WO2016148953A1 - Sac refermable - Google Patents

Sac refermable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016148953A1
WO2016148953A1 PCT/US2016/021180 US2016021180W WO2016148953A1 WO 2016148953 A1 WO2016148953 A1 WO 2016148953A1 US 2016021180 W US2016021180 W US 2016021180W WO 2016148953 A1 WO2016148953 A1 WO 2016148953A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bag
location
deadfold
seal
reclosable bag
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2016/021180
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Joseph Michels
Paul A. Pezzoli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kellanova
Original Assignee
Kellogg Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kellogg Co filed Critical Kellogg Co
Publication of WO2016148953A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016148953A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/30—Deformable or resilient metal or like strips or bands
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/22—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by friction or ultrasonic or high-frequency electrical means
    • B65B51/225—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by friction or ultrasonic or high-frequency electrical means by ultrasonic welding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/18—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements
    • B65B61/188—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements by applying or incorporating profile-strips, e.g. for reclosable bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
    • B65B9/20—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles
    • B65B9/2056—Machines for packages of special type or form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2150/00—Flexible containers made from sheets or blanks, e.g. from flattened tubes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2160/00—Shape of flexible containers
    • B31B2160/10—Shape of flexible containers rectangular and flat, i.e. without structural provision for thickness of contents
    • B31B2160/102—Shape of flexible containers rectangular and flat, i.e. without structural provision for thickness of contents obtained from essentially rectangular sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
    • B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
    • B31B70/812—Applying patches, strips or strings on sheets or webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
    • B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
    • B31B70/813—Applying closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B65D77/062—Flexible containers disposed within polygonal containers formed by folding a carton blank

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to reclosable bags.
  • a reclosable bag for storing edibles includes a body having an inner surface defining an inner volume that receives the edibles and an outer surface formed on an opposite side of the body than the inner surface.
  • a seal extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body and is formed by joining a first portion of the inner surface to a second portion of the inner surface.
  • a deadfold material is disposed in the seal between the first portion of the inner surface and the second portion of the inner surface, is formed from a malleable material, and is retained in position along the body by the seal.
  • the deadfold material includes a first element and a second element, whereby the first element and the second element are spaced apart from one another by a gap extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
  • the first portion of the inner surface and the second portion of the inner surface may be attached to one another within the gap.
  • the first portion of the inner surface and the second portion of the inner surface may be spaced apart from one another within the gap such that the first element and the second element oppose one another within the gap.
  • the gap may be about 1mm to about 5mm in the first direction.
  • the first element is formed from metal and the second element is formed from metal.
  • the seal is formed by welding the first portion of the inner surface to the second portion of the inner surface at a first location along the first element and at a second location along the second element.
  • the seal may additionally be formed by welding the first portion of the inner surface to the second portion of the inner surface at a third location within the gap, whereby the first location, the second location, and the third location extend along an entire length of the first element and the second element in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the first portion of the inner surface and the second portion of the inner surface may be ultrasonically welded to one another at the first location, the second location, and the third location.
  • a method of manufacturing a reclosable bag includes forming a sheet of material having a first surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the sheet of material than the first surface into a body having a substantially cylindrical shape. The method further includes aligning a first longitudinal edge of the sheet with a second longitudinal edge of the sheet such that a first portion of the first surface opposes a second portion of the first surface. A deadfold material is positioned between the first portion of the first surface and the second portion of the first surface. The first portion of the first surface is attached to the second portion of the first surface to retain the deadfold material between the first portion and the second portion.
  • attaching the first portion to the second portion includes ultrasonically welding the first portion to the second portion.
  • positioning the deadfold material includes positioning a first element and a second element between the first portion and the second portion.
  • longitudinal axis of the first element and a longitudinal axis of the second element are aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body such that all three of the axes are substantially parallel to one another.
  • attaching the first portion of the first surface to the second portion of the first surface includes attaching the first portion to the second portion at a first location along an entire length of and adjacent to the first element and at a second location along an entire length of and adjacent to the second element.
  • Attaching the first portion of the first surface to the second portion of the first surface may additionally include attaching the first portion to the second portion at a third location between the first element and the second element.
  • attaching the first portion to the second portion at the third location includes attaching the first portion to the second portion along an entire length of the first element and the second element. Attaching the first portion to the second portion at the first location, the second location, and the third location may include ultrasonically welding the first portion to the second portion at the first location, the second location, and the third location.
  • positioning the deadfold material between the first portion of the first surface and the second portion of the first surface includes positioning a malleable material between the first portion and the second portion. Further, a first end of the cylindrical body and a second end of the cylindrical body may be sealed, whereby the first end and the second end extend substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary reclosable bag for storing edibles.
  • FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a box with an exemplary reclosable bag for storing edibles.
