POUCH, LIDDED CONTAINER, AND TUBE
A first packaging material includes at least one layer located in both a first region and a second region. A second packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region. An outline of a communication part that extends from the hole to the outer edge of the pouch includes a first line and a second line. The communication part includes a first portion and a second portion. The first position includes a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other that decreases with increasing distance from the outer edge of the pouch toward the hole. The second portion is located between the first portion and the hole, and includes a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other of less than or equal to 2.0 mm.
The present invention relates to a pouch, a lidded container, and a tube that each include a containment part for containing contents.
Background ArtAs disclosed in, for example, PTL 1, it is common to provide an upper portion of a pouch with a pre-formed through-hole, and pass a hanging implement such as a hook through the through-hole to hang the pouch on the hanging implement for display.
CITATION LIST Patent Literature
- PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-11990
Hanging a plurality of pouches described in PTL 1 on the hanging implement requires an operation that involves first passing the through-hole of each pouch through the distal end portion of the hanging implement, and then moving the pouch along a support of the hanging implement.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pouch, a lidded container, a tube, and other packages that allow the above-mentioned issue to be effectively addressed.
According to the present invention, there is provided a pouch, the pouch having a containment part formed by joining a first packaging material and a second packaging material together, the first packaging material being located at a first face of the pouch, the second packaging material being located at a second face of the pouch, the pouch including:
a first region overlapping the containment part in plan view;
a second region located between the containment part and an outer edge of the pouch in plan view, the second region including a seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together;
a hole located in the second region and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material; and
a communication part extending from the hole to the outer edge of the pouch and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material,
wherein the first packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
wherein the second packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
wherein an outline of the communication part that extends from the hole to the outer edge of the pouch includes a first line and a second line, and
wherein the communication part includes
-
- a first portion including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other that decreases with increasing distance from the outer edge of the pouch toward the hole, and
- a second portion located between the first portion and the hole and including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other of less than or equal to 2.0 mm.
In one exemplary embodiment of the pouch according to the present invention, in the second portion of the communication part, the first line and the second line are not in contact with each other.
In one exemplary embodiment of the pouch according to the present invention, in the second portion of the communication part, the first line and the second line are at least partially in contact with each other.
In one exemplary embodiment of the pouch according to the present invention, a portion of the communication part where the first line and the second line are not in contact with each other is longer than a portion of the communication part where the first line and the second line are in contact with each other.
In one exemplary embodiment of the pouch according to the present invention, a specimen cut out from a portion of the second region where the hole is located has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 [g·cm2/cm] in a machine direction, the specimen including at least the first packaging material and the second packaging material.
In one exemplary embodiment of the pouch according to the present invention, the second region includes:
an outer-edge-side seal extending along the outer edge of the pouch;
a containment-part-side seal in contact with the containment part in plan view; and
a reinforcing part located between the outer-edge-side seal and the containment-part-side seal and surrounding the hole, the reinforcing part being thicker than the outer-edge-side seal and the containment-part-side seal.
In one exemplary embodiment of the pouch according to the present invention, the reinforcing part includes a reinforcement located between the first packaging material and the second packaging material.
According to the present invention, there is provided a lidded container, the lidded container having a containment part sealed by joining a first packaging material and a second packaging material together, the first packaging material constituting a lid, the second packaging material constituting a container, the lidded container including:
a first region overlapping the containment part in plan view;
a second region located between the containment part and an outer edge of each of the lid and the container in plan view, the second region including a seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together;
a hole located in the second region and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material; and
a communication part extending from the hole to the outer edge of each of the lid and the container and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material,
wherein the first packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
wherein the second packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
wherein an outline of the communication part that extends from the hole to the outer edge of each of the lid and the container includes a first line and a second line, and
wherein the communication part includes
-
- a first portion including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other that decreases with increasing distance from the outer edge of each of the lid and the container toward the hole, and
- a second portion located between the first portion and the hole and including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other of less than or equal to 2.0 mm.
In one exemplary embodiment of the lidded container according to the present invention, a specimen cut out from a portion of the second region where the hole is located has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 [g·cm2/cm] in a machine direction, the specimen including at least the first packaging material and the second packaging material.
According to the present invention, there is provided a tube, the tube having a containment part formed by joining a first packaging material and a second packaging material together, the first packaging material being located at a first face of the tube, the second packaging material being located at a second face of the tube, the tube including:
a first region overlapping the containment part in plan view;
a second region located between the containment part and an outer edge of the tube in plan view, the second region including a seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together;
a hole located in the second region and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material; and
a communication part extending from the hole to an outer edge of each of the tube and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material,
wherein the first packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
wherein the second packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region the second packaging material,
wherein an outline of the communication part that extends from the hole to the outer edge of the tube includes a first line and a second line, and
wherein the communication part includes
-
- a first portion including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other that decreases with increasing distance from the outer edge of the tube toward the hole, and
- a second portion located between the first portion and the hole and including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other of less than or equal to 2.0 mm.
In one exemplary embodiment of the tube according to the present invention, a specimen cut out from a portion of the second region where the hole is located has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 [g·cm2/cm] in a machine direction, the specimen including at least the first packaging material and the second packaging material.
The present invention makes it possible to provide a pouch, a lidded container, a tube, and other packages that can be easily inserted onto a hanging implement, and are resistant to falling when hung on the hanging implement.
A first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to
As for terms and values that are used herein to define shapes, geometric conditions, and their extents or degrees, for example, terms such as “parallel”, “orthogonal”, and “identical” and values such as lengths and angles, these terms and values are not limited to their strict meanings but are to be construed as including a range of variations that allow for similar expected functions.
The pouch 10 has a containment part 8 for containing contents. The containment part 8 is a space located between a first packaging material, which constitutes the first face 1, and a second packaging material, which constitutes the second face 2. The containment part 8 is defined by the first packaging material, the second packaging material, and a seal where the first packaging material and the second packaging material are joined together. In each of front views and back views of the pouch 10 such as
The terms “first packaging material” and “second packaging material” mentioned above are used to merely divide individual packaging materials from each other according to their positional relationship, and are not intended to limit the manner in which the packaging materials are provided in manufacturing the pouch 10. For example, the pouch 10 may be manufactured by using a single sheet of packaging material including the first packaging material and the second packaging material that are provided contiguously, or may be manufactured by using a total of two sheets of packaging material including a single sheet of first packaging material and a single sheet of second packaging material.
A region of a package that overlaps the containment part 8 in plan view is hereinafter referred to as first region 19. A region of the package located between the containment part 8 and the outer edge of the package and including the seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together is hereinafter referred to as second region 20.
