Closing device for pliable containers

Abstract

 The invention describes a closing device (1) for fastening edges (200) of a pliable container (100) of the bag type in folded position, comprising a flattened and slotted body, wherein such body comprises a first pivotable portion (2) and a second pivotable portion (2a) respectively rotating around a first and a second rotating axis (z, z') with respect to which they are arranged in a so-called flag configuration, wherein said first and second rotating axes (z, z') are parallel to each other, wherein the two pivotable portions (2, 2a) are each provided with a respective slot (3, 3a) substantially linear and of preset length "I" provided with an open end portion (4, 4a), and in which the slot (3, 3a) is arranged in the two pivotable portions (2, 2a) at superimposable positions.

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention refers to a closing device for pliable containers such as bags and the like.

[0002] In particular, the invention refers to a device of the abovementioned type for closing in a removable manner such container maintaining the edges of the container in a folded position.

Prior Art

[0003] It is known to package various kinds of items in pliable containers such as bags and similar containers of the soft type.

[0004] Such containers are generally closed, upon filling with the desired item, through hot sealing in case of a bag made of plastic material or through gluing, for example, in case of a paper bag.

[0005] However, in both cases, there exists the drawback relating to the restoration, subsequent to the first opening of the packet, of the initial closure of the bag or in any case an efficient and reliable closure of the packet.

[0006] As a matter of fact, reliable closure of such packet is particularly important in case the packed item consists of a product sold for example in granules, powder and the like, given that closing the packet again prevents the undesirable wastage of the unused product.

[0007] In the case of food products, the closure of the packet is also important to limit the contact with air of the product itself, which, as known, has a negative impact both on the nutritional properties and the organoleptic characteristics of the food product.

[0008] In order to meet the abovementioned need, the known technique provides closing devices of the removable type, for re-closing bag type packets particularly suitable for use subsequent to the first opening of the packet.

[0009] US 4,174,554 document describes a closing device of the clip type comprising a base and a tongue connected to the base.

[0010] The clip is opened and closed operating on the tongue, for example by pushing (or pulling) the tongue, thus allowing the clip to cover and fasten the lateral edges gathered of a bag.

[0011] Also the EP 0 523 642 document describes a closing device of the clip type comprising a tongue, positioned on a base body, which can be operated manually by applying pressure through the fingers, but in this case the clip is used to fasten, at the opening, the edges of the bag in a foldable position.

[0012] Though advantageous and meeting the objective, devices of the abovementioned type have some drawbacks the main one being that their use requires special manual ability of the user to move the tongue of the clip.

[0013] Furthermore, given that the abovementioned clips are devices basically based on a snap-system, operated by applying a certain amount of pressure on the tongue, the user also requires significant strength in the fingers in order to be able to open and close the clip, and thus use the product contained in the bag or store it well closed.

[0014] Of course, not all users have the ability and strength required for using the abovementioned devices.

[0015] Furthermore, it should also be observed that even for users not affected by the abovementioned drawbacks, the substantially snap-based devices mentioned beforehand imply the risk of being hurt and mainly the risk of pinching oneself, as it might occur by inadvertently pressing a part of the hand or of a finger between the snap-tongue and the base of the clip.

[0016] US 4,414,717 document describes a closing device for fastening the edges of a bag in a folded position comprising an extended body provided with three juxtaposed elements of different lengths with free ends, defining slots between one and the other, which advantageously does not require particularly strong hands or fingers in order to be used.

[0017] Furthermore, such device does not expose the user to the risk of being hurt in the manner described beforehand, but it does not overcome the drawback regarding the manual ability of the user.

[0018] As a matter of fact, also in this case the user requires significant manual ability, given that firstly the user is required to fit the flattened edges of the bag into the slot comprised between the longer elements of the device, then turn the device along its longitudinal axis in such a way as to wind in a spiral manner the edges of the bag, thus remove the device from the spiral up to the exposure of the shorter element, and lastly, push the device once again towards the spiral in such a manner that the shorter element remains outside the spiral while the two longer elements remain inside the spiral.

[0019] US 6,389,652 document describes a closing device of the clasp type used for fastening the edges of a bag in a folded position, made up of a flattened body comprising at least two elongated elements, juxtaposed, lying on the same plane and having free ends which define at least one slot and an opening spaced from such elongated elements intended to accommodate a finger of the user.

[0020] When using such closing device, the abovementioned slot engages the folded edges of a bag, while the two elongated elements are arranged on the sides of the folded edges.