  • FIG. I B is a perspective view of the box with the reclosable bag of FIG. 1A storing edibles.
  • FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the box with the reclosable bag of FIG. IB folded and storing edibles.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable bag shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 3A-3C are plan views of different implementations of a reclosable bag.
  • FIGS. 4A-4C are plan views of different implementations of a reclosable bag.
  • FIG. 4D is a plan view a reclosable bag in a folded position.
  • FIGS. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary reclosable bag for storing edibles.
  • FIGS. 5B-5E are cross-sectional views of different implementations of deadfold materials of FIG. 5 A.
  • FIG. 5F is a perspective view of an exemplary reclosable bag for storing edibles.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an example arrangement of operations for manufacturing a reclosable bag.
  • FIG. 7 A is a perspective view of an exemplary rectangular sheet.
  • FIGS. 7B - 7D are perspective views of an exemplary bag body formed from the rectangular sheet of FIG. 7A based on the process of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 8 is another example arrangement of operations for manufacturing the reclosable bag.
  • FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views of an exemplary bag body formed based on the process of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 1 OA is a perspective view of a vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) system used to form a reclosable bag in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
  • VFFS vertical form, fill, and seal
  • FIG. 10B is a partial perspective view of the VFFS system of FIG. 10A showing a feeding system that provides a deadfold material when forming the reclosable bag.
  • FIG. IOC is a partial perspective view of the feeding system of FIG. 10B showing a cutting device used to segment the deadfold material and an ultrasonic welding system.
  • FIG. 10D is a partial perspective view of the cutting device and ultrasonic welding system of FIG. IOC in use showing the cutting device severing a portion of the deadfold material and the ultrasonic welding system securing the deadfold material between layers of a bag material.
  • FIG. 10E is a perspective view of a partially formed bag being cut and sealed at a lower end thereof.
  • FIG. 1 OF is a perspective view of the partially formed bag of FIG. 10E being cut and sealed at an upper end thereof.
  • FIG. 10G is a perspective view of a fully formed bag that is severed from an adjacent bag.
  • FIGS. 1 A-1C illustrate an example box 10 that may be used to store edibles 50.
  • the box 10 is a cereal box 10c and the edibles 50 include cereal 50c.
  • the box 10 includes a reclosable bag 100, such as a cereal bag 100 that stores cereal 50c.
  • the bag 100 may include a tubular body 1 10 (also referred to as a bag body).
  • the bag body 1 10 includes a first end 1 12 and an opposite, second end 1 14. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 A-1C, the first end 1 12 is sealed to form a closed bottom of the bag 100.
  • a manufacturer of the edibles 50 may also seal the second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10 to contain the edibles 50 within the bag 100 and to avoid the edibles 50 from spilling outside the bag 100.
  • the bag 100 further includes a seal 130 that maintains the structural integrity of the bag body 1 10.
  • a press may bind opposite edge portions of a rectangular sheet to form the bag body 1 10.
  • the seal 130 extends from the first end 112 of the bag body 1 10 to the second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10.
  • a foldable deadfold material 150 is embedded in the seal 130. When the deadfold material 150 is folded, the deadfold material 150 retains its folded shape, thereby allowing the bag body 1 10 to remain folded as well.
  • the consumer may break the seal of the second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10 to access the edibles 50. If the bag 100 is not reclosed properly, moisture 80 may enter the bag 100 and spoil the edibles 50. Further, the moisture 80 may diminish the taste or nutritional value of the edibles 50. For example, the moisture 80 may make the cereal 50c less crunchy than desirable. Another negative consequence of not closing the bag 100 properly is that debris or an insect 82 may enter the bag 100.
  • the deadfold material 150 allows the consumer to reclose the bag 100 even after the consumer has broken the seal at the second end 1 14. As shown in FIG. 1C, the consumer can reclose the bag 100 by folding the deadfold material 150. Because the deadfold material 150 is attached to the bag body 1 10 of the bag 100, the bag body 1 10 remains folded when the deadfold material 150 is folded. By folding the bag body 1 10 along a length L D of the deadfold material 150, the bag 100 can be reclosed. Reclosing the bag 100 reduces the likelihood of moisture 80 or other debris 82 entering the bag 100.
  • the box 10 and the reclosable bag 100 store edibles 50
  • the box 10 and the reclosable bag 100 may store other objects.
  • the reclosable bag 100 may be used to store non-edibles such as books, papers or other effects that may need protection from moisture, dust or other foreign particles.
  • the bag 100 is transparent.
  • the bag 100 may be translucent or opaque.
  • a translucent or opaque bag 100 may be used to protect objects that are sensitive to light.