The contents to be contained in the containment part 8 of a package such as a pouch, a lidded container, or a tube are not particularly limited. The containment part 8 of the package is capable of containing objects in various forms as its contents, such as liquids, powders, granulates, and solids. The contents may be food products, or may be non-food products,
<Shape of Pouch>The shape of the pouch 10 is described below. In the example illustrated in
The outer edge of the pouch includes a first edge 11, a second edge 12 opposing the first edge 11 in a first direction D1, and a third edge 13 and a fourth edge 14, which extend between the first edge 11 and the second edge 12, The third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14 may be opposed to each other in a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1. The first edge 11 may be located at the upper side of the pouch 10 when the pouch 10 is hung. In this case, the first direction D1 is the vertical direction, and the second direction D2 is the horizontal direction.
<Seal>The seal is described below. The seal on the second region 20 of the pouch 10 illustrated in
The seal on the pouch 10 may be provided with easy-opening means 15 for tearing the packaging material constituting the pouch to allow opening of the pouch. For example, as illustrated in
The pouch 10 includes a hole 4, which is located in the second region 20 and penetrates the first packaging material and the second packaging material. In the example illustrated in
The pouch 10 includes a communication part 5, which extends from the hole 4 to the outer edge of the pouch 10 and penetrates the first packaging material and the second packaging material. In the example illustrated in
As illustrated in
The second portion 5b includes a portion where the spacing W is less than or equal to 2.0 mm. For example, the second portion 5b is defined as a portion of the communication part 5 extending to the hole 4 from a location where the spacing W is 2.0 mm. In this case, the first portion 5a is defined as a portion of the communication part 5 where the spacing W is greater than 2.0 mm.
As illustrated in
In
The spacing W1 is dimensioned such that the hanging implement on which to hang the pouch 10 can easily enter the communication part 5. The spacing W1 is, for example, greater than or equal to 2.0 mm. The spacing W1 may be greater than or equal to 3.0 mm, or may be greater than or equal to 4.0 mm. An excessively large spacing W1, however, reduces the area of the second region 20 located between the first edge 11 and the hole 4. This makes the second region 20 more prone to deformation. With this in mind, the spacing W1 may be less than or equal to 10.0 mm, may be less than or equal to 8.0 mm, or may be less than or equal to 6.0 mm.
The spacing W2 is dimensioned to prevent or inhibit the hanging implement inserted in the hole 4 from passing through the communication part 5 due to the self-weight of the pouch 10. The spacing W2 is, for example, less than or equal to 2.0 mm. The spacing W2 may be less than or equal to 1.5 mm, may be less than or equal to 1.0 mm, or may be less than or equal to 0.5 mm. Setting the spacing W2 to less than or equal to 2 mm makes it possible to prevent or inhibit the second region 20 facing the second portion 5b and in contact with the hanging implement from twisting and thus allowing the hanging implement to pass through the communication part 5.
As illustrated in
The curvature radius R of the curved portion 5c at the location where the first portion 5a connects with the first edge 11 is, for example, greater than or equal to 3.0 mm. The curvature radius R may be greater than or equal to 4.0 mm, or may be greater than or equal to 5.0 mm. Further, the curvature radius R of the curved portion 5c at the location where the first portion 5a connects with the first edge 11 may be less than or equal to 10.0 mm, may be less than or equal to 8.0 mm, or may be less than or equal to 6.0 mm.
In
Upon hanging the pouch 10 on the hanging implement, a portion of the packaging material constituting the pouch 10 and located around the periphery of each of the hole 4 and the communication part 5 receives a reaction force from the hanging implement that is caused by the self-weight of the pouch 10. At this time, if the packaging material has a small strength relative to the force exerted from the hanging implement, this may result in the package material undergoing, for example, deformation or cracking. This may cause the pouch 10 to fall off the hanging implement. With this in mind, the second region 20 of the pouch 10 may include a reinforcing part 21a,
<Reinforcing Part>In the example illustrated in FIGS., 1A and 1B, two dashed lines extending in the second direction D2 in an upper portion of the pouch 10 represent the upper and lower ends of the reinforcing part 21a. The reinforcing part 21a is located in the first-edge seal 21 where the hole 4 is provided. The presence of the reinforcing part 21a makes it possible to increase the strength of the pouch 10 around the periphery of each of the hole 4 and the communication part 5. This helps to prevent or inhibit the pouch 10 from undergoing, for example, deformation or cracking.
As illustrated in
The reinforcing part 21a surrounds the hole 4 in plan view. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the reinforcing part 21a, the first sealant layer 61 of the first packaging material 30A, and the second sealant layer 62 of the second packaging material 30B may be joined to the reinforcement 55, For example, the first sealant layer 61, the reinforcement 55, and the second sealant layer 62 may be integrated together through a heat seal process. Alternatively, the first sealant layer 61 and the reinforcement 55 may not be joined together. The second sealant layer 62 and the reinforcement 55 may not be joined together. Even in such cases, the reinforcing part 21a is sandwiched between the outer-edge-side seal 21b and the containment-part-side seal 21c in plan view, and thus in the reinforcing part 21a, the spacing between the inner face of the first packaging material 30A and the inner face of the second packaging material 30B can be limited to be within a predetermined range.
Suitable exemplary materials for a type of the reinforcement 55 that is joined to the first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62 include materials described later as exemplary materials for the first sealant layer 61. Suitable exemplary materials for a type of the reinforcement 55 that is not joined to the first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62 include: films or sheets made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, or polypropylene; and paper. The thickness of the reinforcement 55 is, for example, greater than or equal to 50 μm. The thickness of the reinforcement 55 may be greater than or equal to 70 μm, or may be greater than or equal to 100 urn. The thickness of the reinforcement 55 may be less than or equal to 1000 μm, may be less than or equal to 500 μm, or may be less than or equal to 300 μm.
For a case where the reinforcement 55 is joined to the first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62, the reinforcement 55, and the first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62 may form an integral sealing layer in the reinforcing part 21a. The first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62 may form an integral sealing layer in the outer-edge-side seal 21b and the containment-part-side seal 21c, In
For a case where the reinforcement 55 is joined to the first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62, the reinforcing part 21a may have a layer structure represented below.
first base layer/sealing layer/second base layer
As described above, the sealing layer is formed by the first sealant layer 61, the reinforcing part 21a, and the second sealant layer 62.
For a case where the reinforcement 55 is not joined to the first sealant layer 61 and the second sealant layer 62, the reinforcing part 21a may have a layer structure represented below.
first base layer/sealing layer/reinforcement/sealing layer/second base layer
The sealing layer adjacent to the first base layer is formed by the first sealant layer 61. The sealing layer adjacent to the second base layer is formed by the second sealant layer 62.
<Strength of Second Region>Reference is now made to preferred mechanical characteristics possessed by the second region 20 that is provided with the hole 4. Preferably, a portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located has a predetermined flexural rigidity in at least one direction. For example, the above-mentioned portion preferably has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 g·cm2/cm. The above-mentioned portion preferably has an initial flexural rigidity of preferably greater than or equal to 22 g·cm2/cm.
