[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2004089752A1 - Method for packaging cheese and other food products - Google Patents

Method for packaging cheese and other food products Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004089752A1
WO2004089752A1 PCT/GB2004/001576 GB2004001576W WO2004089752A1 WO 2004089752 A1 WO2004089752 A1 WO 2004089752A1 GB 2004001576 W GB2004001576 W GB 2004001576W WO 2004089752 A1 WO2004089752 A1 WO 2004089752A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cups
sheet
food item
perishable food
thermo
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2004/001576
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gary C. Childs
D. J. Davidge
Linda R. Retter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ilchester Cheese Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Ilchester Cheese Co Ltd
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 Ilchester Cheese Co Ltd filed Critical Ilchester Cheese Co Ltd
Publication of WO2004089752A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004089752A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/06—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products
    • B65B25/068—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products of cheese
    • 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
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • 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
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/06—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products
    • B65B25/08—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products between layers or strips of sheet or web material, e.g. in webs folded to zig-zag form
    • 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
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/021—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas the containers or wrappers being interconnected
    • 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
    • B65B9/02—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B65B9/045—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for single articles, e.g. tablets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for packaging edible goods, in particular but not exclusively, cheese.
  • Various forms of cheese packaging are known.
  • the most common forms of package are sealed to prevent entry of airborne contaminants which might affect the quality or shelf-life of the cheese.
  • Such packages typically comprise a top surface extending across a surface of the cheese and having a lip around the periphery of the surface which can be cut or torn to allow entry to the package, remaining surfaces being essentially shrink wrapped onto the cheese extend from the top surface across the surface of the packaged product.
  • Such packages are typically displayed with the top surface presented towards a prospective customer, other orientations of the package appearing unattractive to a potential consumer.
  • a label identifying the type of cheese, the supplier and other information of interest to the consumer is typically applied to the top surface. It will be appreciated that when the package is overturned, the information cannot be viewed.
  • the present invention aims to provide a packaging method for providing a sturdy package which allows high visibility of the packaged product, is simple to opeYi and which provides a large surface area for displaying information without obscuring the product.
  • a method for packaging a perishable food item comprising;
  • thermo-formable plastics material a) heating a first sheet of thermo-formable plastics material, b) indexing the first sheet into a forming station of a forming apparatus and forming a plurality of first cups, c) introducing the perishable food item into each of the first cups d) heating a second sheet of thermo-formable plastics material, e) indexing the second sheet into position over the first sheet so as to enclose the perishable food item f) enclosing the two sheets in a chamber, the chamber including a top plate positioned over the top sheet and having a profile shaped to provide a plurality of recesses similarly shaped to the desired cup shape for the package g) applying a vacuum to the chamber whereby to draw from the second sheet a plurality of second cups h) introducing one or more inert gases into the cups of step g) i) sealing an area around the cups of step h) j) stamping out individual packages each comprising an opposed pair of cups sealed together by a centrally
  • the perishable food item is desirably, cheese.
  • other food items may be enclosed in the package, for example, but without limitation, crackers or processed meats.
  • the cups may have any geometrical shape, including, without limitation, a dome, a prismatic triangle, a prismatic rectangle, a cylinder or a prismatic star.
  • the opposed pairs of cups are of substantially the same depth so as to provide a 3-dimensionally symmetrical package, though this is not essential.
  • the rim desirably has a similar shaped perimeter to the perimeter of the cups around their open ends.
  • the stamping step involves cutting the rim to include a tab extending outwardly from the seal, the tab comprising a piece of one or both of the first and second sheet. If the tab comprises pieces of both sheets, these are not sealed together. The tab serves as an aid for peeling the seal between the two opposed cups apart to reveal the enclosed food item.
  • the method may comprise the further step of applying printed matter to the surface of the rim. In addition or in the alternative, printed matter may be applied to the outer surface of one or both of the cups.
  • the thermo-formable plastic is preferably at least partly transparent or translucent so as to provide a window for viewing the food item when packaged.
  • thermo-formable plastics include, without limitation, polyethylenes, PET, PVC, MAP and combinations of the aforementioned.
  • the first and second sheet may comprise the same material or different materials.
  • the package when formed, is inflexible so as to prevent damage to the package and/or its contents when in transit.
  • the plastic is thermo-setting so that the shape of the packaging may be permanently retained after manufacture.
  • the seal may be welded. Alternatively, a non-toxic adhesive may be applied between the sheets to form the seal. The form of seal may be selected to render the package resealable.
  • the one or more inert gases may include, without limitations, carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen.
  • the method may further comprise collecting a plurality of the individual packages and enclosing them in a secondary package.
  • the secondary package may, for example, but without limitation, comprise a box or a net.
  • the invention provides a cheese packaged according to the aforementioned method.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a base web and a top web having been indexed into a pair of forming plates
  • Figure 2 illustrates the vacuum formed packages of the invention prior to the stamping out step
  • Figure 3 illustrates an individual pack as results from the stamping out step.
  • a base film 1 of approximately 325 mm wide 250/50 micron PVC/PE is fed into a packaging apparatus.
  • the film is held in position by grippers and is indexed to a pre-heater station where the film is heated to a temperature sufficient to render it pliable.
  • the pliable film is then indexed to a forming station 2 where 15 pockets (cups) 3 of dimensions about 38 mm round and 7.5 mm deep are prepared.
  • the pocketed film 1,3 is further indexed through a second heater and is filled with a cheese portion 4.
  • the filled cups are then indexed into position beneath a sealing head.
  • a top film 5 of 100 micron Cryovac DarfreshTM (comprising high and low density polyethylene with an EVOH barrier) is fed into the apparatus and is picked up by a second set of grippers.
  • the top film is passed through 2 stages of pre-heating, similar to the base film.
  • the pliable top film is then positioned over the base film in the sealing head.
  • a vacuum is then drawn into the space surrounding the two films causing the top film to be drawn into the cup shaped recesses of the top plate. Subsequently, the space is de-vacuumed and a rim around each cupped cheese portion is welded. The remaining area where the two films meet is left unsealed.
  • the welded web comprising 15 individually packaged cheese portions is then indexed to a cutter or stamping station.
  • the cutting/stamping apparatus is configured to cut a shape around the sealed rim and including a lip 6 which is not welded.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

