In recent years several companies have supplied a variety of peel-reclose packages. Prior technology used mechanical die cutting of films in combination with pressure sensitive adhesive or PSA labels, or scoring of built-in PSA packaging films (PSA layers integrated into the packaging film structure). Mechanical die cutting is not a flexible or accurate process for controlled depth scoring. It requires the need for storing tooling and replacing tooling when worn or trying different patterns, materials, etc. Die cutting is not a clean process thus risking contamination of the product. Die cutting is not reliable due to inconsistency of the score depth, which could compromise the integrity of the package barrier or functionality of the opening feature. Puncture or sharp cuts can occur when die cutting that could result in package propagating in the wrong direction or opening involuntarily.
Integrated PSA into the structure of the packaging film is very expensive to manufacture and requires special machines to both laminate the PSA layer within the film structure and complex laser or mechanical cutting of the score pattern.
The inventors conceived of a process to manufacture packaging material or film to produce Peel-Reclose packaging using laser scoring technology to form a laser scored pattern in the film in combination with an adhesive label.
One embodiment describes using laser scoring to create an easy open and tamper evident feature in combination with a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) label to open and reclose the package.
The laser scored pattern can be of different shapes and sizes as described herein as different embodiments.
The laser score can be done before or after applying the PSA label to the packaging material or film, in different embodiments. The PSA label can be applied before or after the laser score is done.
Single or multiple PSA labels and scored patterns up can be done simultaneously within the web width of the packaging material or film.
The laser score can be done from either side of the packaging material or film, from the top or bottom layers.
The laser pattern can be set to cut thru certain targeted layers of the packaging film or material, or cut completely thru the entire structure of the packaging material or film, or both. The laser pattern can also be set to have different characteristics at different sections of the laser scored pattern or shape, having sections where the laser cuts partially thru the packaging film and other sections within the same pattern, where the laser cuts completely thru the packaging material or film.
The present invention generally relates to the field of reclosable packaging for a variety of products, such as perishable food, snack products, cleaning products, medical products, industrial goods, and other packaged items. A preferred embodiment describes a new way to manufacture packaging film for a reclosable package that includes a precision laser scored pattern or shape to create an easy open and tamper evidence feature in combination with an adhesive label. In embodiments, the adhesive label is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) label for reclosable purposes, however other adhesive labels can be used. Embodiments facilitate the way that the consumer opens and recloses the package. Embodiments describe tamper evident packaging that allows users to inspect the package integrity prior to purchase.
The inventors recognized that use of lasers create the following advantages, described relative to the different embodiments.
A laser is used to form a laser scored pattern or shape, which is normally slightly smaller in size than the reclosable PSA label. This typically leaves one edge without a score to form a hinged flap of label and film material with the outer perimeter of the flap having label adhesive exposed. The laser scored shape cuts the inner surface of the packaging film or targeted inside layers so as to form a weakened area. The end user can open the package by grasping the pull tab and peeling back the PSA label allowing easy open of the package along the laser scored pattern or shape. Once the package opens, the section of the film that was laser scored will remain attached to the PSA label. Since the laser scored pattern is smaller than the label, there is exposed adhesive between the perimeter of the PSA label and the scored shape. This exposed adhesive allows the consumer to stick the label back to the outside of the packaging film using that adhesive, thus reclosing the package and sealing the contents after opening.
Preferably, first a PSA label is applied to the outer surface or skin layer of the packaging film, then a pattern or shape is scored by a laser. The laser power is controlled such that the scoring is carried out to a certain depth on the inner surface of the packaging film. Depending on the material or structure of the packaging film, the preferred first step may require the laser to cut completely thru the entire film structure or target specific layers within it.
The PSA label includes a pull tab and is normally larger than the laser scored pattern or shape. Normally there is no adhesive applied to the pull tab, but there is adhesive applied to the rest of the label.
