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EP 1 650 137 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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08.06.2011 Bulletin 2011/23 |
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Date of filing: 20.10.2004 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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Packaging having a weakening line
Verpackung mit einer Schwächungslinie
Emballage avec une ligne de faible résistance
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
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Date of publication of application: |
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26.04.2006 Bulletin 2006/17 |
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Divisional application: |
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10185377.8 / 2284096 |
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Proprietor: Amcor Flexibles Europe |
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8700 Horsens (DK) |
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Inventor: |
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- Obermann, Uwe
4565 Recherswill (CH)
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Representative: Blot, Philippe Robert Emile et al |
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Cabinet Lavoix
2, place d'Estienne d'Orves 75441 Paris Cedex 09 75441 Paris Cedex 09 (FR) |
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References cited: :
EP-A- 0 540 184 FR-A- 2 717 449 US-A- 6 077 551
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EP-A- 0 597 446 GB-A- 749 182 US-A1- 2003 231 811
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging comprising a flexible film wrapped around
the product to be packaged, the longitudinal edges of the film being sealed along
a longitudinal sealing seam, the package comprising a cross sealing seam at each end,
and at least a transverse weakening line arranged between both ends of the package.
[0002] Nowadays, many food products are packaged in wrappings formed of a film folded around
the products. For example, the products are solid and elongated such as chocolate
bars. A single product or several products are packaged in the same wrapping.
[0003] In the known types of packaging, the wrapping is formed by a polymer or laminate
film having a transverse weakening line. The weakening line is often at the end of
the long side of the wrapping. In order to reach the content of the packaging, the
film must be torn off along the weakening line.
[0004] For initiating the tearing of the weakening line, it is known to provide a predetermined
quantity of gas in the wrapping so that when the wrapping is squeezed, the inside
pressure increases and the film tears along the weakening line.
[0005] In another embodiment, it is known to break a solid product contained in the wrapping
by bending it between the hands of the user to allow the film to be torn off under
the action of the product breaking.
[0006] Still in a known packaging, disclosed for example in
FR-2.717.449, the wrapping film has a slightly microporous transverse area which extends around
the sheet. For reaching the content, the user grasps the wrapping on each side of
the weakening line and draws the film until the tearing of the wrapping film.
[0007] Accordingly, such types of packaging are not wholly satisfactory since they require
a very particular handling and are, especially, difficult to open.
[0008] The object of the invention is to propose a packaging which can be opened more easily.
[0009] To that end, the invention relates to a packaging according to claim 1.
GB-A-749 182 discloses a packaging according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0010] According to particular embodiments, the invention has one or more of the features
of the dependent claims.
[0011] The invention will better be understood upon reading of the following description,
which is given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging providing background information and
not being in accordance with the invention prior to opening;
- Figure 2 is a view identical to that of Figure 1 after opening of the packaging ;
and
- Figures 3 and 4 are a perspective view of a packaging according to the invention prior
to opening.
- Figures 5 and 6 are a perspective view of another packaging providing background information
and not being in accordance with the invention prior to opening and after opening.
[0012] Figure 1 shows a packaging 10 for the packaging of a solid elongated product 12 such
as a flow wrapper or roll wrap for candy, cereal or chocolate bar. It is for example
a stick pack. Such a packaging is especially suitable for a food product.
[0013] The packaging 10 is constituted by a generally rectangular flexible film 14 which
is wound and sealed around the product. The flexible film 14 is formed of one or more
superposed layers, as disclosed in the following.
[0014] The packaging 10 is a "flowpack" wrapping. If the packaging is longer, it is called
a stick pack, or if the packaging is of a distinct rectangular shape it is called
brick pack, e.g. for cigarette bundle packs.
[0015] Accordingly, the film 14 is folded around the product 12 and the longitudinal edges
of the film are connected together along a longitudinal sealing seam 16. Thus, the
film defines a tubular pipe containing the product. A cross sealing seam 18A, 18B
is provided at each end of the pipe for closing the packaging.
[0016] The longitudinal sealing seam 16 extends over a back face 20 of the packaging which
is opposite to a flat front face 22 with respect to the packaged product.
[0017] In general the longitudinal sealing seam 16 and the cross sealing seams 18A, 18B
are obtained by sealing or welding the film 14 as known per se. For example, the sealing
as made by ultra sonic waves. In case of a brick pack the longitudinal and the cross
seals are joint together by means of glues, adhesives or hotmelts.