  • the bag 100 may be constructed from material that can shield an object from certain electromagnetic radiation and the bag 100 may be used to store objects that are susceptible to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., film, credit cards, or mobile electronic devices with Near Field
  • the bag body 1 10 has a length LB defined as a distance between the first end 1 12 and the second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10.
  • the seal 130 extends between the sealed first end 1 12 and the second open end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10 and in the example of FIG. 2, abuts the first end 1 12 and the second end 114.
  • the seal 130 may extend between the first open end 1 12 and the second sealed end 1 14, but does not abut the sealed first end 1 12 and/or the second open end 114.
  • the deadfold material 150 is disposed in the seal 130.
  • the deadfold material 150 can be folded along a length LD of the deadfold material 150.
  • the deadfold material 150 retains its folded shape, thus allowing the bag body 1 10 to remain folded when the deadfold material 150 is folded.
  • the reclosable bag 100 can be closed to prevent moisture 80 from entering the reclosable bag 100. Being able to close the reclosable bag 100 after removing some edibles 50 from the bag 100 allows the remaining edibles 50 (or any other items stored in the reclosable bag 100) to remain relatively moisture free. Further, being able to fold the bag body 1 10 and close the reclosable bag 100 may extend the life of the edibles 50.
  • the seal 130 has a length L s that is substantially equal to the bag body length LB.
  • the deadfold material 150 has a first end portion 152 and a second end portion 154 and a length LD defined as a distance between the first end portion 152 and the second end portion 154.
  • the deadfold material 150 is positioned such that the first end portion 152 of the deadfold material 150 is a first distance D
  • the second end portion 154 of the deadfold material 150 is a second distance D 2 from the second end 1 14 of the bag body 110.
  • the seal length Ls is substantially equal to the bag body length L B .
  • the seal length L s is different from the bag body length LB.
  • the seal 130 has a seal length L s less than the bag body length LB, but greater than the deadfold length LD.
  • the seal 130 has a seal length Ls approximately or substantially equal to the deadfold length LD.
  • the seal 130 holds the tubular bag body 1 10 intact.
  • the bag body 1 10 may be formed by sealing two opposite edges 710 of a rectangular sheet 700 (FIG. 7A), where the seal 130 holds the two opposite edges 710 of the rectangular sheet 700 together to form the substantially rectangular body 1 10.
  • the tubular bag body 1 10 may be formed and held intact without the seal 130.
  • the bag body 1 10 is formed from a single and continuous piece of material, so that the seal 130 is not required to hold the bag body 1 10 intact.
  • the seal 130 holds the deadfold material 150 in place.
  • the deadfold material 150 may be embedded in the seal 130 such that the deadfold material 150 is encapsulated by the seal 130 (i.e., by the material of the sheet 700 when the seal 130 is formed).
  • the second distance D 2 is less than the first distance D
  • the deadfold material 150 can be folded to close the reclosable bag 100 regardless of the amount of edibles 50 stored inside the bag 100.
  • the length LD of the deadfold material 150 is less than the bag body length LB.
  • the deadfold material 150 only extends along a portion of the bag body 1 10 and not the entire length LB of the bag body 1 10.
  • the deadfold material 150 only extends near the open second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10 and not the sealed first end 1 12 of the bag body 1 10. Using the deadfold material 150 can increase the cost of the reclosable bag 100. Accordingly, extending the deadfold material 150 along only a portion of the bag body 1 10 minimizes the increase in cost. Further, the deadfold material 150 may extend only along a portion of the entire length LB of the bag body 1 10 typically folded by a user.
  • the deadfold material 150 extends from the first sealed end 1 12 to the open second end 1 14 of the bag body 110, the portion of the deadfold material 150 immediately proximate to the ends 1 12, 1 14 may not be routinely utilized.
  • the deadfold material 150 abutting the sealed first end 1 12 may rarely be folded, because there would be no edibles stored towards that end of the bag 100.
  • deadfold material 150 disposed proximate to the open second end 114 of the bag body 1 10 may rarely be folded because the bag 100 is not usually filled with edibles 50 proximate to the open second end 1 14.
  • FIGS. 4A-4C show different implementations of the reclosable bag 100.
  • the deadfold material 150 has a deadfold length LD less than the bag body length L B and less than the seal length L S . Because the deadfold material 150 does not extend along the entire bag body length LB, a costs associated with manufacturing the reclosable bag 100 are reduced when compared to a bag having deadfold material 150 extending along the entire length of the bag 100.
  • the deadfold material 150 does not extend along the second distance D 2 , because it is unlikely that edibles 50 will be placed in such close proximity to the open second end 1 14 of the reclosable bag 100.
  • the bag 100 may be configured with a deadfold length LD, LDI, LD 2 , LQ 3
  • a longer deadfold material 150 allows for more folding of the deadfold material 150 along the length LB of the bag body 1 10.
