Claims:I/We CLAIM
1. A novel set-in packaging system (SETIN PACTM) for pouches and sachets with improved built-in tamper evidence feature, comprising:
a spout/zipper/closures unit is configured hidden within the set-in packaging system which provides a built-in tamper evidence feature by saving the need for an additional tamper evidence for the pouches and sachets.
2. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein the said pack is made in a vertical or horizontal form fill and seal machines in duplex /simplex formats wherein heat sealable plastic films are used to form the packs.
3. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein the spouts of the packs are designed as pour through medium and the zippers are also made with heat sealable polymers.
4. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein the spouts/zipper of the pack are affixed online on the inner part of the sealable laminate before the pack is formed on the machine wherein the film gets folded on the machine former wherein either ends of the film are folded to meet at the centre and are vertically sealed to achieve a 3-side sealed duplex packs wherein the top and bottom of the packs are sealed.
5. The packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: a pack with spout designed in such a way that the spout is hidden inside the pack wherein the pack comprises a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option.
6. The packaging system of claim 5 wherein the scoring doubles up as a “Tamper Evidence” in the pack and the spout sealed inside the pack becomes visible when the pack is torn.
7. The packaging system of claim 5 wherein the spouts of the pack are designed as pour through medium and are made with heat sealable polymers to best suite liquids and pastes.
8. The packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: a pack with zipper /closure that runs inside the pack is proposed wherein the pack also comes with a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option.
9. The packaging system of claim 8 wherein the scoring acts as a “Tamper Evidence” in the pack and when the scored part of the pack is torn, the zipper /closure sealed inside the pack is visible.
10. The packaging system of claim 8 wherein the zippers /closures are made with heat sealable polymers and best suited for solid items.
11. The packaging system of claim 1 wherein packs can be formed in duplex / simplex formats which can be advantageous for a wide range of flexible packaging requirements.
, Description:SET-IN PACKAGING SYSTEM FOR POUCHES AND SATCHES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments are generally related to field of flexible packaging systems. Embodiments are further related to flexible pouches and sachets with spouts and zippers for packaging products. Embodiments are also related to disposable and portable containers and packaging materials. Embodiments are particularly related to a novel set-in packaging system for pouches and sachets with improved built-in tamper evidence feature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of disposable, portable containers are known in the art for storing products, such as a liquid, granular material, powder or the like. Such conventional containers include, for example, a cup, a metal can, a plastic bottle, a glass bottle or a flexible pouch. Consumers prefer the convenience of flexible pouches and sachets over other conventional types of containers due to their shape, size, shelf life and storage adaptability. Manufacturers recognize the packaging benefits of a flexible pouch/sachet, since the pouch/sachet is relatively inexpensive and can be formed and filled on the same manufacturing line.
[0003] Flexible pouches/sachets are made from a flexible or pliable material, preferably an extrusion or a laminate composed of sheets of plastic or aluminium or the like. An outer layer of the material may include pre-printed information, such as a logo or the like, to provide the consumer with information regarding the contents of the pouch/sachet. The pouch/sachet can be formed and/or filled using conventionally known manufacturing techniques, such as a form-fill-seal machine with a single or multiple lane, or the like.
[0004] Such pouch/sachets typically include a spout or zipper having a spout for dispensing the product. The pouch/sachet also includes a provision cap/zip for enclosing the pouch and protecting the spout from contamination. The conventional pouch/sachets with spouts and zippers have been in the market for a long time. The spouts and zippers are typically welded onto the plastic films by means of heat sealing. However, the conventional spouted packs and the zipper packs are the ones where the spout and zipper are visible outside the pack and require a security feature [tamper evidence]. The exposed spout/zipper makes it amenable to attract dust, accidental breakage and chances of pilferage etc.
[0005] Based on the foregoing a need therefore exists for an improved packaging system for pouches and sachets. Also, a need exists for an improved set-in packaging system for pouches and sachets with improved built-in tamper evidence feature, as discussed in greater detail herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiment and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
[0007] One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is to provide an improved flexible packaging system for packaging products.
[0008] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments is to provide an improved packaging system for pouches and sachets.
[0009] Further aspect of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a packaging system for pouches and sachets with improved tamper evidence feature.
[0010] Additional aspect of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a sustainable packaging system of pouches and sachets made from a single family of plastics, a necessity for recycling.
[0011] The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A novel set-in packaging system (SETIN PACTM) for pouches and sachets with improved built-in tamper evidence feature, is disclosed herein. The spout/zipper unit is configured hidden within the set-in packaging system which provides a built-in tamper evidence feature by saving the need on an additional tamper evidence for the pouches and sachets. The packaging system (SETIN PACTM) is made in a vertical or horizontal form fill and seal machines in duplex or simplex format wherein heat sealable plastic films are used to form the packs. The spouts of the packs are designed as pour through medium and the zippers are also made with heat sealable polymers. The spouts/zipper of the pack are affixed online on the inner part of the sealable laminate before the pack is formed on the machine wherein the film gets folded on the machine former. The either ends of the film are folded to meet at the centre and are vertically sealed to achieve a 3-side sealed duplex packs wherein the top and bottom of the packs are sealed.