[0021] Hence, the use of such closing device does not require a particular strength in the user's hand or of the fingers of the hand, and neither does it require special manual ability or skill.

[0022] However, although advantageous, even such closing device has some drawbacks the main one being represented by its poor firmness and its precarious stability upon closure of the container.

[0023] As a matter of fact, the device of the type mentioned above is so easy to remove that this might occur frequently, even inadvertently or unintentionally.

[0024] In fact, a slight impact on the closing device - for example an inadvertent impact while putting away a bag thus closed into a locker where other containers and various packets are stored - is enough to dislodge from the upper part the folded edges of the bag, or to lie across the folded edges or still to slide along the same folded edges, compromising the closure of the packet in any case.

[0025] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a closing device for the removable closure of pliable containers of the bag type and other similar soft containers, particularly easy to use, without requiring any special manual ability or movement skill, and capable of ensuring an efficient and safe closure of the packet.

Summary of the invention

[0026] A first objective of the present invention is that of providing a closing device for a removable re-closure of pliable containers of the bag type and other similar soft containers, in particular to fasten the edges of a such pliable container in a folded position, capable of being used efficiently regardless of the manual ability of the user, and at the same time not exposing the user to any risk of being accidentally hurt.

[0027] A second objective of the present invention is that of providing a closing device of the abovementioned type capable of ensuring a reliable re-closure of the bag type container.

[0028] A third objective of the present invention is that of providing a closing device of the type described above, which is also structurally simple, allowing low production costs so as to result particularly economical for the user and the consumer.

[0029] A further objective of the present invention is that of providing a closing device of the type described above, which is also particularly light and of little encumbrance, and which thus results particularly suitable to be sold together with the same pliable packet.

[0030] A further objective of the present invention is that of providing a closing device of the type described above, provided with a large printable surface, in such a manner as to make it particularly suitable to bear messages for the consumer, such as for example information regarding the products held in the container or advertisement.

[0031] These and other objectives are achieved according to the invention by a closing device for fastening the edges of a pliable device of the bag type in a folded position, comprising a flattened and slotted body, characterised in that said body comprises a first pivotable portion and a second pivotable portion respectively rotating around a first and a second rotating axis with respect to which they are arranged in a so-called flag configuration, wherein said first and second rotating axes are parallel to each other, and in that each of said two pivotable portions has a respective substantially linear slot of a preset length "l" having an open end portion, wherein said slot is arranged in said two pivotable portions in corresponding positions, that is, they are superimposable.

[0032] In practice, in the present closing device, the two abovementioned pivotable portions constitute a kind of respective flaps of the device, which can rotate around respective rotating axis parallel to each other, which, according to the invention, can also coincide into a single common rotating axis.

[0033] The key characteristic is that, following the rotation when nearing such two pivotable portions, the respective slots overlap regardless of the shape and the dimensions of each pivotable portion and regardless of the relative position that each single slot occupies in the respective pivotable portion.

[0034] Thus, this implies that in each of the pivotable portions, the slot can be extended in a perpendicular manner with respect to the respective rotating axis, otherwise it can be extended along a different direction. In addition, the slot can be extended along a centreline of a pivotable portion otherwise it can be arranged laterally. Furthermore the two pivotable portions can be coinciding or be of different shape and/or size.

[0035] According to a particularly simple and preferred embodiment of the invention, the present closing device is made of a single piece, for example made of plastic or card material possibly plasticized, provided with folding lines coinciding with the abovementioned rotating axis.

[0036] Then preferably, in the closing device according to the present invention, at the abovementioned open end portion, each slot has a section, of a preset length, wider than the width of the remaining portion of length "1".

[0037] Preferably, said wider section has a flaring profile towards the peripheral (external) edge of the respective pivotable portion.

[0038] Further advantages and characteristics of the present invention shall be clearer from the description of some embodiments of a closing device according to the invention, provided hereinafter with reference to attached drawings, provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

Brief description of the drawings

[0039] In such drawings:

• Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a closing device according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows, in perspective view, the closing device of figure 1 during a step of its use;
• Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of a closing device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a closing device according to a further embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of a closing device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

[0040] With reference to figure 1, a closing device according to the present invention is indicated in its entirety by 1.

[0041] The closing device 1 is of the clasp type used in a removable manner for the re-closure, subsequent to the first opening, of a pliable container such as a bag and other similar containers of the soft type.

[0042] In particular, as illustrated in figure 2, the closing device according to the invention is adapted to fasten the edges 200 of a pliable container 100 in a folded position, as will be apparent throughout the description.

