CN112351945A - Stand-up package - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a stand-up package (1) for a food product, comprising at least one first pocket (21) and at least one second pocket (22) for carrying the food product, respectively, an outer package (3) having two cover elements (31,32) at least partially sandwiching the first pocket (21), and at least one further element (33) at least partially sandwiched between the first pocket (21) and one of the cover elements (31). The other element (33) is pierced with a through hole (36) and a cover element (31) is glued (G1) to the first pocket (21) via the through hole (36). The second pocket (22) is not glued (G2) directly to at least one of the cover element (31,32) or the further element (33) via the through hole.

Description

Stand-up package

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a stand-up package or package for a food product having a sleeve for carrying the food product and an outer wrap at least partially surrounding the sleeve.

Background

Such stand-up packages are well known in the art. To secure the sleeve or pouch to the outer package, the package of the present invention uses a stapler or other mechanical securing device or ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing or stitching. These techniques require expensive equipment and manufacturing processes and/or use additional fixtures such as staplers that ultimately allow the food to be stored in a sleeve or pocket.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stand-up package for food products, which package is initially described in a simple and cost-effective manner.

This object is achieved by the independent claims. The dependent claims advantageously further develop the central idea of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, a stand-up package for a food product is provided. The stand-up package comprises at least one first pocket and at least one second pocket for carrying food products, respectively. The stand-up package further comprises an outer package having two (i.e. a first and a second) lid elements at least partially sandwiching the first pocket. The stand-up package further comprises at least one further element at least partially sandwiched between the first pocket and one of the two mentioned cover elements (hereinafter also referred to as "one cover element"). The other element is pierced with a through hole. One cover element is glued (i.e. directly glued) to at least one first pocket via (i.e. through) through holes. The at least one second pocket is not glued directly to at least one of the two mentioned cover elements or further elements via (i.e. through) through holes.

Thus, the glue extending through the through hole of the other element may act as a kind of plug or bolt fixedly attached or connected (i.e. glued directly) with the opposite element (i.e. one cover element and at least one first pocket), thereby carrying the first pocket via the outer package. If there is more than one first set of pockets, all these pockets may be connected/glued to the outer package (i.e. one cover element) via the at least one or more through holes of the at least one or more further elements.

Furthermore, by directly gluing the second pocket not via the through hole, it is possible to connect at least one additional second pocket to at least one of the two mentioned cover elements or further elements in an easy and flexible manner. In addition, the additional second sleeve of pouches may be positioned in the stand-up package separately and differently from the first sleeve of pouches. Thereby, the space defined by the outer package may be used more efficiently and the respective pockets may be arranged in a manner that allows for an attractive appearance of the food product to be created within the pockets.

According to the present invention, the term "stand-up package" covers any kind of bag which is able to stand up alone, by itself and in particular by their design, when placed on a preferably flat ground.

According to the present invention, the term "food product" encompasses any kind of consumer product, in particular any kind of consumer product that is typically carried and sold in such a stand-up bag. The food product may be of any consistency and may, for example, be fluid, flowable, pasty, gelatinous, powdered, solid, and the like.

According to the invention, the term "pouch" may be any kind of preferably deformable or flexible package for carrying a food product; i.e. it is made of food safe material. In particular, it may be made of a sealable material, providing a closed and preferably air-tight sealed (e.g. airtight) pocket for receiving a food product.

According to the present invention, the term "overwrap" covers all kinds of packaging for carrying and/or enclosing a sleeve as described herein above. The outer package is preferably made of cardboard or plastic. It is preferably embossed to carry information about the contents of the stand-up package (e.g. food product; meal), such as pictures, text (cooking recipe; ingredients; nutritional ingredient list; etc.), bar codes, etc.

According to the invention, the expression "sandwiched between [ … ] is generally understood as" being inserted or enclosed between generally two things ".

According to the invention, any kind of "glue" may be used, which allows a direct glued connection between the respective elements.

For example, a glued connection between the cover element and the first set of pockets connected via (i.e. passing through) through holes may be established with the same or a different kind of "glue" used for a direct glued connection between the second set of pockets and at least one of the cover element or the further element.

According to the invention, "gluing by means of through holes [ … ]" is understood as "gluing through holes [ … ]", i.e. the glue extends through the through holes, thereby directly connecting elements located opposite with respect to the through holes.

Thus, "directly glued without via through holes" should be understood such that the glue does not extend through any kind of hole (i.e. there is no element between the pocket and the element to which it is glued in the glue attachment area), thereby directly connecting the respective two elements when the glue adheres the surfaces of the two elements abutting each other.

According to the invention, "glued to each other" is to be understood as "glued directly to each other", i.e. without taking into account the glue extending between these elements via (i.e. through) through holes, the glued elements are glued directly and thus connected to each other by the glue.