The laminated PSA label on the scored packaging film becomes a complete Peel-Reclose packaging material that can then be applied to various packages.
An embodiment for forming the assemblies to be put on the packages is shown in
In the embodiment of
Once the PSA label 120 is applied, the moving web of packaging film is then turned on a pair of idlers 152, 153. After rotating, the outer surface 100 of the packaging film faces down, and the inner surface 102 of the packaging film faces up. A laser system 160 is located near the moving web, facing towards the inner surface 102 of the packaging film. A photo sensor 165 detects the printed registration marks or print on the packaging film or detects the pre applied label, and allows to triggers the laser system 160 to score a desired pattern or shape into the packaging film 100 in registration with the PSA label 120. A key advantage of using laser technology is having the ability to control the energy being delivered into the material to ensure consistent score depths to create an easy open feature without compromising film barriers, in this case the laser score can be designed to prevent cutting into barriers or the PSA label. This can for example, set the power of the laser appropriately. It should be understood, however, that, the PSA label can be applied after the packaging film is being laser scored, also that the packaging film can be laser scored from either side of the packaging film, whether the PSA label is pre applied or not. Also, both sides of the packaging film could be laser scored simultaneously.
In an embodiment, the outer dimensions of the laser pattern or shape are slightly smaller than the PSA label outer dimensions. There are no limitations on the shape or size of neither the PSA label nor the laser scored feature. However, it is preferred to maintain the size of the scored feature smaller than the PSA label. The objective is to create a hinged flap within the PSA label that is not pulling the film with it when lifted and will have adhesive exposed that will be used to reclose the package.
After assembling, e.g., using the device of
The pull tab of the PSA label has a bottom surface under which no, same, or different adhesive is used which is optimized for peel and reclose.
Tamper evident features can be included within the laser scored pattern in some embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, tamper evidence is a part of the scored pattern where once the package is open, the film or label will break apart from the score pattern and will not be able to line up within the score pattern when reclosed. The tamper evident feature is to ensure product safety for the consumer in the market place. Examples of tamper evident features can be observed in the embodiments of
The PSA label can be oriented in multiple different directions on the packaging film.
In this embodiment, each label such as 500 has a round portion 501, and in the center of the round portion is formed the laser score 502. The pull tab 503 is attached to the edge of the round portion.
Another tamper evident embodiment shown in
Other embodiments show other packages on which the Peel-Reclose packaging solution can be used.
Our invention is flexible and allows for quick change of scoring patterns and shapes, tamper evidence and security features can be added or modified at any time, and lower cost of manufacture. The laser system and label applicator are readily available equipment and can be integrated into existing packaging film processes without added time or costs. The laser never wears out and is a non-contact process which guarantees a clean process. Laser scoring produces a very consistent score depth, which results in a reliable package that will always open and the reliability of keeping the products protected within the package. PSA labels are mass produced, low cost, and can be customized according to the unique application. Label material substrate, size, shape, and adhesive type can easily be selected to any type of packaging film, material, or particular application. Specific adhesives, including pressure sensitive, can be selected to complaint with FDA regulations regarding food grade & medical products as to not contaminate the product itself in the case the adhesive migrates or get in touch with the product.
Those of skill in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Note that many of the embodiments require controlling, and the controllers may be electronic or computer systems as explained herein.
There are no limitations regarding the packaging film or material used, it can be single polymer, multi-polymer, paper, folding carton, multi-laminate structures, etc.
As described on previous embodiments, our preferred method is to use Pressure sensitive adhesives, that are food safe, However, this invention is not limited to any specific label material, adhesives type, or carrier liner or linerless label. The PSA label material can be designed to be laser transmissive, meaning the laser beam won't cut thru it, and have barrier properties built in. Examples are shown in drawing 16.
The PSA label may be applied to the packaging film, randomly at any location, within a fixed repeat, or orientation or in registration within the print or package type.
The PSA label and laser score process can be completed in continuous or indexing mode.