[0043] The closing device 1 consists of a flattened body which essentially comprises a first pivotable portion 2 and a second pivotable portion 2a, which can respectively rotate around a first rotating axis z and a second rotating axis z', with respect to which they are arranged in a so-called flag configuration, wherein said first and second rotating axes, z and z', are parallel to each other.

[0044] Furthermore, each of such two pivotable portions 2, 2a, has a respective substantially linear slot 3, 3a, which extends for a suitable preset length "l" from the peripheral edge of the pivotable portion, where each slot exhibits a respective open end portion 4, 4a.

[0045] Still according to the invention, the slots 3, 3a are arranged, in the two pivotable portions 2 and 2a, at corresponding positions in such a manner as to be essentially superimposable following the rotation reciprocally nearing the same two pivotable portions 2, 2a.

[0046] As illustrated in the embodiment of figure 1 and 2, the pivotable portions 2, 2a, are separated by, and joined to, a connecting surface 5 extended in a transverse manner in the closing device 1, which has a limited width which defines the distance between the abovementioned two rotating axis z and z'.

[0047] The joint between each pivotable portion 2, 2a and the connecting surface 5 is substantially free in rotation and it is made according to the known art, for example, by means of an engagement obtained by notching the edge of an end, provided for in the pivotable portion, with a longitudinal neck provided in the connecting surface, such details not being shown in the figures.

[0048] From this point of view, the rotation of the first pivotable portion 2 and that of the second pivotable portion 2a can be provided of limited size.

[0049] Regarding the slots 3, 3a, it should be added that in each of the pivotable portions 2, 2a, the slots can be extended perpendicularly to the respective rotating axis, as illustrated in figures 1, 3 and 5, or else have a different direction (angle) with respect to the rotating axis as illustrated in the example of figure 4 where inclined slots are indicated by 13 and 13a.

[0050] Furthermore, each slot can be extended along a centreline of the pivotable portion, otherwise be arranged laterally in the same.

[0051] The key characteristic is that the slots have a position, thus an angle, corresponding in the two pivotable portions in such a manner to be superimposable in the rotation of the two pivotable portions themselves.

[0052] It should be added that according to a preferred embodiment, each slot 3, 3a, at the abovementioned open end portion 4, 4a, has a section wider than the width of the remaining portion of the length "I", to which corresponds a flaring profile towards the peripheral (external) edge of the respective pivotable portion.

[0053] It should still be observed that the two pivotable portions can be of the same shape and size, in practice identical, as shown in figures 1, 3 and 5, or else, though preserving the abovementioned correspondence of the slots, be of different dimensions and/or shapes.

[0054] A closing device according to the invention comprising a first pivotable portion 22 and a second pivotable portion 22a not identical is shown in the example of figure 4.

[0055] Still concerning the shape it should be added that the closing device according to the invention, in its entirety, can be of a substantially rectangular shape with a squared profile, as shown in figure 1, or else have curvilinear outline as shown in the example of figure 5, or have a shape similar to that of fictional character or of an animal as shown in figure 4, in which each pivotable portion is contoured in the shape of a fish.

[0056] The closing device according to the invention can be, for example, also of a generally circular shape.

[0057] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the closing device 1 is a single piece in which the abovementioned rotating axis z and z' are defined by, and coinciding with, respective folding lines.

[0058] Regarding this, the closing device 1 is advantageously made of plastic material or cardboard possibly plasticized having the abovementioned folding lines pre-shaped coinciding with the abovementioned rotating axis z and z'.

[0059] Regarding the plastic material used it should be observed that there are several types of plastic materials suitable for manufacturing the present closing device, all known and widely used for manufacturing various types of products, among which to name but a few, for exemplifying but non-limiting purpose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and the like.

[0060] In addition, it should be added that it is also advantageously possible to use plastic material obtained from polymers manufactured from renewable sources, that is biodegradable and/or compostable material, such as, for exemplifying but non-limiting purpose, starch and polylactic acid.

[0061] According to a further embodiment shown in the example of figure 3, the closing device according to the present invention comprises pivotable portions 12 and 12a rotatable with respect to the same rotating axis z".

[0062] In this case, the closing device 1 lacks the connecting surface mentioned beforehand, as shown also in the examples of figures 4 and 5, in such a manner as to cause the abovementioned first and second rotating axes to coincide into a single common rotating axis z".

[0063] The two pivotable portions 12, 12a, in this case, are substantially one an extension of the other, arranged between them according to a head-head configuration.