A method for packaging a perishable food item comprising; a) heating a first sheet (1) of thermo-formable plastics material, b) indexing the first sheet into a forming station (2) of a forming apparatus and forming a plurality of first cups (3), c) introducing the perishable food item (4) into each of the first cups d) heating a second sheet (5) of thermo-formable plastics material, e) indexing the second sheet into position over the first sheet so as to enclose the perishable food item f) enclosing the two sheets in a chamber, the chamber including a top plate positioned over the top sheet and having a profile shaped to provide a plurality of recesses similarly shaped to the desired cup shape for the package g) applying a vacuum to the chamber whereby to draw from the second sheet a plurality of second cups h) introducing one or more inert gases into the cups of step g) i) sealing an area around the cups of step h) j) stamping out individual packages each comprising an opposed pair of cups sealed together by a centrally arranged peripheral rim and enclosing a perishable food item.

Description

METHOD FOR PACKAGING CHEESE AND OTHER FOOD PRODUCTS
The present invention relates to a method for packaging edible goods, in particular but not exclusively, cheese.
Various forms of cheese packaging are known. The most common forms of package are sealed to prevent entry of airborne contaminants which might affect the quality or shelf-life of the cheese. Such packages typically comprise a top surface extending across a surface of the cheese and having a lip around the periphery of the surface which can be cut or torn to allow entry to the package, remaining surfaces being essentially shrink wrapped onto the cheese extend from the top surface across the surface of the packaged product. Such packages are typically displayed with the top surface presented towards a prospective customer, other orientations of the package appearing unattractive to a potential consumer. A label identifying the type of cheese, the supplier and other information of interest to the consumer is typically applied to the top surface. It will be appreciated that when the package is overturned, the information cannot be viewed.
The present invention aims to provide a packaging method for providing a sturdy package which allows high visibility of the packaged product, is simple to opeYi and which provides a large surface area for displaying information without obscuring the product.
In accordance with ' the present invention, there is provided a method for packaging a perishable food item comprising;
a) heating a first sheet of thermo-formable plastics material, b) indexing the first sheet into a forming station of a forming apparatus and forming a plurality of first cups, c) introducing the perishable food item into each of the first cups d) heating a second sheet of thermo-formable plastics material, e) indexing the second sheet into position over the first sheet so as to enclose the perishable food item f) enclosing the two sheets in a chamber, the chamber including a top plate positioned over the top sheet and having a profile shaped to provide a plurality of recesses similarly shaped to the desired cup shape for the package g) applying a vacuum to the chamber whereby to draw from the second sheet a plurality of second cups h) introducing one or more inert gases into the cups of step g) i) sealing an area around the cups of step h) j) stamping out individual packages each comprising an opposed pair of cups sealed together by a centrally arranged peripheral rim and enclosing a perishable food item.
The perishable food item is desirably, cheese. In addition to cheese, other food items may be enclosed in the package, for example, but without limitation, crackers or processed meats.
The cups may have any geometrical shape, including, without limitation, a dome, a prismatic triangle, a prismatic rectangle, a cylinder or a prismatic star. Desirably, the opposed pairs of cups are of substantially the same depth so as to provide a 3-dimensionally symmetrical package, though this is not essential.