The PSA label(s) can be oriented in either ways machine direction or transverse direction related to the film
The PSA labels can be pre-applied off line or in line with the laser system and then laser scored, or at the contrary the packaging film or material can be laser scored first, then apply the PSA label. Examples of Different approaches are shown in
The laser score can be done either from the inner or outer layer of the film, weather the PSA label is applied before or after the laser score is done. Examples of Different approaches when pre-applied PSA labels are shown in
The Laser score depth can be adjusted accordingly, and depending of the structure of the packaging film or material, it may be required to laser cut completely thru the entire film or material structure. Also, the laser pattern could be done so that sections have the laser scored pattern or shape, where the laser cuts partially thru the packaging film and other sections within the same pattern, where the laser cuts completely thru the packaging material or film.
The PSA label could be cut either mechanically or using laser technology, normally it is laminated to a carrier liner and provided in roll stock. The PSA label could be linerless also. The PSA label could be clear or printed, made of a variety of substrates such as PP, BOPP, PET, PE, etc. The size, thickness or shape of the PSA label is not limited; it is normally customized to fit a particular package type and application. The PSA label stock can be discrete or continuous. PSA label contains a pull tab or addendum with no adhesive under that is used to peel or lift the PSA label by the consumer. The adhesive used is pressure sensitive, or not, and could be designed with different bond strengths and or types of adhesives types, such as solvent free, water base, etc. Depending upon the application the adhesive could be also designed to be food safe and approved by FDA to be in contact with food or product.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein, may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can be part of a computer system that also has a user interface port that communicates with a user interface, and which receives commands entered by a user, has at least one memory (e.g., hard drive or other comparable storage, and random access memory) that stores electronic information including a program that operates under control of the processor and with communication via the user interface port, and a video output that produces its output via any kind of video output format, e.g., VGA, DVI, HDMI, display port, or any other form. This may include laptop or desktop computers, and may also include portable computers, including cell phones, tablets such as the IPAD™, and all other kinds of computers and computing platforms.
A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. These devices may also be used to select values for devices as described herein.
The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, using cloud computing, or in combinations. A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of tangible storage medium that stores tangible, non transitory computer based instructions. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in reconfigurable logic of any type.
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.
The memory storage can also be rotating magnetic hard disk drives, optical disk drives, or flash memory based storage drives or other such solid state, magnetic, or optical storage devices. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. The computer readable media can be an article comprising a machine-readable non-transitory tangible medium embodying information indicative of instructions that when performed by one or more machines result in computer implemented operations comprising the actions described throughout this specification.
Operations as described herein can be carried out on or over a website. The website can be operated on a server computer or operated locally, e.g., by being downloaded to the client computer, or operated via a server farm. The website can be accessed over a mobile phone or a PDA, or on any other client. The website can use HTML code in any form, e.g., MHTML, or XML, and via any form such as cascading style sheets (“CSS”) or other.
Also, the inventor(s) intend that only those claims which use the words “means for” are intended to be interpreted under 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph. Moreover, no limitations from the specification are intended to be read into any claims, unless those limitations are expressly included in the claims. The computers described herein may be any kind of computer, either general purpose, or some specific purpose computer such as a workstation. The programs may be written in C, or Java, Brew or any other programming language. The programs may be resident on a storage medium, e.g., magnetic or optical, e.g. the computer hard drive, a removable disk or media such as a memory stick or SD media, or other removable medium. The programs may also be run over a network, for example, with a server or other machine sending signals to the local machine, which allows the local machine to carry out the operations described herein.
Where a specific numerical value is mentioned herein, it should be considered that the value may be increased or decreased by 20%, while still staying within the teachings of the present application, unless some different range is specifically mentioned. Where a specified logical sense is used, the opposite logical sense is also intended to be encompassed.
The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/650,012, filed May 22, 2012, the entire contents of which are herewith incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61650012 | May 2012 | US |