  • the second distance D 2 being the distance between the deadfold material 150 and the open second end 1 14 is shorter than the first distance D 2 being the distance between the deadfold material 150 and the sealed first end 1 12.
  • a shorter second distance D 2 allows the deadfold material 150 to be folded in closer proximity to the first sealed end 1 12, thereby reducing the amount of air that may be trapped in the reclosable bag 100 when the reclosable bag 100 is reclosed.
  • the deadfold material 150 has a longer deadfold length LD3 than the examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B.
  • the second distance D 2 of FIG. 4C is also shorter than the first distance D
  • the second distance D 2 may be further shortened.
  • a shortened second distance D 2 will increase the cost of the reclosable bag 100 due to use of a longer length of the deadfold material 150.
  • FIG. 4D illustrates the reclosable bag 100 in a folded position.
  • the bag body 1 10 is folded at a folded region 150f of the deadfold material 150.
  • the bag body 1 10 includes a folded portion 1 lOf and an unfolded portion 1 lOu.
  • the folded portion 1 1 Of has a folded length L F and the unfolded portion 1 lOu has an unfolded length Lu.
  • the unfolded length Lu is defined as a distance between the closed first end 1 12 and the folded region 150f.
  • the folded length LF is defined as a distance between the open second end 1 14 and the folded region 150f.
  • the deadfold material 150 includes a first end portion 150a and a second end portion 150b.
  • the second end portion 150b of the deadfold material 150 is near the open second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10; the first end portion 150a is further away from the open second end 1 14.
  • the second end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10 is placed in proximity to the first end 1 12.
  • the unfolded length Lu is greater than one-half of the body length L B (Lu > 0.5L B ) and the folded length Lp is less than one-half of the body length LB(LF > 0.5LB).
  • the unfolded length Lu may be less than, equal to, or greater than the folded length Lp, depending on where a user folds the reclosable bag 100.
  • the bag 100 may reside within a box 10.
  • a first end 10a e.g., a bottom
  • a second end 10b e.g., a top
  • the box 10 may be open to provide access to the bag 100 (e.g., the open second end 1 14).
  • the sealed first end 1 12 of the bag 100 touches the second end 10b of the box 10 but the open second end 1 14 does not touch the second end 10b of the box 10. If the folded length LF is greater than the unfolded length Lu, a portion of the folded portion 1 lOf may need to be folded around the unfolded portion 1 l Ou of the bag body 1 10.
  • FIGS. 5B-5E illustrate cross sectional views of different examples of the deadfold material 150 of the reclosable bag 100 of FIG. 5 A incorporated into the bag body 110.
  • the bag body 1 10 includes a seal 130 having a first layer 132 and a second layer 134.
  • the deadfold material 150 is embedded between the first layer 132 and the second layer 134 of the seal 130.
  • the deadfold material 150 includes a metallic strip 170 disposed along the seal 130.
  • the metallic strip 170 is malleable so that the metallic strip 170 is foldable. When the metallic strip 170 is folded, the metallic strip 170 maintains its folded position and causes the bag body 1 10 to remain folded.
  • FIG. 5C illustrates another example of the deadfold material 150.
  • the deadfold material 150 includes a metal wire 172 extending along the length L D of the deadfold material 150.
  • the metal wire 172 is embedded between the first layer 132 and the second layer 134 of the seal 130 and includes a longitudinal axis (2) that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bag 100.
  • the metal wire 172 uses less material than the metallic strip 170 of FIG. 5B, which may be more cost efficient than using the metallic strip 170 of FIG. 5B.
  • FIG. 5D illustrates another example of the deadfold material 150.
  • the deadfold material 150 includes a first metal wire 172a and a second metal wire 172b that extend along the length Loof the deadfold material 150 and are separated by a gap 174.
  • the separation gap 174 may be about 1 to 5 millimeters. In some examples, the gap 174 may be about two (2) millimeters. Other measurements of the separation gap 174 are also possible and may depend on the length LB of the reclosable bag 100 and/or the length LD of the deadfold material 150.
  • FIG. 5E illustrates yet another example of the deadfold material 150.
  • the deadfold material 150 includes a first metal wire 172a, a second metal wire 172b, and a third metal wire 172c.
  • Each metal wire 172a, 172b, 172c is separated by a gap 174, as shown in FIG. 5D.
  • the first and second metal wires 172a, 172b are separated by a first gap 174a, and the second and third metal wires 172b, 172c are separated by a second gap 174b, as shown in FIG. 5E.
  • the example of FIG. 5E includes three metal wires, which provide structural stability and rigidity to the deadfold material 150.
  • the gaps 174 and 174a are shown as being open such that the first layer 132 and the second layer 134 are spaced apart from one another along the length of each gap 174, 174a.
