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HK1212959A1 - Easy-to-open, resealable food product packaging,systems and methods - Google Patents

Easy-to-open, resealable food product packaging,systems and methods Download PDF

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Publication number
HK1212959A1
HK1212959A1 HK16100941.2A HK16100941A HK1212959A1 HK 1212959 A1 HK1212959 A1 HK 1212959A1 HK 16100941 A HK16100941 A HK 16100941A HK 1212959 A1 HK1212959 A1 HK 1212959A1
Authority
HK
Hong Kong
Prior art keywords
food
package
fin seal
food product
access area
Prior art date
Application number
HK16100941.2A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
．斯特喬瓦
T．斯特乔瓦
．漢南特
B．汉南特
．賴特
M.赖特
．麥克唐納
J.麦克唐纳
．科洪
D．科洪
Original Assignee
马斯公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 马斯公司 filed Critical 马斯公司
Publication of HK1212959A1 publication Critical patent/HK1212959A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5827—Tear-lines provided in a wall portion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/007—Perforating strips of completed packages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/06—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2220/00—Specific aspects of the packaging operation
    • B65B2220/08—Creating fin seals as the longitudinal seal on horizontal or vertical form fill seal [FFS] machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/04—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages
    • B65B61/06—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D2575/52—Details
    • B65D2575/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D2575/586—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture with means for reclosing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/60—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for sweets or like confectionery products

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)

Abstract

A food product package (200) may include two side fin seals (202) (204) and a bottom fin seal (206). The two side fin seals (202) (204) may be substantially parallel to one another. The bottom fin seal (206) may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the side fin seals. The bottom fin seal (206) may form a tab that is large enough for a user to grip and use to open the food product package (200). The food product package (200) may have a weakened access area to allow for easy opening of the food product package (200). The food product package (200) may include adhesive (210) that may be used to re-seal an opened food product package (200). The adhesive(210) may be covered by a removable strip (212).

Description

Easy-open resealable food product packaging, system and method
Technical Field
Generally, the present invention relates to packaging for food products. In particular, the present invention relates to packaging for food products using fin seals (final).
Background
In prior art candy bars, the candy bar typically has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis. Under normal handling, the package is placed around the candy bar and as a first step, the package is fin-sealed under the candy bar to form a fin seal along the longer longitudinal axis of the candy bar. As a second step, the candy bars are end-sealed. In many prior art applications, the fin seal typically extends the entire length of the bulk sugar package, and the end seals are intermittent (intermittent) and are formed by clip packaging.
Drawings
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a food package according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2A and 2B show another embodiment of a food package according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3A and 3B show another embodiment of a food package according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a system for preparing a food package according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method for preparing a food package according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a flow chart of a method for opening a food product package according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a food package 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The food product package 100 may include a first side fin seal 102, a second side fin seal 104, or a bottom fin seal 106. The first side fin seal 102 may be located at an end or side of the food product package 100. The second side fin seal 104 may be substantially parallel to the first side fin seal 102. The second side fin seal 104 may be located at a different end or side of the food product package 100 than the end or side of the food product package 100 where the first side fin seal 102 may be found. The bottom fin seal 106 may be substantially perpendicular to the first side fin seal 102 or the second side fin seal 104. The bottom fin seal 106 may extend transversely across the food package from the first side fin seal 102 to the second side fin seal 104.
In another embodiment, the first side fin seal 102 may have substantially straight edges. Alternatively, the first side fin seal 102 may have non-serrated edges. Alternatively, the first side fin seal 102 may have serrated edges. In another embodiment, the second side fin seal 104 may have substantially straight edges. Alternatively, the second side fin seal 104 may have non-serrated edges. Alternatively, the second side fin seal 104 may have serrated edges. In another embodiment, the bottom fin seal 106 may have substantially straight edges. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may have non-serrated edges. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may have serrated edges.
In another embodiment, the bottom fin seal 106 may be offset from the center of the food product package 100. For food product packages 100 having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the bottom fin seal 106 may be substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package 100. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may be located along the center of the food product package 100. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may be offset from the center of the food product package 100.
The bottom fin seal 106 may form a bottom fin that is large enough for a consumer to grasp and for opening the food package 100. The bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 106 may have serrated edges. The bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 106 may have non-serrated edges. The bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 106 may have substantially straight edges.
In one embodiment, the food package 100 may be made of plastic or mylar.
The method for opening the food package for the user is further described below.
Fig. 2A and 2B show a food package 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The food package 200 according to this embodiment may include a first side fin seal 202, a second side fin seal 204, a bottom fin seal 206, an adhesive structure 208 including an adhesive layer 210 and an adhesive cover (adhesive) 212. The adhesive layer 210 may be used to reseal the food package 200 after it is opened.
The adhesive cover 212 may cover the adhesive layer 210 such that the adhesive layer 210 does not adhere to any surface (including any portion of the food package 200) until the adhesive cover 212 has been removed to expose the adhesive layer 210.
In one embodiment, the adhesive structure 208 may be located on a surface of the food product package 200 below the bottom fin seal 206 such that the adhesive structure 208 may be hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206 is folded down. Alternatively, the adhesive structure 208 may be located on the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206, preferably on the side where the adhesive structure 208 may be hidden or obscured when the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206 is folded down.
In one embodiment, the adhesive structure 208 may extend transversely across the food product package 200 from the first side fin seal 202 to the second side fin seal 204. In embodiments where the food package 200 has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the adhesive structure 208 may be substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food package 200.
In embodiments in which the adhesive structure 208 is not pre-applied to the food product package 200, the adhesive structure 208 may be applied to the food product package 200 after the first side fin seal 202, the second side fin seal 204, or the bottom fin seal 206 have been formed. In one embodiment, the adhesive cover 212 may be applied to the adhesive layer 210 after the adhesive layer 210 has been applied to the food package 200.
In one embodiment, the adhesive cover 212 may include gripping tabs for a user to grip to remove the adhesive cover 212 and expose the adhesive layer 210. Alternatively, the adhesive cover 212 may include a plurality of gripping tabs for a user to grip to remove the adhesive cover 212 and expose the adhesive layer 210.
In operation, a user grasps the gripping tab of the adhesive cover 212. The user then pulls the adhesive cover 212 away from the adhesive layer 210 to expose the adhesive layer 210. The user may then push the fins formed by the bottom fin seal 206 into contact with the adhesive layer 210 to adhere the fins to the adhesive layer 210. In an alternative embodiment in which the adhesive cover 212 has a plurality of gripping tabs, the user may grasp a first gripping tab to pull the adhesive cover 212 away from the adhesive layer 210, and then the user may release the first gripping tab and grasp a second gripping tab on the adhesive cover 212 to pull the adhesive cover 212 away from the adhesive layer. The user may grasp and pull as many gripping tabs as are available on the adhesive cover 212.
Fig. 3A and 3B show a food package 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. A food product package 300 according to this embodiment may include a first side fin seal 302, a second side fin seal 304, a bottom fin seal 306, a separation region 308, and a weakened access region 310. The weakened access area 310 may provide a weakened area on the food package to increase the ease of opening the food package without tearing the food package. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may facilitate clean and clean opening of the food package by reducing the number of serrated edges formed when opening the food package.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may be formed by scoring (wrapping) the food package 300. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may be formed by a laser. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may be formed by perforating an outer layer of the food package 300.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may form a line that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal 306. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may form a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal 306. Alternatively, for food packages 300 having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the weakened access area 310 may form a line or rectangle that is substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis of the food package 300 and substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may extend transversely across the food product package 300 from the first side fin seal 302 to the second side fin seal 304. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may form a semi-circle.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may be located below the bottom fin seal 306 such that the weakened access area 310 is hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 306 is folded down. In one embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of the food package 300. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of the food package 300.
In one embodiment, the separation region 308 may be located below the bottom fin seal 306 such that the separation region 308 is hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 306 is folded down. In one embodiment, separation region 308 may be located at the junction where bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of food package 300. Alternatively, separation region 308 may be offset from the junction where bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of food package 300. In one embodiment, separation region 308 may extend transversely across the food product package 300 from first side fin seal 302 to second side fin seal 304.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may form a portion of the separation region 308.
In operation, in a first step, a user grasps the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 306. Second, the weakened access area 310 is engaged. Third, the user pulls the fin away from food package 300 to initiate separation at separation area 308. Alternatively, the user may apply pressure to the weakened access area 310 in order to initiate separation at the separation area 308.
Fig. 6 shows a flow chart 600 of a method for opening and resealing a food product package according to an embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart is shown with various steps. Some steps may be omitted, and/or may be performed in a different order. Steps may be performed for a food package having a first side fin (such as first side fin 102 in fig. 1), a second side fin (such as second side fin 104 in fig. 1), a bottom fin (such as bottom fin 106 in fig. 1), an adhesive structure having an adhesive layer and an adhesive cover (such as adhesive structure 208, adhesive layer 210, and adhesive cover 212 in fig. 2A), a weakened access area (such as weakened access area 310 in fig. 3A), and a separation area (such as separation area 308 in fig. 3A), substantially as described above.
At step 602, a user may grasp a bottom fin formed by a bottom fin seal on a food package. In one embodiment, the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal is large enough for a user to comfortably grip the bottom fin. In another embodiment, the bottom fin may be offset from the center of the food package to improve handling and handling of the article when the user opens the package to present the food item.
At step 604, the user may then pull the bottom fin away from the food package to engage the weakened access area. In one embodiment, the bottom fin may be folded down onto the food package, and the user may need to fold the bottom fin up from the food package in order to properly engage the weakened access area. When a user pulls the bottom tab fin away from the food package and engages the weakened access area with sufficient force, the weakened access area may begin to fracture, separate, and/or come apart and may form a separation area. The food item may be presented to the user when the separation region is formed as the user pulls the bottom fin away from the food package. The weakened access area may provide a weakened area on the food package to increase the ease of opening the food package without tearing the food package. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may facilitate clean and clean opening of the food package by reducing the number of serrated edges formed when opening the food package.
The user may then grasp the pull tab on the adhesive cover covering the adhesive layer on the food package at step 606. In one embodiment, the adhesive cover may have a plurality of tabs.
At step 608, the user may then pull the tab on the adhesive cover away from the adhesive layer to expose the adhesive layer on the food package. In embodiments where the adhesive cover has a plurality of pull tabs, a user may grasp and pull a first pull tab, then grasp and pull another pull tab, and grasp and pull as many pull tabs as are available on the adhesive cover.
The user may then reseal the food package by folding the bottom fin back over the separation area and pushing the bottom fin into contact with the exposed adhesive layer, in step 610, so as to engage the adhesive layer and adhere the bottom fin to the adhesive layer.
In one embodiment, the food package may be repeatedly re-opened and re-sealed.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 400 for preparing food packages. The system 400 may include a conveyor belt 402, a package dispenser 404, a package former 406, a bottom fin seal 408, a cutter 410, a side fin seal 412, and a weakened access area former 414.
In operation, individual food products are fed by the conveyor 402 to the package former 406 and food product packages are fed by the package dispenser 404 to the package former 406. The food product packages supplied by the package dispenser 404 may be used to package individual food products. In embodiments where the food product is rectangular in shape having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the food product may be positioned on the conveyor belt 402 such that the longer longitudinal axis of the food product may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the conveyor belt 402 is moving. In one embodiment, food products having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis may enter the encapsulation former 406, with the longer longitudinal axis being at a 90 degree angle relative to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 402. This is in contrast to most prior art systems where the longer longitudinal axis of the food product is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 402.
The package former 406 may receive a continuous strip of food product packages from the package dispenser 404 and may receive the food product being moved by the conveyor 402. The encapsulation former 406 may form the food item encapsulation around the food item. The wrap former 406 forms the food wrap around the food item such that the two opposing ends abut each other to form a fin beneath the food item. After the ends of the packaging material of the food product package have been butted together to form fins by the package former 406, the food product may be passed to a bottom fin sealer 408. In one embodiment, the fins formed by the package former 406 may be centered in the food package formed around the food item. Alternatively, the fins formed by the package former 406 may be offset from the center of the food package formed around the food item. The fins may be offset from the center of the food package to improve the user's grip and handling of the article when opening the package to present the food product. Alternatively, the fins formed by the package former 406 may extend laterally across the width of the food product.
The bottom fin seal 408 may receive the food product from the package former 406, wherein the food product has a food product package formed therearound. The bottom fin seal 408 adheres the two butt ends formed by the package former 406 together to form a bottom fin seal. In one embodiment, the bottom fin seal formed by bottom fin seal 408 may be centered in the food product package formed around the food product. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal formed by bottom fin seal 408 may be offset from the center of the food product package formed around the food product. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal formed by bottom fin seal 408 may extend laterally across the width of the food product. The food product may then be passed to cutter 410.
The cutter 410 may receive the food product from the bottom fin seal 408, wherein the packaging material of the food product package has a bottom fin seal. The cutter 410 cuts the food product package between the food products to form individual food product packages for the food products. The individual food product packages may then be transferred to the side fin sealer 412.
The side fin seal 412 may receive individual food product packages from the cutter 410. The side fin seal 412 may press the edges of the individual food product packages together and adhere them together to form two side fin seals (each located on one side of the individual food product package). The two side fin seals on the individual food packages may be substantially parallel to each other. After the two side fins are formed by the side fin seal 412, the individual food product packages are transferred to the weakened access area former 414.
The weakened access area former 414 may receive individual food product packages from the side fin seal 412. The weakened access area former 414 forms weakened access areas on individual food packages. In one embodiment, the weakened access area former 414 may include a stamping press (scorer) or a scorer (scorer) for forming the weakened access area. Alternatively, the weakened access area former 414 may include a laser to form the weakened access area. Alternatively, the weakened access area former 414 may perforate the outer layer of the individual food product package to form the weakened access area.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area may form a line substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, for food product packages having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the weakened access area may form a line or rectangle substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis of the food product package and substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the weakened access area may extend transversely across the food package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a semi-circle.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area may be located below the bottom fin seal such that the weakened access area is hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down. In one embodiment, the weakened access area may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food package.
In one embodiment, to form the weakened access region near the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food package, the fin formed by the bottom fin seal may need to be folded back or held away from the food package to allow the weakened access region former 414 to form the weakened access region.
In embodiments where the adhesive structure is not pre-applied to the food product package, the individual food product packages are transferred from the weakened access area former 414 to the adhesive applicator. The adhesive applicator may receive individual food product packages from the weakened access area former 414. The adhesive applicator applies an adhesive layer to the individual food packages that can be used to reseal the food packages after they are opened, substantially as described above.
In one embodiment, the adhesive applicator may also apply an adhesive cover over the adhesive layer to prevent the adhesive layer from adhering to any other surface. The shape of the adhesive cover may be substantially the same as the shape of the adhesive layer.
In one embodiment, the adhesive structure may be located on the surface of the food package below the bottom fin seal so that the adhesive structure may be hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down. Alternatively, the adhesive structure may be located on the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal, preferably on the side where the adhesive structure may be hidden or obscured when the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down. In embodiments where the adhesive structure is applied by an adhesive applicator, the adhesive structure is applied in the direction of the adhesive applicator.
In one embodiment, the adhesive structure may extend transversely across the food package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. In embodiments where the food package has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the adhesive structure may be substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis of the food package or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis.
Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram 500 of a method for packaging a food item according to an embodiment of the invention. A flowchart is shown with various steps. Some steps may be omitted, and/or may be performed in a different order. The method may be performed with respect to the package dispenser 402, the conveyor belt 404, the package former 406, the bottom fin seal 408, the cutter 410, the side fin seal 412, or the weakened access area former 414, substantially as described above.
First, at step 502, a conveyor belt may convey food items to be packaged. In one embodiment, the food product may be rectangular in shape and may have a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis. Alternatively, the food product may be placed on the conveyor belt such that the longer longitudinal axis may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Alternatively, food products having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis may be placed on the conveyor belt, with the longer longitudinal axis at a 90 degree angle relative to the direction of conveyor belt movement. This is in contrast to most prior art systems where the longer longitudinal axis of the food product is substantially parallel to the direction of belt travel.
Then, at step 504, a food package to be formed around the food product may be dispensed. In one embodiment, the food product packages may be dispensed continuously using a package dispenser.
Then, at step 506, a food item package may be formed around the food item as the food item and food item package are received. To form a food product package around the food product, two opposing ends of the food product package may be butted against each other to form a fin beneath the food product. In one embodiment, the fins formed when the food product package is formed around the food product may be in the center of the food product package formed around the food product. Alternatively, the fins formed when the food product package is formed around the food product may be offset from the center of the food product package formed around the food product. In one embodiment, a package former may be used to form food packages around a food item.
Then, at step 508, a bottom fin seal is formed on the food product package, wherein the fins are formed by adhering two opposing ends of the food product package that have been butted together. In one embodiment, the bottom fin seal may form the bottom fin seal using fins formed by adhering two opposing ends of the food product package that have been butted together. The bottom fin seal may form a bottom fin on the food product package. In one embodiment, the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin sealer may be centered in a packaging material of a food product package formed around a food product. Alternatively, the bottom fin formed by the fin seal may be offset from the center of the food product package formed around the food product.
Next, at step 510, the food product package is cut between each food product to form individual food product packages. In one embodiment, a cutter may be used to cut the food product package between each food product to form individual food product packages.
Next, at step 512, side fin seals are formed on the individual food packages. In one embodiment, the side fin seal may be formed by adhering two opposing ends of the individual food package together. Two side fin seals may be formed on individual food packages. In one embodiment, the two side fin seals may be substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the bottom fin seal may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the two side fin seals.
Next, at step 514, weakened access areas may be formed on the individual food packages. In one embodiment, the weakened access area may be formed by a weakened access area former. The weakened access area may be formed in a predetermined location on the individual food product package. In one embodiment, the weakened access area may be formed by a stamping press or a scorer or a laser. In one embodiment, the weakened access area is formed by continuous embossing or scoring of the individual food product packages. In another embodiment, the outer layer of the individual food package may be perforated to form a weakened access area.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area may form a line substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, for food product packages having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the weakened access area may form a line or rectangle substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis of the food product package and substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the weakened access area may extend transversely across the food package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a semi-circle.
In one embodiment, the weakened access area may be located below the bottom fin seal such that the weakened access area is hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down. In one embodiment, the weakened access area may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food package.
In one embodiment, to form the weakened access region near the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food package, the fin formed by the bottom fin seal may need to be folded back or held away from the food package to allow the weakened access region former 414 to form the weakened access region.
In embodiments in which the adhesive structure is not pre-applied to the food package, the adhesive structure may be applied to an individual food package, which may be used to reseal the individual food package after it is opened, substantially as described above. The adhesive structure may include an adhesive layer and an adhesive cover. The adhesive applicator may apply adhesive to a predetermined location on the individual food package. In one embodiment, the adhesive structure may be applied by an adhesive applicator. In one embodiment, the adhesive applicator may also apply an adhesive cover over the adhesive layer to prevent the adhesive layer from adhering to any other surface. The shape of the adhesive cover may be substantially the same as the shape of the adhesive layer.
In one embodiment, the adhesive structure may be located on the surface of the food package below the bottom fin seal so that the adhesive structure may be hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down. Alternatively, the adhesive structure may be located on the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal, preferably on the side where the adhesive structure may be hidden or obscured when the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down.
In one embodiment, the adhesive structure may extend transversely across the food package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. In embodiments where the food package has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter transverse axis, the adhesive structure may be substantially parallel to the shorter transverse axis of the food package or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis.
Although the term "food product" is used above, it should be understood that other products may be used. In other embodiments, alternative products may include, for example, candy bars, confectionery products, tablets, or other similar edible materials, or other non-edible materials or products.
Although the terms "food packaging" and/or "food packaging" are used in one or more embodiments of the present invention above, the article may use an article packaging material, an article wrap, a wrapping material, an article package, or any other material or package used to package an article.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. A food package, comprising:
a first side fin seal;
a second side fin seal substantially parallel to the first side fin seal;
a bottom fin seal substantially perpendicular to the first side fin seal and the second side fin seal; and
the access area is weakened.