Flexural rigidity is a parameter representing a measure of the stiffness of a film. Reference is now made to
To measure flexural rigidity, first, a specimen 80 is cut out from a portion of the second region 20 that has the same layer structure as the portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located. As illustrated in
Subsequently, as illustrated in
Subsequently, the first clamp 86 is tilted relative to the second clamp 87 so as to bend the specimen 80 into a curved shape. The initial flexural rigidity and mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 can be calculated based on the bending moment exerted on the specimen 80 at this time. Initial flexural rigidity refers to the bending moment exerted on the specimen 80 when the specimen 80 is bent into a curved shape from a flat shape. Mean flexural rigidity refers to the mean value of bending moments exerted on the specimen 80 during a single execution of the process of bending the specimen 80 into a curved shape from a flat shape until the specimen 80 has a set curvature. The set curvature is 2.5/cm. The rate of change in curvature is 0.1/cm·s.
Initial flexural rigidity and mean flexural rigidity are measured for each of five specimens 80, and their respective mean values are used as initial flexural rigidity and mean flexural rigidity according to the first embodiment.
The mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the machine direction is preferably greater than or equal to 15 g·cm2/cm. The mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the machine direction may be greater than or equal to 20 g·cm2/cm, may be greater than or equal to 25 g·cm2/cm, or may be greater than or equal to 30 g·cm2/cm. An excessively high mean flexural rigidity, however, reduces the manufacturability or ease of handling of the pouch 10. With this in mind, the mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the machine direction may be less than or equal to 50 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 45 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 40 g·cm2 cm, or may be less than or equal to 35 g·cm2/cm.
The mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the transverse direction orthogonal to the machine direction is preferably greater than or equal to 16 g·cm2/cm. The mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the transverse direction may be greater than or equal to 18 g·cm2/cm, may be greater than or equal to 20 g·cm2/cm, or may be greater than or equal to 22 g·cm2/cm. The mean flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the transverse direction may be less than or equal to 40 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 35 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 30 g·cm2/cm, or may be less than or equal to 25 g·cm2/cm.
The initial flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the machine direction is preferably greater than or equal to 22 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the machine direction may be greater than or equal to 25 g·cm2/cm, may be greater than or equal to 30 g·cm2/cm, or may be greater than or equal to 40 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the machine direction may be less than or equal to 70 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 60 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 50 g·cm2 cm, or may be less than or equal to 45 g·cm2/cm.
The initial flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the transverse direction is preferably greater than or equal to 23 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the transverse direction may be greater than or equal to 25 g·cm2/cm, may be greater than or equal to 28 g·cm2/cm, or may be greater than or equal to 30 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in the transverse direction may be less than or equal to 70 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 60 g·cm2/cm, may be less than or equal to 50 g cm2/cm, or may be less than or equal to 40 g·cm2/cm.
As an instrument for measuring flexural rigidity, a pure-bending characteristic tester JTC-911BT manufactured by SMT Co., Ltd. can be used. The flexural rigidity is measured under the environment of a temperature of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 50%.
According to the first embodiment, the second region 20 is provided with the reinforcing part 21a including the reinforcement 55. This makes it possible to increase the flexural rigidity of a portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located. This helps to prevent or inhibit a region around the periphery of each of the hole 4 and the communication part 5 from deforming to cause the pouch 10 to fall off the hanging implement.
(Packaging Material)Reference is now made in detail to the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B.
The first packaging material 30A includes at least one layer located in both the first region 19 and the second region 20. For example, as illustrated in
As with the first packaging material 30A, the second packaging material 30B also includes at least one layer located in both the first region 19 and the second region 20. For example, as illustrated in
The layer structure of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 303 is described below in detail.
As illustrated in
Suitable materials for the first base layer 51 may include: a polyester film such as a polyethylene terephthalate film or a polybutylene terephthalate film; a polyamide film such as a nylon film; a plastic film such as a polypropylene film; and paper. A plastic film that constitutes the first base layer 51 is preferably oriented biaxially.
If the first base layer 51 includes a plastic film, the first base layer 51 has a thickness of, for example, greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 50 μm. Paper that constitutes the first base layer 51 has a basis weight of, for example, greater than or equal to 20 g/m2 and less than or equal to 100 g/m2.
Suitable materials for the first sealant layer 61 may include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-propylene block copolymers, and propylene-ethylene block copolymers. The first sealant layer 61 may include an unoriented sealant film.
The thickness of the first sealant layer 61 may be greater than or equal to 15 μm, or may be greater than or equal to 18 μm. The thickness of the first sealant layer 61 may be less than or equal to 80 μm, may be less than or equal to 60 μm, may be less than or equal to or may be less than or equal to 30 μm.
The first bonding layer 65 may be an adhesive layer, or may be a bonding resin layer. The adhesive layer can be formed by a known method, for example, dry lamination. The bonding resin layer includes thermoplastic resin. The bonding resin layer can be formed by a known method, for example, melt extrusion lamination or sandwich lamination.
The first additional layer 53 is provided to impart some characteristics to the first packaging material 30A. For example, the first additional layer 53 may include the film described above as an example of the first base layer 51. In this case, the presence of the first additional layer 53 helps to increase the strength of the first packaging material 30k The material of a plastic film that constitutes the first additional layer 53 may be identical to or different from the material of a plastic film that constitutes the first base layer 51.
The first additional layer 53 may include a metallic foil of aluminum or other metals. This allows for enhanced gas barrier property or light-blocking property of the first packaging material 30A. The first additional layer 53 may include a resin layer with gas barrier property, examples of which include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride resins (PVDC), or aromatic polyamides such as nylon MXD6.
As illustrated in
As with the first bonding layer 65, the third bonding layer 67 may be an adhesive layer, or may be a bonding resin layer.
The first packaging material 30A may include a print layer. The print layer is a layer on which to form any desired prints such as letters, numerals, designs, geometric figures, symbols, or patterns for purposes including decoration, indication of the contents, indication of best-before date, manufacturer or producer, seller or distributor, or other such information, and providing other indications or a sense of beauty. The print layer is formed by printing ink including a binder and a pigment.
A plastic film included in the first packaging material 30A may be provided with a vapor-deposited layer of a metal such as aluminum, a vapor-deposited layer of a metal oxide such as an aluminum oxide, or a vapor-deposited layer of an inorganic oxide such as a silicon oxide. Such a vapor-deposited layer may be stacked over the first base layer 51, may be stacked over the first sealant layer 61, or may be stacked over the first additional layer 53.
The layers constituting the first packaging material 30A are stacked by use of a method such as dry lamination or melt extrusion. The first packaging material 30A may further include other layers not illustrated in the drawings.
The second packaging material 30B includes at least the second base layer 52, and the second sealant layer 62 located adjacent to the inner face of the second base layer 52. As with the first packaging material 30A illustrated in
As with the first packaging material 30A illustrated in
The layer structure of the first packaging material 30A may be identical to or different from the layer structure of the second packaging material 30B. The first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B are also collectively referred to as packaging material 30.