With the present invention, it is therefore possible to easily provide the fixing means (by simple use of glue) to the outer package, and in particular to one of its cover elements, and at the same time to connect the outer package with the sleeve bag, so as to obtain a ready upright package carrying the sleeve bag without the use of additional fixing means; i.e. in an easy and cost-effective manner.

This is because glue can be easily provided to surfaces that need to be glued together. For example, for the first pocket, glue can be easily provided from one outer side of the stand-up package and the elements to be glued to each other are easily reached when glue is applied in the area of the through-hole; when the glue extends through the respective through hole, it can serve as a kind of plug or bolt that carries and secures the further elements and the at least one pocket firmly to the outer package. Similarly, it can be found that the second pocket is not glued directly via the through-hole, so that glue can be applied directly between the two respective elements. Further, a stand-up package having a plurality of pockets for carrying food products may be provided. Thus, for example, a stand-up package containing various ingredients for meals may be provided.

The second pocket may be glued directly to a portion or surface of the other cover member. The portion or surface preferably faces the first pocket.

Additionally or alternatively, the second pocket may be at least partially sandwiched between the first pocket and the outer package, or preferably between the first pocket and another cover element or further element. In addition, the second pocket may be at least partially sandwiched between one of the cover element or the further element to which it is directly glued on the one hand and a corresponding other of one of the cover element or the further element to which it is not directly glued on the other hand.

Thus, the second sleeve may be arranged in a variety of different positions and arrangements relative to the other elements of the stand-up package of the present invention. Thus, the stand-up package can be designed more freely. Furthermore, the first pocket and the second pocket may be arranged at different elements of the package such that they are easily accessible when opening the package, for example by (partially) separating the package elements.

The further element may be a third lid element of the outer package. Alternatively or additionally, the further element may comprise at least one or more additional first pockets for carrying the food product. The additional first set of pockets is generally similar to the at least one first set of pockets. Different first pockets (i.e., at least one first pocket and additional first pockets) may carry different components of a particular formula/meal. Both the third cover element and the additional first set of pockets comprise through holes as described herein above. Thus, they are at least partially sandwiched between at least one first pocket and one cover element, so that one cover element is glued to at least one first pocket via the through holes of the further elements.

Similarly, as previously described for the additional first pockets, the at least one second pocket for carrying the food product may be substantially similar to the at least one first pocket. Different pockets (i.e., at least one first pocket and at least one second pocket) may carry different components of a particular formula/meal. Different pockets may vary in size. For example, the first pocket may have a larger size than the second pocket, such that the first pocket forms a primary pocket and the second pocket is a smaller secondary pocket.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the respective pockets (i.e., at least one of the at least one first pocket or the at least one second pocket) comprises a sealed region. Preferably, all respective pockets comprise a sealed region. The sealing region is provided to close at least a portion of the respective pocket to securely carry the food product within the pocket. The sealed region may circumferentially or partially circumferentially surround the respective pocket (i.e., at least one of the first and second pockets) to form a pocket for preferably sealingly carrying the food product; preferably in a (gas-tight) sealed manner.

Thus, a stand-up package may be provided that may be used to store food products in a safe and hygienic manner for an extended period of time.

In a preferred embodiment, the stand-up package may comprise more than one second sleeve. The second pocket may preferably be glued to the same element, i.e. to at least one of the cover element or the further element, or more preferably to the same side or surface thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the second sleeve may at least partially overlap in at least one viewing direction, preferably in a front view of the stand-up package, preferably wherein the stand-up package is in its designated operational (i.e. (upright) standing or standing) position.

Additionally or alternatively, the second pockets may overlap in such a way that the bottom edges of adjacent second pockets are positioned at different heights.

Preferably, the height of the bottom edge of the second pocket is determinable with respect to the edge of the element to which the second pocket is glued, preferably when the stand-up package is in its designated operating position. Furthermore, the second pockets may overlap at different heights such that a second pocket with a bottom edge higher or lower with respect to an adjacent second pocket is at least partially sandwiched by one of the cover element or the further element to which it is directly glued and at least the adjacent second pocket.

Thus, the second pockets may be arranged in a staggered manner in the stand-up package. Thus, the space defined by the stand-up package can be used in an efficient manner. Furthermore, it may be achieved that each second pocket of the second pockets is directly connected to the element to which the second pocket is glued, and that none of the second pockets is completely covered by an adjacent second pocket, thereby facilitating the visibility of each second pocket. In addition, the package may thus be provided in a flat manner.

Preferably, the element to which the second pocket is directly glued comprises a gluing portion for gluing the second pocket directly to the respective element.

According to the invention, an "element to which the second pocket is glued directly" is to be understood as at least one of the two cover elements or the further element.

In a preferred embodiment, where the stand-up package comprises more than one second pocket, each of the second pockets may be provided with a glued portion.

It may also be preferred that the glued sections of a particular second pocket are offset to an adjacent second pocket, wherein the glued sections of the adjacent second pocket and the particular second pocket are on the same side of the particular second pocket.

