CN110337410B - Seal, package with seal attached thereto and process for applying seal to package - Google Patents

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a package seal and a process for applying a seal to a package, in particular an animal feed package; its field of application thus relates to animal food segments. The invention comprises a seal (1) with two plastic parts (3) and (4) that can be interlocked, which, once applied to a package (E) for storing animal food, allows to close it again after opening said package (E) to prevent the food from coming into contact with oxygen and thus ensure the preservation of said food for all the time periods in which it is stored in the package (E).

Description

Seal, package with seal attached thereto and process for applying seal to package

Technical Field

The present patent application relates to package seals and processes for applying seals to packages, preferably animal feed packages; the field of application therefore relates to animal feed staging.

Background

Packaging for animal food, such as animal feed, is well known to a large extent and these products are usually supplied in different quantities, from small to large packages, obviously depending on the type and characteristics of the animal to be fed.

This is the fact that after being opened, these packages are either not properly closed or are closed using temporary elements, such as adhesive tapes, clothes-pegs or other household articles, and do not achieve the desired effect.

After opening the animal feed package and removing the first portion, it is closed in a temporary manner, as previously described, or not closed at all. These factors can cause the drying of the products they contain, leading to changes in the flavor and other characteristics of the food, primarily due to their exposure to oxygen.

State of the art

Under the current state of the art, the known document MU8802348-6, filed 10 and 22 of 2008 and published 6 and 29 of 2010, relates to "deployment introduced into animal food packages", which can be applied to different packages, whether they are rigid or not, including box or pouch packages, made of fibrous material, mainly cardboard, paper or card, whether laminated or not, and also those of the pouch type, made of different plastic films, whether metal or not, possibly in one or more layers. The inner volume of which is divided by at least two separate compartments, of the same volume or of different volumes, both for dividing animal food packages of different characteristics or flavours, the two compartments being separated from each other by the use of at least one partition, preferably transverse or of shorter width, whose edges engage with the walls of the package, whether it be box-like or bag-like.

Another state-of-the-art relevant document is MU8300728-8, filed 6/3/2003 and published 28/10/2003, entitled "deployment introduced into animal feed and similar packaging", which describes a functionally practical, innovative container model for storing food, and preferably for storing and protecting animal feed and similar products, with the most primitive problem-solving deployment aimed at improving the way of storing and handling animal food, in particular because it contains a handle and a wide top threaded opening with a lid, which can be satisfactorily sealed, because it has a conical rectangular body, which can be overlapped by fitting on its top a threaded circular opening, which receives a disc-shaped lid wrapped with a plastic safety seal, and which has a recess on one of its top vertices and a curved cylindrical handle on the other side.

The state of the art document also includes MU8503009-0, filed 9/19/2005 and published 22/7/2008, entitled "constructive disposition on plastic zippers", which relates to a fastening line, partly consisting of a PVC zipper, made of polypropylene or other injectable flexible plastic material, such zipper having a flat thin sheet portion with a short angular transition beside the inner edge and an angle greater than 90 degrees on the inner edge, a blunt end protrusion, this area ending in another protrusion, which is much more inclined than the previous one, also having a blunt end. The slide fastener is fitted in an opposite manner on the bottom inner edge of the corresponding inner edge of the top homologous portion using a slider, so as to determine the penetration and interlocking of the blunt end, and the invention aims to provide a simple and practical interlocking solution of two homologous plastic parts for closing the slide fastener. Basically, the solution is applicable to conventional articles and packaging, which does not involve a process for applying a seal on the packaging, nor does it show a solution for applying a seal on packaging, in particular animal food packaging.

Another known document relevant to the state of the art is PI000085-2, filed 3.1.2000 and published 25.2.2.2009, entitled "fastener tapes for reclosable packages and methods of assembly and use thereof", which describes fastener tapes for reclosable packages with transverse zippers. The zipper has a male profile and a female profile. Each profile comprises at least one interlocking element extending from the base to the opposite profile, which can interlock with the interlocking element in the opposite profile. One or both profiles have at least one high compression element that allows the interlocking profiles to be transversely sealed to the thermoplastic film to conform to the width of the corresponding base without shattering or distorting the interlocking elements.

Document PI9903315-1 entitled "high compression transverse zipper system and method of use and manufacture thereof", filed on 13.7.1999 and issued on 14.3.2006, describes a zipper tape for reclosable packages, having a transverse zipper. The zipper strips comprise male and female interlocking profiles, wherein each profile comprises interlocking elements and a complete web defining a rear flange. One or both profiles have high compression elements which allow one or both interlocking elements to be sealed to the thermoplastic film without compressing or distorting them.