The thickness of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B is, for example, greater than or equal to 30 μm. The thickness of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B may be greater than or equal to 40 μm, or may be greater than or equal to 45 μm. The thickness of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B may be less than or equal to 100 μm, may be less than or equal to 80 μm, or may be less than or equal to 60 μm.
Reference is now made to several preferred specific examples of the packaging material 30. The packaging material 30 is not limited to the specific examples described below but may have other configurations.
OPP (oriented polypropylene film) 20 μm/print layer/AC/PE 10 μm/VMPET 12 μm/AC/PE 10 μm/CPP (cast polypropylene film) 18 μm
OPP 20 μm/adhesive layer/VMCPP 30 μm
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) 12 μm/adhesive layer/VMCPP 30 μm
OPP 20 μm/adhesive layer/CPP 18 μm
ONY (oriented nylon film) 15 μm/PE (polyethylene film) 30 μm
print layer/paper 50 μm/PE 10 μm/VMPET 12 μm/AC/PE 10 μm/CPP 18 μm
print layer/paper 50 μm/PE 10 μm/aluminum foil 7 μm/PE 30 μm
PET 12 μm/PE 15 μm/aluminum foil 7 μm/PE 30 μm
“AC” means anchor coating layer. The anchor coating layer is a layer formed by applying an anchor coating agent onto a predetermined layer or film and then drying the resulting layer or film.
“VMPET” means a PET film with a vapor-deposited layer of a metal such as aluminum stacked thereon.
<Manufacturing Method>Reference is now made to a method for manufacturing the pouch 10. First, as illustrated in
Subsequently, the multilayer body is punched with a punching die to form the hole 4 and the communication part 5. Further, the multilayer body is cut at locations in the first direction D1 that are to become the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14. In this way, the pouch 10 including the reinforcing part 21a, the hole 4, and the communication part 5 illustrated in
Subsequently, the containment part 8 of the pouch 10 is filled with the contents through an opening 9 located near the second edge 12. Then, at a location near the second edge 12, the inner face of the first packaging material 30A, and the inner face of the second packaging material 30B are heat sealed at a predetermined sealing temperature to form the second-edge seal 22. In this way, as illustrated in
Reference is now made to an example of how to use the pouch 10. The figure illustrates a plurality of pouches 10 hung on a hanging implement 70. The hanging implement 70 includes at least a support 71 on which to hang each pouch 10. The support 71 is, for example, a rod, which is inserted into the hole 4 of the pouch 10.
The hanging implement 70 may include a restraint part 72 connected to one end of the support 71. The restraint part 72 is inclined relative to the support 71 such that the restraint part 72 is displaced upward relative to the support 71 with increasing distance from the one end of the support 71. In other words, the restraint part 72 is inclined so as to extend downward in the longitudinal direction toward the support 71. The presence of the restraint part 72 helps to prevent or inhibit the pouch 10 from falling off the one end of the support 71. Reference sign 74 denotes the boundary part between the support 71 and the restraint part 72. The support 71 and the restraint part 72 may be formed by a single component that is bent in the boundary part 74 such that the orientation of its longitudinal direction changes in the boundary part 74.
The hanging implement 70 may include a fixed part 73 connected to the other end of the support 71. The fixed part 73 is a component in the form of a flat plate with a predetermined thickness. The fixed part 73 may be formed such that when the fixed part 73 is placed with its surface oriented in parallel to the vertical direction, the support 71 and the restraint part 72 are both directed vertically downward toward the boundary part 74. As with conventional hanging implements, the fixed part 73 has predetermined mounting means provided on its back. The mounting means allows the fixed part 73 to be mounted to a fixture or to a display rack or shelf with the surface of the fixed part 73 oriented in parallel to the vertical direction.
The employee first brings the communication part 5 of the pouch 10 into contact with the support 71 of the hanging implement 70, According to the first embodiment, the first line 5x and the second line 5y have a large spacing from each other at the location where the first portion 5a connects with the first edge 11. This facilitates positioning of the communication part 5 of the pouch 10 with respect to the support 71. As illustrated in
Subsequently, the employee moves the pouch 10 upward toward the support 71 as indicated by an arrow U in
According to the first embodiment, the support 71 can be inserted into the hole 4 via the communication part 5, Consequently, as indicated by an arrow in
Reference is now made to how a consumer removes the pouch 10 from the support 71. The consumer first grasps the pouch 10 hung on the support 71, and moves the pouch 10 downward. This causes the support 71 to pass through the communication part 5 of the pouch 10 to allow removal of the pouch 10 from the support 71.
According to the first embodiment, a consumer is able to easily remove a single desired pouch 10 from the support 71, in comparison to conventional pouches 10 that are removed from the support 71 from the restraint part 72, This proves particularly advantageous for the consumer if there are individual differences among the pouches 10. For instance, a case is now considered where the packaging material 30 of each pouch 10 is transparent to allow a consumer to see the contents of the pouch 10. In this case, the consumer first checks the condition of the contents of a plurality of pouches 10 hung on the support 71. The consumer then removes a pouch 10 with desired contents from the support 71. In this way, the consumer is able to choose a desired pouch 10 and remove the pouch 10 from the support 71.
Various changes can be made to the first embodiment described above. Modifications of the first embodiment are described below with reference to the drawings as required. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, features that may be similar in configuration to those of the embodiment described above are designated by the same reference signs as those used for the corresponding features in the embodiment described above, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. In the following description, when it is obvious that modifications provide the same operational effects as those provided by the embodiment described above, descriptions of such operational effects are omitted in some cases.
(Modification of Communication Part)The embodiment described above is directed to an example in which the first line 5x and the second line 5y of the communication part 5 include a straight portion extending from the first portion 5a to the second portion 5b. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, for example, as illustrated in
The embodiment described above is directed to an example in which the first line 5x and the second line 5y of the communication part 5 include the curved portion 5c provided at the location where the first portion 5a connects with the first edge 11. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, the first line 5x and the second line 5y may not include the curved portion 5c. For example, as illustrated in
The embodiment described above is directed to an example in which the first line 5x and the second line 5y of the communication part 5 are not in contact with each other. That is, the embodiment described above is directed to an example in which the communication part 5 is a notch. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, as illustrated in
A notch 5e where the first line 5x and the second line 5y are not in contact with each other exists at a location near the first edge 11 relative to the slit 5d. A portion of the notch Se where the spacing W between the first line 5x and the second line 5y is less than or equal to 2.0 mm is classified to be the second portion 5b. A portion of the notch 5e where the spacing W between the first line 5x and the second line 5y is greater than 2.0 mm is classified to be the first portion 5a.