[0018] After heat-sealing, the film 14 defines a closed space 24 in which the product is
contained.
[0019] A transverse weakening line 26 is provided in the film 14 e.g. between or at the
ends of the package, preferably in the middle part of the package.
[0020] Preferably, the tensile strength of the film 14 along the weakening line 26 is from
1 N/15 mm to 20 N/15 mm and preferably from 1 N/15 mm to 10 N/15 mm and more preferably
from 3N/15 mm to 8N/15 mm.
[0021] More precisely, the strength for initiating the rupture is low and is advantageously
in the range of 1 N to 20 N preferably between 3 and 8N and more preferably around
of 5N for a package having a diameter between 3 mm and 150 mm.
[0022] In the packaging of Figure 1, the weakening line 26 delimits a closed shape surrounding
the product 14. It extends advantageously over a length of 10 to 950 mm. The whole
of its trace is contained between the cross sealing seams 18A, 18B. The weakening
line 26 extends in a transverse plane of the product in the intermediate part of the
product which means between the ends of the product.
[0023] More precisely, in the packaging shown, the weakening line 26 delimits a generally
peripherical profile.
[0024] Advantageously, the film 14 has a visible marking identifying the position of the
weakening line 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, that marking is constituted
by a discontinuous black line printed on the film.
[0025] The weakening line 26 is produced by treatment of the film constituting the film
14. The treatment is advantageously applied before the wrapping of the film around
the product.
[0026] The weakening line 26 is produced by the application of high-energy radiation, such
as a laser, by application of a laser beam along the trace of the weakening line 26,
before the film 14 is wrapped. Treatment by high-energy radiation is carried out on
one or more layers of the film 14 when the latter comprises more than one layer.
[0027] According to another example, the weakening line 26 is formed by a mechanical weakening
of the film which extends along the trace of the weakening line 26. That mechanical
treatment is carried out on one or more layers of the film when the latter comprises
more than one layer.
[0028] According to a first example of mechanical treatment, a microporous weakening is
provided along a strip of small width in order to form at least part of the weakening
line 26. The width is between 2 mm and 10 mm. Such a microporous strip of a film is
obtained, for example, by passing the film between two rollers, one of which rollers
has been rendered abrasive along the trace of the weakening line. Such a treatment
is described, for example, in document
FR-2.717.449.
[0029] According to a second example, the mechanical weakening is formed by cutting the
thickness of one or more layers of the film when the latter comprises more than one
layer. The cuts are formed by a matrix of cutting elements when the film is being
pressed between the matrix and a support, as it is known per se.
[0030] According to yet another example, the weakening line 26 is obtained by a line of
micro-perforations which do not pass through the film, the micro-perforations being
formed through one or more layers when the film comprises a plurality of layers.
[0031] According to a packaging, the weakening of the film along the weakening line is variable
according to the position along the weakening line 26. For example, the weakening
is greater in the front face of the package.
[0032] Advantageously, for machinability reasons, the longitudinal edges of the film intended
to be connected to form the longitudinal sealing seam 16 are stronger and thus the
weakening of the line is reduced at the longitudinal edges of the film.
[0033] In a packaging, the weakening line does not extend to the longitudinal edges and
ends in the vincinity of the edges.
[0034] Such differences in weakening are obtained, for example, by locally combining several
weakening treatments on one or more films constituting the film, or by carrying out
a more or less deep or more or less dense weakening treatment along the regions of
the weakening line 26. Such more or less dense or deep treatment is achieved in a
particularly successful manner by subjecting the film to high-energy radiation.
[0035] Furthermore the weakening can also be of different shape, like waved or zigzagged
pattern, as demonstrated in Fig. 5 and 6.
[0036] The film 14 may be a monolayer and is formed by a base film of polymer or paper.
Accordingly, the film 14 is a single-material film. In order to seal the film on itself,
the film of polymer or paper is advantageously coated on its inner surface with a
sealing material which is applied, for example, by extrusion, co-extrusion or any
other coating which also may be applied during printing of the base film.
[0037] The base film is preferably formed by a bi-oriented polymer film, which may be co-extruded.
It may also be a mono-oriented or a non-oriented film obtained by co-extrusion. That
film is formed, for example, of polypropylene (OPP), polyester (PET) or polyamide
(OPA). The thickness of the base film is generally from 5 to 100 microns and preferably
from 12 microns to 50 microns.