  • the gap 174b is shown with the first layer 132 being attached to the second layer 134 along a length of the gap 174b such that the adjacent wires 172b, 172c are separated from one another in the location of the gap 174b by the joined layers 132, 134 that form the seal 130.
  • the layers 132, 134 may be joined by ultrasonically welding the layers 132, 134 together in the area of the gap 174b when forming the seal 130, as will be described below.
  • gaps 174, 174a are shown as being open and the gap 174b is shown as being closed, all of the gaps 174, 174a, and 174b may be closed or, alternatively, all of the gaps 174, 174a, and 174b may be open. Further, any configuration of open gaps and closed gaps may be used. For example, each of gaps 174a, 174b may be open or closed or, alternatively, one of the gaps 174a, 174b may be open while the other gap 174a, 174b is closed.
  • the first layer 132 and the second layer 134 are ultrasonically welded.
  • Ultrasonic welding is a welding technique where high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are applied to the workpieces (e.g., the first and second layers 132, 134 of the seal 130) under pressure to create a solid-state weld. Ultrasonic welding does not use any connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives to bind the working pieces together.
  • an adhesive is not needed to hold the deadfold material 150 in place between the first and second layers 132, 134.
  • ultrasonically welding the first layer 132 to the second layer 134 is a cost efficient way of securing the deadfold material 150 compared to using an adhesive to secure the deadfold material 150 to the bag body 110.
  • the seal 130 is shown in FIG. 5A as being positioned along a middle portion of the reclosable bag 100, the seal 130 and, thus, the deadfold material 150 could alternatively be located at an outer edge or corner of the bag 100.
  • the seal 130 and deadfold material 150 may be located at a corner of the bag 100, as shown in FIG. 5F in an effort to maintain a back panel of the bag 100 free from interruption (i.e., caused by the raised seal 130 and deadfold material 150). Maintaining the back panel of the bag 100 free from interruption allows the back panel to be used for advertisement, product identification, nutritional information, and/or other information relating to the contents of the bag 100.
  • FIGS. 5B-5E Any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 5B-5E could be used in conjunction with the bag 100 shown in FIG. 5F.
  • the two-wire configuration shown in FIG. 5D could be placed at the location shown in FIG. 5F to provide the seal 130 and the deadfold material 150 at a location that is spaced apart and separated from a central location of the back panel of the bag 100.
  • Ultrasonic welding equipment can be customized to fit the exact specifications of the parts being welded.
  • the parts e.g., the longitudinal edge portions 710 are sandwiched between a fixed shaped nest (anvil) and a sonotrode (horn) connected to a transducer.
  • the transducer emits approximately a 20 kHz low-amplitude acoustic vibration.
  • Common frequencies used in ultrasonic welding of thermoplastics are 15 kHz, 20 kHz, 30 kHz, 35 kHz, 40 kHz, and 70 kHz.
  • the interface of the two parts is specially designed to concentrate the melting process.
  • One of the materials usually has a spiked energy director that contacts the second plastic part.
  • the ultrasonic energy melts the point contact between the parts, creating a joint (e.g., seal 130). This process is a good automated alternative to glue, screws, or snap-fit designs.
  • An ultrasonic welding system may include: a press to put the two parts to be assembled under pressure; a nest or anvil where the parts are placed and that allows the high frequency vibration to be directed to the interfaces; and an ultrasonic stack composed of a converter or piezoelectric transducer, an optional booster, and a sonotrode. All three elements of the stack may be specifically tuned to resonate at the same ultrasonic frequency (Typically 20, 30, 35 or 40 kHz).
  • the ultrasonic welding system may also include: a converter that converts the electrical signal into a mechanical vibration; a booster that modifies the amplitude of the vibration; a sonotrode that applies the mechanical vibration to the parts to be welded; an electronic ultrasonic generator or power supply that delivers a high power AC signal with a frequency that may match the resonance frequency of the stack; and a controller controlling the movement of the press and the delivery of the ultrasonic energy.
  • a converter that converts the electrical signal into a mechanical vibration
  • a booster that modifies the amplitude of the vibration
  • a sonotrode that applies the mechanical vibration to the parts to be welded
  • an electronic ultrasonic generator or power supply that delivers a high power AC signal with a frequency that may match the resonance frequency of the stack
  • a controller controlling the movement of the press and the delivery of the ultrasonic energy.
  • Some ultrasonic welding systems may include fewer or additional components. For example, some controllers may not control the movement of the press and may instead rely on a machine operator to control the
  • VFFS vertical form, fill, and seal
  • the VFFS system 500 includes a fill tube 502, a sealing mechanism 504, film transport belts 506, cross-sealing jaws 508, and a deadfold feeding system 510.
