Individual package that can be arranged side-by-side in a row with label strips for a medically tight closure

Abstract

Package block (3, 5) consisting of individual packages (1, 2) that are mechanically coupled together and can be separated from one another by a shear force acting along the respective parting joint (11) and can be sealed medically tight at least in the vicinity of their container openings (14) by a continuous label strip (17), wherein the continuous label strip (17) consists of individual labels (18-20) connected to one another across parting edges (32), and that the parting edges (32) are aligned with the parting joints (11) between the individual packages (1, 2).

Claims

1. A package block comprising: a plurality of individual packages that can be mechanically coupled and separated from one another by a shear force acting along respective parting joints, each of the plurality of individual packages having an opening on one end surrounded by container edges; and a continuous label strip for sealing the opening of each of the plurality of individual packages medically tight, wherein the continuous label strip comprises individual labels connected to one another across parting edges, the parting edges aligned with the parting joint between the plurality of individual packages, wherein each individual label comprises a front backing which adheres adhesively to a front side of each of the plurality of individual packages, and is adjacent to a closing sheet that seals the opening via a folded edge, and wherein a parting strength of an edge part of the parting edge in the area of the closing sheet covering the opening of each of the plurality of individual packages is sized so that when the individual label is separated at the parting edge, the adhesive strength of the closing sheet on the encircling container edges is not exceeded.

2. The package block of claim 1, wherein the parting edge is continuous over an entire length of the parting edge between the individual labels lined up side-by-side in a row with one another.

3. The package block of claim 1, wherein adherence properties of the individual labels to surfaces of the individual packages are different, in connection with a tear force on different edge parts of the parting edge.

4. The package block of claim 1, wherein the individual packages lined up side-by-side in a row can be separated from one another in a direction of a longitudinal axis therebetween or in a direction of a transverse axis by a counter-rotation movement, and wherein a shear force effects tearing of the parting edge over the entire length.

5. The package block of claim 1, wherein a top closing sheet is adjacent a rear folded edge to a backing that adhesively covers a backside of each of the plurality of individual packages.

6. The package block of claim 5, wherein a pull tab is located on a rear portion of the closing sheet or on the rear backing.

7. The package block of claim 1, comprising three or more individual packages.

8. A label strip for a package block, wherein the package block comprises a plurality of individual packages that can be mechanically coupled and separated from one another by a shear force acting along respective parting joints, and can be sealed medically tight at least proximate to individual package openings by the label strip, the label strip comprising: a continuous parting edge between individual labels of the label strip, wherein the continuous parting edge comprises a top edge part, a middle edge part, and a lower edge part, wherein the top edge part and the lower edge part have identical first separation properties, and the middle edge part associated with a sealable closing sheet and has a second separation property such that a separation force required for separation of the middle edge part at the sealable closing sheet is less than a separation force required for separation of the top and bottom edge parts.

9. The label strip of claim 8, wherein the middle edge part is formed by an open perforation that extends to a folded edge.

10. The label strip of claim 9, wherein the open perforation is bordered on an end side by tearable connecting webs.

11. The label strip of claim 8, wherein the top and bottom edge parts of the parting edge are formed by microperforations.

12. A package block comprising: a plurality of individual packages that are mechanically coupled to one another and can be separated from one another by a shear force acting along respective parting joints, each of the plurality of individual packages having an opening on one end surrounded by container edges; and a continuous label strip for sealing the opening of each of the plurality of individual packages medically tight, wherein the continuous label strip comprises individual labels separated from one another by cut lines, wherein the cut lines of the individual labels are aligned with the parting joints between the individual packages, and wherein an auxiliary strip is adhesively attached temporarily to an upper side of the individual labels proximate the opening of the individual packages, and wherein the auxiliary strip is attached at least as long as the individual labels are not completely sealed on the individual package openings of the package block.

