US20030196412A1 - Top formed packaging - Google Patents
Top formed packaging Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030196412A1 US20030196412A1 US10/413,321 US41332103A US2003196412A1 US 20030196412 A1 US20030196412 A1 US 20030196412A1 US 41332103 A US41332103 A US 41332103A US 2003196412 A1 US2003196412 A1 US 2003196412A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lidding material
- further including
- platen
- tray
- mold
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
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
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
- B65B7/164—Securing by heat-sealing
-
- 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
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/50—Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins
- B65B11/52—Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins one sheet being rendered plastic, e.g. by heating, and forced by fluid pressure, e.g. vacuum, into engagement with the other sheet and contents, e.g. skin-, blister-, or bubble- packaging
-
- 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
- B65B31/025—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 specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65B31/028—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 specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers closed by a lid sealed to the upper rim of the container, e.g. tray-like container
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to food packaging and in particular to food packaging relating to perishable foods.
- case ready packaging is based upon a central packaging location where animals are slaughtered and cut into retail cuts. Before distribution to the retail outlets, the meat is packaged in a modified atmosphere packaging. Thus, retail outlets benefit because they do not have to employ butchers for on-sight cutting and packaging of the perishable food products.
- a perishable food product may have an irregular shape with variable dimensions, such as a cut of beef or poultry.
- the preformed trays used for packaging the irregularly shaped food products have a predetermined fixed regular shape.
- the food product is generally contained in a preformed tray that is larger than the food product.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional partial view of a package according to embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional partial view of a heat-sealing platen and a female thermoforming mold that is housed within the platen according to embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thermoforming assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is schematic view of a packaging machine that may be adapted to produce a packaged food product according to embodiments of the present invention.
- a completed food package 10 includes a food item 12 that is situated within a preformed tray 14 having a lidding material 16 thermoformed and heat-sealed 18 thereto.
- the tray 14 may include a base 20 , a layer 22 and a flange 24 .
- the lidding material 16 may be hermetically heat-sealed 18 to the flange 24 .
- the base 20 may be a conventional base made from material such as plastic or paperboard.
- the layer 22 may be a conventional layer that is coated or laminated to the base 20 .
- the food item 12 may be any food item including perishable foods such as meat and poultry.
- the lidding material 16 may be any flexible heat-sensitive film that is capable of being thermoformed.
- the lidding material 16 is positioned over the tray 14 . Thereafter, the lidding material 16 is thermoformed to conform to the general shape of the food product 12 and is heat-sealed to the flange 24 .
- a thermoforming device 30 may include a heat-sealing platen 32 and a thermoforming mold 34 .
- the heat-sealing platen 32 may include an exterior wall 36 , an interior wall 38 and a base 40 .
- the interior wall 38 and base 40 define an indentation 42 in which the thermoforming mold 34 is situated.
- the heat-sealing platen 32 may include one or more apertures 44 and a heating element 46 .
- the heating element 46 may be any conventional heating element such as an electric heating element. Generally, the heating element 46 is situated within the base 40 of the platen 32 to heat the platen 32 to a temperature that is high enough to seal the lidding material 16 to the tray 14 .
- the thermoforming mold 34 may include a side 48 that is contoured, an opposing side 50 that is not contoured, and two opposing walls 52 . Moreover, the thermoforming mold 34 may include a plurality of apertures 54 that extend between the contoured side 48 and the side 50 that is not contoured. Generally, the thermoforming mold 34 is situated within the indentation 42 such the side 50 that is not contoured is adjacent to the platen 32 whereas the contoured side 48 faces away from the platen 32 .
- One or more bolts 56 may be utilized to attach the thermoforming mold 34 to the heat-sealing platen 32 .
- a spacer 58 may be situated between the thermoforming mold 34 and the heat-sealing platen 32 .
- the spacer 58 may be heat resistant or insulated.
- the bolts 56 may extend downwardly through the platen 32 and the spacer 58 to attach the mold 34 to the platen 32 .
- a void area 60 is provided between the platen 32 and the mold 34 due to the spacer 58 spacing the two apart.
- the void area 60 between the platen 32 and the mold 34 creates an area of insulation.
- the heat-sealing platen 32 may operate at a temperature that is greater than that of the mold 34 .
- the mold 34 may be independently heated by electrical resistance as an example.
- the void area 60 allows air to escape entrapment from the area between the lidding material 16 and the mold 34 via the apertures 54 . Similarly, air in the void area 60 may be released via the apertures 44 in the platen 32 to an area thereabove (FIG. 3).
- a thermoforming assembly 62 includes an upper section 64 and a lower section 66 , each defining an upper chamber 68 and a lower chamber 70 , respectively.
- the thermoforming device 30 is housed within the upper chamber 68 .
- thermoforming assembly 62 When heat-sealing is desired, a tray 14 carrying a food product 12 is transported to the thermoforming assembly 62 by way of a tray carrier 72 . Similarly, the lidding material 16 is delivered to the thermoforming assembly 62 by conventional means (FIG. 4). When properly positioned, the thermoforming mold 34 is directly over the tray 14 containing the food product 12 .
- An external vacuum source 74 is coupled to both the upper section 64 and the lower section 66 of the thermoforming assembly 62 and is in communication with chambers 68 and 70 .