2. The food package of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive structure.
3. The food package of claim 2 wherein said adhesive structure comprises an adhesive layer and an adhesive cover.
4. The food product package of claim 3 wherein the bottom fin seal forms a bottom fin.
5. The food package of claim 4 wherein said adhesive structure and said weakened access area are concealed by said bottom fin.
6. The food package of claim 4 wherein said bottom fin is used to open said food package.
7. The food product package of claim 1 wherein the weakened access area is formed by continuously scoring the food product package.
8. The food package of claim 1 wherein said weakened access area is formed by a laser.
9. The food product package of claim 1 wherein the bottom fin seal is offset from a center of the food product package.
10. The food product package of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first side fin seal and the second side fin seal has a substantially straight edge.
11. A system for enclosing a food product within a food product package, the system comprising:
a package former that receives the article packaging material from the package dispenser to form the article packaging material around the food item;
a bottom fin sealer that forms a bottom fin seal on an article packaging material formed around the food item;
a cutter that cuts the article packaging material to form individual food packages;
a side fin sealer that forms a first side fin seal and a second side fin seal on the individual food package; and
a weakened access area former that forms a weakened access area on the individual food product package.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first side fin seal is substantially parallel to the second side fin seal.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the bottom fin seal is substantially perpendicular to the first side fin seal and the second side fin seal.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein said weakened access area is formed by continuous scoring of said individual food product packages.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the weakened access area is formed by a laser.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first side fin seal and the second side fin seal has a substantially straight edge.
17. A method for enclosing a food product within a food product package, the method comprising:
dispensing the food packaging material;
forming the food encapsulating material around a food item;
forming a bottom fin seal on the food packaging material;
cutting the food packaging material to form individual food packages;
forming a first side fin seal and a second side fin seal on the individual food package; and
a weakened access area is formed on the individual food package.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the weakened access area is formed by continuously scoring the individual food product packages.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the weakened access area is formed by a laser.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of forming a bottom fin seal on the food product package forms a bottom fin seal that is offset from a center of the food product package.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first side fin seal and the second side fin seal has a substantially straight edge.
HK16100941.2A 2013-03-15 2014-03-11 Easy-to-open, resealable food product packaging,systems and methods HK1212959A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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US201361788673P 2013-03-15 2013-03-15
US61/788,673 2013-03-15
PCT/US2014/023279 WO2014150442A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-03-11 Easy-to-open, resealable food product packaging, systems and methods

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BR (1) BR112015021303A2 (en)
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GB201205243D0 (en) 2012-03-26 2012-05-09 Kraft Foods R & D Inc Packaging and method of opening
GB2511559B (en) 2013-03-07 2018-11-14 Mondelez Uk R&D Ltd Improved Packaging and Method of Forming Packaging
GB2511560B (en) 2013-03-07 2018-11-14 Mondelez Uk R&D Ltd Improved Packaging and Method of Forming Packaging
GB201610432D0 (en) * 2016-06-15 2016-07-27 Mars Inc Easy Peel Pouch

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1444519A (en) * 1965-08-12 1966-07-01 Dow Chemical Co Resealable container
US6196716B1 (en) * 1999-04-26 2001-03-06 Amko Plastics Inc. Side seal tamper indicating bag
US6574944B2 (en) * 2001-06-19 2003-06-10 Mars Incorporated Method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging
US20080152264A1 (en) * 2006-12-22 2008-06-26 Kenneth Charles Pokusa Flexible easy-open package with reclosable feature
WO2009103296A1 (en) * 2008-02-22 2009-08-27 Beanstalk Aps Easy to open package
US20090266036A1 (en) * 2008-04-24 2009-10-29 Kraft Foods Global Brand Llc Flexible package having an automatic closure feature
US8893457B2 (en) * 2011-02-16 2014-11-25 Cryovac, Inc. Easy open and reclosable package with die-cut web and discrete tape anchored to second side panel

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