels.

11. The package defined in claim 9 wherein the first tear line terminates at the upper edges between the gussets.

12. The package defined in claim 9 wherein the first tear line crosses the first gusset and the second gusset is provided with a carry handle.

13. The package defined in claim 1 wherein the edges are connected by respective side, upper, and bottom welds.

14. The package defined in claim 13 wherein the panels are formed at one end of each of the lines in the respective weld with an outwardly open notch.

15. The package defined in claim 14 wherein one of the notches is formed in the upper edge and the other of the notches is formed in the second side edges.

16. The package defined in claim 15 wherein the front and back panels are welded together to each side of the first tear line adjacent the upper edge and between the upper-edge weld and the second tear line.

17. The package defined in claim 1 wherein the tear lines are formed by respective rows of perforations.

18. The package defined in claim 1 wherein the tear lines are formed by thickness-reduced weakened strips.

19. The package defined in claim 1 further comprising an adhesive strip on the front panel by means of which the upper edge can be secured to the front panel after being folded over.