Reference signs L3 and L4 respectively denote the length of the notch 5e and the length of the slit Sd in a direction in which the middle line 5z extends. As illustrated in
The embodiment described above is directed to an example in which the outline of the hole 4 has the shape of a circle, more specifically, the shape of a perfect circle. However, the outline of the hole 4 may not necessarily have the shape of a perfect circle. For example, as illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment or its modifications is directed to an example in which the outline of the hole 4 has the shape of a circle such as a perfect circle or an ellipse. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, the outline of the hole 4 may have the shape of a polygon. For example, as illustrated in
For a case where the outline of the hole 4 has the shape of a polygon as well, as in the case of
The foregoing description of the embodiment is directed to an example in which at the location of the hole 4, the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B are punched out and removed. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, as illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment is directed to an example in which the hole 4 is located in the middle portion of the first-edge seal 21 in the second direction D2, and the communication part 5 extends from the hole 4 to the first edge 11. However, there are no particular limitations on the positioning of the hole 4 and the communication part 5, as long as such positioning allows the pouch 10 to be hung on the hanging implement 70. For example, as illustrated in
If the communication part 5 connects with the hole 4 at a location that is offset from the uppermost portion of the hole 4, this helps to avoid contact of the support 71 with the communication part 5 while the pouch 10 is hung on the hanging implement 70. This makes it possible to prevent or inhibit the support 71 from passing through the communication part 5 due to the self-weight of the pouch 10.
(Modification of Positioning of Hole and Communication Part)As illustrated in
The first side 11a may be located in the middle portion of the first edge 11 in the second direction D2. In this case, one second side 11b may be located near the third edge 13 relative to the first side 11a, and another second side 11b may be located near the fourth edge 14 relative to the first side 11a. The hole 4 and the communication part 5 may be provided in the first-edge seal 21 located between the first side 11a of the first edge 11 and the containment part 8.
In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
The packaging material constituting the reinforcement 55 may be identical to the first packaging material 30A or the second packaging material 30B. That is, the reinforcement 55 may be formed by using the first packaging material 30A or the second packaging material 30B. This enables efficient manufacture of the pouch 10 including the reinforcing part 21a.
The reinforcing part 21a illustrated in
first base layer/sealing layer/base layer/base layer/sealing layer/second base layer
The sealing layer adjacent to the first base layer is formed by the first sealant layer 61 and the sealant layer 57, The sealing layer adjacent to the second base layer is formed by the second sealant layer 62 and the sealant layer 57.
Although not illustrated, the sealant layer 57 joined to the first sealant layer 61, and the sealant layer 57 joined to the second sealant layer 62 may be separate layers. In this case, the base layer 56 stacked on the sealant layer 57 joined to the first sealant layer 61, and the base layer 56 stacked on the sealant layer 57 joined to the second sealant layer 62 may be separate layers.
Although the reinforcement 55 is depicted as being made of a folded packaging material in the example illustrated in
As with the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment is directed to an example in which the reinforcing part 21a extends in the second direction D2 so as to reach the third edge 13 and the fourth edge 14. However, the area over which the reinforcing part 21a extends is not particularly limited as long as the reinforcing part 21a surrounds the hole 4. For example, as illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment is directed to an example in which the pouch 10 includes the reinforcing part 21a surrounding the hole 4 in plan view. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, as illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment is directed to an example in which the pouch 10 is a so-called four-side seal pouch with a seal provided along each of the first edge 11, the second edge 12, the third edge 13, and the fourth edge 14. However, the pouch 10 may not necessarily be a four-side seal pouch. For example, the pouch 10 may be a so-called three-side seal pouch with a seal provided along three of the four edges including the first edge 11, the second edge 12, the third edge 13, and the fourth edge 14.
The pouch 10 illustrated in each of
In the example illustrated in each of
As with the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B, the third packaging material constituting the third face 3 includes a base layer, and a sealant layer located adjacent to the inner face of the base layer. The second-edge seal 22 extending along the second edge 12 is formed by joining together the first sealant layer 61 of the first packaging material 30A and the sealant layer of the third packaging material, and by joining together the second sealant layer 62 of the second packaging material 30B and the sealant layer of the third packaging material.
(Modification of Pouch)The base portion 7a of the fin seal part 7 may be located near the third edge 13 or the fourth edge 14 relative to the middle portion of the pouch 10 in the second direction D2, In the example illustrated in
As illustrated in
In
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment is directed to an example in which the support 71 of the hanging implement 70 has the shape of a circle in cross-section. However, this is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, the support 71 may have other shapes in cross-section,
As illustrated in
The foregoing description of the embodiment and its modifications is directed to an example in which the hole 4 and the communication part 5 are provided in the second region 20 of the pouch 10. However, the package including the hole 4 and the communication part 5 is not limited to the pouch 10.
This modification is directed to an example in which the package is a lidded container 17.
In the example illustrated in
The shape of the outer edge of the lidded container 17 in plan view is not particularly limited. For example, although not illustrated, the outer edge of the lidded container 17 may have a circular shape in plan view.
As with the pouch 10, the lidded container 17 includes a seal where the inner face of a first packaging material constituting the lid 17a, and the inner face of a second packaging material constituting the container 17b are joined together. In the example illustrated in
For this modification as well, as in the case of the pouch 10, a region of the lidded container 17 that overlaps the containment part 8 in plan view is referred to as first region 19. Further, a region of the lidded container 17 located between the containment part 8 and the outer edge of the lidded container 17 and including a seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together is referred to as second region 20.
As with the pouch 10, the lidded container 17 includes the hole 4, which is located in the second region 20 and penetrates the first packaging material and the second packaging material. In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
The container 17b can be fabricated by processing the second packaging material 30B by sheet forming. Sheet forming is a method involving heating and softening a packaging material such as a sheet material, and pressing a die against the resulting material to form a desired shape in the sheet. For example, vacuum forming, air-pressure forming, vacuum/air-pressure forming, or press forming may be employed. The container 17b may be formed by other methods such as injection molding.
As with the first packaging material 30A of the pouch 10, the first packaging material 30A constituting the lid 17a includes at least one layer located in both the first region 19 and the second region 20. For example, as illustrated in
The second packaging material 30B constituting the container 17b likewise includes at least one layer located in both the first region 19 and the second region 20. For example, as illustrated in
For this modification as well, due to the presence of the hole 4 and the communication part 5 in the second region 20 of the lidded container 17, the support 71 can be inserted into the hole 4 via the communication part 5. This allows the lidded container 17 to be attached to or removed from the support 71 at a desired location on the support 71.
(Modification of Second Packaging Material of Lidded Container)As illustrated in
For a case where the package is a lidded container as well, as in the case of the pouch 10, a portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located preferably has a predetermined flexural rigidity in at least one direction. For example, the above-mentioned portion preferably has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 g·cm2/cm. The above-mentioned portion preferably has an initial flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 22 g·cm2/cm.
