WO2007009570A2

WO2007009570A2 - Packaging for condoms

Info

Publication number: WO2007009570A2
Application number: PCT/EP2006/006364
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günter Marr; Eckard Itzek
Original assignee: Mapa Gmbh Gummi- Und Plastikwerke
Priority date: 2005-07-20
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: CN101257870A; WO2007009570A3; EP1904009A2; DE102005033875A1; IL188871A0

Abstract

Disclosed is a packaging for condoms, comprising a strip-shaped thermoformed part composed of a film with at least one row of thermoformed cavities which is disposed in the main direction of extension of the thermoformed part. Said cavities are provided with holes on one side of the thermoformed part in order to accommodate condoms. The packaging further comprises a strip-shaped covering film which covers the thermoformed part on the side of the holes and is sealed at least with the edge region of the holes, tearable perforations that are arranged between adjacent cavities, perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the combined thermoformed part and covering film, at least two overlapping sections of said combination, and joining means between the overlapping sections, said joining means keeping the overlapping sections together in an overlapping relation.

Description

Packaging for condoms

The invention relates to a package for condoms.

Known packages for condoms receive the rolled-up condom between two foils, which are hermetically sealed at the edges. The films are composite materials of metal and plastic. Several such film packages may be connected together in a chain. The chain has tear-off perforations between the seals so that individual packages can be separated from the chain. Several separate or linked to a chain individual packages are arranged in an overpack. This is usually a cardboard box. The outer packaging also contains a leaflet with instructions for use. The individual packaging or the chain of individual packaging is printed with product and manufacturer information. The outer packaging is provided with appropriate information.

The known packages for condoms are expensive. Changes in packaging size require at least a redesign of the outer packaging. A presentation on promotional display walls is not possible. The application requires a variety of handling steps in which much packaging waste is generated.

Based on this, the present invention seeks to provide a less expensive, promotional promotional and user-friendly packaging for condoms. The object is achieved by a package for condoms with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the packaging are specified in the subclaims.

The package for condoms according to the invention comprises

a strip-shaped deep-drawn part of a foil with at least one row of deep-drawn depressions arranged in the main expansion direction of the deep-drawn part, with openings on one side of the deep-drawn part for accommodating condoms,

a strip-shaped cover film covering the deep-drawn part on the side of the openings and sealed at least with the edge region of the openings;

tear-off perforations arranged transversely to the main expansion direction of the composite of deep-drawn part and covering film between adjacent depressions,

at least two mutually overlapping sections of the composite and

Connecting means between the overlapping portions, which hold these in overlapping relationship together.

The packaging according to the invention absorbs condoms in the depressions of the deep-drawn part. In the wells, the condoms are secured by the sealed cover sheet. Preferably, the seal runs continuously around the edge areas of the openings, so that the condoms are hermetically sealed from the circumference of the openings. are separated and sterility is guaranteed. At least two sections of the combination of deep-drawn part and covering film are arranged in overlapping relationship and secured in this arrangement by connecting means. As a result, a compact, a plurality of condoms comprehensive packaging is given. Due to the deep-drawn parts it is very stable. It can be stored in a conventional manner on the shelf or hung on display walls. In use, only individual condoms containing portions of the package need to be separated and opened by peeling off the cover. If necessary, the sections of the composite are at least partially separated from each other beforehand. The sealed-on cover film is a tamper-evident closure that prevents the customer from opening the package before buying. By suitable embodiment, the connecting means may be designed as Orginalitätsverschluß. The packaging is produced, for example, from cut-to-length sections of an endless-row composite of deep-drawn part and covering film. The packaging sizes can be varied with little effort by the size of the sections of the composite or the number of wells per section of the composite is selected accordingly. It is also possible to vary the number of mutually overlapping sections.

The depressions can be designed differently. These may be, for example, parallelepiped, polyhedron, cone, pyramid or obelisk-shaped depressions. According to a preferred embodiment, the recesses are circular cylindrical, so that they can accommodate a rolled up to the Öffhungsrand condom saving space. Preferably, each well receives a single condom. But also included in the invention is the design of the wells so that each well can accommodate multiple condoms. Further included in the invention is the execution of a deep-drawn part with several different shaped depressions, eg to make the packaging more interesting for the consumer or to point out different condoms.

According to one embodiment, the packaging has a plurality of parallel rows of depressions. The condoms are then arranged in the transverse direction of the strip-shaped composite in several rows next to each other. According to a further embodiment, the packaging between the parallel rows of depressions has further tear-open perforations in the longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped composite. This makes it possible to remove individual juxtaposed packaging sections by separating transverse and longitudinal tear-off perforations.

For the deep-drawn part and the cover different film materials come into consideration. For example, these are metallic foils or composite foils of metal and plastic. According to one embodiment, the deep-drawn part and / or the covering film is / are made of plastic. According to a further embodiment, the deep-drawn part is made of polypropylene or another polyolefin and / or the covering film is made of PET or of another polymer. The materials mentioned can be thermoformed or sealed.

The invention incorporates wholly or partially opaque and / or translucent embodiments of the packaging. According to one embodiment, the deep-drawn part and / or the cover film is / are completely or partially transparent. This allows the consumer to see the product in unopened or partially opened packaging. As a result, the purchase incentive can be set or the handling can be facilitated. The connecting means can be designed differently. For example, additional connecting parts are used, for example staples or expansion dowels. Furthermore, the connection means may comprise a bond or seal. The invention also relates to the integral design of the connecting means with the deep-drawn part and the cover sheet. According to one embodiment, the connecting means comprise a fold line between two sections of the composite. In the package thus made, the sections are brought into overlapping relationship by folding about the fold lines. In the region of the fold line, the packaging is weakened according to one embodiment, eg in which the deep-drawn part or the cover foil is interrupted there.

According to one embodiment, the packaging has only a single folding line. According to a further embodiment, the packaging has folding lines between more than two sections of the composite. This makes it possible to fold the sections of the composite in a Leporellofaltung one above the other.

An integrally formed with the composite connecting means is formed according to a further embodiment by at least one hole at least one end of a portion of the composite and by at least one knob engageable in the hole at the overlying end of another portion of the composite. This connecting means may be configured in the manner of a plastic anchor. A package may include a plurality of such connection means present at different ends of the sections. Advantageously, this connection means can be used in combination with a fold line present at the other end of the connected sections. The fold lines can in principle be arranged at any point between adjacent depressions. According to one embodiment, the fold lines fall in tear-off perforations. The weakening of the bond given by the tear-off perforation is also used as a fold line. The existing tear-off perforations can be used as folding lines for packaging of virtually any size.

The invention includes various embodiments of the tear-off perforations. For example, the tear-off perforations are formed exclusively in the thermoforming film or exclusively in the cover film. The tearing of the Abreißperforationen then takes place under tearing of not provided with a tear-off perforation part of the composite. This is particularly possible with the use of easily separable cover films that are not provided with a tear-off perforation. According to one embodiment, the tear-off perforations traverse the thermoforming sheet and the cover sheet, whereby a simple and accurate separation of sections of the composite along the Abreißperforationen is promoted. The tear-off perforations are formed, for example, by the deep-drawing film and / or the cover film crossing holes or slots. According to one embodiment, the composite has at the edges at the ends of the Abreißperforationen cutouts or cuts, which facilitate the separation of the Abreißperforation.

According to one embodiment, the packaging has a suspension opening at one end. The suspension opening can be used to hang the packaging on a hook of a display wall. It is possible to carry out the suspension opening in only one section of the composite. According to one embodiment, the suspension opening has overlapping opening parts in at least two sections of the composite. A suspension opening which crosses the entire package and has opening parts in all sections of the composite. makes it possible to postpone the packaging deep on the hook of a display wall, so that several packages can be arranged there one behind the other.

According to one embodiment, the packaging has the suspension opening at one end with a fold line. In the distance range between fold line and depression, the suspension opening can be accommodated to save space. According to one embodiment, the packaging has a greater spacing between a tear-off perforation forming the fold line and the adjacent depressions than between the other tear-off perforations and the depressions adjacent to them. This makes it possible to arrange the wells at short intervals next to each other and accommodate a suspension opening.

According to one embodiment, the depressions of the overlapping portions facing each other. Thus, the cover forms a smooth outer surface of the packaging, for example, is particularly well suited for printing.

According to one embodiment, a leaflet is arranged between two sections. The leaflet is fixed between the superimposed sections of the composite. According to one embodiment, the leaflet is arranged between the recesses and / or connecting means. As a result, the leaflet may be prevented from falling out of the package. It is also possible to provide the leaflet for securing in the packaging with at least one hole through which a button can be buttoned into the hole of the composite. The leaflet is stored between the sections of the association protected. According to one embodiment, the packaging has an imprint on at least one side.

According to a further embodiment, the packaging comprises on the opening edge rolled up condoms, which are arranged in the recesses.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings of an embodiment. In the drawings show:

Fig. 1, the package unfolded in a perspective view obliquely from above;

Fig. 2 shows the packaging when folding the sections of the composite around the fold line and before the buttons are buttoned in a perspective view obliquely from the front and from the side.

Fig. 3 shows the finished packaging in a side view.

1, the package 1 comprises a strip-shaped deep-drawn part 2 made of polypropylene with a plurality of recesses 3, which are arranged one behind the other in a row in the main extension direction of the deep-drawn part 2. In the example, the depressions 3 are approximately cuboid. They are introduced by deep drawing in a flat strip of polypropylene.