Thus, the second pockets may be arranged in a staggered manner on the element to which they are glued. In particular, by providing an adjacent second pocket on the same side of a particular pocket as its glued part, space is used economically and visibility of the individual pockets is ensured. Furthermore, it may be ensured that each of the second pockets is directly connected to the element to which it is glued.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and/or second pockets includes a headspace. Preferably, at least the second set of pockets comprises a headspace. More preferably, the pocket of at least one of the first and/or second pockets includes a headspace.

According to the present invention, the term "headspace" should be understood as the (empty) space above or outside (i.e. in the closed volume of the pocket) the food product within the pocket.

Thus, the transport and storage capacity of the stand-up package may be improved, as the risk of accidental spilling or breaking of one of the pockets may be reduced by providing a head space. Furthermore, the headspace allows for easier filling of the envelope during production. Furthermore, providing a headspace allows for reducing the thickness of the individual pockets by allowing the food contents to move within the pockets accordingly.

In a preferred embodiment of the stand-up package comprising more than one second pocket, the headspace of a particular second pocket at least partially overlaps with the pocket of an adjacent second pocket. Preferably, the headspace of a particular second pocket at least partially overlaps the pocket of an adjacent second pocket, such that the adjacent second pocket is sandwiched between the headspace of the particular second pocket and the element to which it is directly glued.

Thus, when the head space of the pocket overlaps with the adjacent pocket, the pocket can be arranged in a more compact manner. Thus, a plurality of pockets may be arranged adjacent to each other in a staggered manner without having to provide through holes for gluing the pockets to respective elements to which a second pocket is directly glued. In addition, the headspace of a particular second pocket may be concealed by being covered by its adjacent second pocket. Thus, the appearance of the stand-up package can be improved.

At least one of the outer package and preferably the cover element may comprise a cut-out region to expose at least one and preferably all of the first pocket and/or the second pocket. Alternatively or additionally, the further element may comprise a cut-out region.

In other words, the cutout region may serve as an inspection window.

In a preferred embodiment, a cut-out region is provided so that all contained pockets are visible through the cut-out region. Preferably, for a stand-up package comprising more than one second pocket, the cut-out area is provided in an area (of the outer package) where the (second) pockets overlap each other. Furthermore, the respective pockets may have different lengths or may be provided in an offset manner accordingly.

Thus, by providing a cut-out area, it may be achieved that the contents of the stand-up package may be easily displayed.

The glue for the stand-up package may be provided as glue dots or glue lines or areas provided with glue. Preferably, the glue at least partially covers the through hole. According to the invention, "at least partially covering" means that the glue must at least partially extend over the corresponding through hole to allow gluing of one cover element to at least one first pocket via said through hole. However, the glue may also cover the area around or between the through holes to allow adjacent elements to be glued directly to each other, thereby providing a secure connection of these elements of the outer package and/or the outer package and the corresponding (additional) first pocket.

Additionally or alternatively, the glue used for the second set of pockets may be different from the glue used for the first set of pockets. For example, the glue used for the second pocket may be double-sided tape, while liquid glue is used for the first pocket.

At least one and preferably all of the through holes comprise at least two or more distal through holes. In fact, the number of distal through holes of each further element (i.e. each additional pocket or third cap element) is not limited by the invention. However, preferably at least two distal through holes to allow secure fixation of the pocket at least two points to reduce the effect of torque on the glued fixation area. In a preferred embodiment, the distal through holes of at least two and preferably all through holes are aligned with each other, respectively. This allows the first set of pouches to be easily connected to the outer package and in particular one cover element to be connected to at least one first set of pouches via the through holes of the further elements which are preferably aligned with each other.

According to the present invention, the shape of the through-hole is not limited. However, the through-holes and preferably each of the distal through-holes may have a circular-like or polygonal shape, such as a circular, elliptical or square shape. These types of shapes can be easily manufactured.

At least one of the cover elements, preferably one cover element, may have a glue area and a tab area separated by a weakened tear open area. The tear open area is preferably configured to allow separation of the glue area and the tab area (in any desired manner) such that the tab area is released to allow access to the pocket, for example by bending open the tab area. Thus, the weakened tear opening area may be provided as a weakened (e.g. thinned) material area in the respective lid element. The weakened tear open area may also be configured to be removable, thereby releasing the tab area to access a respective pocket in the overpack, i.e., the first pocket or the second pocket. Thus, a simple opening device may be provided integrally with the stand-up package.

The outer package may further comprise a preferably flat base element for supporting or even carrying the upright package when placed on the ground. The base element may be integrally formed with at least one of the cover elements and may also preferably cover a bottom region (e.g., a bottom rim portion or edge) of the pocket. Thus, the stand-up package provides a stable support area to carry the stand-up package, which support area preferably covers the bottom area of (all) pockets, i.e. the first and second pockets, to protect these pockets.

