RU2765023C2 - Capping tool for transportation, packaging container containing a capping tool for transportation, and method for removing a capping tool for transportation from a packaging container - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: packaging.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a capping tool (1) for transportation for use in a packaging container (10) for bulk materials. The capping tool (1) for transportation comprises or consists of a laminate from the first layer (2) and the second layer (3). The first layer (2) is limited by the peripheral edge (4) of the first layer, and the second layer (3) is limited by the peripheral edge (5) of the second layer. The second layer (3) comprises or consists of a weldable material, and the first layer (2) has a higher tensile strength than the second layer (3). The first layer (3) has a line of weakness (6) forming a tab (7) in the first layer (3) and provided with a first and second reference points (6a, 6b). The reference points (6a, 6b) are located by the base (7b) of the tab (7) opposite to the gripping end (7a) of the tab (7). Each of the reference points (6a, 6b) is located at a distance d1 and d2, respectively, of 2 to 15 mm from the peripheral edge (4) of the first layer. The line (6) of weakness forms the first and/or second shoulder(s) (20a, 20b) of the line of weakness, extending from the first and/or second reference point(s) (6a, 6b), respectively, and along the peripheral edge (4) the first layer. The peripheral edge (5) of the second layer continues beyond the peripheral edge (4) of the first layer along the perimeter of the capping tool (1) for transportation, forming a belt (8) for welding the capping tool for transportation.

EFFECT: creation of a capping tool suitable for use in a packaging container for bulk materials.

15 cl, 9 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a transport closure for use in a bulk packaging container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transport closure having improved opening characteristics. The present invention also relates to a packaging container containing a shipping closure and a method for removing the shipping closure from the packaging container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the packaging of consumer products, and in particular in the packaging of bulk materials such as dry flowable consumer products or other moisture sensitive consumer products, rigid cardboard packaging containers are commonly used to serve as protective containers for shipping and retail storage. trade, and as containers for storage and distribution to consumers. Such carton containers typically have an open and close lid and an internal removable or tearable shipping closure that keeps the contents fresh and protected from moisture and contamination until the container is opened by the consumer. Breakable shipping closures can be welded to the inside of the container wall to improve the protection of the contents during shipping and storage. This may be especially important for moisture sensitive content.

To gain access to the contents, transport closures for packaging containers may have tearable portions that are opened using a push tab and/or a pull tab to tear off the central portion of the transport closure. However, when such tearable portions are removed, the outer boundary portion of the shipping closure attached to the inner surface of the container body remains protruding into the opening of the container body. This can create difficulties for packaging containers that are sized and shaped to accommodate a certain type of content and that have top openings specially sized for the contents of the packaging container. An example of this type of container is a packaging container for snacks such as potato chips, the chips being stacked vertically. In addition, the remaining border portion of the shipping closure reduces the size of the open portion of the opening of the packaging container, thereby preventing access to the packaged contents, such as when scooping powdered contents from the container or attempting to empty the contents from the container. Particularly when the packaged goods are a loose product, such as a dry baby food product, a portion of the packaged product may be retained at the edge of the shipping closure and may result in the container appearing less hygienic to the user.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved easy-to-open and less obtrusive transport closure for a packaging container, an improved packaging container, and a method for opening a packaging container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other objects can be achieved by a transport closure according to claim 1, a packaging container according to claim 13, and a method according to claim 14. Additional embodiments are shown in the dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

As such, and according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a transport closure for use in a bulk packaging container. The shipping closure comprises or consists of a laminate of a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is defined by the peripheral edge of the first layer, and the second layer is defined by the peripheral edge of the second layer. The second layer contains or consists of a weldable material, and the first layer has a higher tensile strength than the second layer. The first layer has a line of weakness forming a tongue in the first layer and having first and second reference points. The reference points are located at the base of the tongue, opposite the gripping end of the tongue. Each of the base points is located at a distance d1 and d2, respectively, from 1 to 30 mm from the peripheral edge of the first layer. The line of weakness defines the first and/or second shoulder(s) of the line of weakness extending from the first and/or second reference point(s), respectively, and along the peripheral edge of the first layer. The peripheral edge of the second layer extends beyond the peripheral edge of the first layer along the perimeter of the shipping closure to form a belt for sealing the shipping closure.

