U.S. patent application number 16/647308 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-03 for transport closure, a packaging container comprising the transport closure and a method for removing the transport closure from t.
This patent application is currently assigned to &R Carton Lund Aktiebolag. The applicant listed for this patent is &R Carton Lund Aktiebolag. Invention is credited to Kajsa Dahlin, Simon Holka, Fredrik Konstenius, Eva Sunning.
Application Number | 20200277101 16/647308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004859209 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200277101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holka; Simon ; et
al. |
September 3, 2020 |
Transport Closure, A Packaging Container Comprising The Transport
Closure And A Method For Removing The Transport Closure From the
Packaging Container
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a transport closure (1) for
use in a packaging container (10) for bulk solids. The transport
closure includes a laminate of a first layer (2) and a second layer
(3). The first layer (2) is delimited by a first layer peripheral
edge (4) and the second layer (3) is delimited by a second layer
peripheral edge (5). The second layer (3) comprises or consists of
a weldable material and the first layer (2) has higher tear
strength than the second layer (2). The first layer (3) is provided
with a weakening line (6) defining a pull-tab (7) in the first
layer (3) and having a first and a second base point (6a,6b). The
base points (6a,6b) are arranged at a base end (7b) of the pull-tab
(7), opposite to a gripping end (7a) of the pull-tab (7).
Inventors: |
Holka; Simon; (Staffanstorp,
SE) ; Konstenius; Fredrik; (Lund, SE) ;
Dahlin; Kajsa; (Vallingby, SE) ; Sunning; Eva;
(Annelov, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
&R Carton Lund Aktiebolag |
Lund |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
&R Carton Lund
Aktiebolag
Lund
SE
|
Family ID: |
1000004859209 |
Appl. No.: |
16/647308 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 13, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2018/050927 |
371 Date: |
March 13, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/0086 20130101;
B65D 17/4011 20180101; B65D 2517/0016 20130101; B65D 77/2056
20130101; B65D 2517/0082 20130101; B65D 2517/0061 20130101; B65D
2577/2058 20130101; B65D 51/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/28 20060101
B65D017/28; B65D 51/20 20060101 B65D051/20; B65D 77/20 20060101
B65D077/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 14, 2017 |
SE |
1751125-4 |
Claims
1. A transport closure for use in a packaging container for bulk
solids, said transport closure comprising or consisting of a
laminate of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer
being delimited by a first layer peripheral edge, said second layer
being delimited by a second layer peripheral edge, said second
layer comprising or consisting of a weldable material and said
first layer having a higher tear strength than said second layer;
wherein said first layer is provided with a weakening line defining
a pull-tab in said first layer and having a first and a second base
point, said base points being arranged at a base end of said
pull-tab, opposite to a gripping end of said pull-tab, and at a
distance d1 and d2 respectively, of from 1 to 30 mm from said first
peripheral edge, wherein said weakening line forms one or both of a
first and second weakening line leg extending from said one or both
of the first and said second base point, respectively, and
alongside with said first layer peripheral edge and that said
second layer peripheral edge extends beyond said first layer
peripheral edge around the perimeter of said transport closure
forming a transport closure welding collar.
2. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said first
layer is a paperboard layer, a metal disc, a plastic disc or a
laminate thereof.
3. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said first
layer has a thickness of from 5 to 2000 .mu.m or from 20-500
.mu.m.
4. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said second
layer comprises or consist of a plastic film or a metal foil, such
as Aluminum foil.
5. The transport closure according to claim 1, characterized in
that said second layer has a thickness from 2 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m
such as from 5 to 100 .mu.m.
6. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said first
layer has a stiffness that is greater than said second layer.
7. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said second
layer peripheral edge extends beyond said first layer peripheral
edge by a distance of from 1 to 25-, such as from 2 to 10 mm.
8. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said first
and second base points at said base end are arranged at a distance
from each other of each least 3 mm, such as from 8 to 25 mm.
9. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said first
layer comprises a corner portion and that said pull-tab is arranged
in said corner portion.
10. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said
distances d1 and d2 for said first and said second base point
respectively, of said weakening line each are arranged no more than
10 mm from said first layer peripheral edge.
11. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein said
pull-tab has a V-shape, O-shape, U-shape or a modified U-shape.
12. The transport closure according to claim 1, wherein a first
push-in area is defined in or by said first layer and that said
push-in area is provided at said gripping end of said pull-tab.
13. A packaging container for bulk solids being closed by the
transport closure of claim 1, said container comprising a tubular
container body with a top end with a top opening and a bottom end
with a bottom opening comprising a container bottom, said container
body having an inner surface facing towards an inner compartment in
said packaging container and an outer surface facing away from said
inner compartment, said packaging container being closed at said
top opening by said transport closure said welding collar being
welded to said inner surface of said container body.
14. A method for removing the transport closure from said packaging
container according to claim 13, the method comprising the steps
of: a) gripping said pull-tab at said gripping end; b) pulling said
pull-tab along said weakening line and towards said base end and
said first layer peripheral edge; c) lifting said pull-tab slightly
upwards until said second layer breaks and detaches from said inner
surface of said container body; and d) pulling said pull-tab
upwards and backwards from said base end such that said second
layer breaks and detaches from said inner surface at said welding
seal and along said one or both of a first and second weakening
line leg along the peripheral edges of said first layer until said
transport closure is removed from said top opening and leaving less
than 0.5 mm of said second layer extending into said top opening of
said container body.
15. The method for removing a transport closure from a packaging
container according to claim 14, the method further comprising the
step of: a1) applying pressure at a first push-in area defined in
or by said first layer and provided at said gripping end of said
pull-tab and thereby inclining said gripping end away from the
transport closure to define a gap under said gripping end.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure pertains to a transport closure for
use in a packaging container for bulk solids. More specifically,
the present disclosure pertains to a transport closure having
improved opening characteristics. The present disclosure also
pertains to a packaging container comprising the transport closure
and a method for removing the transport closure from the packaging
container.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When packaging consumer goods, and in particular when
packaging bulk solids, such as dry flowable consumer goods or other
consumer goods sensitive to moisture, it is common to use rigid
paperboard packaging containers which serve as protective transport
and storage containers at the retail end and as storage and
dispensing containers at the consumer end. Such paperboard
containers are usually provided with an openable and closable lid,
and with an inner removable or breakable transport closure which
keeps the contents fresh and protected against moisture and
contamination up until the container is opened by a consumer. The
breakable transports closures may be welded to the container wall
inner surface to improve the protection of the content during
transport and storage. This may be of particular importance for
moisture sensitive contents.
[0003] In order to gain access to the content, the packaging
container transports closures may be provided with tear-open parts
which are opened by using a push-tab and/or a pull-tab to tear away
a central part of the transport closure. However, upon removal of
such tear-open parts, an outer border of the transport closure,
attached to the inner surface of the container body, remains
protruding into the container body opening. This may cause
difficulties for packaging containers which are sized and shaped to
accommodate a particular type of content and which have top
openings being specifically size-adapted in respect to the content
of the packaging container. An example of a container of this type
is a packaging container for snacks such as potato chips wherein
the chips are piled up in an upwards standing pile. Furthermore,
the remaining border of the transport closure reduces the opening
size of the packaging container opening, thereby obstructing access
to the packaged contents, such as when scooping powdered contents
from a container or when trying to pour contents out of a
container. In particular when the packaged goods is a particulate
product, such as a dry infant formula product, some of the packaged
product may be caught on the transport closure border and may cause
the container to appear less hygienic to a user.
[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to
offer an improved, easy-open, and less obstructive transport
closure for a packaging container, an improved packaging container
and method for opening a packaging container.
SUMMARY
[0005] The above and other objects may be provided by a transport
closure according to claim 1, a packaging container according to 13
and a method according to 14. Further embodiments are set out in
the dependent claims, in the following description and in the
drawings.