  • the VFFS system 500 receives the sheet of material 700 proximate to a top portion of the fill tube 502 and causes the flat sheet 700 to take a substantially cylindrical shape that encircles the fill tube 502. Accordingly, the fill tube 502 extends through the sheet of material 700 during formation of the reclosable bag 100 to allow the fill tube 502 to be in communication with an interior of the reclosable bag 100 once formed.
  • the sealing mechanism 504 and film transport belts 506 are disposed along a length of the fill tube 502 and encounter the sheet of material 700 once the sheet of material 700 has taken the shape of a cylinder.
  • the sealing mechanism 504 may be an ultrasonic welding apparatus that engages an outer surface 512 of the material 700 at longitudinal edges 710 to join the sheet 700 at opposed portions of an inner surface 514 of the sheet 700.
  • the sealing mechanism 504 may include a pair of wheels 516 (FIG. 10B) that are rotatable relative to the material 700, whereby the wheels 516 apply pressure to the longitudinal edges 1 10 at the outer surface 512 and at least one of the wheels 516 is vibrated at a predetermined frequency to direct vibratory mechanical energy toward the material 700. This energy creates frictional heat between the opposed, inner surfaces 514 of the longitudinal edges 1 10, thereby creating the seal 130 and joining the edges 710 together via an ultrasonic weld.
  • a pair of wheels 516 (FIG. 10B) that are rotatable relative to the material 700, whereby the wheels 516 apply pressure to the longitudinal edges 1 10 at the outer surface 512 and at least one of the wheels 516 is vibrated at a predetermined frequency to direct vibratory mechanical energy toward the material 700. This energy creates frictional heat between the opposed, inner surfaces 514 of the longitudinal edges 1 10, thereby creating the seal 130 and joining the edges 710 together via an ultrasonic weld.
  • the transport belts 506 are disposed on opposite sides of the fill tube 502 and apply a force on the material 700 to draw the material 700 through the sealing mechanism 504.
  • the transport belts 506 each include a series of rollers 518 that drive respective belts 520.
  • the belts 520 are in contact with the outer surface 512 of the material 700 which, in turn, applies a force on the material 700 in the direction (Y) shown in FIG. 10A. Applying a force on the material 700 in the direction (Y) causes the material 700 to be drawn through the sealing mechanism 504 and the cross-sealing jaws 508.
  • the cross-sealing jaws 508 are disposed on opposite sides of the fill tube 502 and cooperate to seal the first end 1 12 and the second end 1 14. Namely, the cross-sealing jaws 508 are selectively drawn toward one another to seal the bag 100 at the first end 1 12 and at the second end 1 14 and, further, to separate adjacent bags 100 from one another.
  • the cross- sealing jaws 508 seal the first end 1 12 and the second end 1 14 by applying pressure and heat to lateral edge portions 712, 712 of the sheet of material 700, thereby sealing the ends 1 12, 1 14 and ensuring the edibles 50— received from the fill tube 502 and disposed therein— remain within the bag 100 until the bag 100 is opened at either end 1 12, 1 14.
  • the cross- sealing jaws 508 also sever the material 700 at the first end 1 12 and at the second end 1 14 once the ends 1 12, 1 14 are sealed to separate adjacent bags 100 following formation of the bags 100.
  • the deadfold feeding system 510 cooperates with the sealing mechanism 504 to simultaneously insert the deadfold material 150 into the seal 130 at the time of joining the longitudinal edges 1 10.
  • the deadfold material 150 may include a pair of metal wires 172, 172a that are carried by a substrate 173.
  • the substrate 173 may be formed from a plastic material and may serve to maintain a proper spacing between the wires 172, 172a when the wires 172, 172a are placed between the longitudinal edges 1 10 of the sheet 700. While the wires 172, 172a are described as being supported by a substrate 173, the wires 172, 172a could alternatively be supplied without the substrate 173, as shown in FIG. 10B.
  • the deadfold sealing system 510 includes a cutting mechanism 522 and a spacer 524.
  • the spacer 524 is disposed upstream from the cutting mechanism 522 and serves to separate the longitudinal edges 1 10 of the sheet 700 from one another to allow the wires 172, 172a to be placed between the edges 1 10 and to allow the cutting mechanism 522 to extend into and between the longitudinal edges 1 10. Allowing the cutting mechanism 522 to extend into and between the longitudinal edges 1 10 allows the cutting mechanism 522 to cut the wires 172, 172a to a desired length at the same time the wires 172, 172a are located between the longitudinal edges 1 10. Accordingly, the wires 172, 172a are inserted between opposing portions of the inner surface 514 of the sheet 700 when the longitudinal edges 1 10 are aligned with one another.
  • the deadfold material 150 is fed along the spacer 524 via a series of rollers 526.
  • the rollers 526 cause the deadfold material 150 to be drawn between the sheet of material 700 in an area where portions of the inner surface 514 oppose one another at the longitudinal edges 1 10.
  • the deadfold material 150 is cut to length by the cutting mechanism 522 just before the longitudinal edges 1 10 are fed though the wheels 516 of the sealing mechanism 504.
  • the edges 1 10 of the sheet of material 700 are fed through the wheels 516, the edges 1 10 are joined to one another via an ultrasonic weld.
  • the deadfold material 150 is encapsulated between the opposing portions of the inner surface 514 of the sheet 700 when the longitudinal edges 1 10 are aligned with one another.
  • the wheels 516 ultrasonically weld the opposed inner surfaces 514 of the sheet 700 together, thereby trapping the deadfold material 150 between the surfaces 514.
  • the wheels 516 may include a formation that likewise creates an ultrasonic weld in the gap 174 disposed between the wires 172, 172a such that the wires 172, 172a are separated from one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of each wire 172, 172a by the material of the sheet 700.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7A-F illustrate a method for manufacturing the reclosable bag 100.
  • the method 600 includes receiving 610 a rectangular sheet of material 700 that has first and second longitudinal edge portions 710a, 710b and first and second lateral edge portions 712a, 712b at 610.
  • the rectangular sheet 700 may be made of plastic or any other material suitable for storing edibles 50 such as cereal 50c.
  • the method 600 includes sealing 620 the longitudinal edge portions 710 to form a tubular bag body 1 10 and a seal 130 along the longitudinal edge portions 710 at 620.
  • the seal 130 is formed by ultrasonically welding the first longitudinal edge portion 710a with the second longitudinal edge portion 710b.
  • the bag body 1 10 has a first end 1 12 and a second end 1 14, and the seal 130 has a first layer 132 and a second layer 134.
  • the method 600 also includes sealing the first end 1 12 of the tubular body 1 10, while keeping the second end 1 14 open at 630 (FIG. 7E).
  • the first end 1 12 may be sealed by ultrasonically welding a first lateral edge portion 712a of the bag body 1 10.
  • Edibles 50 such as cereal 50c, can be placed inside the reclosable bag 100 shown in FIG. 7E once the first lateral edge portion 712a is sealed (i.e., via the fill tube 502). Further, the reclosable bag 100 can be closed by folding the tubular bag body 1 10 along a deadfold length Lo of the deadfold material 150.
  • the tubular bag body 1 10 is formed by sealing the longitudinal edge portions 710 of the rectangular sheet 700.
  • a tubular bag body 1 10 may be provided and the seal 130 may not extend throughout the entire length LB of the tubular bag body 1 10.
  • the method 600 includes interposing the deadfold material 150 between the first layer 132 of the seal 130 and the second layer 134 of the seal 130 at 640.
  • the deadfold material 150 extends along a portion of the seal 130.
  • the deadfold material 150 is positioned at least near the second end 1 14 of the tubular bag body 1 10.
  • the deadfold material 150 includes two metal wires 172a, 172b.
  • the metal wires 172a, 172b are separated by a gap 174.
  • FIGS. 5B-5E other arrangements may also be possible, as shown in FIGS. 5B-5E.
  • the deadfold material 150 is positioned at one of the longitudinal edge portions 710 before sealing 620 the longitudinal edge portions 710 together to form the tubular body 1 10 and the seal 130 along the longitudinal portions 710. This eliminates the step of interposing the deadfold material 150 between the first and second layers 132, 134 of the seal 130.
  • the first and second layers 132, 134 of the seal 130 are ultrasonically welded (as shown in FIG. 7D).
  • the deadfold material 150 is securely held between the first and second layers 132, 134 of the seal 130.
  • an adhesive is not needed to hold the deadfold material 150 in place within the seal 130.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9A-9D illustrate a method 800 for manufacturing a reclosable bag 100.
  • the method 800 includes receiving a tubular bag body 1 10 having a first open end 1 12 (having a first side and a second side 1 12a and 1 12b) and a second open end 1 14 at 810.
  • the method 800 includes sealing the first and second sides 1 12a, 12b of the first open end 1 12 to form a sealed first end 1 12 (as shown in FIG. 9B) using an ultrasonic welding machine at 820.
  • the second end 1 14 remains open at step 820 to permit the bag 100 to receive edibles 50.
  • the method 800 also includes positioning a deadfold material 150 between the sealed first end 1 12 and the second open end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10 at 830.
  • the deadfold material 150 is positioned near the second open end 1 14 of the bag body 1 10, as described above.
  • the method 800 includes positioning a deadfold cover 156 on top of the deadfold material 150, so that the deadfold material 150 resides between the bag body 1 10 and the deadfold cover 156 at 840.