The rim desirably has a similar shaped perimeter to the perimeter of the cups around their open ends. Optionally, the stamping step involves cutting the rim to include a tab extending outwardly from the seal, the tab comprising a piece of one or both of the first and second sheet. If the tab comprises pieces of both sheets, these are not sealed together. The tab serves as an aid for peeling the seal between the two opposed cups apart to reveal the enclosed food item. The method may comprise the further step of applying printed matter to the surface of the rim. In addition or in the alternative, printed matter may be applied to the outer surface of one or both of the cups. The thermo-formable plastic is preferably at least partly transparent or translucent so as to provide a window for viewing the food item when packaged. Suitable thermo-formable plastics include, without limitation, polyethylenes, PET, PVC, MAP and combinations of the aforementioned. The first and second sheet may comprise the same material or different materials. Preferably, when formed, the package is inflexible so as to prevent damage to the package and/or its contents when in transit. Optionally, the plastic is thermo-setting so that the shape of the packaging may be permanently retained after manufacture.
The seal may be welded. Alternatively, a non-toxic adhesive may be applied between the sheets to form the seal. The form of seal may be selected to render the package resealable.
The one or more inert gases may include, without limitations, carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen.
The method may further comprise collecting a plurality of the individual packages and enclosing them in a secondary package. The secondary package may, for example, but without limitation, comprise a box or a net.
In another aspect, the invention provides a cheese packaged according to the aforementioned method.
One example of the inventive method will now be further described with reference to the following figures in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a base web and a top web having been indexed into a pair of forming plates Figure 2 illustrates the vacuum formed packages of the invention prior to the stamping out step
Figure 3 illustrates an individual pack as results from the stamping out step.
In accordance with the example method, a base film 1 of approximately 325 mm wide 250/50 micron PVC/PE is fed into a packaging apparatus. The film is held in position by grippers and is indexed to a pre-heater station where the film is heated to a temperature sufficient to render it pliable. The pliable film is then indexed to a forming station 2 where 15 pockets (cups) 3 of dimensions about 38 mm round and 7.5 mm deep are prepared. The pocketed film 1,3 is further indexed through a second heater and is filled with a cheese portion 4. The filled cups are then indexed into position beneath a sealing head.
A top film 5 of 100 micron Cryovac Darfresh™ (comprising high and low density polyethylene with an EVOH barrier) is fed into the apparatus and is picked up by a second set of grippers. The top film is passed through 2 stages of pre-heating, similar to the base film. The pliable top film is then positioned over the base film in the sealing head. A pair of plates, the top of which has an internal profile shaped to provide a plurality of recesses similarly shaped to the desired cup shape for the package, close together enclosing the top and bottom films and cheese portions. A vacuum is then drawn into the space surrounding the two films causing the top film to be drawn into the cup shaped recesses of the top plate. Subsequently, the space is de-vacuumed and a rim around each cupped cheese portion is welded. The remaining area where the two films meet is left unsealed.
The welded web comprising 15 individually packaged cheese portions is then indexed to a cutter or stamping station. The cutting/stamping apparatus is configured to cut a shape around the sealed rim and including a lip 6 which is not welded.