[0064] It should be added, according to the invention and as illustrated in the examples of the figures, that the descriptions outlined above regarding the position of the slots and the shape of the pivotable portions are valid both in case of a closing device in which the pivotable portions are rotatable with respect to two parallel rotating axis, and in case of a single rotating axis common to the two slotted pivotable portions.

[0065] With Regard to the use, it should be observed that the closing device according to the invention allows the closure of a bag type container in a very simple manner engaging the two slots with the folded edges of the bag , and then widening the two pivotable portions of the closing device.

[0066] Each pivotable portion constitutes a sort of safety device for the other of the pivotable portions given that, in the widened position with the slots engaged by the folded edges of the bag, there is an amount of tension exerted between the pivotable portions and the edges of the bag which allows the device itself to remain firmly fastened to close the packet.

[0067] Such tension is particularly effective in case of a closing device, according to the invention, made in a single piece of plastic material or cardboard material possibly plasticized provided with folding lines, as described previously.

[0068] In this case, the closing device after having been folded by rotating the two pivotable portions pivotablearound the folding line(s), tends to unfold, that is, it extends, due to the return force of the folded material which operates like a spring.

[0069] However, turning back to the use of the closing device according to the invention, it can be stated that it is fitted onto the folded edges of the container, placing each pivotable portion astride the folded edges themselves.

[0070] This prevents the closing device from sliding along the folded edges of the container, and also prevents its accidental "unsaddling", for example upon impact.

[0071] In this configuration of use, the closing device according to the invention can be considered like a sort of a double-fork with two portions each with two prongs arranged in a comb-like manner, wedged apart to form an acute angle, in which inserted and blocked between the prongs of each portion is the folded edge of the bag, as illustrated in figure 2.

[0072] Thus, just as it is easy to close a bag type packet using the device according to the invention, so it is easy to remove the closing device from the container.

[0073] In particular, the closing device is slipped off through a very simple movement, after having neared the two pivotable positions. However, this movement requires the actual intention of the user to do so and it could rarely be caused by an accidental impact.

[0074] The advantages of the closing device according to the invention, already clearly observed during the description, can be summarised by adding that as well as being safe, the present closing device is particularly simple from a structural and functional point of view, and thus allows an easy re-closure of the bag type container without requiring special manual ability by the user.

[0075] The term "safe closure" means that thanks to the present closing device, both the sealing of the closing and the closing operations required to close the container, which does not expose the user to harm, are safe.

[0076] Furthermore, the present closing device also proved to be particularly economical, light and of reduced encumbrance and thus particularly suitable for sale together with bag type packets, for example, biscuit packets.

[0077] Additionally, due to the flattened structure, the closing device according to the invention, is provided with a wide visible surface, which can be advantageously printed, or on which various stickers can be applied, bearing information regarding the product intended for sale with which the device for example is associated for sale, or else bear advertisement information or any other kind of information.

[0078] It is to be understood that a man skilled in the art, to meet special and contingent needs, can perform various modifications of the invention described above in its various embodiments all of which fall within the scope of invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Closing device (1) for fastening the edges (200) of a pliable container (100) of the bag type in a folded position comprising a flattened and slotted body characterised in that said body comprises a first pivotable portion (2) and a second pivotable portion (2a) respectively rotatable around a first rotating axis (z) and a second rotating axis (z'), wherein said first and second rotating axes are parallel to each other, and in that each of said pivotable portions (2, 2a) has a respective slot (3, 3a) substantially linear and of preset length "l" having an open end portion (4, 4a), said slot (3, 3a) being arranged in said pivotable portions (2, 2a) at superimposable positions.

2. Closing device according to claim 1, characterised in that said first and said second rotating axis (z, z') coincide.

3. Closing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that in each pivotable portion (2, 2a) said slot (3, 3a) is extended perpendicularly to the respective rotating axis.

4. Closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first pivotable portion (2) and said second pivotable portion (2a) are identical.

5. Closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is made of a single piece.

6. Closing device according to claim 5, characterised in that said single piece is made of plastic material or cardboard possibly plasticized provided with folding lines coinciding with said rotating axis.

7. Closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at said open end portion (4, 4a) said slot (3, 3a) has a section wider than the width of the remaining portion of the length "l".

8. Closing device according to claim 7, characterised in that said open end portion (4, 4a) is provided with a flaring profile towards the peripheral edge of each of the pivotable portions (2, 2a).

9. Closing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said slot (3, 3a) is extended along a centreline of said pivotable portion (2, 2a).

Drawing