The deep-drawn part 2 has openings 4 of the recesses 3 on one side. These are covered by a strip-shaped cover 5 made of PET. The cover 5 is sealed flat with the openings 4 having the side of the deep-drawn part 2. Deep-drawn part 2 and cover film 5 thus form a composite 6. The composite 6 has tear-off perforations 7 between the depressions 3 transversely to its main expansion direction. These are each formed by slots 8 on a straight line which extends from side edge to side edge of the composite 6.

Between the middle tear-off perforation 7 and the adjacent depressions 3, opening parts 9 ', 9 "of a suspension opening 9 are provided.

Further, the composite 6 has at one end in the vicinity of its side edges, sleeves 10 ', 10 "with holes 11', 11" and at the other end pin-like buttons 12 ', 12 "with a spherical end portion 13', 13", in the holes 11 ', 11 "can be pressed in.

In the wells 3 rolled condoms 14 are included.

2, the sections 6 ', 6 "of the composite 6 are folded together around the middle tear-off perforation 7. The depressions 3 are directed towards one another with their bottoms facing one another on the outside of the cover film 5 ,

3, the folded-up portions 6 ', 6 "of the composite 6 are anchored in the holes 10', 10" by the buttons 12 ', 12 "being snapped in. When snapped on, the sleeves 10', 10" expand elastically and hold the penetrated end portions 13 ', 13 "of the buttons 12', 12" firmly.

Between the folded sections 6 ', 6 "a leaflet 16 is arranged, which is clamped between the sections 6', 6". The opening parts 9 ', 9 "together form a suspension opening 9 which can be threaded onto the hook of a display wall For removal of a condom 14, the user folds the sections while breaking the connections between buttons 12', 12" and sleeves 10 ', 10 " 6 ', 6 "and separates along a tear-off perforation 6 a packaging section 1' with a condom 14. After removing the cover, the condom 14 can be removed.

If necessary, further condoms 14 are removed from the package 1 in the manner described.

Claims

1. Packaging for condoms with

a strip-shaped deep-drawn part (2) made of a film having at least one row of deep-drawn depressions (3) with openings (4) on one side of the deep-drawn part (2) for receiving condoms (14), a strip-shaped one, arranged in the main expansion direction of the deep-drawn part (2). the deep-drawn part (2) on the side of the openings (4) covering and at least with the edge region of the openings (4) sealed cover (5), transverse to the main expansion direction of the composite (6) of deep-drawn part (2) and cover (5) between adjacent Wells (3) arranged Abreißperforationen (7), at least two mutually overlapping portions (6 ', 6 ") of the composite (6) and

Connecting means (11, 12) between the overlapping portions (6 ', 6 ") which hold together these overlapping relationship.

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the recesses (3) are circular cylindrical.

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, which has a plurality of parallel rows of recesses (3).

4. Packaging according to claim 3, which has further tear-off perforations (7) between the parallel rows of recesses (3).

5. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the deep-drawn part (2) and / or the cover film (5) is / are made of plastic.

6. Packaging according to claim 5, wherein the deep-drawn part (2) made of polypropylene or another polyolefin and / or the cover sheet (5) made of PET or another polymer is / are.

7. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deep-drawn part (2) and / or the cover film (5) is / are transparent.

8. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting means (11, 12) comprise a fold line (7) between at least two sections (6 ', 6 ") of the composite (6).

9. Packaging according to claim 8, wherein the fold line (7) falls into a tear-off perforation (7).

10. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the Abreißperforation (7) and / or the thermoforming sheet (2) and the cover (5) through holes or slots (8).

11. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting means (1 1, 12) at least one end of a portion (6 ', 6 ") at least one hole (11) and at the overlying end of another portion ( 6 ', 6 ") have at least one in the hole (11) einknöpfbaren button (12).

12. A package according to claim 11, wherein the hole (11) and knob (12) are integrally formed in the composite (6) of thermoforming sheet (2) and cover sheet (5).

13. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, which has a suspension opening (9) at one end.

14. Packaging according to claim 13, wherein the suspension opening (9) has overlapping opening parts (9 ', 9 ") in at least two sections (6', 6") of the composite (6).

15. Packaging according to claim 13 or 14, which has the suspension opening (9) at one end with a folding line (7).

16. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the recesses (3) of the overlapping portions (6 ', 6 ") facing each other.

17. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein between two sections (6 ', 6 ") a leaflet (16) is arranged.

18. Packaging according to claim 16, wherein the leaflet (16) between the recesses (3) and / or connecting means (11, 12) is arranged.

19. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 18, which has an overprint (15) on at least one side.

20. Packaging according to one of claims 1 to 19, with rolled condoms (14) which are arranged in the recesses (3).