Claims

1. A method for packaging a perishable food item comprising; a) heating a first sheet of thermo-formable plastics material, b) indexing the first sheet into a forming station of a forming apparatus and forming a plurality of first cups, c) introducing the perishable food item into each of the first cups d) heating a second sheet of thermo-formable plastics material, e) indexing the second sheet into position over the first sheet so as to enclose the perishable food item f) enclosing the two sheets in a chamber, the chamber including a top plate positioned over the top sheet and having a profile shaped to provide a plurality of recesses similarly shaped to the desired cup shape for the package g) applying a vacuum to the chamber whereby to draw from the second sheet a plurality of second cups h) introducing one or more inert gases into the cups of step g) i) sealing an area around the cups of step h) j) stamping out individual packages each comprising an opposed pair of cups sealed together by a centrally arranged peripheral rim and enclosing a perishable food item.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the perishable food item is a cheese.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cups are substantially dome shaped.
4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein opposed pairs of cups are of substantially the same depth so as to provide a 3- dimensionally symmetrical package.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rim has a similar shaped perimeter to the perimeter of the cups around their open ends.
6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the stamping step involves cutting the rim to include a tab extending outwardly from the seal, the tab comprising a piece of one or both of the first and second sheet.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the tab comprises pieces of both sheets, the pieces not being sealed together.
8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising applying printed matter to the rim.
9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising applying printed matter to the outer surface of one or both of the cups.
10. A method as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the thermo- formable plastics material is selected from a polyethylene, PVC or MAP.
11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plastic is thermo-setting so that the shape of the packaging may be permanently retained after manufacture.
12. A method for packaging a perishable food item substantially as described herein and with reference to the Figures 1 and 2.
13. A packaged, perishable food item made according to the method of any of the preceding claims.
PCT/GB2004/001576 2003-04-07 2004-04-07 Method for packaging cheese and other food products Ceased WO2004089752A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0307898.7 2003-04-07
GB0307898A GB2401847B (en) 2003-04-07 2003-04-07 Method for packaging cheese and other food products

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004089752A1 true WO2004089752A1 (en) 2004-10-21

Family

ID=9956253

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/001576 Ceased WO2004089752A1 (en) 2003-04-07 2004-04-07 Method for packaging cheese and other food products

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2401847B (en)
WO (1) WO2004089752A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3597899A (en) * 1966-11-21 1971-08-10 American Foods Mach Corp Method and apparatus for encapsulating fluid and other material in sealed containers
GB1337809A (en) * 1970-07-16 1973-11-21 Braun Melsungen Ag Packing especially for surgical suture material
US3805486A (en) * 1972-05-31 1974-04-23 Mahaffy & Harder Eng Co Packaging apparatus and techniques
US3874143A (en) * 1972-07-12 1975-04-01 Lehigh Press Packaging method and apparatus
US4366663A (en) * 1979-07-31 1983-01-04 Kraemer & Grebe Gmbh & Co. Kg Maschinen- Und Modellfabrik Packaging device

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3815322A (en) * 1972-05-08 1974-06-11 I Wyslotsky Packaging machine

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3597899A (en) * 1966-11-21 1971-08-10 American Foods Mach Corp Method and apparatus for encapsulating fluid and other material in sealed containers
GB1337809A (en) * 1970-07-16 1973-11-21 Braun Melsungen Ag Packing especially for surgical suture material
US3805486A (en) * 1972-05-31 1974-04-23 Mahaffy & Harder Eng Co Packaging apparatus and techniques
US3874143A (en) * 1972-07-12 1975-04-01 Lehigh Press Packaging method and apparatus
US4366663A (en) * 1979-07-31 1983-01-04 Kraemer & Grebe Gmbh & Co. Kg Maschinen- Und Modellfabrik Packaging device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2401847B (en) 2006-04-19
GB0307898D0 (en) 2003-05-14
GB2401847A (en) 2004-11-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5077064A (en) Easy-open recloseable peggable package
CA2222264C (en) Multi-container package with individually removable containers
US4765463A (en) Display-tray constituting a package
US7610736B2 (en) Method and system for the gas-tight packing of objects
EP2902338A1 (en) Packaging container and packaged product contained in said packaging container, and manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus for said packaging container
US20050233036A1 (en) Rigid reclosable bacon package
US3387427A (en) Method of forming a carton enclosed package from a preformed foldable blank
US3358900A (en) Packaging
US2834686A (en) Package
CA3028816A1 (en) Container with edge protection features
CN114056629A (en) Package and method for manufacturing same
US2469366A (en) Method of wrapping and labeling receptacles
US20180251243A1 (en) Case ready form-fill-seal tray with shrinkable lidding
WO2004089752A1 (en) Method for packaging cheese and other food products
CA2054114C (en) Multi-seal recloseable flexible package
US10807312B2 (en) Packaging seal bar and method of forming a package using the same
US20150367982A1 (en) Packaged food product
EP0619244A1 (en) Food package
JP2002234572A (en) Connection pack and packaging pack
WO2004048200A1 (en) A sealed and reclosable package and a method of producing such a package
CN106586249B (en) Composite packaging material, sheet set and sealed package
JP2007528328A (en) Vacuum skin packaging
GB2527342A (en) Packaging and packaging blank
US11505357B2 (en) Sliced food product package
US20110005173A1 (en) Method and Apparatus to Create a Contoured Flow Wrap Package

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DPEN Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase