[0001] The present invention relates to a sealed package and a method of packaging an article.
[0002] Packages designed to contain crisps or nuts or confectionery products are commonly
constructed from film, of thin, flexible, suitably impermeable wrapping materials.
The film may be provided by a single sheet of wrapping material, for example by providing
the film as a tube, or by folding or shaping a single sheet of wrapping material to
form a package. Alternatively, the film may be provided by two separate sheets of
wrapping material. The film is arranged to define a storage volume for storing the
contents of the package and to have at least one sealed region at an edge of the package.
The film provides the walls of the storage volume, and the sealed region is a laminate
of two edge portions of the film. Once the sealed region is delaminated, it provides
an opening into the storage volume of the package. The sealed region may be delaminated
by pulling the walls of the package apart. Generally such a package has more than
one sealed region, but a single sealed region is presented by way of visual cues as
the sealed region to be opened. Such a sealed region is called herein a 'sealed region
to be opened'. In some embodiments the package may be formed from a single sheet of
substantially rectangular wrapping material by folding and then forming three sealed
regions. In some embodiments the package may be formed from two sheets of substantially
rectangular wrapping material by forming four sealed regions.
[0003] Packaging for confectionery commonly comprises a through-hole in the sealed region
to be opened which allows the package to be hung on a rail and displayed for sale.
Because the through-hole is in the sealed region to be opened the sealed package is
not breached by the through-hole, and the contents of the package in the main body
of the package inward from the sealed region to be opened are not exposed to the external
environment. An example of such a through-hole is a 'Euroslot'. The presence of a
through-hole in the sealed region to be opened can cause a problem when the package
is opened in the manner described above. During opening, the through-hole interrupts
the delamination process and can lead to an incomplete opening of the package or the
formation of an irregular opening. Also, the interruption of the delamination process
may cause the consumer to apply more force to the package which may lead to tearing
of the package and spillage of the contents.
[0004] EP 2360104 A2 describes a sealed package comprising a 'Euroslot' hanging slot and a single line
of weakness positioned between the inside edge of the sealed region and the Euroslot.
This is a good arrangement providing benefit described in
EP 2360104A2 but we have now devised valuable improvements.
[0005] It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a sealed package
which comprises a through-hole in the sealed region to be opened and which may be
opened efficiently despite the presence of the through-hole in the sealed region to
be opened.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealed package
comprising a storage volume for contents and at least one sealed region to be opened,
the sealed region being bordered on at least one side by an edge of the package and
having first and second ends; wherein the sealed region to be opened comprises a first
line of weakness which extends from a first point on the sealed region inward of the
first end to a second point on the sealed region inward from the second end; characterised
in that the sealed region to be opened comprises at least one additional line of weakness;
and in that the at least one additional line of weakness is arranged to intercept
a tear deviating from the first line of weakness.
[0007] In embodiments of the present invention the first line of weakness is located centrally
within the sealed region to be opened.
[0008] The package of the first aspect of the present invention may be formed from film
of wrapping material known in the art. In some embodiments the film may be provided
by one sheet of wrapping material. In alternative embodiments the film may be provided
by more than one sheet of wrapping material. The film of wrapping material may be
a laminate of more than one layer of wrapping material, for example a laminate of
two layers of wrapping material or a laminate of three layers of wrapping material.
Suitable wrapping materials include paper, foil, polymer-based wrappers, or a mixture
thereof. Suitable polymer-based wrappers may comprise polymers derived from natural
sources and may comprise polymers derived from petroleum. Suitable polymer-based wrappers
comprising polymers derived from natural sources include cellophane. Film of wrapping
material can be said to comprise two faces and a thickness. In some embodiments the
wrapping material is a single substantially rectangular sheet.
[0009] The package may be formed by any suitable wrapping technique known in the art. Suitable
wrapping techniques include form, fill and seal techniques. Suitably the package is
formed by a vertical form, fill and seal technique. In alternative embodiments the
package may be formed by a horizontal form, fill and seal technique. The package may
be one of a plurality of packages progressively formed from a continuous sheet of
wrapping material, for example in the form of a tube. In an alternative embodiment
the package may be formed from a continuous sheet of wrapping material which is brought
together edge-to-edge and sealed, to form a tube.
[0010] The package of the first aspect comprises a storage volume. The storage volume is
a space within the package which can accommodate contents. Suitable contents are food
products. The storage volume is enclosed by the film of wrapping material and the
at least one sealed region to be opened. Suitably the storage volume is substantially
sealed from ambient conditions so that moisture or air, for example, cannot enter
the storage volume.
[0011] The package of the first aspect comprises at least one sealed region to be opened.
By sealed region to be opened we mean a portion of the package where two films of
wrapping material are bound together in a face-to-face seal to provide a laminate
of the two films of wrapping material. The two films of wrapping material that form
the sealed region to be opened are suitably part of a single sheet of wrapping material.
Such a face-to-face seal may be achieved by crimping or pressing together the two
films of wrapping material. An adhesive and / or heat may be used to assist with the
process. The sealed region to be opened is substantially flat and can be said to comprise
two faces and a thickness, made up of two film thicknesses. The sealed region to be
opened has an outside edge and an inside edge. By outside edge we mean to refer to
an edge that is the edge of the package. By inside edge we mean to refer to an edge
that forms the boundary between the storage volume and the sealed region to be opened.
[0012] In some embodiments in which the package is substantially cuboid, the sealed region
to be opened is suitably rectangular and extends substantially across one edge of
the package and partially along two edges of the package perpendicular to the one
edge of the package. In some embodiments in which the package is not substantially
rectangular, the sealed region to be opened is suitably a complimentary shape to an
edge of the package and extends at least partially across an edge of the package.
[0013] The package may comprise other sealed regions in addition to the at least one sealed
region to be opened. The package may comprise one or more sealed region which is not
intended to be opened. The package may comprise more than one sealed region to be
opened.
[0014] The sealed region to be opened generally has a centre-point. By centre-point we mean
to refer to a point on the surface of the sealed region to be opened that is approximately
at the centre of the sealed region to be opened. The centre-point is approximately
equidistant from the inside and outside edges of the sealed region to be opened and
approximately equidistant from the first and second ends of the sealed region to be
opened.
[0015] In some embodiments the centre-point is contained in a portion of the sealed region
to be opened bounded by the first line of weakness and the edge of the package.
[0016] The sealed region to be opened may comprise a through-hole. Suitably the through-hole
is located on the sealed region to be opened inward from the edges of the sealed region
to be opened. Suitably the through-hole is located approximately at the centre-point
of the sealed region to be opened. Suitably the through-hole is adapted to enable
the package to be hung on a rail, rack or hook. A suitable through-hole may be a hanging
slot, for example a Euroslot.
[0017] In some embodiments the sealed region to be opened comprises a through-hole for hanging
the package and the first line of weakness extends across a portion of the sealed
region to be opened which is between the through-hole and the storage volume. In these
embodiments the through-hole is contained in a portion of the sealed region to be
opened bounded by the first line of weakness and the edge of the package.
[0018] The sealed region to be opened comprises a first line of weakness. By first line
of weakness we mean to refer to a weakening of the wrapping material which extends
substantially in a line from said first point to said second point. The first line
of weakness may be continuous or discontinuous. Suitably the first line of weakness
comprises a continuous cut which does not go completely through the two films of wrapping
material which form the sealed region to be opened, for example a score or incomplete
cut into one of the films of wrapping material or a complete cut into one of the films
of wrapping material. In alternative embodiments the first line of weakness comprises
a discontinuous cut. The discontinuous cut may be a cut which does not go completely
through the two films of wrapping material which form the sealed region to be opened,
for example a score or incomplete cut into one of the films of wrapping material or
a complete cut into one of the films of wrapping material. In alternative embodiments
the discontinuous cut may be a cut which does go completely through both films of
wrapping material, for example a through-cut. A suitable method of obtaining a weakening
of the wrapping material may include mechanical scoring, mechanical cutting, heat
cutting, air knife cutting, stamping, laser scoring or laser cutting.
[0019] The first line of weakness extends from a first point on the sealed region to be
opened inward of the first end to a second point on the sealed region to be opened
inward from the second end. Suitably the first and second points are nearer to the
outside edge of the sealed region to be opened than the inside edge of the sealed
region to be opened. In embodiments wherein the sealed region to be opened comprises
a through-hole, the first and second points are suitably nearer to the outside edge
of the sealed region to be opened than the through-hole is to the outside edge of
the sealed region to be opened. The first and second points may be substantially on
the outside edge of the sealed region to be opened. In some embodiments the first
line of weakness is a curve which terminates at the outside edge of the sealed region
and whose apex is adjacent to, but does not reach, the inside edge of the sealed region
to be opened.
[0020] A suitable curved first line of weakness may comprise an arc. The apex of the arc
is suitably adjacent to, but does not reach, the inside edge of the sealed region.
[0021] Suitable curved first lines of weakness may comprise generally U-shaped curves. A
generally U-shaped curve may comprise a curved web region between two limbs which
are substantially parallel to each other, or between two limbs which are splayed apart.
[0022] In some embodiments the first line of weakness may be of a generally V-shape. The
apex of the V is suitably adjacent to, but does not reach, the inside edge of the
sealed region.
[0023] The first line of weakness may be entirely within the sealed region to be opened.
[0024] In some embodiments the first line of weakness may extend outside of the sealed region
to be opened. For example the first line of weakness may extend across a portion of
the film of wrapping material which forms a wall of the storage volume. Suitably a
first line of weakness which extends across the wall of the storage volume is a continuous
or discontinuous incomplete cut or score into the films of wrapping material. In embodiments
wherein the films of wrapping material are laminates of more than one layer of wrapping
material, the first line of weakness which extends across the wall of the storage
volume may be a complete cut through at least one layer of the laminate but not through
all of the layers of the laminate. By such means the sealing of the storage volume
is not compromised.
[0025] In some embodiments the sealed region to be opened comprises a first line of weakness
on only one film or face. However in other embodiments the sealed region to be opened
may comprise a first line of weakness on both films or faces.
[0026] The films which form the package have an outer face and inner face. The inner face
provides the inside surface of the finished package. The outer face provides the outer
surface of the finished package. The first line of weakness may be provided on either
the inner or the outer face of the film or films.
[0027] In some embodiments the package does not comprise any lines of weakness which are
not entirely within the sealed region to be opened.
[0028] The sealed region to be opened comprises at least one additional line of weakness.
By additional line of weakness we mean to refer to a weakening of the wrapping material
in addition to said first line of weakening. The at least one additional line of weakness
may be continuous or discontinuous. Suitably the at least one additional line of weakness
comprises a continuous cut which does not go completely through the two films of wrapping
material which form the sealed region to be opened, for example a score or incomplete
cut into one of the films of wrapping material or a complete cut into one of the films
of wrapping material. In alternative embodiments the at least one additional line
of weakness comprises a discontinuous cut. The discontinuous cut may be a cut which
does not go completely through the two films of wrapping material which form the sealed
region to be opened, for example a score or incomplete cut into one of the films of
wrapping material or a complete cut into one of the films of wrapping material. In
alternative embodiments the discontinuous cut may be a cut which does go completely
through both films of wrapping material, for example a through-cut. A suitable method
of obtaining a weakening of the wrapping material may include mechanical scoring,
mechanical cutting, heat cutting, air knife cutting, stamping, laser scoring or laser
cutting.
[0029] In some embodiments the at least one additional line of weakness does not intersect
the first line of weakness. The at least one additional line of weakness may have
substantially the same shape and orientation on the sealed region to be opened as
the first line of weakness. The at least one additional line of weakness may be generally
parallel to the first line of weakness. Suitably the at least one additional line
of weakness with substantially the same shape and orientation on the sealed region
to be opened as the first line of weakness may be offset or spaced from the first
line of weakness towards the outside edge of the sealed region to be opened. Suitably
the first line of weakness and the at least one additional line of weakness are generally
parallel or concentric arcs. In alternative embodiments the at least one additional
line of weakness with substantially the same shape and orientation as the first line
of weakness may be offset or spaced from the first line of weakness towards the inside
edge of the sealed region to be opened. The at least one additional line of weakness
may be substantially the same length as the first line of weakness. In alternative
embodiments the at least one additional line of weakness may have a shorter length
than the first line of weakness. In some embodiments the at least one additional line
of weakness extends from a point substantially at the inside edge of the sealed region
to be opened. The at least one additional line of weakness may extend from a first
point on the outside edge of the sealed region to be opened to a second point on the
outside edge of the sealed region to be opened. In alternative embodiments the at
least one additional line of weakness extends from a first point which is between
the outside and inside edges of the sealed region to be opened to a second point which
is between the outside and inside edges of the sealed region to be opened. The at
least one additional line of weakness may be entirely within the sealed region to
be opened. In alternative embodiments the at least one additional line of weakness
may extend across a portion of the film of wrapping material which forms a wall of
the storage volume.
[0030] In some embodiments the at least one additional line of weakness intersects the first
line of weakness. Suitably the at least one additional line of weakness extends from
a first point on the first line of weakness to a second point on the sealed region
to be opened. The second point on the sealed region to be opened may be nearer to
the outside edge of the sealed region to be opened than the first point on the first
line of weakness. The second point on the sealed region to be opened may be on the
outside edge of the sealed region to be opened. Suitably the at least one additional
line of weakness is shorter in length than the first line of weakness.
Suitably the sealed region to be opened comprises more than one additional line of
weakness. In embodiments wherein there is a plurality of additional lines of weakness
each line may be as described above for the at least one additional line.
[0031] The opening of a sealed package according to the first aspect of the present invention
will now be described. It is intended that the sealed package is opened by gripping
opposite walls of the storage volume of the package and pulling the walls apart. Pulling
apart the walls in this way may begin to delaminate the films of wrapping material
in the sealed region to be opened from the inside edge of the sealed region to be
opened towards the outside edge of the sealed region to be opened. When the delamination
reaches the first line of weakness it is intended that at least one of the films of
wrapping material of the sealed region to be opened begins to tear along the first
line of weakness. This tearing action occurs simultaneously with the continuing delamination
of the sealed region to be opened. As the first line of weakness extends from a first
point inward of the first end of the sealed region to be opened and a second point
inward of the second end of the sealed region to be opened, the tear effectively allows
the delamination process to by-pass a portion of the sealed region to be opened. Once
the delamination of the sealed region to be opened has reached the outside edge of
the sealed region to be opened, the portion of the sealed region to be opened between
the first line of tearing and the inside edge of the sealed region to be opened will
have been delaminated; the portion of the sealed region to be opened between the line
of tearing and the outside edge of the sealed region to be opened will remain laminated;
and the sealed package will have an opening along the tear line and the outside edge
of the sealed region to be opened. The tearing of the first line of weakness during
opening of the package, allowing the delamination process to by-pass a portion of
the sealed region to be opened, may thereby by-pass a through-hole, if present. Therefore
the first line of weakness may function to prevent a through-hole, if present, from
adversely affecting the opening of the sealed package.
[0032] However, in some instances the tear may deviate from the first line of weakness towards
the through-hole. It is intended that a deviating tear intersects an additional line
of weakness and is directed along this additional line of weakness to give the desired
efficient and controlled opening of the sealed package. In effect the additional line
of weakness intercepts an errant tear and directs the tear along a pre-determined
path to provide the desired opening process. If an additional line of weakness was
not present to intercept the errant tear then the deviation of the tear may adversely
affect the controlled opening of the sealed package.
[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sealed package may comprise more
than one sealed region to be opened. Furthermore the sealed package may comprise more
than one sealed region to be opened comprising a first line of weakness which extends
from a first point on the sealed region inward of the first end to a second point
on the sealed region inward from the second end; and wherein the sealed region to
be opened comprises at least one additional line of weakness.
[0034] In some embodiments the sealed package may comprise more than one sealed region to
be opened comprising a through-hole for hanging the package and a first line of weakness
which extends from a first point on the sealed region to be opened to a second point
on the sealed region to be opened and extends across a portion of the sealed region
to be opened which is between the through-hole and the storage volume; and wherein
the sealed region to be opened comprises at least one additional line of weakness.
The additional line of weakness is suitably downstream of the first line of weakness
and upstream of the through-hole (downstream and upstream being with reference to
the direction in which the sealed region to be opened separates.
[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
of packaging an article, the method comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing film of wrapping material;
- (2) forming the film of wrapping material into a package able to receive the article,
by forming at least one sealed region, the sealed region providing an edge of the
package and having first and second ends;
- (3) introducing the article into the package;
- (4) sealing the package by forming at least one sealed region, the sealed region providing
an edge of the package and having first and second ends;
- (5) forming in at least one of the sealed regions a first line of weakness which extends
from a first point on the sealed region inward of the first end to a second point
on the sealed region inward of the second end; and
- (6) optionally forming a through-hole in the sealed region to be opened;
characterised in that step (5) involves forming at least one additional line of weakness
in the sealed region to be opened;
and in that the at least one additional line of weakness is arranged to intercept
a tear deviating from the first line of weakness.
[0036] Step (1) involves providing film of wrapping material. The suitable wrapping materials
referred to in relation to the first aspect are also referred to in relation to this
second aspect. Suitably the film of wrapping material may be provided as a single
sheet. The film of wrapping material may be provided as a continuous sheet of wrapping
material which may provide wrapping material for the formation of a plurality of packages
in sequence, for example a roll of wrapping material. Suitably the film of wrapping
material may be cut from the continuous sheet of wrapping material. In some embodiments
the film of wrapping material is provided as more than one sheet.
[0037] Step (2) involves forming the film of wrapping material into a package to receive
the article. Steps (2) and (3) can be carried out together. Suitably the film of wrapping
material is formed into a package around an article placed on the film of wrapping
material. In some embodiments the films of wrapping material are formed into a package
with an opening in the absence of an article and the article is subsequently introduced
to the package through the opening. The article may be a single article or may be
a plurality of articles. Suitable articles include food products. Suitable food products
include confectionery products.
[0038] Step (3) involves introducing the article into the package. There any many facile
ways this can be done, depending on the physical state of the article. For example
it could be poured, injected or blown or lifted and placed into the package.
[0039] Step (4) involves sealing the package by forming at least one sealed region to be
opened. The suitable features of the sealed region to be opened referred to in relation
to the first aspect are also applicable to this second aspect.
[0040] Step (5) involves forming a first line of weakness in at least one sealed region
and forming at least one additional line of weakness. In embodiments wherein the lines
of weakness are formed in only one of the sealed regions, that sealed region may be
referred to as the sealed region to be opened.
[0041] In some embodiments the lines of weakness are formed in the sealed region formed
in step (2). Suitably the sealed region formed in step (2) is the sealed region to
be opened. In some embodiments they are formed within step (2) itself.
[0042] In some embodiments the lines of weakness are formed in the sealed region formed
in step (4). Suitably the sealed region formed in step (4) is the sealed region to
be opened. In some embodiments they are formed within step (4) itself.
[0043] The provision of the lines of weakness within the film as providing in step (1) is
not excluded.
[0044] The preferred features of the first and additional lines of weakness referred to
in relation to the first aspect are also referred to in relation to this second aspect.
[0045] Step (6) involves optionally forming a through-hole in the sealed region to be opened.
The suitable features of the through-hole referred to in relation to the first aspect
are referred to in relation to this second aspect. The through-hole may be formed
by any suitable method known in the art. For example the through-hole may be formed
by stamping, cutting or burning.
[0046] Steps (4), (5) and (6) may be carried out in any order. As the operation of forming
a through-hole in the sealed region to be opened is optional, the other two operations
(5) and (6) may be carried out in either order, without performing step (6).
[0047] In some embodiments the three operations referred to in steps (4), (5) and (6) may
be carried out simultaneously. As the operation of forming a through-hole in the sealed
region to be opened is optional, the other two operations may be carried out simultaneously
without performing this operation.
[0048] In some embodiments steps (5) or (6) may be followed by a step (7) of cutting the
wrapping material to separate the package from a continuous sheet of wrapping material.
Step (7) may be carried out simultaneously with steps (4), (5) and optionally (6).
[0049] The method of this second aspect may be a horizontal form, fill and seal method.
The method of this second aspect may be carried out on a horizontal form fill and
seal apparatus.
[0050] The method of this second aspect may be a vertical form, fill and seal method. The
method of this second aspect may be carried out on a vertical form fill and seal apparatus.
[0051] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of
opening a sealed package according to the first aspect, the method comprising the
steps of:
- (1) gripping two opposite portions of wrapping material which form walls of the storage
volume and which are laminated together at the sealed region to be opened;
- (2) pulling the portions of wrapping material apart with sufficient force to initiate
delamination of the sealed region to be opened; and
- (3) continuing to apply sufficient force to progressively delaminate the sealed region
to be opened and to tear the wrapping material along one or more of the lines of weakness
until the sealed package has been opened.
[0052] A sealed package according to the first aspect of the invention may be used in the
method of this third aspect.
[0053] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealed
package comprising a storage volume for contents and at least one sealed region to
be opened bordered on at least one side by an edge of the package and having first
and second ends; wherein the sealed region to be opened comprises a first line of
weakness which extends from a first point on the sealed region inward of the first
end to a second point on the sealed region inward from the second end; wherein the
sealed region to be opened comprises at least one additional line of weakness; and
wherein the first line of weakness and the at least one additional line of weakness
are entirely within the sealed region.