By "weakening means" is meant that the first layer of the shipping closure has a continuous slit, a series of intermittent slits, perforations, or the like, allowing the shipping closure to break at a predetermined location so that the tear will occur along a predetermined line departments.

Packaging containers having high requirements for gas tightness during transport and storage are often provided with some form of transport closure. For various reasons, it may be desirable to position such shipping closures at a distance from the top edge of the packaging container, and the shipping closure can therefore be welded to the inside surface of the packaging container to provide a gas-tight seal between the shipping closure and the packaging container. Therefore, transport closures must be suitable for welding. By making the shipping closure a laminate of a first layer and a second layer, with the first layer having a higher tear strength than the second weldable layer, a shipping closure with improved resistance to unintentional tearing of the shipping closure is provided. Furthermore, it has been found that when the opening of the packaging container is provided with the shipping closure disclosed herein, almost complete removal of the shipping closure is possible because the peripheral edge of the first layer acts as a tear guide when the tab is torn off and the closure is removed to transportation from the top opening of the container. The peripheral edge of the first layer acts as a means of initiating a tear by cutting or punching a hole in the second layer on the part of the peripheral edge of the first layer located at the base of the tongue. The base of the tongue is limited between the base points of the line of weakening forming the tongue. After the initial rupture of the second layer, as the transport closure is continued to be pulled away from the opening of the container, the peripheral edge will serve to propagate the rupture in the second layer along the peripheral edge of the first layer.

The ratio of the tensile strength of the first layer to the second layer is 1.1 or more in both the CD direction and the MD direction. The ratio of tensile strength of the first layer to the second layer may be 1.1 or more, such as 1.5 or more, such as 2 or more, such as 4 or more, such as 1000.

The tensile strength is measured according to DIN 53363 standard method for determining the tensile strength of plastic film and sheet material by the trouser tear method, and is taken as the maximum tensile strength (N).

The second layer may have a tensile strength of 1 to 100 N, for example 5 to 30 N, in both the CD direction and the MD direction.

As described herein, the user can, when removing the shipping closure, grab and pull the tab provided in the first layer along the line of weakness and towards the base of the tab. The first pulling action serves to release the tongue from the rest of the first layer and lift the tongue above the plane of the first layer. When the tongue is pulled towards the base, pressure is applied at the base of the tongue. The user can further increase the pressure applied at the base of the tab by pressing down on the transport closure, into the container, within the area at the base of the tab. The pressure generated at the base of the tab during the first pulling action initiates or assists in initiating a tear in the second layer at the peripheral edge of the first layer. This tear in the second layer will propagate along the periphery of the peripheral edge of the first layer acting as a tear guide as the tab is further pulled up and back relative to the base until the shipping closure is almost completely removed from the top opening. From the transport closure along the inner wall of the packaging container, only the belt for sealing the transport closure, formed only by the second layer, remains. Consequently, only a very thin residual edge of the welding belt remains around the periphery of the inner wall of the container.

Optionally, the first layer comprises or consists of a cardboard or paper layer, a metal layer, a plastic layer, or any combination thereof.

Optionally, the first layer has a thickness of 5 to 2000 µm, for example 20 to 500 µm. This provides rigidity to the first layer and a well-defined peripheral edge that provides a good tear guide for the second layer of material when the closure is removed for shipping.

Optionally, the second layer comprises or consists of a plastic film or a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, or a combination thereof.

Optionally, the second layer has a thickness of 2 to 500 µm, for example 5 to 100 µm. Due to the second layer having a thickness of 2 to 500 µm, for example 5 to 100 µm, a low tear strength is achieved when the closure is opened for transport, while still allowing a good seal against the inner wall of the packaging container.

In addition, a thin second layer is preferred as it leaves a minimum amount of residual material on the container wall after removal of the shipping closure.

Optionally, the first layer has a stiffness which is higher than that of said second layer.

Optionally, the peripheral edge of the second layer extends beyond the peripheral edge of the first layer at a distance of 1 mm to 25 mm, such as 2 mm to 25 mm or 2 mm to 10 mm. By extending the peripheral edge of the second layer beyond the peripheral edge of the first layer at a distance of 1 mm to 25 mm, a transport closure is provided with a peripheral weldable area for securely attaching the transport closure by welding to the inner walls of the packaging container.

Optionally, the first and second reference points at the base of the tongue are located at a distance from each other of at least 3 mm, for example at least 8 mm. The base line of the tongue represents the distance between the base points, i.e. a width of the tongue at the base points, which may be less than the width of the tongue at the gripping end, thereby concentrating the pull force generated when the tongue is pulled within a limited area at the base of the tongue.

The base of the tongue may be located on any portion of the peripheral edge of the first layer, for example, on a straight or curved portion of the peripheral edge of the first layer.

Optionally, the first layer contains a corner section, and the tongue is located with the base on the corner section of the first layer. When the tongue, and more specifically the base of the tongue, is located at the corner portion, the direction of the tear for the second layer along the peripheral edges of the first layer will somewhat correspond to the tearing movement of the wearer's hand, compared with the case when the tongue is located at the side edge and the direction of the tear will initially be directed outward and substantially at 90 degrees with respect to the tearing motion of the user's hand.

Alternatively, the tongue is positioned at its base between two corner portions in the first layer, for example between two corner portions in a substantially rectangular shipping closure having four corner portions.

The corner portion, as understood herein, is a curved corner portion having a radius of curvature of 7-65 mm, preferably 10-65 mm, more preferably 15-30 mm.

Optionally, the first layer is layered and attached to the second layer along at least one weld extending parallel to the peripheral edges of the first layer, for example at a distance of 1 to 10 mm from the peripheral edges of the first layer. The fact that the first layer is laminated and attached to the second layer by at least one weld extending parallel to the peripheral edges of the first layer, for example at a distance of 1 to 10 mm from the peripheral edges of the first layer, effectively contributes to the breaking of the second layer of material along peripheral edges of the first layer. The first layer can be layered and attached to the second layer substantially only by a weld extending along and on the peripheral edges of the first layer, providing a shipping closure with a slight bulge within the fastening-free area between the first and second layers, so that the force is concentrated in the region of tearing and separating the transport closure from the inner wall of the packaging container. The outward bulging of the unattached portion of the first layer may also serve to facilitate gripping and releasing the tongue from the remainder of the first layer. It may be advantageous to form a slit through the first layer at the gripping end of the tongue to allow the user to insert a finger or nail through the slit to provide an initial hold on the gripping end of the tongue. The convex portion of the first layer helps widen the slit of the gripping end to make gripping the tongue even easier.

Optionally, the distances d1 and d2 for the first and second base points of the line of attenuation are each 1 to 10 mm from the peripheral edge of the first layer.

By "base points" in this document is meant the points of the lines of weakening that form the end points of the contour of the tongue and are located at the base of the tongue. The base points are thus the points along the contour of the tongue which are closest to the peripheral edge of the first layer. The line of weakening further defines one arm or two arms of the line of weakening extending from the base point(s) and along the peripheral edges of the first layer. One arm or two arms of the line of weakening may end in an inwardly curved curved section.

The arm(s) of the line of weakening extending from the base points and parallel to the peripheral edges of the first layer can reduce the force required to break the second layer at the peripheral edges of the first layer, as the first layer separates from the second layer at the arm(s) of the line of weakening. Therefore, only tearing and pulling back of the material between the peripheral edges of the first layer and the shoulder(s) of the line of weakness when the shipping closure is removed is required to completely remove the shipping closure.

Optionally, the tongue is V-shaped, U-shaped, O-shaped or modified U-shaped.

Optionally, an indentation area provided at the gripping end of the tongue is formed in the first layer. Optionally, the indentation area may be formed by the absence of first layer material in the area at the gripping end of the tab, for example by cutting or punching out an area of the first layer prior to layering and attaching to the second layer. Alternatively, the indentation area may be identified at the gripping end of the tab by any means of identification such as printing, embossing, perforations, notches, painting, or any combination of means of identification.

That the indentation region is formed in the first layer and that the indentation region is provided at the gripping end of the tongue provides the user with instructions to apply pressure to the indentation region. When pressure is applied to the indentation area, the gripping end of the tongue will deflect away from the shipping closure and a gap is formed under the gripping end, facilitating the gripping of the gripping end of the tongue.

Similarly, a second indentation area may be formed in the first layer at the base of the tongue. The indentation area at the base of the tongue can be identified, as described above, by any means of identification such as printing, embossing, perforations, notches, painting, or any combination of means of identification.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a packaging container for bulk materials. The container comprises a tubular container body with an upper end with an upper opening and a lower end with a lower opening containing the bottom of the container. The container body has an inner surface facing the interior of the packaging container and an outer surface facing away from the interior. The packaging container is closed at the top opening by a removable transport closure according to the first aspect of the present invention, and a welding belt is welded to the inner surface of the container body.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for removing a shipping closure according to the first aspect from a packaging container according to the second aspect. The method includes steps in which:

a) gripping the tongue at the gripping end;

b) pulling the tongue along the line of weakness and towards the base and peripheral edge of the first layer;

c) lift the tab up until the second layer is torn and detached from the inner surface of the container body; and

d) pulling the tab slightly up and back relative to the base such that the second layer is torn and detached from the inner surface at the weld and along the first and/or second arm(s) of the line of weakening along the peripheral edges of the first layer until the closure for transport will not be removed from the top opening, leaving less than 0.5 mm of the second layer extending into the top opening of the container body.

During step c), lifting the tab at the gripping end will press the base of the tab inwardly into the second indentation region formed in the second layer at the peripheral edge of the first layer and thereby rupture the second layer, initiating crack propagation along the peripheral edges of the first layer.

Optionally, the method further includes the step of:

a1) applying pressure to the first indentation region formed in the first layer and provided on the gripping end of the tab, and thereby tilting the gripping end of the tab away from the transport closure to form a gap under the gripping end.

As used herein, the term "particulate materials" refers to a solid material. Bulk material may be dry or wet. The bulk materials may be in the form of particles, granules, milled products, plant fragments, short fibers, flakes, seeds, shaped pieces of material such as pasta, etc. Bulk materials that are suitable for packaging in the packaging containers disclosed herein may be fluid, meaning that the required amount of product can be poured or scooped from the packaging container, or may be in the form of separate pieces of material, allowing only part of the contents to be extracted. packaging container.

The packaging container disclosed herein may be a container for foodstuffs such as infant formula, coffee, tea, rice, pasta, chips, flour, sugar, cereals, powdered soup concentrate, custard concentrate, or the like. . Alternatively, the bulk materials may be non-edible materials such as tobacco, detergent, fertilizer, chemicals, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1a-1d illustrate embodiments of a shipping closure in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2a-2b illustrate a packaging container containing a shipping closure in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2c-2e illustrate the steps for removing a shipping closure from a packaging container in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components, such as layers of materials, are not necessarily drawn to scale. The shipping closures and packaging containers shown in the drawings are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

Fig. 1a-1d illustrate shipping closures for use in a bulk carton packaging container in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The particular form of the transport closure 1 shown in the drawings is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Accordingly, a shipping closure made in accordance with the invention may be of any suitable shape or size, such as round, rectangular (including square), or any other suitable polygonal shape. It should be understood that polygonal shapes, as understood herein, are modified polygonal shapes having rounded corner portions.

In addition, the shipping closures shown in the drawings have first and second layers of the same shape, differing only in size, resulting in a sealing belt having the same width around the peripheral edge of the first layer. It should be understood that while such embodiments are generally preferred, embodiments in which the width of the welding belt varies along the circumferential edge of the first layer can also be used. As an example, the sealing belt may be wider at the corner portions of the shipping closure in order to obtain more sealable material to provide an airtight seal at the corner portion. In some applications, for example where the radius of curvature of the corner portion is small, it may instead be desirable for the sealing collar to be less wide at the corner portions to avoid wrinkling when the shipping closure is welded to the container wall.

Fig. 1a illustrates the first layer 2 and the second layer 3 before the production of the laminate and the formation of the closure 1 for transport. The shipping closure 1 comprises or consists of a laminate of a first layer 1 and a second layer 2 as illustrated in FIG. 1b. The first layer 2 is defined by the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer and the second layer 3 is defined by the peripheral edge 5 of the second layer. The first layer 2 has a substantially triangular shape with side edges 13 and three rounded corner portions 12, and the second layer 3 has the same shape as the first layer 2. As further illustrated in FIG. 1a and fig. 1b, the peripheral edge 5 of the second layer extends beyond the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer to form a belt 8 for sealing the transport closure. Thus, the second layer 3 has a surface area larger than the first layer 2. The second layer 3 contains or consists of a material to be welded and the first layer 2 has a higher tensile strength and preferably also a higher stiffness than the second layer 3. The first layer 2 has a line 6 of weakening forming a tongue 7 in the first layer 2. The tongue 7 having a modified U-shape has a grip end 7a and a base 7b. The line of weakening 6 comprises two base points 6a, 6b located at the base 7b of the tongue 7, at points along the part of the line of weakening forming the contour of the tongue 7, which are located at the shortest distance from the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer. The first reference point 6a is located at a distance d1 from the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer, and the second reference point 6b is located at a distance d2 from the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer. The distance between the first base point 6a and the second base point 6b may be 3 mm or more, for example 8 mm to 25 mm.

The line of weakness 6 is further configured to provide first and second arms 20a, 20b of the line of weakness extending from the first and second reference points 6a, 6b, respectively, and parallel to the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer. The limbs 20a, 20b of the line of weakness each terminate in an inwardly folded curved portion 21. The inwardly folded curved portion 21 maintains proper tearing along the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer and prevents tearing in an undesirable direction.

Fig. 1c illustrates a transport closure 1 similar to the transport closure 1 in FIG. 1a-1b, but further having a first indentation region 9 formed in the first layer 2. The first indentation region 9 is formed by the absence of the material of the first layer 2 in the region at the gripping end 7a of the tongue 7, and was formed by punching out an area of the first layer 2 before layering and attaching to the second layer 3. Other means of identifying the first indentation 9 may be by printing or embossing or any other suitable means, as described herein, which may provide the user with instructions to apply pressure in the first indentation 9 so that the gripping end 7a deviates away from the transport closure 1 and a gap is formed under the gripping end 7a to facilitate the gripping of the tongue 7.

Fig. 1d illustrates another transport closure 1 in accordance with the present invention. The shipping closure 1 is a laminate of a first layer 2 and a second layer 3. The first layer 2 is defined by the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer and the second layer 3 is defined by the peripheral edge 5 of the second layer. The first layer 2 has a substantially triangular shape with side edges 13 and three rounded corner portions 12. However, it should be noted that the shipping closure 1 and each of the first and second layers 2, 3 may have a different shape, such as round, oval, square, square with rounded edges, rectangular and rectangular with rounded edges, as described in this document. In FIG. 1d, the second layer 3 has the same shape as the first layer 2. The peripheral edge 5 of the second layer extends beyond the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer to form a belt 8 for sealing the transport closure. However, it is not necessary that the first and second layers have the same shape, provided that the peripheral edge 5 of the second layer extends beyond the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer to form a belt 8 for sealing the shipping closure. The second layer 3 contains or consists of a material to be welded, such as aluminum foil or plastic film, and the first layer 2 has a higher tensile strength and higher rigidity than the second layer 3. The first layer 2 may be made of, for example, cardboard material . The first layer 2 has a line 6 of weakness forming a tab 7 in the first layer 2. The tab 7 has a modified U-shape with a slight curve on one side of the base 7b. The tongue 7 has a gripping end 7a opposite the base 7b. The line of weakening 6 has two base points 6a, 6b located in the base 7b at points along the part of the line of weakening forming the contour of the tongue 7 located at the shortest distance from the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer. The first reference point 6a is located at a distance d1 from the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer, and the second reference point 6b is located at a distance d2 from the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer. The second base point 6b is located closer to the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer than the first base point 6a.

The line of weakening 6 is further configured to provide a first arm 20a of the line of weakening extending from the first reference point 6a and parallel to the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer. The line of weakness arm 20a terminates in an inwardly folded curved portion 21. The inwardly folded curved portion 21 maintains proper tearing along the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer and prevents tearing in an undesirable direction.

The transport closure 1 also has a first indentation region 9 formed in the first layer 2 and provided in connection with the gripping end 7a of the tongue 7. As in the transport closure shown in FIG. 1c, the first indentation region 9 is formed by the absence of material of the first layer 2 in the area at the gripping end 7a of the tongue 7, and was formed by punching out an area of the first layer 2 before layering and attaching to the second layer 3. As described herein, the first indentation region 9 can be indicated by any suitable means of designation.

Fig. 2a illustrates a packaging container 10 for bulk materials provided with a closure 1 for transport. The container 10 includes a tubular container body 14 extending between an upper end 15 and a lower end 17. The upper end 15 has an upper opening 16 and the lower end 17 has a lower opening containing the bottom of the container. The container body 14 has an inner surface 18 as illustrated in FIG. 2b facing the inside of the packaging container 10 and the outer surface 19 facing away from the inside. The packaging container 10 is closed at the top opening 16 by means of a removable closure 1 for transport. The transport closure is attached to the packaging container by welding the welding belt 8 to the inner surface 20 of the container body 14 . The packaging container may optionally comprise a lid or lid assembly known in the art. It may be preferred that the packaging container comprise a hinged lid assembly as disclosed in WO 2016/126191 A1 or a lid as disclosed in unpublished application PCT/SE2017/050378. Another suitable hinge cover design is disclosed in WO2005/075314A1.

The lid assembly may comprise a lid and a rim or frame that is applied along the edge of the top opening 16. The reinforcing rim is preferably a plastic rim, most preferably a thermoplastic rim, and is attached to the wall of the container body at the top opening 16 of the container, or directly by welding. or by gluing, or indirectly by mechanical fastening to another rim structure which is directly attached to the wall of the container at the opening of the container.

In FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of the packaging container according to FIG. 2a. As shown in FIG. 2b, the belt 8 for sealing the second layer 3 is bent towards the upper end 15 of the packaging container 10 in the longitudinal direction. The welding belt 8 is attached to the inner surface 18 of the packaging container 10 by means of a welded joint. The welding belt 8 can, of course, also be bent towards the lower end 17.

Fig. 2c-e illustrate the method of removing the transport closure 1 from the packaging container 10. In FIG. 2c, the consumer begins removing the shipping closure by grasping the tab on the gripping end 7a. To facilitate gripping of the gripping end 7a, the user can apply pressure to the first indentation region 9 formed in the first layer 2 and provided in connection with the gripping end 7a of the tongue. Thereby, the gripping end 7a is deflected away from the transport closure 1, forming a gap under the gripping end. The first indentation area 9 may be formed, for example, by a notch in the first layer 2, or by printing or embossing in this area to provide instructions to the user to apply pressure in this area to deflect the gripping end 7a in an upward direction. The user then pulls the tab 7 along the line 6 of weakening to separate the tab from the first layer 2 and towards the base 7b and the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer.

In FIG. 2d, the tongue 7 is pulled slightly upward and towards the base 7b and the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer, and in FIG. 2d shows the pressure generated at the base 7b of the tongue 7 when the tongue 7 is pulled forward and upward. As illustrated in this drawing, the gripping end 7a presses the base 7b of the tongue 7 inwardly into the second indentation region 11 formed in the second layer 3 at the peripheral edge 4 of the first layer, and thereby breaks the second layer 3, initiating crack propagation along the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer. .

In FIG. 2e shows the removal of the shipping closure 1 from the packaging container 10. When the tab 7 is pulled up and back relative to the base 7b, the second layer 3 is torn and detached from the inner surface 20 at the seal along the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer 2 until the said the shipping closure 1 will not be completely detached from the packaging container 10, leaving a residual edge of the sealing belt 8 having a width of less than 0.5 mm extending into the top opening 16 of the container body 14. The first layer 2 is attached to the second layer 3 along a joint formed by gluing or welding, extending parallel to the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer, for example at a distance of 1 to 10 mm from the peripheral edges 4 of the first layer. The fastening between the first and second layers 2, 3 can be reinforced at the base 7b of the tongue 7. When the tongue 7 is pulled up and back relative to the base 7b, the loose line arms 20a, 20b separate the first layer 2 from the second layer 3 when the closure is removed for shipping. The force required to break the second layer 3 and remove the transport closure will thereby be reduced. Therefore, only tearing and pulling of the material between the peripheral edges of the first layer and the shoulder(s) of the line of weakness when the shipping closure is removed is required to completely remove the shipping closure.

Claims (20)

1. A transport closure (1) for use in a packaging container (10) for bulk materials, said transport closure (1) comprising or consisting of a laminate of a first layer (2) and a second layer (3), wherein said first layer (2) is bounded by a peripheral edge (4) of the first layer, and said second layer (3) is bounded by a peripheral edge (5) of the second layer, wherein said second layer (3) contains or consists of a material to be welded, and said first layer ( 2) has a higher tensile strength than said second layer (3), characterized in that said first layer (2) has a weakening line (6) forming a tongue (7) in said first layer (2) and having a first and second reference points (6a, 6b), wherein said reference points (6a, 6b) are located at the base (7b) of said tongue (7), opposite to the gripping end (7a) of said tongue (7), and at a distance d1 and d2, respectively , from 1 to 30 mm from mentioned th peripheral edge (4) of the first layer, wherein said line (6) of weakening forms the first and/or second arm(s) (20a, 20b) of the line of weakening extending from said first and/or said second reference point(s) ( 6a, 6b), respectively, both along said peripheral edge (4) of the first layer, and in that said peripheral edge (5) of the second layer extends beyond said peripheral edge (4) of the first layer around the perimeter of said closure (1) for transport, forming a belt (8) for welding the transport closure. 2. A transport closure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first layer (2) is a cardboard layer, a metal disc, a plastic disc or a laminate thereof. 3. A transport closure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first layer (2) has a thickness of 5 to 2000 µm or 20 to 500 µm. 4. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that said second layer (3) comprises or consists of a plastic film or a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. 5. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that said second layer (3) has a thickness of 2 µm to 500 µm, for example 5 to 100 µm. 6. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, characterized in that said first layer (2) has a stiffness that is higher than that of said second layer (3). 7. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, characterized in that said peripheral edge (5) of the second layer extends beyond said peripheral edge (4) of the first layer at a distance of 1 to 25 mm, for example 2 to 10 mm. 8. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, characterized in that said first and second base points (6a, 6b) at said base (7b) are located at a distance from each other of at least 3 mm, for example, from 8 to 25 mm. 9. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, characterized in that said first layer (2) contains a corner section (12) and in that said tongue (7) is located on said corner section (12). 10. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, characterized in that said distances d1 and d2 for said first and second base points (6a, 6b), respectively, said weakening line (6) each is not more than 10 mm from said peripheral edge (4) of the first layer . 11. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that said tongue (7) has a V-shape, an O-shape, a U-shape or a modified U-shape. 12. Closure (1) for transportation according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, characterized in that the first indentation area (9) is formed in said first layer (2) or by said first layer (2), and in that said indentation area (9) is provided at said gripping end (7a) of said tongue (7). 13. Packaging container (10) for bulk materials, while said container (10) contains a tubular body (14) of the container with an upper end (15) with an upper opening (16) and a lower end (17) with a lower opening containing a bottom container, wherein said container body (14) has an inner surface (18) facing the interior of said packaging container (10) and an outer surface (19) facing away from said interior space, wherein said packaging container (10) is closed on said upper opening (16) by means of a removable transport closure, characterized in that said transport closure is a transport closure (1) according to any one of claims 1-12 and in that said welding belt (8) is welded to said inner surface (20) of said container body (14). 14. A method for removing a closure (1) for transportation from a packaging container (10) according to claim 13, including the steps of: a) grasping said tongue (7) at said gripping end (7a); b) pulling said tab (7) along said line (6) of weakening and in the direction of said base (7b) and said peripheral edge (4) of the first layer; c) lifting said tongue (7) slightly upward until said second layer (3) is torn and detached from said inner surface (20) of said container body (14); and d) pulling said tab (7) up and back relative to said base (7b) in such a way that said second layer (3) is torn and detached from said inner surface (20) at said weld and along said first and/or second shoulder (shoulders) (20a, 20b) lines of weakening along the peripheral edges (4) of said first layer (2) until said transport closure (1) is removed from said upper opening (16), leaving less than 0, 5 mm of said second layer (3) extending inside said upper opening (16) of said container body (14). 15. The method of removing the closure (1) for transportation from the packaging container (10) according to claim 14, further comprising the step of: a1) applying pressure in the first indentation area (9) formed in said first layer (2) or by said first layer (2) and provided on said gripping end (7a) of said tongue (7), and thereby deflecting said gripping end (7a) away from the transport closure (1) to form a gap under said gripping end (7a).

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