13. The package block of claim 12, comprising three or more individual packages.

14. A continuous label strip for a package block, wherein the package block comprises individual packages that can be mechanically coupled and separated from one another by a shear force acting along a parting joint, and can be sealed medically tight at least proximate to individual package openings by the continuous label strip, the continuous label strip comprising: individual labels separated from one another by cut lines, wherein the cut lines are aligned with the parting joints between the individual packages, and wherein an auxiliary strip is adhesively attached temporarily to an upper side of the individual labels proximate the opening of the individual packages, and wherein the auxiliary strip is attached at least as long as the individual labels are not completely sealed on the individual package openings of the package block.

15. A method for labeling a package block with a continuous label strip, the method comprising: individual labels of the continuous label strip, which are connected with each other along their longitudinal edges, are separated from one another along cut lines, to secure the separated individual labels in position, at least one auxiliary strip is adhesively attached to an upper side of the separated individual labels proximate a sealable closing sheet of the individual label before, during or after the separation, the individual labels, which are held together in secure positions by the auxiliary strip, are laid with a bottom side of the sealable closing sheets in contact with edges on container openings of individual packages of a package block and sealed, additional adhesively attachable parts of the individual labels are adhesively attached with appropriate applicator tools on a front side and optionally a back side of the individual packages, and the auxiliary strip is removed before or during or after the additional adhesively attachable parts of the individual labels are adhesively attached.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is explained in greater detail below on the basis of drawings, which illustrate only one exemplary embodiment. Additional features that are essential to the invention and advantages of the invention can be derived from these drawings and the description thereof.

(2) In the figures:

(3) FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a packaging block that consists of three individual packages line up side-by-side with one another in a row and that can be detached from one another.

(4) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the individual package illustrated in FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of two different embodiments of individual packages with laterally different connecting means.

(6) FIG. 4 is a plan view of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment that is approximately the same as FIG. 1, and shows how an individual package is detachably aligned in the packaging block.

(8) FIG. 6 shows a variant form of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

(9) FIGS. 7-10 illustrate different packaging blocks of different lengths, which can consist either of individual packaging blocks arranged side-by-side in a row as illustrated in FIG. 6 or of individual packages as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(10) FIG. 11 is a view in perspective of a first preferred embodiment of a label strip.

(11) FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an identification strip that can be lifted from the label strip 17 of an individual label.

(12) FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the application of a label strip which for reasons of simplification shows only the application of an individual label to an individual package.

(13) FIG. 14 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an individual label.

(14) FIG. 14a is a cross-section along the center line in FIG. 14.

(15) FIG. 15 shows the back side of the individual label illustrated in FIG. 14.

(16) FIG. 16 is a plan view of the second embodiment of a label strip.

(17) FIG. 17 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the label strip.

(18) FIG. 18 is a section through another embodiment of the adhesive and sealing labels on the individual label.

(19) FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of the flow of forces of the separating force during the tearing of the sealing surface in the vicinity of the closing sheet.

(20) FIG. 20 is an equivalent illustration showing the displacement force during the counter-rotational movement of the individual packages with the goal of separating the label strip in the vicinity of the longer parting line.

(21) FIG. 21 shows a first embodiment for the configuration of a parting edge of this type.

(22) FIG. 22 shows a second embodiment for the configuration of a parting edge.

(23) FIG. 23 shows a third embodiment for the configuration of a parting edge.

(24) FIG. 24 shows a fourth embodiment for the configuration of a parting edge on the first label form.

(25) FIG. 25 shows a fifth embodiment of a parting edge for the second type of label.

(26) FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of the force relationships during the separation of the label in the vicinity of the closing sheet.

(27) FIG. 27 shows an additional embodiment of a label strip.

DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(28) FIG. 1 is a general view of a packaging block 3 that consists of individual packages 1, 2 lined up side-by-side in a row with one another. Between the individual packages 1, 2 there are parting joints 11, and each individual package 1, 2 has a front side 44 and a lateral surface 46, wherein the front side 44 is opposite a back side 45.