[0006] As such and according to a first aspect, the present
disclosure relates to a transport closure for use in a packaging
container for bulk solids. The transport closure comprises or
consists of a laminate of a first layer and a second layer. The
first layer is delimited by a first layer peripheral edge and the
second layer is delimited by a second layer peripheral edge. The
second layer comprises or consists of a weldable material and the
first layer has higher tear strength than the second layer. The
first layer is provided with a weakening line defining a pull-tab
in the first layer and having a first and a second base point. The
base points are arranged at a base end of the pull-tab, opposite to
a gripping end of the pull-tab. Each of the base ends are arranged
at a distance, d1 and d2 respectively, of from 1 to 30 mm from the
first peripheral edge. The weakening line forms a first and/or a
second weakening line leg(s) extending from the first and/or second
base point(s), respectively, and alongside with the first layer
peripheral edge. The second layer peripheral edge extends beyond
the first layer peripheral edge around the perimeter of the
transport closure forming a transport closure welding collar.
[0007] By "weakening means" is meant that the first layer of the
transport closure is provided with a continuous slit, a series of
discontinuous slits, perforations or the like, allowing rupture of
the transport closure at a predefined location such that rupture
will take place along a predefined separation line.
[0008] Packaging containers having high demands on gas
impermeability during transport and storage are often provided with
a transport closure in some form. For various reasons there may be
a desire to place such transport closures at a distance from the
packaging container upper edge, and such transport closure may
therefore be welded to the inner surface of the packaging container
to provide a gas impermeable seal between the transport closure and
the packaging container. Transport closures therefore need to be
weldable. The fact that the transport closure is provided as a
laminate of a first layer and a second layer, the first layer
having a higher tear strength than the second weldable layer,
provides the transport closure with a higher resistance to
unintentional breakage of the transport closure. Furthermore, when
opening a packaging container provided with the transport closure
as disclosed herein, is has been found possible to accomplish an
almost complete removal of the transport closure as the peripheral
edge of the first layer functions as a tear guide upon tearing of
the pull-tab and removal of the transport closure from the
container top opening. The peripheral edge of the first layer acts
as a tear initiation means by cutting or punching a hole in the
second layer at the part of the peripheral edge of the first layer
which is located at the base of the pull-tab. The base of the
pull-tab is defined between the base-points of the weakening line
defining the pull-tab. After the initial rupture of the second
layer, by continuing to pull away the transport closure from the
container opening, the peripheral edge will serve to propagate the
tear in the second layer along the peripheral edge of the first
layer.
[0009] The ratio of the tear strength of the first layer to the
second layer is 1.1 or more, in both CD and MD directions. The
ratio of the tear strength of the first layer to the second layer
may be from 1.1 or more, such as 1.5 or more, such as 2 or more,
such as 4 or more, such as up to 1000.
[0010] The tear strength is measured according to the standard
method DIN 53363 for determining tear resistance of plastic film
and sheeting by the trouser tear method and is given as max tear
strength (N).
[0011] The second layer may have a tear strength of from 1 to 100
N, such as 5 to 30 N, in both CD and MD direction.
[0012] As set out herein, the consumer may upon removal of the
transport closure, grip and pull the pull-tab provided in the first
layer, along the weakening line and towards the base end of the
pull-tab. The first pulling action serves to free the pull-tab from
the remainder of the first layer and to raise the pull-tab out of
the plane of the first layer. Upon pulling of the pull-tab towards
the base end, a pressure is applied at the base end of the
pull-tab. The user may further enhance the pressure applied at the
base end of the pull-tab, by pushing the transport closure
downward, into the container within an area at the base end of the
pull-tab. The pressure arising at the base end of the pull-tab
during the first pulling action initiates or contributes to
initiate a rupture in the second layer at the peripheral edge of
the first layer. This rupture in the second layer will propagate
along the periphery of first layer peripheral edge functioning as a
tearing guide, when further pulling the pull-tab upwards and
backwards from the base end until the transport closure is almost
completely removed from the top opening. The only remains of the
transport closure along the inner wall of the packaging container
will be the transport closure welding collar formed only by the
second layer. Consequently, only a very thin residual egde of the
welding collar is left around the periphery of the inner wall of
the container.
[0013] Optionally, the first layer comprises or consists of a
paperboard or paper layer, a metal layer, a plastic layer, or any
combination thereof.
[0014] Optionally, the first layer has a thickness of from 5 to
2000 .mu.m, such as from 20 to 500 .mu.m. This provides stiffness
to the first layer and distinct peripheral edge forming a good
tearing guide for the second material layer upon removal of the
transport closure.
[0015] Optionally, the second layer comprises or consists of a
plastic film or a metal foil, such as Al foil, or a combination
thereof.
[0016] Optionally, the second layer has a thickness from 2 .mu.m to
500 .mu.m, such as from 5 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m. The fact that the
second layer has a thickness of from 2 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m, such as
from 5 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m gives a low tearing strength upon opening
of the transport closure, while still enabling a good welding seal
against an inner wall of a packaging container. Furthermore, a thin
second layer is beneficial as it leaves a minimal amount of
residual material on the container wall after removal of the
transport closure.
[0017] Optionally, the first layer has a stiffness that is greater
than said second layer.
[0018] Optionally, the second layer peripheral edge extends beyond
the first layer peripheral edge by a distance of from 1 mm to 25
mm, such as from 2 mm to 25 mm or 2 mm to 10 mm. The fact that the
second layer peripheral edge extends beyond the first layer
peripheral edge by a distance of from 1 mm to 25 mm, provides the
transport closure with a peripheral welding area for securely
attaching the transport closure by welding to the inner walls of a
packaging container.
[0019] Optionally, the first and second base points at the pull-tab
base end are arranged at a distance from each other of each least 3
mm, such as at least 8 mm. The base line of the pull-tab is the
distance between the base points, i.e. the width of the pull-tab at
the base points, which may be smaller than the width of the
pull-tab at the gripping end of the pull-tab, thereby concentrating
the traction force creating when pulling at the pull-tab within a
limited area at the base of the pull-tab.
[0020] The base end of the pull-tab may be located at any portion
of the peripheral edge of the first layer, such as at a straight or
curved portion of the peripheral edge of the first layer.
[0021] Optionally, the first layer comprises a corner portion and
the pull-tab is arranged with the base end in the first layer
corner portion. When arranging the pull-tab, and more specifically
the base end of the pull-tab, in a corner portion, the tearing
direction for the second layer along the peripheral edges of the
first layer will to some extend correspond to the tearing movement
of the consumer hand, compared to when the pull-tab is arranged at
a side edge and the tearing direction initially will be directed
outwardly and essentially 90 degrees in relation to the tearing
movement of the consumer hand.
[0022] Alternatively, the pull-tab is arranged with the base end
between two corner portions in the first layer, such as between two
corner portions in a generally rectangular transport closure having
four corner portions.
[0023] A corner portion, as implied herein, is a curved corner
portion having a radius of curvature of from 7-65 mm, preferably
10-65 mm, more preferably 15-30 mm.
[0024] Optionally, the first layer is laminated to the second layer
along at least one welding joint extending in parallel with the
first layer peripheral edges, such as for example at a distance of
from 1 to 10 mm from the first layer peripheral edges. The fact
that the first layer is laminated to the second layer by at least
one welding joint extending in parallel with the first layer
peripheral edges, such as for example at a distance of from 1 to 10
mm from the first layer peripheral edges, efficiently promotes the
rupture of the second material layer along the first layer
peripheral edges. The first layer may be laminated to the second
layer essentially only by a welding joint extending along and at
the first layer peripheral edges, providing the transport closure
with a slight bulge within the area which is free from attachments
between the first and second layers, such that the force is focused
to the area of rupture and separation of the transport closure from
the inner wall of a packaging container. The outwardly bulging
non-attached part of the first layer may also serve to facilitate
gripping and freeing of the pull-tab from the remainder of the
first layer. It may be advantageous that a slit is formed through
the first layer at the gripping end of the pull-tab, to allow a
user to insert a finger or a finger nail through the slit to get an
initial hold of the gripping end of the pull-tab. The bulging part
of the first layer aids in widening the gripping end slit, to
further facilitate gripping of the pull-tab.
[0025] Optionally, the distances d1 and d2 for the first and the
second base points of the weakening line are each from 1 to 10 mm
from the first layer peripheral edge.
[0026] By "base points" herein is meant the points of the weakening
lines forming the end points of the pull-tab contour and are
located at the base end of the pull-tab. The base points are thus
the points along the contour of the pull-tab being closest to the
peripheral edge of the first layer. The weakening line additionally
forms one or two weakening line leg(s) extending from the pull-tab
base end(s) and alongside with the peripheral edges of the first
layer. The one or two weakening line leg(s) may end with an inwards
curve or bend.
[0027] The weakening line leg(s) extending from the base points,
and in parallel with the peripheral edges of the first layer, may
reduce the force required to break the second layer at the first
layer peripheral edges, as the first layer is separated from the
second layer at the weakening line leg(s). Therefore, only breaking
and pulling of the material between the first layer peripheral
edges and the weakening line leg(s) upon removal of the transport
closure is required for complete removal of the transport
closure.
[0028] Optionally, the pull-tab has a V-shape, U-shape, O-shape or
a modified U-shape.
[0029] Optionally, a push-in area, provided at the gripping end of
the pull-tab, is defined in the first layer. Optionally, the
push-in area may be formed by the absence of the first layer
material in an area at the gripping end of the pull-tab, such as by
means of cutting out or punching out an area of the first layer
prior to lamination to the second layer. Alternatively, the push-in
area may be identified at the gripping end of the pull-tab by any
identification means such as print, embossings, perforations,
scorings, colouring or any combination of identification means.
[0030] The fact that a push-in area is defined in the first layer
and that the push-in area is provided at the gripping end of the
pull-tab provides instructions to the consumer to apply pressure at
the push-in area. By applying pressure at the push-in area, the
gripping end of the pull-tab will be inclined away from the
transport closure and define a gap under the gripping end,
facilitating grasping of the pull-tab gripping end.
[0031] In a corresponding manner, a second push-in area may be
defined in the first layer at the base end of the pull-tab. A
push-in area at the base end of the pull-tab may be identified as
set out above, by any identification means such as print,
embossings, perforations, scorings, colouring or any combination of
identification means.
[0032] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates
to a packaging container for bulk solids. The container comprises a
tubular container body with a top end with a top opening and a
bottom end with a bottom opening comprising a container bottom. The
container body has an inner surface facing towards an inner
compartment in the packaging container and an outer surface facing
away from the inner compartment. The packaging container is closed
at the top opening by a removable transport closure according to
the first aspect of the present disclosure and the welding collar
is welded to the inner surface of the container body.
[0033] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates
to a method for removing a transport closure according to the first
aspect from a packaging container according to the second aspect.
The method comprises the steps of: [0034] a) gripping the pull-tab
at the gripping end; [0035] b) pulling the pull-tab along the
weakening line and towards the base end and the first layer
peripheral edge; [0036] c) lifting the pull-tab upwards until the
second layer breaks and detaches from the inner surface of the
container body; and [0037] d) pulling the pull-tab slightly upwards
and backwards from the base end such that the second layer breaks
and detaches from the inner surface at the welding seal and along
the first and/or second weakening line leg(s) along the peripheral
edges of the first layer until the transport closure is removed
from the top opening and leaving less than 0.5 mm of the first
layer extending into the top opening of the container body.
[0038] During step c) the lifting of the pull-tab in the gripping
end will push the base end of the pull-tab inwardly at a second
push-in area defined in the second layer at the first layer
peripheral edge and thereby break the second layer initiate a crack
propagation along the peripheral edges of the first layer.
[0039] Optionally, the method further comprises the step of: [0040]
a1) applying pressure at a first push-in area defined in the first
layer and provided at the gripping end of the pull-tab and thereby
inclining the gripping end of the pull-tab away from the transport
closure to define a gap under the gripping end.