[0038] The sealing material is chosen in order to permit fused bonding. Typically, the thickness
of the sealing material is from 10 to 40 microns, the amount of sealing material like
a lacquer deposited being from 1 to 12 g/m
2.
[0039] In that case, the weakening is formed in the base layer.
[0040] The film 14 may also be formed by two laminated layers. Accordingly, the film comprises
a base layer formed of polymer or paper which is associated, along its inner face
with a sealing layer of polymer, in order to permit fused bonding.
[0041] The base layer and the sealing layer are bonded with one another by means of lamination
with an adhesive or by resin extrusion.
[0042] The base layer is advantageously formed of a bi-oriented polymer film. However, it
may also be a cast film. The polymer forming the base layer is preferably polyester
(PET), polyamide (OPA) or polypropylene (OPP), which furthermore can be metalized
or ceramic coated.
[0043] The sealing layer is formed, for example, of polyethylene (PE), which optionally
may be blended with other polymers or co-extruded in admixture or non-oriented co-extruded
with other polymers, e.g. polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene
(PE) or polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE). As a variation, the sealing layer is
formed of polypropylene (PP), preferably cast polypropylene, homopolymers or copolymers,
e.g. polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (PP) or polypropylene
(OPP)/polypropylene (PP).
[0044] According to another variant, the sealing layer is constituted by amorphous polyester
or copolyester (PETG), e.g. polyester (PET)/polyester (PETG), polyamide (OPA)/polyester
(PETG) or polypropylene (OPP)/polyester (PETG).
[0045] When the film is a laminate of two layers, the inner layer is advantageously sealable.
[0046] Where the film is formed by two layers, the weakening is affecting the outer layer
and optionally the inner layer which may partially be treated or weakened as well.
According to a particular example, the outer layer is weakened by treatment with high-energy
radiation, while the inner layer is weakened by mechanical treatment such as a microporous
weakening, or
vice versa. In addition, the same mechanical or high-energy radiation treatment is carried out
on both layers.
[0047] By way of variation, the film 14 is formed of a two-layer laminated film formed,
for example, of polyester (PET)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (OPP),
polyester (PET)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (OPP), polypropylene
(OPP)/polypropylene (OPP), aluminium/polyester (PET), aluminium/polypropylene (OPP),
aluminium/polyamide (OPA) or paper/polypropylene (OPP), paper/polyester (PET) and
of paper/polyamide (OPA).
[0048] For example, the film 14 is made of an outer layer of aluminium having a thickness
of 9 µm which is laminated with an inner polyester (PET) layer having a thickness
of 5 µm. An adhesive layer is arranged between the aluminium layer and the polyester
layer.
[0049] Printing is arranged on the outer face of the aluminium layer and a cold seal layer
is provided on the polyester layer. The weakening is formed in the polyester layer.
[0050] According to another example, the film 14 is made of an outer layer of polyester
(PET) having thickness of 12 µm which is laminated with the inner aluminium layer
having a thickness of 15 µm. An adhesive layer is arranged between the polyester and
the aluminium layer. Printings are provided on the inner face of the polyester layer.
A cold seal layer, or a varnish, or a coating is provided on the face of the aluminium
layer.
[0051] According to yet another example, the film comprises three layers, of which the two
outside layers are as defined above for a film formed of two layers, an intermediate
layer being interposed between the two outside layers.
[0052] The intermediate layer is formed, for example, of an aluminium foil from 6 to 45
µm and preferably from 7 to 15 µm. The aluminium is hard foil or annealed.
[0053] Accordingly, the film is formed, for example, of polyester (PET)/aluminium/cast polypropylene
(PP), or of polyester (PET)/aluminium/polyethylene (PE), or of polyamide (OPA)/aluminium/polypropylene
(PP), or of polyamide (OPA)/aluminium/polyethylene (PE), or of polypropylene (OPP)/aluminium/cast
polypropylene (PP), or of polypropylene (OPP)/aluminium/polyethylene (PE).
[0054] By way of variation, the intermediate layer is a bioriented film, for example a film
of oriented polyamide, especially in a polyester (PET)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene
(PP), polyester (PET)/polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylene
(OPP)/polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide
(OPA)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene
(PE), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene
(OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide
(OPA)/polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene
(PP), polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (OPP)/polyamide
(OPA)/polypropylene (PP), polypropylene (OPP)/polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE), polypropylene
(OPP)/polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP), or polypropylene (PET)/polypropylene (PP),
or polypropylene (OPP)/polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE) structure.
[0055] When the film comprises three layers, the intermediate layer is advantageously weakened
by treatment with high-energy radiation along the weakening line.
[0056] According to another variant, the film is formed of three layers and is composed,
for example, of polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polyethylene
(PE)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP)/polypropylene (OPP), polyester
(PET)/polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene (OPP), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP)/polyamide
(OPA), polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene
(PP)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide
(OPA)/polypropylene (PP)/polypropylene (OPP), polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene
(OPP), polypropylene (OPA)/polypropylene (PP)/polypropylene (OPP), or of polypropylene
(OPP)/polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene (OPP).
[0057] Such a packaging is opened as follows.
[0058] The user grasps the packaging from each end and more precisely from each cross sealing
seams 18A, 18B. Then, he draws the ends of the packaging in opposite direction until
the film tears along the weakening line 26. Thanks to the shape and the position of
the weakening line 26, the packaging is cut into two separated portions as shown on
figure 2. A top portion of the wrapping is then removed, while the bottom portion
remains over one half of the product. For eating the product, the open packaging is
hold at the bottom portion.
[0059] The packaging allows a clear and easy way of opening by hand without any additional
tools and an easy access to the product.
[0060] Due to the particular tensile strength of the film along the weakening line, the
force necessary to pop up one end of the packaging is low enough to enable an easy
manual opening but the film is strong enough to be run on standard packaging equipment
despite having a line of weakening.
[0061] Other packagings are shown on figures 3, 4, 5 and 6.
[0062] In these figures, the same references as in figures 1 and 2 are used for designating
corresponding or similar parts.
[0063] In case of the packagings according to the invention shown in figures 3 and 4, the
weakening line 26 is arranged on the main face of the packaging and advantageously
on the front 22 face opposite to the back face 20 having the longitudinal seal seam
16. It extends also partially on the lateral faces.
[0064] The weakening line 26 extends at least partially over a sharp edge 28 of the packaged
product in a tear initiation zone denoted 30.
[0065] Advantageously, the tear initiation zone 30 extends over an end edge of the product
when the product is elongated and is thus in the vicinity of a cross sealing seam
18A or/and 18B.
[0066] For an easy opening, the weakening line 26 is accurate along the tear initiation
zone 30 and extends over the packaged product.
[0067] As shown on figure 3, the tear initiation zone 30 is sharp-curved with a low radius
of curvature which is lower than the width of the packaged product. Typically, the
radius of curvature is in the range of 0,5 cm to 3 cm.
[0068] For allowing an opening of the packaging at each end, a weakening line 26 is provided
on each end edge of the product. Advantageously, two weakening lines 26 are provided.
Each line 26 extends on an end edge of the product.
[0069] For opening the packaging, the packaged product is grasped in one hand and the free
end where the cross seal of the packaging is located, is drawn away from the face
of the packaging having the weakening line 26. Especially, the free end is drawn along
a direction perpendicular to the plane of the weakening line 26.
[0070] When the free end of the packaging is drawn, the tear initiation zone 30 is pressed
against the sharp edge of the product. Due to the force applied to the film along
the tear initiation zone 30, because of the drawing action which is supported by bending
at the product edge, the film 14 beaks in the tear initiation zone 30.
[0071] Then, the tear spreads along the weakening line 26, thus allowing the access to the
product.
[0072] On figure 4 is shown a variant of the package of figure 3 where the tear initiation
zone 30 is provided with an angular point 32 which facilitates the initiation of the
tearing of the film along the weakening line 26.
[0073] Still according to another embodiment, a weakening line is provided at each end of
the package.
[0074] According to a packaging providing background information and not being in accordance
with the invention, the packaging can provide a waved or zigzagged weakening pattern
in the centre of a brick pack as demonstrated in figures 5 and 6. In case of cigarette
packs for example, which are assorted to a rectangular bundle pack containing several
individual packs, the resulting brick pack can be broken or opened at the zigzagged
weakening line by twisting or tearing at both ends of the pack.