[0054] Suitable additional features of the sealed package of this fourth aspect are any
of the features referred to in relation to the first aspect.
[0055] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a sealed package
comprising a storage volume for contents and at least one sealed region to be opened
bordered on at least one side by an edge of the package and having first and second
ends; wherein the sealed region to be opened comprises a through-hole for hanging
the package and a first line of weakness which extends across a portion of the sealed
region to be opened which is between the through-hole and the storage volume; and
wherein the sealed region to be opened comprises at least one additional line of weakness.
[0056] Suitable features of the sealed package of this fifth aspect are any of the features
referred to in relation to the first aspect.
[0057] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a horizontal
form fill and seal apparatus for forming and filling a package according to the first
aspect of the present invention and for carrying out a method according to the second
aspect of the present invention.
[0058] Suitable features of the apparatus of this sixth aspect are any of the aforementioned
features of the package of the first aspect or the method of the second aspect.
[0059] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a vertical
form fill and seal apparatus for forming and filling a package according to the first
aspect of the present invention and for carrying out a method according to the second
aspect of the present invention.
[0060] Suitable features of the apparatus of this seventh aspect are any of the aforementioned
features of the package of the first aspect or the method of the second aspect.
[0061] Suitably the apparatus of the sixth and seventh aspects comprises a means for forming
the first line of weakness and at least one additional line of weakness in the sealed
region to be opened.
[0062] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same
may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a sealed package according to the
present invention.
Figure 2 is a front view of a second embodiment of a sealed package according to the
present invention.
Figure 3 is a front view of a third embodiment of a sealed package according to the
present invention.
Figure 4 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a sealed package according to the
present invention.
Figure 5 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a sealed package according to the
present invention.
[0063] In Figure 1 the sealed package (100) comprises a storage volume (110) and a sealed
region to be opened (120). The sealed region to be opened comprises an outer edge
(121), an inner edge (122), a first line of weakness (123), a through-hole in the
form of a Euroslot (124) and additional lines of weakness (125 and 126). The first
line of weakness (123) and the additional lines of weakness (125 and 126) are parallel
arcs and are formed as continuous score lines. The line of weakness (123) extends
from a first point on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened (127) to a
second point on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened (128) in an arc towards
(but not up to) the inner edge of the sealed region to be opened (122) and around
the Euroslot (124). The additional lines of weakness (125 and 126) have substantially
the same shape and orientation as the first line of weakness (123). The additional
lines of weakness extend from a first point on the outer edge of the sealed region
to be opened to a second point on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened
and are spaced from the line of weakness (123) towards the Euroslot (124); that is,
they are within the arc of the first line of weakness.
[0064] In use the sealed package is opened by pulling apart two opposing walls of the storage
volume in a manner such as to cause delamination of the sealed region to be opened
(the sealed region to be opened being suggested by visual cues on the package, for
example the orientation of the branding and / or writing on the package). The portion
of the sealed region to be opened between the inner edge (122) and the line of weakness
(123) is thereby delaminated. Then, at least one of the two layers of wrapping material
of the sealed region to be opened tears along the line of weakness (123) and therefore
the portion of the sealed region to be opened between the line of weakness (123) and
the outer edge (121) remains laminated. This process results in a package with an
opening along part of the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened and the entirety
of the line of weakness. However, there is a risk that the tearing of the first line
of weakness (123) may deviate from the first line of weakness. The additional lines
of weakness (125 and 126) may then intercept the deviating tear and induce further
tearing to progress along one of these additional lines of weakness. This process
would result in a package with an opening along part of the outer edge of the sealed
region to be opened (121), at least part of the line of weakness (123) and at least
part of at least one of the additional lines of weakness.
[0065] In Figure 2 the sealed package (200) comprises a storage volume (210) and a sealed
region to be opened (220). The sealed region to be opened comprises an outer edge
(221), an inner edge (222), a first line of weakness (223), a Euroslot (224) and additional
lines of weakness (225, 226, 227 and 228). The line of weakness (223) extends from
a first point on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened (229) to a second
point on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened (230) in an arc towards
the inner edge of the sealed region to be opened (222) and around the Euroslot (224).
The additional lines of weakness (225, 226, 227 and 228) are shorter in length than
the line of weakness (223). The additional lines of weakness extend from a point on
the inner edge of the sealed region to be opened to a point on the sealed region to
be opened and extend parallel to the line of weakness (223). In use when the sealed
package is being opened according to the process described in relation to Figure 1,
the tearing begins at the additional lines of weakness closest to the inner edge of
the sealed region to be opened (226 and 228). This tearing may deviate from the additional
lines of weakness (226 and 228) and may be intercepted by the adjacent additional
lines of weakness (225 and/or 227). Further deviation of the tear may be intercepted
by the first line of weakness (223).
[0066] In Figure 3 the sealed package (300) comprises a storage volume (310) and a sealed
region to be opened (320). The sealed region to be opened comprises an outer edge
(321), an inner edge (322), a first line of weakness (323), a Euroslot (324) and additional
lines of weakness (325 and 326). The first line of weakness (323) extends from a first
point on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened (327) to a second point
on the outer edge of the sealed region to be opened (328) towards the inner edge of
the sealed region to be opened (322) and around the Euroslot (324). The additional
lines of weakness (325, and 326) are shorter in length than the first line of weakness
(323). The additional lines of weakness extend from points on the outer edge of the
sealed region to be opened and intersect the first line of weakness (323) at two different
points. In use when the sealed package is being opened according to the process described
in relation to Figure 1, a tear deviating from the first line of weakness (323) may
be intercepted by the additional lines of weakness as described in relation to Figure
1.