[0041] As used herein, the term "bulk solids" refers to a solid
material. The bulk material may be dry or moist. The bulk solids
may be in the form of particles, granules, grinds, plant fragments,
short fibres; flakes, seeds, formed pieces of material such as
pasta, etc. The bulk solids which are suitable for packaging in the
packaging containers as disclosed herein may be flowable, which
means that a desired amount of the product may be poured or scooped
out of the packaging container, or in the form of discreet pieces
of material allowing removal of only part of the content in the
packaging container.
[0042] The packaging container as disclosed herein may be a
container for alimentary products such as infant formula, coffee;
tea, rice, pasta, chips, flour, sugar, cereals, soup powder,
custard powder, or the like. Alternatively, the bulk solids may be
non-alimentary, such as tobacco, detergent, fertilizer, chemicals
or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate embodiments of a transport closure
according to the present disclosure;
[0044] FIGS. 2a-2b illustrate a packaging container comprising a
transport closure according to the present disclosure, and;
[0045] FIGS. 2c-2e illustrate steps for removing a transport
closure from a packaging container according to the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and
that individual components, such as layers of materials are not
necessarily drawn to scale. The transport closures and the
packaging containers shown in the figures are provided as examples
only and should not be considered limiting to the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined solely by the
scope of the appended claims.
[0047] FIGS. 1a-d illustrate transport closures for use in a
paperboard packaging container for bulk solids according to the
first aspect of the present disclosure. The particular shape of the
transport closure 1 shown in the figures should not be considered
limiting to the invention. Accordingly, a transport closure
produced according to the invention may have any useful shape or
size, such as circular, rectangular (including square) or any
useful polygonal shape. It is to be understood that the polygonal
shapes as implied herein are modified polygonal shapes having
rounded corner portions.
[0048] Furthermore, the transport closures shown in the Figs. have
first and second layers with identical shapes, only differing in
size resulting in a welding collar having uniform width around the
peripheral edge of the first layer. It is to be understood that
although such embodiments are generally preferred, embodiments
where the width of the welding collar varies along the peripheral
edge of the first layer may also be useful. By way of example, the
welding collar may have a greater width at the corner portions of a
transport closure, to provide more weldable material for ensuring a
tight seal at the corner. In some applications, such as when the
radius of curvature of the corner portion is small, it may instead
be desirable that the welding collar has a smaller width at the
corner portions, to avoid creation of wrinkles when welding the
transport seal to a container wall.
[0049] FIG. 1a illustrates the first layer 2 and the second layer 3
prior to lamination and formation of a transport closure 1. The
transport closure 1 comprises or consists of a laminate of the
first layer 2 and the second layer, as illustrated in FIG. 1b. The
first layer 2 is delimited by a first layer peripheral edge 4 and
the second layer 3 is delimited by a second layer peripheral edge
5. The first layer 2 has an essentially triangular shape with side
edges 13 and three rounded corner portions 12, and the second layer
3 has the same shape as the first layer 2. As further illustrated
in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the second layer peripheral edge 5 extends
beyond the first layer peripheral edge 4, forming a transport
closure welding collar 8. Thus, the second layer 3 has a larger
surface area than the first layer 2. The second layer 3 comprises
or consists of a weldable material and the first layer 2 has higher
tear strength and preferably also a higher stiffness than the
second layer 3. The first layer 2 is provided with a weakening line
6 defining a pull-tab 7 in the first layer 2. The pull-tab 7 which
has a modified U-shape, has a gripping end 7a and a base end 7b.
The weakening line 6 comprises two base points 6a,6b arranged at
the base end 7b of the pull-tab 7, at the points along the part of
the weakening line forming the pull-tab 7 contour which are
arranged at the shortest distance from the first layer peripheral
edge 4. The first base point 6a is arranged at a distance d1 from
the first layer peripheral edge 4 and the second base point 6b is
arranged at a distance d2 from the first layer peripheral edge 4.
The distance between the first base point 6a and the second base
point 6b may be 3 mm or more, such as from 8 mm to 25 mm.