For a case where the package is a lidded container as well, as in the case of the pouch 10, first, the specimen 80 is cut out from a portion of the second region 20 that has the same layer structure as the portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located. This allows initial flexural rigidity and mean flexural rigidity to be measured in the machine direction and the transverse direction. The preferred ranges of values for the initial flexural rigidity and the mean flexural rigidity in the machine direction and the transverse direction are identical to those in the case of the pouch 10, and thus not described in further detail below.
(Modification of Package)Reference is now made to an example in which the package is a tube 18.
As with the pouch 10, the body part 18a is made of a packaging material. The body part 18a includes a first packaging material constituting the first face 1, and a second packaging material constituting the second face 2, The containment part 8 for containing contents is provided between the first face 1 and the second face 2. In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
As with the pouch 10, the body part 18a of the tube 18 includes a seal where the inner face of the first packaging material constituting the first face 1, and the inner face of the second packaging material constituting the second face 2 are joined together. In the example illustrated in
The body part 18a of the tube 18 includes a joint 6, which extends on the first face 1 from the first edge 11 to the second edge 12 in the first direction D1. The joint 6 includes a seal where the inner face at one end of a single sheet of packaging material constituting each of the first packaging material and the second packaging material, and the outer face at the other end of the single sheet of packaging material are joined together. Although not illustrated, the joint 6 may be located on the second face 2.
For this modification as well, as in the case of the pouch 10, a region of the body part 18a of the tube 18 that overlaps the containment part 8 in plan view is referred to as first region 19. A region located between the containment part 8 and the outer edge of the body part 18a and including a seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together is referred to as second region 20.
As with the pouch 10, the body part 18a of the tube 18 includes the hole 4, which is located in the second region 20 and penetrates the first packaging material and the second packaging material. In the example illustrated in
The first base layer 51 of the first packaging material 30A may be similar in configuration to the first base layer 51 of the first packaging material 30A that constitutes the pouch 10 or the lid 17a mentioned above. The first sealant layer 61 and the third sealant layer 63 may be similar in configuration to the first sealant layer 61 of the first packaging material 30A that constitutes the pouch 10 or the lid 17a mentioned above.
The second packaging material 30B constituting the second face 2 includes at least the second base layer 52, and the second sealant layer 62 located adjacent to the inner face of the second base layer 52. The second packaging material 30B may include a fourth sealant layer 64 located adjacent to the outer face of the second base layer 52. The second base layer 52, the second sealant layer 62, and the fourth sealant layer 64 of the second packaging material 30B may be similar in their material, thickness, or other configuration to the first base layer 51, the first sealant layer 61, and the third sealant layer 63 of the first packaging material 30A.
The thickness of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B is, for example, greater than or equal to 150 μm. The thickness of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B may be greater than or equal to 200 μm, or may be greater than or equal to 250 μm. The thickness of each of the first packaging material 30A and the second packaging material 30B may be less than or equal to 500 μm, may be less than or equal to 400 μm, or may be less than or equal to 300 μm.
As with the first packaging material 30A of the pouch 10, the first packaging material 30A constituting the first face 1 of the body part 18a includes at least one layer located in both the first region 19 and the second region 20. For example, as illustrated in
The second packaging material 30B constituting the second face 2 of the body part 18a likewise includes at least one layer located in both the first region 19 and the second region 20. For example, as illustrated in
For this modification as well, due to the presence of the hole 4 and the communication part 5 in the second region 20 of the body part 18a of the tube 18, the support 71 can be inserted into the hole 4 via the communication part 5. This allows the tube 18 to be attached to or removed from the support 71 at a desired location on the support 71.
(Mechanical Characteristics of Second Region of Tube)For a case where the package is a tube as well, as in the case of the pouch 10, a portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located preferably has a predetermined flexural rigidity in at least one direction. For example, the above-mentioned portion preferably has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 g·cm2/cm. The above-mentioned portion preferably has an initial flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 22 g·cm2/cm.
For a case where the package is a tube as well, as in the case of the pouch 10, first, the specimen 80 is cut out from a portion of the second region 20 that has the same layer structure as the portion of the second region 20 where the hole 4 is located. This allows initial flexural rigidity and mean flexural rigidity to be measured in the machine direction and the transverse direction. The preferred ranges of values for the initial flexural rigidity and the mean flexural rigidity in the machine direction and the transverse direction are identical to those in the case of the pouch 10, and thus not described in further detail below.
(Exemplary Combinations of Embodiment and Modifications)The characteristic features of the embodiment and its modifications described above can be combined with each other as appropriate.
For example, the modifications of the communication part 5 illustrated in
Examples of the present invention are described below in more specific detail. It is to be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited to the examples described below unless such examples depart from the scope of the invention.
Example A1The specimen 80 including four stacked sheets of packaging material was created. Each single sheet of packaging material has a thickness of 82 μm. The overall thickness of the specimen 80 was thus 328 μm. The specimen 80 described above has a layer structure that corresponds to the layer structure illustrated in
OPP 20/PE 10/ALPET 12/PE 10/CPP 30
The symbol “/” represents the boundary between adjacent layers. The layer at the left end represents a layer defining the outer face of the packaging material, and the layer at the right end represents a layer defining the inner face of the packaging material.
“OPP” means a biaxially-oriented polypropylene film. “PE” means a poly-olefin resin layer using polyethylene. “ALPET” means a biaxially-oriented PET film with a vapor-deposited aluminum layer. “CPP” means a cast polypropylene film. The numerals denote the thicknesses of the corresponding layers (unit: μm).
The flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in each of the machine direction and the transverse direction was measured. As the measuring instrument, a pure-bending characteristic tester JTC-911BT manufactured by SMT Co., Ltd. was used. The measurement is performed under the environment of a temperature of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 50%. The mean flexural rigidity in the machine direction was 28.1 g·cm2/cm, and the mean flexural rigidity in the transverse direction was 19.8 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity in the machine direction was 55.0 g·cm2/cm, and the initial flexural rigidity in the transverse direction was 24.7 g·cm2/cry.
Comparative Example A1The specimen 80 was created in the same manner as in Example A1, except that the specimen 80 is made up of two sheets of packaging material. The specimen 80 had a thickness of 164 μm.
In the same manner as in Example A1, the flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in each of the machine direction and the transverse direction was measured. The mean flexural rigidity in the machine direction was 7.8 g·cm2/cm, and the mean flexural rigidity in the transverse direction was 9.5 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity in the machine direction was 11.4 g·cm2/cm, and the initial flexural rigidity in the transverse direction was 14.2 g·cm2/cm.
Comparative Example A2The specimen 80 made of a biaxially-oriented PET film was prepared. The specimen 80 had a thickness of 150 μm.
In the same manner as in Example A1, the flexural rigidity of the specimen 80 in each of the machine direction and the transverse direction was measured. The mean flexural rigidity in the machine direction was 14.7 g·cm2/cm, and the mean flexural rigidity in the transverse direction was 15.9 g·cm2/cm. The initial flexural rigidity in the machine direction was 21.2 g·cm2/cm, and the initial flexural rigidity in the transverse direction was 22.3 g·cm2 cm.