  • the deadfold cover 156 is ultrasonically welded to the bag body 1 10 at 850. By ultrasonically welding the deadfold cover 156 to the bag body 1 10, the deadfold material 150 is held in place. Ultrasonic welding removes the need to use any adhesives or fasteners to attach the deadfold material 150 to the bag body 1 10.
  • ultrasonic welding can be used to form the seal 130 (when the bag body 1 10 includes two longitudinal sides 710a, 710b, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7E) or to attach the deadfold cover 156 to the deadfold material 150 (where the bag body 1 10 does not include a seal 130 housing the deadfold material 150, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un sac refermable (100) destiné à stocker des produits comestibles et comprenant un corps (110) ayant une surface interne (514) délimitant un volume interne qui reçoit les produits comestibles et une surface externe (512) formée sur un côté en regard du corps par rapport à la surface interne. Un joint d'étanchéité (130) s'étend pratiquement parallèlement à un axe longitudinal (L) du corps et est formé en joignant une première partie de la surface interne à une seconde partie de la surface interne. Un matériau de déformation par pliage (150) est disposé dans le joint d'étanchéité entre la première partie de la surface interne et la seconde partie de la surface interne, est formé à partir d'un matériau malléable, et est maintenu en position le long du corps grâce au joint d'étanchéité.
PCT/US2016/021180 2015-03-18 2016-03-07 Sac refermable Ceased WO2016148953A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562134837P 2015-03-18 2015-03-18
US62/134,837 2015-03-18

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016148953A1 true WO2016148953A1 (fr) 2016-09-22

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PCT/US2016/021180 Ceased WO2016148953A1 (fr) 2015-03-18 2016-03-07 Sac refermable

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US (1) US20160272376A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016148953A1 (fr)

Citations (11)

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US3201030A (en) * 1964-03-04 1965-08-17 Pollack Sid Container
US3537636A (en) * 1968-02-14 1970-11-03 Robert D Rochette Reclosable package
JPH02242750A (ja) * 1989-03-13 1990-09-27 Ichiro Tsukada 合成樹脂フィルム製袋
US5328436A (en) * 1991-11-12 1994-07-12 Bedford Industries, Inc. Deadfold reclosure sticker method
US5766399A (en) * 1994-02-18 1998-06-16 Clark; Donald Closable bag and method of making same
JPH11100048A (ja) * 1997-09-24 1999-04-13 Rengo Co Ltd 再封止機能付袋
US5941641A (en) * 1998-05-07 1999-08-24 Kraft Foods, Inc. Wrap-around recloseable pouch
JP2000326996A (ja) * 1999-05-24 2000-11-28 Idemitsu Petrochem Co Ltd 再封止性袋
WO2003086888A1 (fr) * 2002-04-11 2003-10-23 Richard Leonard Blakey Systeme de fermeture de sac
US20040234175A1 (en) * 2003-04-18 2004-11-25 Kao Corporation Bag
US20110019941A1 (en) * 2009-07-27 2011-01-27 Ashraf Ghazali Roller Action Wrapping Strip Bag

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2108741A (en) * 1936-11-09 1938-02-15 Benjamin C Betner Bag closure
US3409948A (en) * 1968-02-08 1968-11-12 Royal Industries Tie strip
US3674135A (en) * 1970-08-05 1972-07-04 Colgate Palmolive Co Flexible film bag with tear strip for closure
JP2002104442A (ja) * 2000-09-25 2002-04-10 Akira Hattori 蓋を形成出来る袋
JP2002114237A (ja) * 2000-10-09 2002-04-16 Akira Hattori 蓋付となる袋

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3201030A (en) * 1964-03-04 1965-08-17 Pollack Sid Container
US3537636A (en) * 1968-02-14 1970-11-03 Robert D Rochette Reclosable package
JPH02242750A (ja) * 1989-03-13 1990-09-27 Ichiro Tsukada 合成樹脂フィルム製袋
US5328436A (en) * 1991-11-12 1994-07-12 Bedford Industries, Inc. Deadfold reclosure sticker method
US5766399A (en) * 1994-02-18 1998-06-16 Clark; Donald Closable bag and method of making same
JPH11100048A (ja) * 1997-09-24 1999-04-13 Rengo Co Ltd 再封止機能付袋
US5941641A (en) * 1998-05-07 1999-08-24 Kraft Foods, Inc. Wrap-around recloseable pouch
JP2000326996A (ja) * 1999-05-24 2000-11-28 Idemitsu Petrochem Co Ltd 再封止性袋
WO2003086888A1 (fr) * 2002-04-11 2003-10-23 Richard Leonard Blakey Systeme de fermeture de sac
US20040234175A1 (en) * 2003-04-18 2004-11-25 Kao Corporation Bag
US20110019941A1 (en) * 2009-07-27 2011-01-27 Ashraf Ghazali Roller Action Wrapping Strip Bag

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