1. Packaging (10) comprising a flexible film (14) wrapped around the product (12) to
be packaged, the longitudinal edges of the film being sealed along a longitudinal
sealing seam (16), the package comprising a cross sealing seam (18A, 18B) at each
end, and at least a transverse weakening line (26) arranged between both ends of the
package, characterized in that the tensile strength of the film (14) along the weakening line (26) is from 1 N/15
mm to 20 N/15 mm, and in that the weakening line (26) includes a tear initiation zone (30) which extends along
a transverse edge of the product (12) so that when the packaging is drawn, the tear
initiation zone (30) is pressed against the edge of the product (12).
2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterised in that the weakening line (26) extends all around the product in a transverse plan.
3. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the packaging in the area of the weakening line (26) is between 3
mm to 150 mm.
4. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims" characterised in that the weakening line (26) delimits a closed or pattern shape.
5. Packaging according to any of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the weakening line (26) does not extend on the longitudinal edges of the film or
the weakening line (26) is stronger on the longitudinal edges of the film than in
its current part in order to maintain optimum machinability.
6. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tensile strength of the film (14) along the weakening line (26) is from 3 N/15
mm to 8 N/15 mm.
7. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the weakening line (26) includes at least one angular point (32).
8. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film (14) has a visible marking identifying the position of the weakening line
(26).
9. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film (14) has, along the weakening line (26), at least one mechanical weakening
treatment on at least one layer of the film,
10. Packaging according to claim 9, characterised in that said mechanical weakening treatment comprises a microporous weakening.
11. Packaging according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that said mechanical weakening treatment comprises partially cutting at least one layer
of the film (14) with the aid of a matrix of blades along the trace of the weakening
line (26).
12. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film (14) has, along the weakening line (26), a weakening treatment by high-energy
radiation along at least one layer of the film.
13. Packaging according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the film comprises at least two layers of which at least two have undergone any weakening
treatment, along the trace of the weakening line (26).
14. Packaging according to claims 12 and 13 and any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the film comprises at least two laminated layers, the first layer having undergone
mechanical weakening treatment along the trace of the weakening line (26), the second
layer having undergone weakening treatment by means of high-energy radiation along
the trace of the weakening line (26).
15. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film (14) is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (OPP), polyester
(PET), polyamide (OPA), polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide
(OPA)/polypropylene (PP), polypropylene (OPP)/potypropylene (PP), polyester (PET)/polyester
(PETG), polyamide (C3PA)/polyester (PETG), polypropylene (OPP)/polyester (PETG), polyester
(PET)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (OPP), polyester (PET)/polyamide
(OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (OPP), polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (OPP),
aluminium/polyester (PET), aluminium/polypropylene (OPP), alurninium/polyamide (OPA),
paper/polypropylene (OPP), paper/polyester (PET), paper/polyamide (OPA), polyester
(PET)/aluminium/cast polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET)/aluminium/ polyethylene (PE),
polyamide (OPA)/aluminium/polypropylene (PP), polyamide (OPA)/aluminium/polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene (OPP)/aluminium/cast polypropylene (PP), polypropylene (OPP)/aluminium/polyethylene
(PE), polyester (PET)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET)/polyamide
(OPA)/polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (PP), polyester
(PET)/polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene
(PP), polyamide (OPA)/polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene
(OPP)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polyamide
(OPA)/polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polyester (PET)/polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene (PP), polypropylene (OPP)/polypropylene
(OPP)/polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (OPP)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (PP), polypropylene
(OPP)/polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (OPP)/polyester (PET)/polypropylene
(PP), polypropylene (OPP)/polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylene
(PP)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE)/polyester (PET), polyester
(PET)/polypropylene (PP)/polypropylene (OPP), polyester (PET)/polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene
(OPP), polyester (PET)/polypropylene (PP)/polyamide (OPA), polyester (PET)/polyethylene
(PE)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (PP)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide
(OPA)/polyethylene (PE)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylene (PP)/polypropylene
(OPP), polyamide (OPA)/polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene (OPP), polypropylene (OPA)/polypropylene
(PP)/polypropylene (OPP) and polypropylene (OPP)/polyethylene (PE)/polypropylene (OPP).
16. Packaging according to claim 15, characterized in that the film (14) is made of an aluminium layer having a thickness between 6 µm and 45
µm and a polyester layer having a thickness between 3 µm and 50 µm.