[0067] Figure 4 shows a sealed package (400) which is similar to the sealed package (400)
shown in Figure 1. However the first line of weakness (423) and the additional lines
of weakness (425 and 426) are discontinuous score lines (i.e. they do not pierce through
the entire thickness of the wrapping material).
[0068] Figure 5 shows a sealed package (500) which is similar to the sealed package (500)
shown in Figure 1, however the first line of weakness (523) is a continuous score
line and the additional lines of weakness (525 and 526) are discontinuous score lines.
1. A sealed package (100) comprising a storage volume (110) for contents and at least
one sealed region to be opened (120), the sealed region being bordered on at least
one side by an outer edge of the package (121) and having first and second ends; wherein
the sealed region to be opened (120) comprises a first line of weakness (123) which
extends from a first point (127) on the sealed region (120) inward of the first end
to a second point (128) on the sealed region (120) inward from the second end;
characterised in that the sealed region to be opened (120) comprises at least one additional line of weakness
(125); and in that the at least one additional line of weakness (125) is arranged to intercept a tear
deviating from the first line of weakness (123).
2. A sealed package (100) according to claim 1 wherein the first line of weakness (123)
and the at least one additional line of weakness (125) are entirely within the sealed
region to be opened (120).
3. A sealed package (100) according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the sealed region to be
opened (120) comprises a through-hole (124) for hanging the package (100) and wherein
the first line of weakness (123) extends across a portion of the sealed region to
be opened (120) which is between the through-hole (124) and the storage volume (110).
4. A sealed package (100) according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first line of weakness
(123) and the at least one additional line of weakness (125) are continuous lines;
or wherein the first line of weakness (123) and the at least one additional line of
weakness (125) are discontinuous lines; or.
wherein the first line of weakness (123) and the at least one additional line of weakness
(125) comprise continuous and discontinuous lines.
5. A sealed package (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the first line of
weakness (123) extends from a first point (127) on the outer edge (121) of the sealed
region to be opened (120) to a second point (128) on the outer edge (121) of the sealed
region to be opened (120).
6. A sealed package (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the first line of
weakness (123) is curved towards the inside edge (122) of the sealed region to be
opened (120).
7. A sealed package (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the first line of
weakness (123) is an arc; or
wherein the first line of weakness is generally U-shaped; or
wherein the first line of weakness is generally V-shaped.
8. A sealed package (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one additional
line of weakness (125) has substantially the same shape and orientation on the sealed
region to be opened (120) as the first line of weakness (123) and is spaced from the
first line of weakness (123) towards the inside edge (122) of the sealed region to
be opened (120).
9. A sealed package (300) according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the at least one
additional line of weakness (325) intersects the first line of weakness (323).
10. A sealed package (200) according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one additional
line of weakness (225) has a shorter length than the first line of weakness (233).
11. A method of packaging an article, the method comprising the steps of:
(1) providing film of wrapping material;
(2) forming the film of wrapping material into a package (100) able to receive the
article, by forming at least one sealed region (120), the sealed region (120) providing
an edge of the package (100) and having first and second ends;
(3) introducing the article into the package (100);
(4) sealing the package by forming at least one sealed region, the sealed region providing
an edge of the package (100) and having first and second ends;
(5) forming in at least one of the sealed regions (120) a first line of weakness (123)
which extends from a first point (127) on the sealed region (120) inward of the first
end to a second point (128) on the sealed region (120) inward of the second end;
characterised in that step (5) involves forming at least one additional line of weakness (125) in the sealed
region to be opened (120); and
in that the at least one additional line of weakness (125) is arranged to intercept a tear
deviating from the first line of weakness (123).
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the lines of weakness (123, 125) are formed
in the sealed region (120) which is formed in step (4), during step (4).
13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the method is carried out on a horizontal
form fill and seal apparatus; or
wherein the method is carried out on a vertical form fill and seal apparatus.
14. A method of opening a sealed package (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, the
method comprising the steps of:
(1) gripping two opposite portions of wrapping material which form walls of the storage
volume (110) and which are laminated together at the sealed region to be opened (120);
(2) pulling the portions of wrapping material apart with sufficient force to initiate
delamination of the sealed region to be opened (120); and
(3) continuing to apply sufficient force to progressively delaminate the sealed region
to be opened (120) and to tear the wrapping material along one or more of the lines
of weakness (123, 125) until the sealed package (100) has been opened.
15. An apparatus for forming and filling a package (100) according to any of claims 1
to 9 and for carrying out a method according to any of claims 11 to 13; wherein the
apparatus is a horizontal form fill and seal apparatus or a vertical form fill and
seal apparatus.
1. Versiegelte Verpackung (100), umfassend ein Aufbewahrungsvolumen (110) für den Inhalt
und mindestens einen zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereich (120), wobei der versiegelte
Bereich auf mindestens einer Seite begrenzt ist durch eine
Außenkante des Pakets (121) mit ersten und zweiten Enden; wobei der zu öffnende versiegelte
Bereich (120) eine erste Schwächungslinie (123) umfasst, die sich von einem ersten
Punkt (127) auf dem versiegelten Bereich (120), einwärts des ersten Endes, zu einem
zweiten Punkt (128) auf dem versiegelten Bereich (120), einwärts des zweiten Endes,
erstreckt;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zu öffnende versiegelte Bereich (120), mindestens eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie
(125) umfasst; und dass die mindestens eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (125) so
angeordnet ist, dass sie einen Einriss unterbricht, der von der ersten Schwächungslinie
(123) abweicht.
2. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich die erste Schwächungslinie
(123) und die mindestens eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (125) vollständig innerhalb
zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereichs (120) befinden.
3. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2, wobei der zu öffnende versiegelte
Bereich (120) ein Durchgangsloch (124) zum Aufhängen der Verpackung (100) umfasst
und wobei sich die erste Schwächungslinie (123) über einen Abschnitt des zu öffnenden
versiegelten Bereichs (120) erstreckt, der sich zwischen dem Durchgangsloch (124)
und dem Aufbewahrungsvolumen (110) befindet.
4. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach den Ansprüchen 1, 2 oder 3, wobei die erste Schwächungslinie
(123) und die mindestens eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (125) durchgehende Linien
sind; oder wobei die erste Schwächungslinie (123) und die mindestens eine zusätzliche
Schwächungslinie (125) unterbrochene Linien sind; oder
wobei die erste Schwächungslinie (123) und die mindestens eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie
(125) durchgehende und unterbrochene Linien umfassen.
5. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, wobei sich
die erste Schwächungslinie (123) von einem ersten Punkt (127) an der Außenkante (121)
des zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereichs (120) zu einem zweiten Punkt (128) an der Außenkante
(121) des zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereichs (120) erstreckt.
6. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erste
Schwächungslinie (123) in Richtung der Innenkante (122) zu öffnenden versiegelten
Bereichs (120) gekrümmt ist.
7. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die erste
Schwächungslinie (123) ein Bogen ist; oder
wobei die erste Schwächungslinie im Allgemeinen U-förmig ist; oder
wobei die erste Schwächungslinie im Allgemeinen V-förmig ist.
8. Versiegelte Verpackung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die mindestens
eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (125) im Wesentlichen die gleiche Form und Ausrichtung
auf dem versiegelten Bereich (120), der geöffnet werden soll, wie die erste Schwächungslinie
(123) aufweist und von der ersten Schwächungslinie (123) in Richtung der Innenkante
(122) zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereichs (120) beabstandet ist.
9. Versiegelte Verpackung (300) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die mindestens
eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (325) die erste Schwächungslinie (323) schneidet.
10. Versiegelte Verpackung (200) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die mindestens
eine zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (225) eine kürzere Länge als die erste Schwächungslinie
(233) aufweist.
11. Verfahren zum Verpacken eines Artikels, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte
umfasst:
(1) Bereitstellen einer Folie eines Verpackungsmaterials;
(2) Formen der Folie von Verpackungsmaterial zu einer Packung (100), die den Artikel
aufnehmen kann, durch Bilden von mindestens einem versiegelten Bereich (120), wobei
der versiegelte Bereich (120) eine Kante der Packung (100) bereitstellt und erste
und zweite Enden aufweist;
(3) Einführen des Artikels in die Packung (100);
(4) Versiegeln der Verpackung durch Bilden von mindestens einem versiegelten Bereich,
wobei der versiegelte Bereich eine Kante der Packung (100) bereitstellt und erste
und zweite Enden aufweist;
(5) Bilden einer ersten Schwächungslinie (123) in mindestens einem der versiegelten
Bereiche (120), die sich von einem ersten Punkt (127) auf dem versiegelten Bereich
(120), einwärts des ersten Endes, zu einem zweiten Punkt (128) auf dem versiegelten
Bereich (120), einwärts des zweiten Endes, erstreckt;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Schritt (5) das Bilden von mindestens einer zusätzlichen Schwächungslinie (125) in
dem zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereich (120) umfasst; und dass die mindestens eine
zusätzliche Schwächungslinie (125) so angeordnet ist, dass sie einen Einriss unterbricht,
der von der ersten Schwächungslinie (123) abweicht.
12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Schwächungslinien (123, 125) während Schritt
(4) in dem in Schritt (4) gebildeten versiegelten Bereich (120) gebildet werden.
13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, wobei das Verfahren auf einer horizontalen Form-,
Füll- und Versiegelungsvorrichtung durchgeführt wird; oder
wobei das Verfahren auf einer vertikalen Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsvorrichtung
durchgeführt wird.
14. Verfahren zum Öffnen einer versiegelten Packung (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis
10, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
(1) Erfassen von zwei gegenüberliegenden Abschnitten von Verpackungsmaterial, welches
die Wände des Aufbewahrungsvolumens (110) bildet, und welche an dem zu öffnenden versiegelten
Bereich (120) zusammen laminiert sind;
(2) Auseinanderziehen der Abschnitte des Verpackungsmaterials mit ausreichender Kraft,
um eine Delaminierung zu öffnenden versiegelten Bereichs (120) einzuleiten; und
(3) Fortgesetztes Anwenden einer ausreichenden Kraft, um den versigelten Bereich (120),
der geöffnet werden soll, zunehmend zu delaminieren und das Verpackungsmaterial entlang
einer oder mehrerer der Schwächungslinien (123, 125) einzureißen, bis die versiegelte
Verpackung (100) geöffnet ist.
15. Vorrichtung zum Bilden und Befüllen einer Verpackung (100) nach einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 9 und zum Durchführen eines Verfahrens nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13; wobei
die Vorrichtung eine horizontale Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsvorrichtung oder eine
vertikale Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsvorrichtung ist.