The cover elements may be provided integrally with one another to form an outer package having any desired layout. The preferred layout of the outer package may be U-shaped, annular or box-shaped.

A U-shaped outer package is obtained if the first cover element and the second cover element are connected by a curved portion extending over a transverse area (e.g. an upper edge or rim portion) of the pocket.

An annular outer package is obtained if the first cover element and the second cover element are connected by a bent portion, preferably in the upper region of the outer package, as described for the U-shaped layout, and the second cover element and the third cover element are connected to each other by a further bent portion, preferably in the bottom region of the outer package extending over another lateral region of the pocket, for example a bottom edge or rim portion. Preferably, the first and third cover members overlap each other such that the third cover member is at least partially sandwiched between (adjacent) first pockets (e.g. at least one first pocket or one of the additional first pockets) and the first cover member. This clamping area of the third cover element can be used as a gluing area with one or more through holes. The bottom bending region connecting the second and third cover elements may be provided by or may comprise a base element of an outer package.

A box-shaped outer package similar to the annular outer package is obtained, but also comprising lateral cover elements, which can extend from one cover element (e.g. the second or third cover element) and be bent to extend to the opposite cover element (e.g. the other of the second or third cover element) to which they are preferably glued.

However, the invention is not limited to a particular shape, but the outer package may have any possible shape, as long as it preferably allows one of its outer cover elements to be glued to at least one first pocket via piercing through holes of at least one of the further elements (e.g. the additional first pocket or the third cover element) clamped by said cover element and said first pocket.

The first and second pockets may be made of any food safe material suitable for carrying food products. They may be made of plastic. They are preferably at least partially and more preferably circumferentially sealed by the mentioned sealing areas, thereby (hermetically) sealing the carried food product. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket is made of a deformable or flexible material. They may also be made of a transparent material so that the contents can be easily inspected by the user. The outer package may be made of any material used for outer packages of food products. In a most preferred embodiment, the outer package is made of cardboard or plastic.

Drawings

Additional features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

In the case where numerals are omitted from a specific drawing, it cannot be assumed that corresponding features are not present in the specific drawing. Conversely, unless otherwise noted, the numerals are omitted for clarity of the drawings.

Figures 1 to 5 show different steps of one embodiment of manufacturing a stand-up package according to the invention,

figure 6 shows a perspective view of the rear part of an embodiment of a stand-up package according to the invention, manufactured according to the steps of figures 1 to 5.

Detailed Description

The figures show an embodiment of a stand-up package 1 for food products according to the invention. The food product may be any consumer product in any given state, such as fluid, flowable, pasty, gelatinous, powdered or solid.

The stand-up package 1 comprises at least one or more first pockets 21 for carrying food products. The stand-up package 1 further comprises at least one or more second pockets 22 for carrying food products.

These respective pockets 21,22 may be made, for example, of food-safe material, preferably plastic. They may have any desired flexibility and tear strength that is generally provided for such pouches 21, 22. The respective pockets 21,22 are preferably made of a transparent material so that the user can inspect the contents thereof.

At least one of the respective pockets 21,22 may have a sealed region 24. The sealing area 24 may circumferentially or partially circumferentially surround the respective pocket 21,22 to form the pocket 20 to preferably sealingly carry the food product.

This is exemplarily shown in fig. 1 to 6. Wherein for each of the first and second pockets 21,22, the pocket 20 is formed between two sealed areas 24. However, the sealing area 24 of the respective pocket 21,22 may also be provided in a different manner.

The stand-up package 1 further comprises an outer package 3. The outer package 3 has two cover elements 31,32 which at least partially sandwich the first pocket 21. In fig. 1 to 6, the outer package 3 is shown by way of example together with a first cover element 31 and a second cover element 32.

The outer package 3 may be made of any material commonly used for outer packages, such as cardboard or plastic. Outer package 3 may carry indicia to provide information about upright package 1 and its contents.

The stand-up package 1 further comprises at least one or more further elements.

The further elements may comprise a third cover element 33 of the outer package 3 and/or at least one additional first pocket (not shown) for carrying the food product.

The additional first set of pockets is not shown in any of figures 1 to 6. However, the additional first set of pockets is preferably similar or substantially the same as at least one of the first set of pockets 21 or the second set of pockets 22 described herein above, such that for convenience, reference is made to the description of the first set of pockets 21 and/or the second set of pockets 22, which also applies to such additional first set of pockets. Of course, a similar situation can be found with the addition of the second sleeve of pockets 22', 22 ", which is described in more detail further below.

The further element is at least partially sandwiched between the first pocket 21 and one of the two cover elements 31, 32. For example, in fig. 6, the further element is sandwiched between the first pocket 21 and the first cover element 31.

The first cover element 31 and the second cover element 32 may be provided integrally with each other to form the outer package 3.

In particular, fig. 1 to 6 show an embodiment in which the three mentioned cover elements 31,32,33 are preferably provided integrally with one another to form the annular outer package 3. As shown in fig. 6, by the overlap of the first cover element 31 and the third cover element 33, the overlapping areas can be fixed to each other to provide a closed loop outer package 3 which securely surrounds all pockets 21, 22. Another layout of outer package 3 may be a U-shape or a box shape of outer package 3.

In a preferred embodiment, outer package 3 further comprises a flat base element 35 for supporting or even carrying upright package 1. The base element 35 may also be formed integrally with at least one of the cover elements and preferably all of the cover elements (here with all of the other cover elements 31 to 32 and the third cover element 33). As can be seen in fig. 5 and 6, the base element 35 preferably covers the bottom area of the respective pocket 21, 22.

In order to easily manufacture upright package 1, lid elements 31,32 and 33 may be connected by a bending region 37 to facilitate folding outer package 3 into its final shape to obtain upright package 1. This is exemplarily visualized for the first cover element 31 in fig. 1 to 6.

As can be seen in fig. 1 to 5, the further elements (i.e. the third cover element 33 and/or the additional first pocket) are pierced with through-holes 36, respectively.

The through-hole 36 may have any shape, such as a quasi-circular or polygonal shape. In fig. 1-5, the through-hole 36 has an elliptical shape. However, the shape may also be circular, or may be square or any other shape. At least one of the through holes 36 and preferably all of the through holes 36 preferably comprises at least two or even more of the distal through holes 361, 362.

One cover element, i.e. the first cover element 31, and at least one first pocket 2 are glued to each other by means of glue G1 via the through holes 36 of the further element 33 (G1). The glue G1 thus forms a kind of bolt or plug to allow the outer package 3 to be connected with at least one first pocket 21 and together carry an additional first pocket.

The second pocket 22 is not glued (G2) directly to at least one of the cover elements 31,32 or further elements via through holes.

In fig. 1 to 3, it is exemplarily shown that the second pocket 22 is not glued (G2) directly to the second cover element 32 via through holes.

The second pocket 22 may be glued (G2) directly to a portion or surface of the other of the two cover members 31,32 that is not glued to the first pocket 21 via the through-hole 36. For example, in the figures, the second pocket 22 is glued directly to the part or surface of the second cover element 32 facing the first pocket 21 in the folded state of the stand-up package 1.

The glue G2 for the second pocket 22 (22', 22 ") may be provided as glue dots, glue G2 lines or areas 42 provided with glue G2. Alternatively, the glue G2 may be provided as a double-sided adhesive tape. However, this listing of examples of glue G2 is not limiting. In fig. 1, the area 42 provided with glue G2 is used for gluing the second pocket 22 to the second cover element 32. The second sleeve 22 may be at least partially sandwiched between the first sleeve 21 and the outer package 3, preferably another lid element (here a second lid element 32) or a further element 33. The second pocket 22 may also be at least partially sandwiched between one of its two cover elements 31,32 or further elements 33 which are on the one hand glued directly and the corresponding other one of its cover elements 31,32 or further elements 33 which are on the other hand not glued directly.

Fig. 4 exemplarily shows that the second pocket 22 is sandwiched between the second cover element 32 and the first pocket 21.

In a preferred embodiment, the stand-up package 1 comprises more than one second pocket 22. The stand-up package 1 in fig. 1 to 3 has two additional second pouches 22', 22 ". The number of additional second pockets 22', 22 "is not limited to two. Rather, it is contemplated that up to ten or more additional second pockets 22 may be provided.

The second pocket 22, 22', 22 "may be glued to the same element, i.e. to at least one of the cover elements 31,32 or the further element 33. Preferably, the second pocket 22, 22', 22 "is glued to the same side or surface of both cover elements 31,32 or further elements, as shown in fig. 1 to 3.

Additionally or alternatively, the second sleeve 22, 22', 22 "may at least partially overlap in at least one viewing direction, preferably in a front view of the stand-up package 1.

The front of the stand-up package 1 is a view on the front of the stand-up package 1 in its folded state. Fig. 6 exemplarily shows a rear view of the stand-up package 1 in its folded state and in its operative position. In fig. 6, the front of the stand-up package 1 is formed by the outer surface of the second cover element 32.

Alternatively, the second pockets 22,22 ', 22 "may at least partially overlap in such a way that the bottom edges 220 of adjacent second pockets 22, 22' are positioned at different heights h1, h2, h 3.

This is shown schematically in fig. 2 of the present invention. Wherein the three second pockets 22, 22', 22 "are glued directly to the second cover element 32. For example, the second cover element 22 may be arranged at a vertical height h1 relative to the bottom edge of the flat base element 35 or the second cover element 32. Similarly, the additional second pockets 22 ', 22' are arranged at respective heights h2 and h3 with respect to the flat base element 35. The heights h1 to h3 may be vertical with respect to the surface on which the stand-up package 1 is placed. Furthermore, in fig. 2, the heights h 1-h 3 extend between the bottom edge 220 of the respective second pocket 22, 22', 22 "and the bottom edge of the second lid element 32, which is formed as a fold line in fig. 2.

Additionally or alternatively, the second set of pockets 22,22 'may at least partially overlap such that the bottom edge 220 is at least partially sandwiched by the element (i.e. one of the two cover elements 31,32 or the further element 33) to which it is directly glued and at least the adjacent second set of pockets 22, 22', 22 "with respect to the second set of pockets 22,22 ', 22" which is higher than the adjacent second set of pockets 22, 22', 22 ".

This relationship is best shown in fig. 2. For example, the second pocket 22 'is sandwiched between the second cover element 32 to which it is directly glued and its adjacent second pocket 22, whereby the second pocket 22' is placed at a higher height h2 than the second pocket 22 placed at height h 1. Thus, a staggered arrangement of the second pockets 22, 22', 22 "may be achieved. However, it is also conceivable that the second pockets 22,22 ', 22 "are arranged in a different manner, for example such that the second pockets 22,22 ' may at least partially overlap such that a second pocket 22,22 ', 22" lower by the bottom edge 220 with respect to an adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22 "is at least partially sandwiched by the element to which it is directly glued (i.e. one of the two cover elements 31,32 or the further element 33) and at least the adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22".

In a preferred embodiment, the elements 31,32,33 to which the second pocket 22 is directly glued comprise a glue portion 42 for gluing the second pocket 22 directly to the respective element 31,32, 33. This is exemplarily shown in fig. 1, where the glued portion 42 is shown as the aforementioned zone 42.

However, it is also contemplated that the glue portion 42 could be provided directly on the second pocket 22, 22', 22 ".

In a preferred embodiment of the stand-up package 1 comprising more than one second pocket 22,22 ', 22 ", each of the second pockets 22, 22', 22" may be provided with a glued portion 42, such as shown in fig. 1. Preferably, the glued portion 42 of a particular second pocket 22,22 ', 22 "is offset to an adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22", wherein preferably the glued portion 42 of the adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22 "and the particular second pocket 22,22 ', 22" are on the same side of the particular second pocket 22,22 ', 22 ".

This characteristic is best shown by way of example in fig. 1 and 2. For each of the second pockets 22, 22', 22 ", a corresponding glued portion 42 is provided. The respective glued sections 42 are vertically offset from each other. However, it is also conceivable to provide the glued sections 42 with a horizontal, two-dimensional or three-dimensional offset. An adjacent second pocket 22' of the second pocket 22 is on the same side of the second pocket 22 (relative to the second pocket 22) as the glued portion 42 of the second pocket 22. Thereby, a staggered arrangement of the second pockets 22, 22', 22 "can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the respective pockets 21,22, i.e. at least one of the at least one first pocket 21 and the at least one second pocket 22, preferably at least the second pocket 22 (22', 22 "), more preferably the pocket 20 thereof, comprises a headspace 200. The headspace 200 may be a space having different locations within the respective pockets 21,22 that do not include any food product. Headspace 200 is not shown in any of fig. 1-6.

In a preferred embodiment of the stand-up package 1 comprising more than one second pocket 22,22 ', 22 ", the headspace 200 of a particular second pocket 22,22 ', 22" at least partially overlaps the pocket 20 of an adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22 ", preferably such that the adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22" is sandwiched between the headspace 200 of the particular second pocket 22,22 ', 22 "and the element 31,32,33 to which it is directly glued.

As can be seen in fig. 1 to 6, at least one of the cover elements (here the first cover element 31) may comprise different functional areas. In particular, the cover element 31 may comprise a gluing zone 310 forming a zone glued to the at least one first pocket 21 via the through holes 36. The first cover element 31 may also have a tab area 311 which is separated from the glue area 310 by a weakened tear opening area 312. Tear open area 312 may be configured in any desired manner to allow separation of glue area 310 and tab area 311. In a preferred embodiment, the tear open area 312 is arranged such that it can be removed from the stand-up package 1 in a destructive or non-destructive manner, thereby releasing the flap area 311 to access the respective pocket 21,22 in the stand-up package 1.

As can be further seen in fig. 1 and 2, the outer package 3, preferably at least one of the cover elements 31,32 or a further element (here the third cover element 33), may comprise a cut-out region 330 to at least partially expose at least one of the respective pockets 21, 22. Preferably, the cut-out region 330 exposes all of the respective pockets 21, 22. Accordingly, the cut-out region 330 may form an inspection window to allow a user to inspect the contents of the corresponding pocket 21, 22. The cut-out region 330 is shown here as a rectangular window. However, the shape or location or size of the cut-out region 330 is not limited by the present invention. Preferably, for a stand-up package 1 comprising more than one second pocket 22,22 ', 22 ", the cut-out area 330 may be in the area where the second pockets 22, 22', 22" overlap each other. If the respective pockets 21,22 are arranged such that they do only partially overlap each other, as can be seen for example in fig. 1 to 6, the inspection of the pockets 21,22 can be enhanced alternatively or in addition thereto. For example, a partial overlap may be obtained by having different sizes and/or shapes of the pockets 21,22, thereby allowing at least a portion of the respective pockets 21,22 to be exposed outwardly. Alternatively or in addition, the pockets 21,22 may also be offset relative to each other, as shown in fig. 1-6.

The glue G1 for the first set of bags 21 may be provided in different ways. For example, glue G1 may be provided as glue dots, as glue G1 lines, or as zones 41 provided with glue G1. In any case, the glue G1 at least partially covers the through hole 36.

Fig. 3 to 5 show a method of gluing the first pocket 21 to one of the two cover elements 31,32, here the first cover element 31, via the through hole 36. According to fig. 3 to 5, first pocket 21 is placed inside outer packaging 3, the further element (here third cover element 33) is folded over, and glue G1 is provided in region 41, so that through hole 36 is at least partially covered. Thereafter, the first cover element 31 is folded over and the gluing area 310 is attached to the gluing part 41, whereby the first pocket 21 is glued directly to the first cover element 31 via the through hole 36. The through hole 36 may be arranged on a further element such that in the folded state of the stand-up package 1 the tear opening area 312 is positioned above the glue portion 41.

Fig. 1 to 5 show an example of manufacturing a stand-up package 1 according to the invention.

In a first step, the three second pouches 22, 22', 22 ″ and the outer package 3 (here with the first to third lid elements 31,32,33 and the flat base element 35) are positioned relative to each other. The third cover element 33 comprises a cut-out region 330.

In a next step, glue G2 is provided in the area 42 (glued portion 42) of the second cover element 32. This can be done, for example, by means of a glue nozzle or by applying a double-sided adhesive tape. For each of the second pockets 22, 22', 22 ", a corresponding glue portion 42 is provided. The respective glue portions 42 are offset from each other and arranged along the cut-out region 330. The second set of pockets 22, 22', 22 "is arranged in the following manner: for a second pocket 22,22 ', 22 "with a bottom edge 220 higher relative to an adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22", it is at least partially sandwiched by the second cover element 32 to which it is directly glued and at least the adjacent second pocket 22,22 ', 22 ". Thus, each of the respective second pockets 22, 22', 22 "is at least partially visible through the cutout region 330.

In a next step, a first envelope 21 is provided and placed inside the outer package 3 such that the second envelope 22, 22', 22 "is at least partially sandwiched between the second cover element 32 and the first envelope 21.

In a next step, the third cover element 33 is folded towards the respective pocket 21,22 and glue G1 is applied to the zone 41 such that it at least partially covers the through hole 36 and extends through the through hole 36. Thus, glue G1 is applied to at least one first pocket 21. This may be achieved by a glue nozzle N inserted through the through hole 36 to be positioned on or near the at least one first pocket 21, wherein glue G1 may be applied to the at least one first pocket 21. In a preferred embodiment, the glue G1 may also be applied around the through holes 36 or in the area between them by means of defined glue lines or by means of glue dots or the like. This allows additional fixing of adjacent elements, here the first cover element 31 and the third cover element 33, as described below.

After the glue G1 has been applied to the stand-up package 1, one lid element, here the first lid element 31, is positioned or moved to its final position to form the complete stand-up package 1. In the embodiment shown, the outer package 3 is integrally formed such that the outer package 3 is "closed" by simply bending the first lid element 31 via a bending region 37 above an upper edge portion of the respective pocket 21,22, so as to be positioned opposite the second lid element 32 and the at least one first pocket 21. In a preferred embodiment, the gluing zone 310 of the first cover element 31 is thus placed in the area where the glue G extends from the at least one pocket 2 through the through hole 36, so as to glue the one cover element 31 to the at least one or more pockets 2 via the respective through hole 36.

The present invention is not limited by the embodiments described herein above, as long as covered by the appended claims.

All of the features of the embodiments described herein above may be combined in any possible manner and provided interchangeably. If the singular form of a feature such as "through hole" or "pocket" or "cover member" is used in the present invention, the present invention also covers the plural forms thereof such as "through holes" or "pockets" or "cover members", respectively.

If not otherwise indicated, the "set of pockets" or "corresponding set of pockets" cover the two sets of first and second sets of pockets 21,22 as an alternative or in combination.

Claims (15)

1. A stand-up package (1) for a food product, the stand-up package comprising:

-at least one first pocket (21) and at least one second pocket (22) for carrying a food product, respectively,

-an outer package (3) having two cover elements (31,32) at least partially gripping the first pocket (21), and

-at least one further element (33) at least partially sandwiched between the first pocket (21) and one of the cover elements (31),

wherein the further element (33) is pierced with a through hole (36),

wherein said one cover element (31) is glued (G1) to said first pocket (21) via said through hole (36), and

wherein the second pocket (22) is not glued (G2) directly to at least one of the cover element (31,32) or the further element (33) via a through hole.