1. Verpackung (10), die eine flexible Folie (14), die um das Produkt (12), das verpackt
werden soll, gewickelt ist, umfasst, wobei die Längskanten der Folie entlang einer
Längs-Siegelnaht (16) versiegelt sind, wobei die Verpackung eine Quersiegelnaht (18A,
18B) an jedem Ende und mindestens eine transversale Schwächungslinie (26), die zwischen
beiden Enden der Verpackung angeordnet ist, umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zugfestigkeit der Folie (14) entlang der Schwächungslinie (26) von 1 N/15 mm
bis 20 N/15 mm ist und dass die Schwächungslinie (26) eine Anreißzone (30) beinhaltet,
die sich entlang einer Längskante des Produkts (12) erstreckt, so dass wenn die Verpackung
gezogen wird, die Anreißzone (30) gegen die Kante des Produkts (12) gedrückt wird.
2. Verpackung gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schwächungslinie (26) rundherum um das Produkt in einer Querebene verläuft.
3. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchmesser der Verpackung in dem Bereich der Schwächungslinie (26) zwischen
3 mm bis 150 mm ist.
4. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schwächungslinie (26) eine geschlossene oder gemusterte Form abgrenzt.
5. Verpackung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schwächungslinie (26) sich nicht über die Längskanten der Folie erstreckt oder
das die Schwächungslinie (26) an den Längskanten der Folie fester ist als ihr gegenwärtiger
Teil, um optimale Bearbeitbarkeit aufrecht zu erhalten.
6. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zugfestigkeit der Folie (14) entlang der Schwächungslinie (26) von 3 N / 15 mm
bis 8 N / 15 mm ist.
7. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schwächungslinie (26) mindestens eine eckige Stelle (32) beinhaltet.
8. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (14) eine sichtbare Markierung hat, die die Position der Schwächungslinie
(26) kennzeichnet.
9. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (14) entlang der Schwächungslinie (26) mindestens eine mechanische Behandlung
zur Schwächung an mindestens einer Schicht der Folie hat.
10. Verpackung gemäß Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mechanische Behandlung zur Schwächung eine mikroporöse Schwächung umfasst.
11. Verpackung gemäß Anspruch 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mechanische Behandlung zur Schwächung das teilweise Schneiden von mindestens
einer Schicht der Folie (14) unter Zuhilfenahme einer Messermatrize entlang dem Verlauf
der Schwächungslinie (26) umfasst.
12. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (14) entlang der Schwächungslinie (26) eine Behandlung zur Schwächung durch
Hochenergiestrahlung entlang mindestens einer Schicht der Folie aufweist.
13. Verpackung gemäß einem der Ansprüchen 9 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie mindestens zwei Schichten umfasst, von denen mindestens zwei einer Behandlung
zur Schwächung unterzogen wurden entlang dem Verlauf der Schwächungslinie (26).
14. Verpackung gemäß den Ansprüchen 12 und 13 und einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie mindestens zwei laminierte Schichten umfasst, wobei die erste Schicht einer
mechanischen Behandlung zur Schwächung entlang dem Verlauf der Schwächungslinie (26)
unterzogen worden ist, wobei die zweite Schicht einer Behandlung zur Schwächung mittels
Hochenergiestrahlung entlang der Spur der Schwächungslinie (26) unterzogen worden
ist.