Example B1The pouch 10 illustrated in
Subsequently, a load was applied to the pouch 10 with the hanging implement 70 inserted in the hole 4 of the pouch 10 to thereby measure the maximum value of load that the pouch 10 is able to withstand, Specifically, first, as illustrated in
The measurement was taken five times, and for each measurement, the maximum value of load applied to the scale was recorded. The results are illustrated in
With the pouch 10 hung from the support 71 of the hanging implement via the hole 4 of the pouch 10, five panelists evaluated the stability of the pouch 10 by touching the pouch 10, pulling the pouch 10, or other methods. The results are illustrated in
The pouch 10 was fabricated in the same manner as in Example B1, except that the pouch 10 does not include the reinforcing part 21a. The pouch 10 had a thickness of 164 μm around the hole 4.
Subsequently, in the same manner as in Example B1, the maximum value of load that the pouch 10 is able to withstand was measured. The results are illustrated in
In same manner as in Example B1, five panelists evaluated the stability of the pouch 10 hung on the support 71 of the hanging implement. The results are illustrated in
The tube 18 illustrated in
PEF 130/PET 12 ALPET 12/PEF 180
“PEF” means a polyethylene film.
Subsequently, in the same manner as in Example B1, the maximum value of load that the tube 18 is able to withstand was measured. The results are illustrated in
In same manner as in Example B1, five panelists evaluated the stability of the tube 18 hung on the support 71 of the hanging implement. The results are illustrated in
A second embodiment is directed to providing a pouch that makes it possible to save labor associated with putting the pouch on display.
To this end, the second embodiment provides a pouch having a containment part formed by joining a first packaging material and a second packaging material together, the first packaging material being located at a first face of the pouch, the second packaging material being located at a second face of the pouch, the pouch including:
a reinforcing part located between a first edge of an outer edge of the pouch and the containment part;
a hole penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material in the reinforcing part; and
a communication part extending from the hole to the outer edge of the pouch and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material,
wherein the first packaging material includes a first base layer, and a first sealant layer,
wherein the second packaging material includes a second base layer, and a second sealant layer, and
wherein the reinforcing part has any one of configurations a) to c) below.
a) A sealing layer with a thickness of greater than or equal to 100 μm is provided between the first base layer and the second base layer.
b) A sealing layer, a base layer, a base layer, a sealing layer, and a sealing layer are provided in the stated order between the first base layer and the second base layer.
c) A sealing layer, a reinforcement, and a sealing layer are provided in the stated order between the first base layer and the second base layer.
In the pouch according to the second embodiment, the communication part may include a slit.
In the pouch according to the second embodiment, the communication part may include the slit connected to the hole, and a notch connecting the slit and the outer edge of the pouch.
In the pouch according to the second embodiment, the communication part may be contiguous with a top end of the hole.
In the pouch according to the second embodiment, the communication part may be located in the middle portion of the outer edge of the pouch in a direction in which the first edge extends.
The second embodiment makes it possible to provide a pouch that makes it possible to save labor associated with putting the pouch on display.
The second embodiment is described below in specific detail. In the following description and figures to which reference is made in the following description, features that can be configured in a manner similar to the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference signs as those used for the corresponding features in the embodiment described above, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. If it is obvious that modifications provide the same operational effects as those provided by the embodiment described above, descriptions of such operational effects are omitted in some cases.
The communication part 5 connects the hole 4 and the outer edge of the pouch 10 located opposite to the containment part 8, and penetrates the pouch 10. In the example illustrated in
As with the first embodiment, the hole 4 is positioned such that its entire periphery is surrounded by the reinforcing part 21a. As a result of the entire periphery of the hole 4 being surrounded by the reinforcing part 21a, the thickness of the reinforcing part 21a around the periphery of the hole 4 is greater than the thicknesses of other portions of the second region 20. This leads to increased strength around the periphery of the hole 4. This helps to prevent or inhibit tearing of the periphery of the hole 4 caused by the weight of the pouch 10 exerted on the support 71 of the hanging implement 70.
As described above, the communication part 5 is provided so as to connect the first edge 11 and the hole 4. Consequently, by passing the support 71 through the communication part 5, the support 71 can be placed within the hole 4, This eliminates the need to pass the distal end of the support 71 through the hole 4, which significantly saves labor associated with putting the pouch 10 on display.
The reinforcing part 21a has a layer structure identical to the layer structure of the reinforcing part 21a according to the first embodiment or its modifications described above. That is, the reinforcing part 21a may have any one of the layer structures a) to c) below.
a) first base layer/sealing layer/second base layer
b) first base layer/sealing layer/base layer/base layer/sealing layer/second base layer
c) first base layer/sealing layer/reinforcement/sealing layer/second base layer
(Modifications of Hole and Communication Part)Reference is now made to modifications of the hole 4 and the communication part 5.
In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
Reference is now made to a modification of the hole 4.
The shapes of the communication part 5 in
The characteristic features of the first embodiment and its modifications described above, and the characteristic features of the second embodiment and its modifications described above may be combined as appropriate.
For example, the hole 4 and the communication part 5 according to the second embodiment and each of its modifications may be combined with the modifications of the pouch illustrated in
A third embodiment is directed to providing a pouch that makes it possible to save labor associated with putting the pouch on display.
To this end, the third embodiment provides a pouch having a containment part formed by joining a first packaging material and a second packaging material together, the first packaging material being located at a first face of the pouch, the second packaging material being located at a second face of the pouch, the pouch including:
a hole located in a corner portion of the pouch and penetrating the pouch;
a reinforcing part provided to include the hole; and
a communication part extending from the hole to an outer edge of the pouch and penetrating the pouch,
wherein the first packaging material includes a first base layer, and a first sealant layer,
wherein the second packaging material includes a second base layer, and a second sealant layer, and
wherein the reinforcing part has any one of configurations a) to c) below.
a) A sealing layer with a thickness of greater than or equal to 100 μm is provided between the first base layer and the second base layer,
b) A sealing layer, a base layer, a base layer, a sealing layer, and a sealing layer are provided in the stated order between the first base layer and the second base layer.
c) A sealing layer, a reinforcement, and a sealing layer are provided in the stated order between the first base layer and the second base layer.
In the pouch according to the third embodiment, the communication part may include a slit.
In the pouch according to the third embodiment, the communication part may include the slit connected to the hole, and a notch connecting the slit and the outer edge of the pouch.
In the pouch according to the third embodiment, the communication part may be contiguous with a top end of the hole.
In the pouch according to the third embodiment, the communication part may connect a portion of the outer edge of the pouch other than the corner portion, and the hole.
The third embodiment makes it possible to provide a pouch that makes it possible to save labor associated with putting the pouch on display.