[0012] In one embodiment of the proposed invention, a pack with spout is designed in such a way that the spout is hidden inside the pack wherein the pack comprises a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option. The scoring doubles up as a “Tamper Evidence” in the pack. Once torn, the spout sealed inside the pack becomes visible. The spouts of the pack are designed as pour through medium and are made with heat sealable polymers to best suit liquids, pastes or powders such as for example, but not limited to, ointments, sprinkling powders, etc. The spout and the sachet/pack design allow for embedding of the spout without distorting the pack. The pack has profile cutting on the sides of the spout to prevent distortion of the pack due to the embedding of the spout.
[0013] In another embodiment of the proposed invention, a pack with zipper or similar reclosable elements that runs inside the pack is proposed wherein the pack also comes with a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option. The scoring acts as a “Tamper Evidence” in the pack. Once torn open, the scored part of the pack, the zipper sealed inside the pack is visible. The zippers are made with heat sealable polymers and best suited for solid items such as for example, but not limited to, candies, lozenges, mouth fresheners, dry fruits, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical representation of a set-in packaging system with spout that is designed in such a way that the spout is hidden inside the pack wherein the pack comprises a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; and
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of the set-in packaging system with zipper that runs inside the pack is proposed wherein the pack also comes with a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.
[0018] The embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. The embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0021] A novel set-in packaging system (SETIN PACTM) for pouches and sachets with improved built-in tamper evidence feature, is disclosed herein. The spout/zipper unit is configured hidden within the set-in packaging system which provides a built-in tamper evidence feature by saving the need on an additional tamper evidence for the pouches and sachets. The packaging system (SETIN PACTM) is made in a vertical or horizontal form fill and seal machines in duplex/or simplex format wherein heat sealable plastic films are used to form the packs. The spouts of the packs are designed as pour through medium and the zippers/closures are also made with heat sealable polymers. The spouts/zipper/closures of the pack are affixed online on the inner part of the sealable laminate before the pack is formed on the machine wherein the film gets folded on the machine former. The either ends of the film are folded to meet at the centre and are vertically sealed to achieve a 3 or 4 -side sealed duplex /simplex packs wherein the top and bottom of the packs are sealed.
[0022] In spite of having a hidden spout / zipper, these packs can be produced in string formats that can be displayed as dangler packs in smaller retail outlets to conveniently reach out to the masses. The uniqueness is that the embedded spouts / zipper is hidden and are visible only after tearing the scored end of the pack which makes them hundred percent tamper evident leaving no room for ambiguity. The packaging system also serve as good travel packs for almost any product to help passengers carry smaller quantities of their necessities in today’s restrictive conditions for travel as laid out by airlines and airport authorities. The re-closable spout and the zipper allows for multiple uses avoiding wastage. The invention provides optimised raw material usage-lower packaging material costs can be ensured by using single family of polymers that facilitates better recyclability wherein the food manufacturer can devise methods to take back used packs to recycle.
[0023] In one embodiment of the proposed invention, a pack with spout is designed in such a way that the spout is hidden inside the pack wherein the pack comprises a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option. FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical representation of a set-in packaging system 100 with spout 110 that is designed in such a way that the spout is hidden inside the pack wherein the pack comprises a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The set-in packing system 100 with spout 110 can be formed into a duplex format which can be advantageous for wide range of flexible packaging requirements.
[0024] The scoring doubles up as a “Tamper Evidence” in the pack. Once torn, the spout sealed inside the pack becomes visible. The spouts of the pack are designed as pour through medium and are made with heat sealable polymers to best suite liquids and pastes such as for example, but not limited to, ointments, sprinkling powders, etc. The spout and the sachet/pack design allow for embedding of the spout without distorting the pack. The pack has profile cutting on the sides of the spout to prevent distortion of the pack due to the embedding of the spout.
[0025] In another embodiment of the proposed invention, a pack with zipper or other closures that runs inside the pack is proposed wherein the pack also comes with a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option. FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of the set-in packaging system 200 with zipper 210 that runs inside the pack is proposed wherein the pack also comes with a micro-scoring for the “Tear and Use” option, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The set-in packing system 200 with zipper 210 can be formed into a duplex format which can be advantageous for wide range of flexible packaging requirements. The scoring acts as a “Tamper Evidence” in the pack. Once the scored part of the pack is torn off, the zipper sealed inside the pack is visible. The zippers /closures are made with heat sealable polymers and best suited for solid items such as for example, but not limited to, candies, lozenges, mouth fresheners, dry fruits, etc.
[0026] It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the field.