15. Verpackung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (14) aus der Gruppe, die aus Polypropylen (OPP), Polyester (PET), Polyamid
(OPA), Polyester (PET) / Polyethylen (PE), Polyamid (OPA) / Polyethylen (PE), Polypropylen
(OPP) / Polyethylen (PE), Polyester (PET) / Polypropylen (PP), Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen
(PP), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polypropylen (PP), Polyester (PET) / Polyester (PETG),
Polyamid (OPA) / Polyester (PETG), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyester (PETG), Polyester
(PET) / Polyester (PET), Polyester (PET) / Polypropylen (OPP), Polyester (PET) / Polyamid
(OPA), Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen (OPP), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polypropylen (OPP),
Aluminium / Polyester (PET), Aluminium / Polypropylen (OPP), Aluminium / Polyamid
(OPA), Papier / Polypropylen (OPP), Papier / Polyester (PET), Papier / Polyamid (OPA),
Polyester (PET) / Aluminium / Gusspolypropylen (PP), Polyester (PET) / Aluminium /
Polyethylen (PET), Polyamid (OPA) / Aluminium / Polypropylen (PP), Polyamid (OPA)
/ Aluminium / Polyethylen (PE), Polypropylen (OPP) / Aluminium / Gusspolypropylen
(PP), Polypropylen (OPP) / Aluminium / Polyethylen (PE), Polyester (PET) / Polyamid
(OPA) / Polypropylen (PP), Polyester (PET) / Polyamid (OPA) / Polyethylen (PE), Polyester
(PET) / Polypropylen (OPP) / Polypropylen (PP), Polyester (PET) / Polypropylen (OPP)
/ Polyethylen (PE), Polyamid (OPA) / Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen (PP), Polyamid
(OPA) / Polyamid (OPA) / Polyethylen (PE), Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen (OPP) / Polypropylen
(PP), Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyethylen (PE), Polyamid (OPA) / Polyester
(PET) / Polypropylen (PP), Polyamid (OPA) / Polyester (PET) / Polyethylen (PE), Polypropylen
(OPP) / Polypropylen (OPP) / Polypropylen (PP), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polypropylen
(OPP) / Polyethylen (PE), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen (PP),
Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyamid (OPA) / Polyethylen (PE), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyester
(PET) / Polypropylen (PP), Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyester (PET) / Polyethylen (PE),
Polyester (PET) / Polypropylen (PP) / Polyester (PET), Polyester (PET) / Polyethylen
(PE) / Polyester (PET), Polyester (PET) / Polypropylen (PP) / Polypropylen (OPP),
Polyester (PET) / Polyethylen (PE) / Polypropylen (OPP), Polyester (PET) / Polypropylen
(PP) / Polyamid (OPA), Polyester (PET) / Polyethylen (PE) / Polyamid (OPA), Polyamid
(OPA) / Polypropylen (PP) / Polyamid (OPA), Polyamid (OPA) / Polyethylen (PE) / Polyamid
(OPA), Polyamid (OPA) / Polypropylen (PP) / Polypropylen (OPP), Polyamid (OPA) / Polyethylen
(PE) / Polypropylen (OPP), Polypropylen (OPA) / Polypropylen (PP) / Polypropylen (OPP)
und Polypropylen (OPP) / Polyethylen (PE) / Polypropylen (OPP) besteht, ausgewählt
wird.
16. Verpackung gemäß Anspruch 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (14) aus einer Aluminium-Schicht mit einer Dicke zwischen 6 µm und 45 µm
und einer Polyesterschicht mit einer Dicke zwischen 3 µm und 50 µm hergestellt wird.
1. Conditionnement (10) comprenant un film flexible (14) enroulé autour du produit (12)
à conditionner, les bords longitudinaux du film étant scellés le long d'un raccord
de scellage longitudinal (16), le conditionnement comprenant un raccord de scellage
transversal (18A, 18B) au niveau de chaque extrémité, et au moins une ligne de fragilisation
transversale (26) agencée entre les deux extrémités du conditionnement, caractérisé en ce que la résistance à la traction du film (14) le long de la ligne de fragilisation (26)
est comprise entre 1 N/15 mm et 20 N/15 mm, et la ligne de fragilisation (26) comprend
une zone d'amorçage de déchirure (30) qui s'étend le long d'un bord transversal du
produit (12), de sorte que lorsque le conditionnement est étiré, la zone d'amorçage
de déchirure (30) est pressée contre le bord du produit (12).
2. Conditionnement selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la ligne de fragilisation (26) s'étend tout autour du produit selon un plan transversal.
3. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le diamètre du conditionnement dans la zone de la ligne de fragilisation (26) est
compris entre 3 mm et 150 mm.
4. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la ligne de fragilisation (26) délimite une forme fermée ou un tracé.
5. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que la ligne de fragilisation (26) ne s'étend pas sur les bords longitudinaux du film,
ou la ligne de fragilisation (26) est plus résistante sur les bords longitudinaux
du film que sur sa partie continue, de manière à conserver une usinabilité optimale.
6. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la résistance à la traction du film (14) le long de la ligne de fragilisation (26)
est comprise entre 3 N/15 mm et 8 N/15 mm.
7. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la ligne de fragilisation (26) comprend au moins un sommet d'angle (32).
8. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le film (14) présente un marquage visible identifiant la position de la ligne de
fragilisation (26).
9. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le film (14) présente, le long de la ligne de fragilisation (26), au moins un traitement
mécanique de fragilisation sur au moins une couche du film.
10. Conditionnement selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit traitement mécanique de fragilisation comprend une fragilisation microporeuse.