1. Emballage scellé (100) comprenant un volume de stockage (110) pour un contenu et au
moins une zone scellée à ouvrir (120), la zone scellée étant délimitée le long d'au
moins un côté par un bord externe
de l'emballage (121) et présentant une première et une deuxième extrémité; dans lequel
la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) comprend une première ligne d'affaiblissement (123)
qui s'étend d'un premier point (127) sur la zone scellée (120), vers l'intérieur par
rapport à la première extrémité, jusqu'à un deuxième point (128) sur la zone scellée
(120), vers l'intérieur par rapport à la deuxième extrémité ;
caractérisé en ce que la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) comprend au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125)
supplémentaire ; et en ce que ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire est agencée pour
intercepter une déchirure qui dévie par rapport à la première ligne d'affaiblissement
(123).
2. Emballage scellé (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première ligne d'affaiblissement
(123) et ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire sont situées
complètement dans la zone scellée à ouvrir (120).
3. Emballage scellé (100) selon les revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel la zone scellée
à ouvrir (120) comprend un trou traversant (124) pour suspendre l'emballage (100)
et dans lequel la première ligne d'affaiblissement (123) s'étend à travers une partie
de la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) qui est située entre le trou traversant (124) et
le volume de stockage (110).
4. Emballage scellé (100) selon les revendications 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel la première
ligne d'affaiblissement (123) et ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125)
supplémentaire sont des lignes continues ; ou dans lequel la première ligne d'affaiblissement
(123) et ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire sont des
lignes discontinues ; ou
dans lequel la première ligne d'affaiblissement (123) et ladite au moins une ligne
d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire comprennent des lignes continues et discontinues.
5. Emballage scellé (100) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel
la première ligne d'affaiblissement (123) s'étend d'un premier point (127) sur le
bord externe (121) de la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) jusqu'à un deuxième point (128)
sur le bord externe (121) de la zone scellée à ouvrir (120).
6. Emballage scellé (100) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel
la première ligne d'affaiblissement (123) est incurvée vers le bord interne (122)
de la zone scellée à ouvrir (120).
7. Emballage scellé (100) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel
la première ligne d'affaiblissement (123) est un arc ; ou
dans lequel la première ligne d'affaiblissement est en forme générale de U;ou
dans lequel la première ligne d'affaiblissement est en forme générale de V.
8. Emballage scellé (100) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel
ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire présente sensiblement
la même forme et la même orientation sur la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) que celles
de la première ligne d'affaiblissement (123) et est espacée de la première ligne d'affaiblissement
(123) vers le bord interne (122) de la zone scellée à ouvrir (120).
9. Emballage scellé (300) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel
ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (325) supplémentaire croise la première
ligne d'affaiblissement (323).
10. Emballage scellé (200) selon l'une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel
ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (225) supplémentaire présente une longueur
plus courte que celle de la première ligne d'affaiblissement (233).
11. Procédé d'emballage d'un objet, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
(1) prendre un film de matériau d'emballage ;
(2) former le film de matériau d'emballage en un emballage (100) pouvant recevoir
l'objet, par la formation d'au moins une zone scellée (120), la zone scellée (120)
formant un bord de l'emballage (100) et présentant une première et une deuxième extrémité
;
(3) introduire l'objet dans l'emballage (100) ;
(4) sceller l'emballage par la formation d'au moins une zone scellée, la zone scellée
formant un bord de l'emballage (100) et présentant une première et une deuxième extrémité
;
(5) former, dans au moins l'une des zones scellées (120), une première ligne d'affaiblissement
(123) qui s'étend d'un premier point (127) sur la zone scellée (120), vers l'intérieur
par rapport à la première extrémité, jusqu'à un deuxième point (128) sur la zone scellée
(120), vers l'intérieur par rapport à la deuxième extrémité ;
caractérisé en ce que l'étape (5) comprend la formation d'au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire
dans la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) ; et
en ce que ladite au moins une ligne d'affaiblissement (125) supplémentaire est agencée pour
intercepter une déchirure qui dévie par rapport à la première ligne d'affaiblissement
(123).
12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel les lignes d'affaiblissement (123,
125) sont formées dans la zone scellée (120) qui est formée dans l'étape (4), pendant
l'étape (4).
13. Procédé selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans lequel le procédé est effectué sur un
appareil horizontal de remplissage de forme et de scellement ; ou
dans lequel le procédé est effectué sur un appareil vertical de remplissage de forme
et de scellement.
14. Procédé d'ouverture d'un emballage scellé (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 10, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
(1) saisir deux parties opposées de matériau d'emballage qui forment des parois du
volume de stockage (110) et qui sont stratifiées ensemble au niveau de la zone scellée
à ouvrir(120) ;
(2) séparer les parties de matériau d'emballage avec une force suffisante pour initier
la délamination de la zone scellée à ouvrir (120) ; et
(3) continuer à appliquer une force suffisante pour délaminer progressivement la zone
scellée à ouvrir (120) et pour déchirer le matériau d'emballage le long d'une ou de
plusieurs des lignes d'affaiblissement (123, 125) jusqu'à l'ouverture de l'emballage
scellé (100).
15. Appareil pour former et remplir un emballage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 9 et pour réaliser un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13
; dans lequel l'appareil est un appareil horizontal de remplissage de forme et de
scellement ou un appareil vertical de remplissage de forme et de scellement.