2. A stand-up package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second pocket (22) is glued directly to a portion or surface of the further cover element (32), said portion or surface preferably facing the first pocket (21).

3. Stand-up package (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second pocket (22) is at least partially sandwiched between the first pocket (21) and the outer package (3), preferably the further cover element (32) or the further element (33), or

Wherein the second pocket (22) is at least partially sandwiched between one of the cover element (31,32) or the further element (33) to which it is directly glued on the one hand, and a corresponding other of the cover element (31,32) or the further element (33) to which it is not directly glued on the other hand.

4. A stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further element (33) comprises a third cover element (33) of the outer package (3) and/or at least one additional first pocket (21) for carrying a food product.

5. A stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the respective pouches (21,22) comprises a sealing area (24),

wherein preferably the sealing area (24) circumferentially or partially circumferentially surrounds the respective pocket (21,22) to form a pocket (20) to preferably sealingly carry the food product.

6. A stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising more than one second sleeve-bag (22, 22', 22 "),

wherein preferably said second pocket (22, 22', 22 ") is glued to the same element, i.e. to at least one of said cover element (31,32) or said further element (33), more preferably to the same side or surface of them (31,32,33), and/or/and

wherein preferably said second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ") at least partially overlaps in at least one viewing direction, preferably in a front view of said stand-up package (1), and more preferably in such a way that a bottom edge (220) of an adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22") is positioned at a different height (h1, h2, h3), even more preferably such that a second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ") having a bottom edge (220) higher or lower with respect to an adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22") is at least partially clamped by said one of said cover element (31,32) or said further element (33) to which it is directly glued and at least said adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ").

7. A stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element (31,32,33) to which the second pocket (22) is directly glued comprises a glue portion (42) for gluing the second pocket (22) directly to the respective element (31,32,33), and

wherein preferably for a stand-up package (1) comprising more than one second pocket (22,22 ', 22 "), each of said second pockets (22,22 ', 22") is provided with a glued portion (42), wherein more preferably said glued portion (42) of a particular second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ") is offset to an adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22"), wherein preferably said glued portion (42) of said adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ") and said particular second pocket (22,22 ', 22") are on the same side of said particular second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ").

8. Stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the respective pockets (21,22), preferably at least the second pocket (22, 22', 22 "), more preferably the pocket (20) of the second pocket, comprises a headspace (200),

wherein preferably, for a stand-up package (1) comprising more than one second pocket (22,22 ', 22 "), the headspace (200) of a particular second pocket (22,22 ', 22") at least partially overlaps the pocket (20) of an adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22 "), preferably such that the adjacent second pocket (22,22 ', 22") is sandwiched between the headspace (200) of the particular second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ") and the element (31,32,33) to which it is directly glued.

9. Stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein preferably for a stand-up package (1) comprising more than one second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ") in the area where the second pockets (22,22 ', 22") overlap each other, the outer package (3), preferably at least one of the cover element (31,32) and/or the further element (33), comprises a cut-out area (330) to at least partially expose at least one and preferably all of the first pocket (21) and/or the second pocket (22,22 ', 22 ").

10. Stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the glue (G1) for the first pocket (21) is provided as a glue dot, a glue line or a zone (41) provided with glue (G1), preferably at least partially covering the through hole (36), and/or wherein the glue (G2) for the second pocket (22, 22', 22 ") is provided as a glue dot, a glue line or a zone (42) provided with glue (G2) or as a double-sided adhesive tape.

11. The stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-hole (36) comprises at least two or more of the distal through-holes (361,362), and/or wherein the through-hole (36) and preferably each distal through-hole (361,362) has a circular-like or polygonal shape, such as a circular, elliptical or square shape.

12. A stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cover elements (31,32) has a glue area (310) and a flap area (311) separated by a weakened tear open area (312), wherein the tear open area (312) is configured to allow separation of the glue area (310) and the flap area (311), e.g. by removable means, thereby releasing the flap area (311) to access the respective pocket (21,22, 22', 22 ").

13. Upright package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer package (3) further comprises a flat base element (35) for supporting said upright package (1), wherein said base element (35) is preferably integrally formed with at least one of said lid element (31,32) and/or said further element (33), and further preferably covers the bottom area of all pockets (21,22, 22', 22 ").

14. Upright package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cover elements (31,32) are provided integrally with each other and/or wherein said outer package (3) has a U-shape, a ring-shape or a box-shape.

15. A stand-up package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve bag (21,22, 22', 22 ") is made of a food-safe material, preferably a plastic, more preferably a flexible material, and even more preferably a transparent material, and/or wherein the outer package (3) is made of cardboard or plastic.

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