[0050] The weakening line 6 is additionally formed such as to
provide a first and a second weakening line leg 20a,20b extending
from the first and the second pull-tab base ends 6a,6b respectively
and parallel with the first layer peripheral edge 4. The weakening
line legs 20a,20b each end with an inwards bend 20. The inwardly
curved bend 20 supports correct breaking and tearing along the
first layer peripheral edges 4 and prevents tearing in an undesired
direction.
[0051] FIG. 1c illustrates a transport closure 1 similar to the
transport closure 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1a-b, but is additionally
provided with a first push-in area 9 defined in the first layer 2.
The first push-in area 9 is formed by the absence of the first
layer material 2 in an area at the gripping end 7a of the pull-tab
7 and has been formed by punching out an area of the first layer 2
prior to lamination to the second layer 3. Other ways of
identifying the first push-in area 9 may be by printing or
embossing or any other suitable means, as set out herein which may
provide instructions to the consumer to apply pressure at the first
push-in area 9 so that the gripping end 7a is inclined away from
the transport closure 1 and a gap is formed under the gripping end
7a facilitating grasping of the pull-tab 7.
[0052] FIG. 1d illustrates a further transport closure 1 according
to the present disclosure. The transport closure 1 is a laminate of
the first layer 2 and the second layer. The first layer 2 is
delimited by a first layer peripheral edge 4 and the second layer 3
is delimited by a second layer peripheral edge 5. The first layer 2
has an essentially triangular shape with side edges 13 and three
rounded corner portions 12. It should however be noted that the
transport closure 1 and each of the first and the second layers 2,3
may have other shapes such as for example round, oval, square,
square with rounded edges, rectangular and rectangular with rounded
edges, as set out herein. In FIG. 1d, the second layer 3 has the
same shape as the first layer 2. The second layer peripheral edge 5
extends beyond the first layer peripheral edge 4, forming a
transport closure welding collar 8. It is however not necessary
that the first and second layers have the same shape, as long as
the second layer peripheral edge 5 extends beyond the first layer
peripheral edge 4, forming a transport closure welding collar 8.
The second layer 3 comprises or consists of a weldable material,
such as al foil or a plastic film, and the first layer 2 has higher
tear strength and a higher stiffness than the second layer 3. The
first layer 2 may for example be made of a paperboard material. The
first layer 2 is provided with a weakening line 6 defining a
pull-tab 7 in the first layer 2. The pull-tab 7 has a modified
U-shape with a slight curve at one side of the base end 7b. The
pull-tab has a gripping end 7a, opposite to the base end 7b.
[0053] The weakening line 6 comprises two base points 6a,6b
arranged at the base end 7b at the points along the part of the
weakening line forming the pull-tab 7 contour which are arranged at
the shortest distance from the first layer peripheral edge 4. The
first base point 6a is arranged at a distance d1 from the first
layer peripheral edge 4 and the second base point 6b is arranged at
a distance d2 from the first layer peripheral edge 4. The second
base point 6b is arranged closer to the first peripheral edge 4
than the first base point 6a.
[0054] The weakening line 6 is additionally formed such as to
provide a first weakening line leg 20a extending from the first
pull-tab base ends 6a and parallel with the first layer peripheral
edge 4. The weakening line leg 20a ends with an inwards bend 20.
The inwards bend 20 supports correct breaking and tearing along the
first layer peripheral edges 4 and prevents tearing in an undesired
direction.
[0055] The transport closure 1 is also provided with a first
push-in area 9 defined in the first layer 2 in connection with the
gripping end 7a of the pull-tab 7. As in the transport closure
shown in FIG. 1c, the first push-in area 9 is formed by the absence
of the first layer material 2 in an area at the gripping end 7a of
the pull-tab 7 and has been formed by punching out an area of the
first layer 2 prior to lamination to the second layer 3. As set out
herein, the first push-in area 9 may be indicated by any suitable
indication means.
[0056] FIG. 2a illustrates a packaging container 10 for bulk solids
provided with a transport closure 1. The container 10 comprises a
tubular container body 14 extending between a top end 15 and a
bottom end 17. The top end 15 has a top opening 16, and the bottom
end 17 has a bottom opening comprising a container bottom. The
container body 14 has an inner surface 20, as illustrated in FIG.