The third embodiment is described below in specific detail. In the following description and figures to which reference is made in the following description, features that can be configured in a manner similar to the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference signs as those used for the corresponding features in the embodiment described above, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. In the following description, when it is obvious that modifications provide the same operational effects as those provided by the embodiment described above, descriptions of such operational effects are omitted in some cases.
The hole 4 is provided in a corner portion of the pouch 10, A corner portion of the pouch 10 refers to the region indicated by reference sign H and enclosed by an alternate long and two short dashes line in
The communication part 5 connects a top end 10U of the pouch 10 and the hole 4, and penetrates the pouch 10. The top end 10U is the point of intersection of the first edge 11 and the fourth edge 14, and is a corner of the pouch 10. In the example in
As with the first embodiment, the hole 4 is positioned such that its entire periphery is surrounded by the reinforcing part 21a. As a result of the entire periphery of the hole 4 being surrounded by the reinforcing part 21a, the thickness of the reinforcing part 21a around the periphery of the hole 4 is greater than the thicknesses of other portions of the second region 20. This leads to increased strength around the periphery of the hole 4. This helps to prevent or inhibit tearing of the periphery of the hole 4 caused by the weight of the pouch 10 exerted on the support 71 of the hanging implement 70.
As described above, the communication part 5 is provided so as to connect the top end 10U and the hole 4, Consequently, by passing the support 71 through the communication part 5, the support 71 can be placed within the hole 4. This eliminates the need to pass the distal end of the support 71 through the hole 4, which significantly saves labor associated with putting the pouch 10 on display.
The reinforcing part 21a has a layer structure identical to the layer structure of the reinforcing part 21a according to the first embodiment or its modifications described above. That is, the reinforcing part 21a may have any one of the layer structures a) to c) below.
a) first base layer/sealing layer/second base layer
b) first base layer/sealing layer/base layer/base layer/sealing layer/second base layer
c) first base layer/sealing layer/reinforcement/sealing layer/second base layer
(Modifications of Hole and Communication Part)Reference is now made to modifications of the hole 4 and the communication part 5.
In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
Reference is now made to modifications of the hole 4.
The shapes of the communication part 5 in
The communication part 5 may be formed to extend contiguously to the hole 4 from a portion of the outer edge of the pouch 10 other than a corner portion.
The characteristic features of the first embodiment and its modifications described above, and the characteristic features of the third embodiment and its modifications described above may be combined as appropriate.
For example, the hole 4 and the communication part 5 according to the third embodiment and its modifications may be combined with the modifications of the pouch illustrated in
-
- 1 first face
- 2 second face
- 4 hole
- 5 communication part
- 5a first portion
- 5b second portion
- 5c curved portion
- 5x first line
- 5y second line
- 5z middle line
- 6 joint
- 7 fin seal part
- 7a base portion
- 7b distal end portion
- 8 containment part
- 9 opening
- 10 pouch
- 10U top end
- 11 first edge
- 12 second edge
- 13 third edge
- 14 fourth edge
- 15 easy-opening means
- 15a slit
- 16 zipper tape
- 17 lidded container
- 17a lid
- 17b container
- 17c flange
- 18 tube
- 18a body part
- 18b mouth part
- 18c cap
- 19 first region
- 20 second region
- 21 first-edge seal
- 21a reinforcing part
- 21b outer-edge-side seal
- 21c containment-part-side seal
- 22 second-edge seal
- 23 third-edge seal
- 24 fourth-edge seal
- 30 packaging material
- 30A first packaging material
- 30B second packaging material
- 51 first base layer
- 52 second base layer
- 53 first additional layer
- 54 second additional layer
- 55 reinforcement
- 56 base layer
- 57 sealant layer
- 61 first sealant layer
- 62 second sealant layer
- 65 first bonding layer
- 66 second bonding layer
- 67 third bonding layer
- 68 fourth bonding layer
- 70 hanging implement
- 71 support
- 72 restraint part
- 73 fixed part
- 80 specimen
- 85 measuring instrument
- 86 first clamp
- 87 second clamp
- D1 first direction
- D2 second direction
Claims
1-7. (canceled)
8. A lidded container, the lidded container having a containment part sealed by joining a first packaging material and a second packaging material together, the first packaging material constituting a lid, the second packaging material constituting a container, the lidded container comprising:
- a first region overlapping the containment part in plan view;
- a second region located between the containment part and an outer edge of each of the lid and the container in plan view, the second region including a seal that joins the first packaging material and the second packaging material together;
- a hole located in the second region and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material; and
- a communication part extending from the hole to the outer edge of each of the lid and the container and penetrating the first packaging material and the second packaging material,
- wherein the first packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
- wherein the second packaging material includes at least one layer located in both the first region and the second region,
- wherein an outline of the communication part that extends from the hole to the outer edge of each of the lid and the container includes a first line and a second line, and
- wherein the communication part includes a first portion including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other that decreases with increasing distance from the outer edge of each of the lid and the container toward the hole, and a second portion located between the first portion and the hole and including a portion where the first line and the second line have a spacing from each other of less than or equal to 2.0 mm.
9. The lidded container according to claim 8, wherein a specimen cut out from a portion of the second region where the hole is located has a mean flexural rigidity of greater than or equal to 15 [g·cm2/cm] in a machine direction, the specimen including at least the first packaging material and the second packaging material.
10-11. (canceled)
12. The lidded container according to claim 8, wherein in the second portion of the communication part, the first line and the second line are not in contact with each other.
13. The lidded container according to claim 8, wherein in the second portion of the communication part, the first line and the second line are at least partially in contact with each other.
14. The lidded container according to claim 13, wherein a portion of the communication part where the first line and the second line are not in contact with each other is longer than a portion of the communication part where the first line and the second line are in contact with each other.
15. The lidded container according to claim 8, wherein a middle line linearly extends from the hole toward the outer edge of each of the lid and the container, the middle line running in the middle between the first line and the second line.
16. The lidded container according to claim 8, wherein each of the first line and the second line includes a straight portion extending from the first portion to the second portion.
17. The lidded container according to claim 16, wherein the straight portion of each of the first line and the second line extends from the hole to the outer edge of each of the lid and the container.
18. The lidded container according to claim 16, wherein an extension line of the straight portion of each of the first line and the second line intersects the hole.
19. The lidded container according to claim 16, wherein each of the first line and the second line includes a straight line inclined relative to a middle line, the middle line running in the middle between the first line and the second line.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 23, 2020
Publication Date: Jun 9, 2022
Inventors: Koki AKUTSU (Tokyo), Shunsuke FURUYA (Tokyo), Naoki ISHIMAKI (Tokyo), Kenji HATTORI (Tokyo), Koichi MIKAMI (Tokyo), Nobuyuki KISHI (Tokyo), Hideaki TAKAHASHI (Tokyo)
Application Number: 17/599,429