(29) The sleeve-like individual packages 1, 2 each form a container opening 14 that is open on the top, and in the interior of the container opening 14by way of examplea push-in holder 10 to hold medical implant screws is shown.

(30) The lateral connecting means between the individual packages 1, 2 can be configured in a number of different ways.

(31) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the right side of the figure shows that a connecting element 6 that is open on the bottom has lateral lugs as illustrated in FIG. 2 and can be inserted into a corresponding undercut groove 8 of a mating element 9.

(32) Instead of a connecting element 6 open on the bottom as shown on the right side in FIG. 3, there can also be a connecting element 7 that is open on the back.

(33) The configuration of the mating connecting means that can be easily detached from each other by a relative force between the individual packages 1, 2, can be anything that is desired. Various other connecting means of the prior art can also be used, such as those that are described, for example, in WO 99/17 910 A1 or in US 2002/0079313 A1.

(34) While FIG. 5 illustrates the connection principle of the individual packages 1, 2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, FIG. 5 shows that each individual package can be lined up side-by-side in a row with a movement in the direction of the arrow with the lateral surface 46 of the existing packaging block 3.

(35) As a variant of this design, FIG. 6 shows that a plurality of individual packages can also form a cohesive packaging block 5, and that individual packaging blocks 5 can be connected with one another side-by-side in a row by means of the mechanical connecting means 6, 8, 9, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(36) Accordingly, FIGS. 7 to 10 all show different possible combinations that can be used to continue the individual packages shown there in the form of packaging blocks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c in any desired fashion.

(37) While FIGS. 7 to 10 show individual packaging blocks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c of different lengths, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the different length packaging blocks 5, 5a, 5b, 5c can also be connected to one another side-by-side in a row with the mechanical connecting means illustrated in FIG. 5 and separated from one another.

(38) FIG. 6 also shows that the packaging blocks formed from a plurality of individual packages can be attached to a holding plate 15, for which purpose a board frame 16 can be used.

(39) FIG. 1, in comparison to FIG. 3, shows that the upper surrounding container opening 14 can be provided with an additional coating 13 before the application of associated label strips 17 (see FIG. 11). Therefore, the container edge 12 is in the form of the sealing surface.

(40) FIG. 11 shows as a first exemplary embodiment a label strip 17 that consists of a plurality of individual labels 18, 19, 20 that are connected to one another, each of which is detachably separated by means of parting edges 32.

(41) As indicated in the general description, there are special difficulties in separating an individual package 1 in the direction of the arrow 53 from the rest of the group of individual packages, because the shear movement (relative movement between the individual package 1 and 2 in the vicinity of the parting line 11) must also tear the parting edge 32 of the label strip 17.

(42) As explained below, there are no particular problems with regard to the front edge portion 35 and the rear edge portion 33, because these are moved by the shear motion in the same plane relative to each other and tear off easily. The problem consists in the separation of the upper edge portion 34, which relates to the closing sheet 23 of the label strip. This closing sheet 23 must specifically adhere to the encircling container edge 12 absolutely securely and in a sealed manner and may not be lifted by the resulting thrust force in the direction of the arrow 53.

(43) The invention therefore teaches the measures described below as solutions to the aforementioned problems.

(44) The label strip 17 illustrated in FIG. 11 consists of a fibrous fleece-like, membranous textile material that is commercially available under the tradename Tyvek. Adhesively attached to the backing 21, on the front side, are one or more identification strips 22 that can also be detached as illustrated in FIG. 12.

(45) The closing sheet 23 and the backing 21 are made of a single piece of material and are continued toward the rear into an additional backing 25 on the back side. On this rear backing 25, a pull tab 24 can be formed which projects beyond the backing 25, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

(46) It is possible to detach the pull tab 24 together with the backing 25 from the back side of the container, or only to tear off the pull tab 24 by itself, and thus also the closing sheet 23, whereby the closing sheet 23 remains connected to the backing 21 along a folded edge 28.

(47) In another configuration, the folded edge 28 can also be in the form of a perforation edge to guarantee that the closing sheet 23 can be pulled completely off the backing 21, and the backing 21 then remains adhering to the front side 44 of the individual package.

(48) FIGS. 14, 14a and 15 illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the label strip 17 which consists of a different type of individual label 18a. A plurality of individual labels 18a then also form a label strip which, for purposes of illustration only, is shown not connected together. Accordingly, FIGS. 14 to 18 describe only an individual label.

(49) FIG. 14 shows that the second embodiment of an individual label 18a of this type consists of a backing 21, to the front side of which an identification strip 22 is adhesively attached. The backing 21 transitions toward the closing sheet 23 across a folded edge 28 into the closing sheet 23, wherein the figure shows that located in the vicinity of the closing sheet 23 there is a middle membrane area 29 that can be square, rectangular or round.

(50) The membrane surface 29 can be any desired shape and is characterized by the fact that it does not have an adhesive layer either on the top side or on the back side, to guarantee a membranous entrance to the container opening 14 and the interior of the individual package 1.

(51) The surrounding edge that extends around the membrane surface 29 is called the peripheral area 30, and can be coated on its back side with a sealing varnish or another adhesive.

(52) Adjacent to the top side of the closing sheet 23 is a pull tab 24. It does not have the rear backing 25 that is illustrated in FIG. 11. Accordingly, this individual label does not extend across the back side 45 of the individual package.

(53) FIG. 14 shows that the membrane surface 29 is uncoated and forms an open passage for vapor or gas sterilization means.

(54) FIG. 14a shows a section along the center longitudinal line through FIG. 14, with a slight variation. First, the figure shows that the entire back side of the individual label 18a is provided with a sealable coating 27 which consequently also extends over the membrane surface 29. If the thickness of the coating 27 is not too great, at the same time a free passage of vapor or gas sterilization means through the membrane surface 29 and through the coating 27 that closes this membrane surface is guaranteed.

(55) Therefore, two different embodiments are illustrated, wherein in the first embodiment the membrane surface 29 is uncoated, while in the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14a the membrane surface is closed with the sealable coating 27.

(56) The identification strip 22, which can also be provided with an adhesive layer 38 as illustrated in FIG. 18, is adhesively attached to the front sidein the vicinity of the backing 21.

(57) FIG. 15 shows the back side of the individual label illustrated in FIG. 14, and shows that on the back side there is an open space 31 that can be provided with an adhesive layer, although that is not necessary.

(58) FIG. 18 shows a section through the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, and shows that the sealable coating 27 does not extend over the membrane surface 29, but leaves it uncoated.

(59) Otherwise, the same reference numbers are used for the same parts, wherein it should also be added that the pull tab 24 is connected by means of a folded edge 26 with the material of the backing sheet 21.

(60) FIG. 18 also shows that in the vicinity of the closing sheet 23 there is a sealable coating 27 that ensures an absolutely tight closure with the encircling container opening 14, while in the same plane, but below it and on the back side of the backing sheet 21, there is a different type of coating 39 which is preferably in the form of a simple adhesive layer. However, this coating 39 does not have to be sealable. No adhesive layer is applied to the backside of the pull tab 24, to make it easily accessible.

(61) FIG. 16 shows the label strip 17 illustrated in FIG. 11 in a plan view, and shows that the individual labels 18, 19, 20 that are connected to one another are connected to one other by means of vertical parting edges 32. Each parting edge 32 is divided into the top edge part 33, the middle edge part 34 and the bottom edge part 35.

(62) The edge parts 33 and 35 have the same parting characteristics, while the middle edge part 34 has a different parting characteristic.

(63) The figure also shows that in the vicinity of the closing sheet 23, there is a peripheral area 30 with a high-strength sealable coating.

(64) FIG. 17 shows, as a variant of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the other exemplary embodiment of a label strip 17a, which consists of the individual labels 18a, 19a at 20a, and wherein in the vicinity of a continuous parting edge 32, an edge part 34 is defined that is located in the vicinity of the closing sheet 23 and is continued into the edge part 35 that extends downward.

(65) Different pull tabs 24 can be present in any shape desired.

(66) The middle edge part 34 therefore extends between the intersecting points 36 and 37. It must then be ensured that during the separation of the individual labels 18, 19, 20 or 18a, 19a, 20a along the edge part 34, in no case is the peripheral area 30 that is sealed all around damaged.

(67) To solve this problem, the invention teaches a variety of measures that will be described in greater detail below.

(68) FIG. 19 shows a diagram of forces in which the parting force FT is plotted on the ordinate and the parting time t that is required to separate the connection between the individual labels is plotted on the abscissa.

(69) At the zero point of the coordinate system, the parting force FT in the form of a peeling force 42 begins to act. It increases in the direction of the arrow 41 and in any case must exceed the maximum connecting force between the individual labels 18, 19, 20 in the vicinity of the edge part 34 to guarantee a separation of the edge part 34.

(70) A force differential 43 is indicated as the difference between the maximum connecting force and the minimum sealing force in the vicinity of the container opening 14 in the surrounding peripheral area 30 that must in any case be overcome for the peeling force 42 to be effective. Therefore, there must always be a force differential 43 that maintains a safety margin to guarantee that the minimum sealing force SS is always greater than the parting force FT.

(71) The edge part 34 is therefore torn at the parting point 40, without overcoming the minimum sealing force or adhesive force in the surrounding peripheral area 30.

(72) FIG. 20, on the other hand, illustrates the relative movement of the edge parts 33 and 35 that run in the longitudinal direction, wherein the displacement force between the individual packages 1, 2, starting from the zero point of the coordinate system acts in the direction indicated by the arrow 41 and the displacement force is selected so that the tear strength along the edge part 35 and 33 is exceeded, so that these edge parts tear off. The tear strength along the edge parts 33 and 35 is then exceeded and the edge parts are thus separated from each other because the force relationships illustrated in FIG. 19 with reference to the center edge part 34 must be preserved.

(73) The force differential 48 shows that the adhesive force in the shear direction that the backing sheet 21 has on the front and back sides 44, 45 is not exceeded. In other words, the label must remain adhering to the front and back sides and only the edge part 33, 35 is torn off. A separation between the edge parts 33, 35 attached to each other therefore occurs at the parting point 47.

(74) FIGS. 21 to 26 show different embodiments of parting edges 32 of this type. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23, the parting edge 32 of a label strip 17a is shown, while FIG. 24 shows a parting edge 32c for a label strip 17.

(75) FIG. 21 shows that the critical edge part 34 can be formed by an open perforation 49 that extends to the folded edge 28. The open perforation 49 is accordingly always open on the end and transitions downward into a perforated edge part 35 that has the perforation 50.

(76) The perforation can be in different embodiments. It can include spot punchouts, linear punchouts or any other type of punchouts. It can also be in the form of microperforation.

(77) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, on the other hand, the open perforation 49 is always closed on the end by means of connecting webs 51, so that when the entire parting edge 32 is torn off, first the two facing connecting webs 51 must be torn off before the open perforation 49 can be opened and then the subsequent peeling force continues into the perforation 50 of the lower edge part 35.

(78) FIG. 23 shows a variation of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, in which, instead of a continuous open perforation 49 with top and bottom end-side connecting webs 51, the connecting webs can extend parallel and at a distance from one another across the open perforation 49, so that there are empty spaces between them as the open perforation 49.

(79) FIG. 24 shows an individual label of the type provided for a label strip 17, wherein all the explanations of FIGS. 21 to 23 above also apply for the edge part 34 shown there. It is shown purely by way of example that the open perforation 49 is continuous, although all the other embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23 can be used. It is also shown that the rear edge part 33, which is likewise provided with a perforation 50, is also adjacent to the bottom perforated edge part 35.

(80) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, instead of an open perforation 49, there can also be a perforation section 52 in the vicinity of the critical edge part 34, wherein this perforation section 52 is preferably in the form of microperforation. Otherwise, the same reference numbers are used for the same parts.

(81) FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of a tearing process in a lateral view, when a label strip with an individual label illustrated in FIG. 25 is torn off. It is apparent that the separation force FT to the left must result in a tearing of the edge part 34, while in the neighboring part the adhesion force FS must be maintained, to prevent a tearing of material in the neighboring area.

(82) FIG. 27 illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment for labeling a packaging block 3-5. To simplify the description, only the label strip 17b according to the invention is illustrated, which is characterized by the fact that in a prior step, the individual labels that are oriented parallel next to one another and are attached to one another are completely separated from one another by cut lines 54. Therefore, they are no longer connected at any point. To guarantee the secure positioning of the individual labels that have already been separated, the individual labels are fixed in position by an auxiliary strip 55 before, during or after the application of the cut lines 54.

(83) It is preferable if the auxiliary strip 55 is adhesively connected with its longitudinal dimension above and across the individual labels arranged parallel and detached next to one another with its underside adhesive surface 56 so that it covers the sealable closing sheets 23. It is especially important to secure them in position in this area because the covering sheets 23 must be sealed with their sealable undersides in the proper position on the container edge 12 surrounding the container openings 14.

(84) It is therefore preferred if, during the sealing process, the auxiliary strip 55 remains on the individual labels. Otherwise, all the individual labels 18, 19, 20; 18a, 19a, 20a; 18b, 19b, 20b that are explained in greater detail above can be used.

(85) Instead of the use of a single auxiliary strip 55, which is preferably adhesively attached so that it runs over all the individual labels in the vicinity of their closing sheets, in another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary strip can either be adhesively attached in another position over all the individual labels or more than one auxiliary strip can be used.

(86) After the closing sheets 23 of the individual labels have all been sealed on the container openings 14, the at least one auxiliary strip 55 can be peeled off before, during or after the sealing process.

(87) The projecting additional sealable parts of the individual labels can then be adhesively connected to the other surfaces of the individual package with a suitable application tool.

(88) One advantage of the technical teaching of the independent claim 15 and of the additional claims that make reference to it is that when the labeled individual packages 1, 2 are separated from the packaging block 3, 5, there is no longer any danger that a tearable parting edge between the individual labels will damage the neighboring label, because the parting edge is no longer there.

NOMENCLATURE

(89) 1 Individual package 2 Individual package 3 Packaging block
4
5 Packaging block 6 Connecting element 7 Connecting element 8 Groove 9 Counter element 10 Push-in holder 11 Parting joint 12 Container edge 13 Coating 14 Container opening 15 Holding plate 16 Board frame 17 Label strip a 18 Individual label a, b 19 Individual label 20 Individual label 21 Backing (front) 22 Identification strip 23 Closing sheet 24 Tear-off tab 25 Backing (back) 26 Folded edge 27 Coating (seal) 28 Folded edge; 28a (back) 29 Membrane surface 30 Peripheral area 31 Open area 32 Parting edge 33 Edge part (rear) 34 Edge part (top) 35 Edge part (front) 36 Intersection point 37 Intersection point 38 Adhesive layer 39 Coating (adhesive) 40 Parting point 41 Directional arrow 42 Peel force (on 24) 43 Force differential 44 Front side (of 1, 2) 45 Back side (of 1, 2) 46 Side surface 47 Separation point 48 Differential 49 Open perforation 50 Perforation 51 Connecting web 52 Perforation section (top) 53 Directional arrow 54 Cut line 55 Auxiliary strip 56 Adhesive surface