2b, facing towards an inner compartment in the packaging container
10 and an outer surface 21 facing away from the inner compartment.
The packaging container 10 is closed at the top opening 16 by a
removable transport closure 1. The transport closure is attached in
the packaging container by welding the welding collar 8 to the
inner surface 20 of the container body 14. The packaging container
may optionally comprise a lid or a lid component as known in the
art. It may be preferred that the packaging container comprises a
lid component with a hinge-lid as disclosed in WO 2016/126191 A1 or
a lid as disclosed in non-published application PCT/SE2017/050378.
A further useful hinge-lid construction is disclosed in
WO2005/075314 A1.
[0057] A lid component may include a lid and a rim or frame which
is applied along the edge of the top opening 16. The reinforcing
rim is preferably a plastic rim, most preferably a thermoplastic
rim and is attached to the container body wall at the container top
opening 16 either directly by welding or gluing or indirectly by
being mechanically attached to another rim-structure which is
directly attached to the container wall att the container
opening.
[0058] FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the packaging container
according to FIG. 2a. As shown the in FIG. 2b, the second layer 3
welding collar 8 is flexed towards the top end 15 of the packaging
container 10 in a longitudinal direction. The welding collar 8 is
attached to the inner surface 18 of the packaging container 10 by a
welding joint. The welding collar 8 may of course be flexed towards
the bottom end 17 as well.
[0059] FIGS. 2c-e illustrate a method of removing the transport
closure 1 from the packaging container 10. In FIG. 2c, the consumer
starts removal of the transport closure by gripping the pull-tab at
the gripping end 7a. In order to facilitate grasping of the
gripping end 7a, the consumer may apply pressure at the first
push-in area 9 defined in the first layer 2 and provided in
connection to the gripping end 7a of the pull-tab. In this way, the
gripping end 7a is inclined away from the transport closure 1,
defining a gap under the gripping end.
[0060] The first push-in area 9 may for example be formed by a
cut-out in the first layer 2, or by printing or embossing in the
area to provide instructions to the consumer to apply pressure in
this area for inclining the gripping end 7a upwardly. The consumer
subsequently pulls the pull-tab 7 along the weakening line (6) to
separate the pull-tab from the first layer 2 and towards the base
end 7b and the first layer peripheral edge 4.
[0061] In FIG. 2d, the pull-tab 7 is pulled slightly upwards and
towards the base end 7b and the first layer peripheral edge 4, and
FIG. 2e is an illustration of the pressure resulting at the base
end 7a of the pull-tab 7 and when the pull-tab 7 is pulled forward
and upwards. As illustrated in this figure, the gripping end 7a
will push the base end 7b of the pull-tab 7 inwardly at a second
push-in area 11 defined in the second layer 3 at the first layer
peripheral edge 4 and thereby break the second layer 3 initiate a
crack propagation along the first layer peripheral edges 4.
[0062] In FIG. 2d-e, the removal of the transport layer 1 from the
packaging container 10 is shown. Upon pulling the pull-tab 7
upwards and backwards from the base end 7b the second layer 3
breaks and detaches from the inner surface 20 at the welding seal
along the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer 2 until said
transport closure 1 is completely detached from the packaging
container 10 and leaving a residual edge of the welding collar 8
having a width of less than 0.5 mm extending into the top opening
16 of the container body 14. The first layer 2 is attached to the
second layer 3 along a joint, formed by adhesive or welding,
extending in parallel with the first layer peripheral edges 4, such
as for example at a distance of from 1 to 10 mm from the first
layer peripheral edges 4. The attachment between the first and the
second layer 2,3 may be reinforced at the base end 7b of the
pull-tab 7. When pulling the pull-tab 7 upwards and backwards from
the base end 7b the weakening line legs 20a,20b separate the first
layer 2 from the second layer 3 upon removal of the transport
closure. The force required to break the second layer 3 and remove
the transport closure will be thereby be reduced. Therefore, only
breaking and pulling of the material between the first layer
peripheral edges and the weakening line leg(s) upon removal of the
transport closure is required for complete removal of the transport
closure
* * * * *