Document PI9902416-0 filed on 8.6.1999 and published on 18.1.2000 describes an "improved slide zipper, package and method of making the same" consisting of an interlocking zipper and a slider, wherein the zipper has a first profile and a second profile. Each profile has a strap, a fabric attached to the strap, and interlocking elements secured to the fabric that hook over the interlocking elements of the other profile. A slider is positioned across the zipper and has a head from which two arms extend. The slider arms engage the profile band and have hook-shaped ends, each of which hooks around the profile band in order to place them between the adhesive tape and the respective fabric.

Document PI9900678-2, filed 3/5/1999 and issued 2000/1/4, describes "fastener tapes and reclosable packages for consumer products" comprising fastener tapes having male and female interlocking profiles. The male interlocking profile has a male interlocking element with a cross-section in the shape of an asymmetric arrow. The female interlocking profile has two female interlocking elements in the shape of mutually curved elements defining a passage between them. The male interlocking elements are hooked by fitting in the channels to reclose the package. The asymmetric male interlocking elements have an outer sharp edge facing the interior of the package and a rounded edge facing the interior of the package. This asymmetric nature encourages the package to be opened from the inside rather than the outside in an easier manner.

Therefore, any document mentioned before does not have the property of keeping the inside of the package isolated from air contact after the package has been opened, and therefore of maintaining the perfect condition of use of the animal food, maintaining its texture and organoleptic features.

Some of the previous documents describe zippers consisting of a male part and a female part; although they do not describe the application process of animal feed packaging, nor even the packaging obtained.

Invention process and package

Unlike the previous documents, in the present invention the two parts of the seal are composed of two pieces, both containing male and female inserts, thus enabling it to be completely sealed, even after opening, and to be reclosed in a very effective manner once it has been applied to the package. Furthermore, the interaction between the parts making up the seal (including the slider) ensures an innovative solution to the pet product market, by the interaction between the male and female parts on both sides of the profile. To this end, the present invention encompasses a process for applying a seal to pet product packaging, which is a process that is carried out with the packaging still closed. After the seals are installed, they are opened and the respective packaging lines are then cut to allow access to the interior of the package. However, when the seal is activated, the package is closed again, preventing the food product from coming into contact with the air.

Other documents previously describe seals in the form of metal zippers, the metal ends of which are used to close the zipper. It has been shown that in such cases, the use of a metal zipper can cause the metal end to fall inside the package, cause contamination, and eventually be swallowed by the animal.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention describes a seal comprising two parts made of flexible plastic material (such as nylon or similar material), one of which has a substantially "U" shape with a central linear projection parallel to its side walls, and from one of which a right-angle plate extends in effect, which constitutes a surface for supporting and fixing to a pet food package; the second portion also has a conventional configuration of a "U" shape with a non-central protrusion extending vertically from the bottom thereof, and the protrusion and end wall are of substantially the same height, while the other end defines a lower height wall from which extends a second panel for supporting and securing to the pet food package. Thus, the two seals may interlock. The closing and opening of the seal of the present invention is a process accomplished by a conventional slider.

The present invention includes a process for applying a seal to pet food packaging, which may be accomplished by using electronic welding on a previously established area of the packaging, typically on top of it. However, the use of high-adhesion glue for fixation is not negligible.

Once the seal is attached to the top of the receiving package, a cutting tool must be used to sever the corresponding package extension of the seal extension. After the first portion of the animal food is removed through the opening, the seals are interlocked by operating the slider to prevent the packaged product from coming into contact with air, thereby maintaining the product storage conditions.

Drawings

The invention will be explained below in the form of an embodiment and for a better understanding reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which the following are shown:

FIG. 1: a perspective view of the seal with the components separated;

FIG. 2: a perspective view of the components interlocking seal;

FIG. 3: a detailed developed front view of the component profiles that make up the seal;

FIG. 4: a perspective view of a seal with a slider;

FIG. 5: a view of a seal applied to a pet food package, the seal being in a closed position on the package after it is installed;

FIG. 6: a view of a seal applied to a pet food package, the seal being in an open position on the package after it is installed;

Detailed Description

According to the application for the present patent, "seal, package with seal attached and process for applying seal to package" comprises a seal (1) comprising two interlocking parts made of flexible plastic material (3) and (4), such as nylon or similar, one of these parts (3) having substantially a "U" shape, a central linear protrusion (5) parallel to its side walls (6), extending from the bottom (7) so as to form between the central linear protrusion (5) and the side walls (6) two grooves (6B) technically identical in shape and size for assembly, while a right-angled plate (8) extends in fact from one of the side walls (6) which constitutes a surface for supporting and fixing to a pet food package (E); while the second portion (4) also has the conventional configuration of a "U" shape, with a non-central projection (9) extending perpendicularly from its base (10) and said projection and end wall (11) having practically the same height, while the other end (12) defines a wall of lower height, defining two recesses (11B) of different shape and size; a second panel (8) for supporting and securing to the pet food package (E) extends from the end (12). Thus, the two parts (3) and (4) can interlock. The closing and opening of the seal of the invention is a process carried out by means of a conventional slider (13).

The extension of the parts made of flexible plastic material (3) and (4) is determined by the size of the opening required to receive the package (E), which may be wider or narrower depending on the size and capacity of said package (E).

More specifically, the flexible plastic part (3) has a central linear protrusion (5) comprising an end protrusion (4) of triangular conventional shape for said second flexible plastic part (4).

The second flexible plastic part (4) has slightly rounded counter-protrusions (15) at the non-central protruding portion (9) and at the ends of the end walls (11), and said end walls (11) are slightly inclined with respect to said walls (9) in order to reduce the opening size (16) between them.

The seal (1) runs longitudinally along the region where the interlocking sections of the parts (3) and (4) meet using a conventional slider (13), allowing the pet food package (E) to be opened and closed.

By the seal (1) being attached and interlocked, the application process of the package (E) is achieved under the following conditions:

-applying the seal (1) on top of the previously determined area of the package (E), the parts (3) and (4) interlocking;

-the seal (1) is applied by electronic welding, by using a plate (8) made of plastic material compatible with the packaging material (E);

-as an alternative, the assembly is carried out by gluing with a highly adhesive film;

-once the seal is stuck (1), the package (E) can be opened with any cutting tool; this makes it possible to establish a line by opening the seal (1) from which the food can be removed, and by closing the seal (1) it is possible to prevent the food from coming into contact with the air, thus ensuring its optimal preservation.

Claims (4)

1. A seal for animal food packaging, said seal (1) having a slider (13) and being composed of two first (3) and second (4) flexible plastic parts that can be interlocked, wherein:

-it comprises a first flexible plastic part (3) with a central linear projection (5) parallel to a side wall (6), said side wall (6) and said central linear projection (5) both projecting from a bottom (7), so that between said central linear projection (5) and said side wall (6) two channels (6B) are formed between said central linear projection (5), of equal size and dimensions;

-a right-angled panel (8) extending substantially from one of the side walls (6) and constituting a surface for supporting and fitting to an animal food package (E);

-the second flexible plastic part (4) has a general "U" shape with a non-central projection (9) and extends perpendicularly from its bottom (10);

-said non-central projection (9) and end wall (11) have the same height;

-the other end (12) defines a wall of lower height, defining two recesses (11B) of different shape and size;

-a second panel for supporting and fitting to the animal food package (E) extends from said other end (12);

wherein the second flexible plastic part (4) has rounded facing protrusions (15) at the end of the non-central protrusion (9) and the end wall (11), and the end wall (11) is inclined with respect to the non-central protrusion (9) so as to reduce the opening size (16) between them.

2. The seal according to claim 1, wherein the first flexible plastic part (3) has a triangular regular shaped end projection (14) on the central linear projection (5) for the second flexible plastic part (4).

3. A seal-attached package comprising the seal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the animal food package (E) receives the seal (1) with two interlocking first and second flexible plastic parts (3, 4) such that the package is cut from below the central interlocking line of the first and second flexible plastic parts (3, 4) and is held closed and isolated from air contact by the seal (1).

4. Process for applying a seal to a package, for applying the seal according to claim 1 or 2 to the package according to claim 3, wherein the process of applying the seal (1) to the animal food package (E) follows the following sequence:

-applying said seal (1) on top of a previously determined area of said animal food package (E), the first flexible plastic part (3) and the second flexible plastic part (4) being interlocked;

-said seal (1) is applied by electronic welding, using a square or second plate made of plastic material compatible with said animal food packaging (E);

as an alternative, the attachment is achieved by gluing with a highly adhesive film.

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