11. Conditionnement selon la revendication 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit traitement mécanique de fragilisation comprend une découpe partielle d'au moins
une couche du film (14) à l'aide d'une matrice de lames le long du tracé de la ligne
de fragilisation (26).
12. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le film (14) présente, le long de la ligne de fragilisation (26), un traitement de
fragilisation par rayonnement haute énergie le long d'au moins une couche du film.
13. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12, caractérisé en ce que le film comprend au moins deux couches, parmi lesquelles au moins deux ont subi un
traitement de fragilisation quelconque, le long du tracé de la ligne de fragilisation
(26).
14. Conditionnement selon les revendications 12 et 13 et l'une quelconque des revendications
9 à 11, caractérisé en ce que le film comprend au moins deux couches stratifiées, la première couche ayant été
soumise à un traitement mécanique de fragilisation le long du tracé de la ligne de
fragilisation (26), la seconde couche ayant été soumise à un traitement de fragilisation
au moyen d'un rayonnement haute énergie le long du tracé de la ligne de fragilisation
(26).
15. Conditionnement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le film (14) est sélectionné parmi le groupe constitué du polypropylène (OPP), polyester
(PET), polyamide (OPA), polyester (PET)/polyéthylène (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polyéthylène
(PE), polypropylène (OPP)/polyéthylène (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylène (PP), polyamide
(OPA)/polypropylène (PP), polypropylène (OPP)/polypropylène (PP), polyester (PET)/polyester
(PETG), polyamide (OPA)/polyester (PETG), polypropylène (OPP)/polyester (PETG), polyester
(PET)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polypropylène, (OPP), polyester (PET)/polyamide
(OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène (OPP), polypropylène (OPP)/polypropylène (OPP),
aluminium/polyester (PET), aluminium/polypropylène (OPP), aluminium/ polyamide (OPA),
papier/polypropylène (OPP), papier/polyester (PET), papier/polyamide (OPA), polyester
(PET)/aluminium/polypropylène coulé (PP), polyester (PET)/aluminium/polyéthylène (PE),
polyamide (OPA)/aluminium/polypropylène (PP), polyamide (OPA)/aluminium/polyéthylène
(PE), polypropylène (OPP)/aluminium/polypropylène coulé (PP), polypropylène (OPP)/aluminium/polyéthylène
(PE), polyester (PET)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène (PP), polyester (PET)/polyamide
(OPA)/polyéthylène (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylène (OPP)/polypropylène (PP), polyester
(PET)/polypropylène (OPP)/ polyéthylène (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène
(PP), polyamide (OPA)/polyamide (OPA)/polyéthylène (PE), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène
(OPP)/polypropylène (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène (OPP)/polyéthylène (PE), polyamide
(OPA)/polyester (PET)/polypropylène (PP), polyamide (OPA)/polyester (PET)/polyéthylène
(PE), polypropylène (OPP)/polypropylène (OPP)/polypropylène (PP), polypropylène (OPP)/polypropylène
(OPP)/polyéthylène (PE), polypropylène (OPP)/polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène (PP), polypropylène
(OPP)/polyamide (OPA)/polyéthylène (PE), polypropylène (OPP)/polyester (PET)/polypropylène
(PP), polypropylène (OPP)/polyester (PET)/polyéthylène (PE), polyester (PET)/polypropylène
(PP)/polyester (PET), polyester (PET)/polyéthylène (PE)/polyester (PET), polyester
(PET)/polypropylène (PP)/polypropylène (OPP), polyester (PET)/polyéthylène (PE)/polypropylène
(OPP), polyester (PET)/polypropylène (PP)/polyamide (OPA), polyester (PET)/polyéthylène
(PE)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène (PP)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide
(OPA)/polyéthylène (PE)/polyamide (OPA), polyamide (OPA)/polypropylène (PP)/polypropylène
(OPP), polyamide (OPA)/polyéthylène (PE)/polypropylène (OPP), polypropylène (OPA)/polypropylène
(PP)/polypropylène (OPP) et polypropylène (OPP)/polyéthylène (PE)/polypropylène (OPP).
16. Conditionnement selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que le film (14) est constituée d'une couche d'aluminium ayant une épaisseur comprise
entre 6 µm et 45 µm et d'une couche de polyester ayant une épaisseur comprise entre
3 µm et 50 µm.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description