- the coupling of the sections 64 and 66 to the vacuum source 74 may be by conventional means.
- Valves 76 and 78 such as in-line valves, may be utilized to regulate the vacuum to the upper and lower chambers 68 and 70 respectively. For example, when not in use the inline valves 76 and 78 are in the off position whereas when access to the vacuum source is desired, the valves 76 and 78 may be in the open position.
- the upper section 64 is also coupled to a source 80 of ambient atmosphere. Articulation of valve 82 may regulate the connection to the ambient atmosphere so that the chamber 68 may be in selective communication with the ambient atmosphere. Additionally, a source 84 of positive pressure modified atmospheric gas 84 may be in communication with the lower chamber 70 of the thermoforming assembly. Communication is selective in that a valve 86 , such as an in-line valve, may be articulated to regulate gas flow.
- a valve 86 such as an in-line valve
- a food filled tray 14 may be positioned within the interior of the assembly 62 .
- lidding material 16 may be delivered to the interior of assembly 62 .
- the lidding material 16 should be of sufficient width to fully cover the tray carrier 72 . Further, the lidding material 16 should be positioned directly over the preformed tray 14 .
- the upper section 64 and lower section 66 are moved toward each other to close the assembly 62 .
- the tray carrier 72 and lidding material 16 are between the upper section 64 and the lower section 66 of the assembly 62 .
- the tray carrier 72 and the thermoformable lidding 16 are clamped between the two sections 64 and 66 .
- valve 76 is opened to the vacuum source 74 to cause a pressure differential above and below the thermoformable lidding material 16 .
- This pressure differential causes at least that portion of the lidding material 16 over the food product 12 to lift in the direction of the female thermoforming mold 34 .
- the valve 78 is opened to the vacuum source 74 to allow for the evacuation of the ambient atmosphere within the confines of the preformed tray 14 . After a predetermined level of evacuation is satisfied, valves 76 and 78 are closed.
- valve 86 is opened, which allows for the introduction of a positive pressure modified atmospheric gas into the chamber 70 .
- the already heated thermoformable lidding material 16 is forced into direct contact with the mold 34 thereby stretching the film as well.
- the valve 86 is closed. Atmospheric pressure is then introduced into the chamber 68 by opening the valve 82 . Because the atmospheric pressure is higher than that of the chamber 68 , the thermoforming lidding material 16 is forced into conformity with the food product 12 . As the lidding 16 cools it shrinks to permanently conform to the shape of the food product 12 .
- the heated platen 32 is driven into contact with that portion of the thermoforming lidding material 16 in contact with the flange 24 of the tray 14 . This brings the lidding material 16 to a temperature that is suitable for hermetic heat-sealing to the flange 24 of the preformed tray 14 .
- a packaging machine 90 may include the thermoforming assembly 62 , tray carrier 72 and rolls 92 and 94 of lidding material 16 .
- a tray 14 may be placed on the tray carrier 72 and filled with a food product 12 . Thereafter, the filled tray 14 is transported to the thermoforming assembly 62 .
- the lidding material 16 is delivered to and away from the thermoforming assembly 62 by way of rolls 92 and 94 respectively.
- the tray carrier 72 and lidding material 16 generally move in the direction of arrow “A”.
- the lidding material 16 may be thermoformed to conform to the configuration of the food product within the tray 14 and heat sealed 18 to the flange 24 of the tray 14 . Thereafter, the excess lidding material 16 external to the flange 24 may be removed via a severing device 96 .
- the severing device 96 may be part of the thermoforming assembly 62 . However, in other embodiments of the present invention the severing device 96 may be separate from the thermoforming assembly 62 .
- the finished package 10 (FIG. 1) is transported to an exit station 98 where the package 10 is removed. The package 10 may be removed either manually or automatically as the case may be.
Abstract
A packaging machine may package irregularly shaped food products such that a heat-sensitive lidding material is thermoformed to generally conform to the configuration of the food product.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/373,867 filed Apr. 19, 2002.
- The present invention relates generally to food packaging and in particular to food packaging relating to perishable foods.
- For many years, retailers have sold perishable food products such as fresh meats in “case ready” packaging. Generally, case ready packaging is based upon a central packaging location where animals are slaughtered and cut into retail cuts. Before distribution to the retail outlets, the meat is packaged in a modified atmosphere packaging. Thus, retail outlets benefit because they do not have to employ butchers for on-sight cutting and packaging of the perishable food products.
- One drawback to case ready packaging is a mismatch between the size of the food product and the dimensions of the tray that the food product is contained in. For example, a perishable food product may have an irregular shape with variable dimensions, such as a cut of beef or poultry. In contrast, the preformed trays used for packaging the irregularly shaped food products have a predetermined fixed regular shape. Thus, the food product is generally contained in a preformed tray that is larger than the food product. As a result, there is substantial headspace between the product and the clear lidding material when the food product is sealed in its final package.
- Generally, consumers do not readily accept case ready packaging with a substantial headspace because they perceive the package as being only half full.
- Thus, there is a continuing need for a case ready package with minimal, if any headspace.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional partial view of a package according to embodiments of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a sectional partial view of a heat-sealing platen and a female thermoforming mold that is housed within the platen according to embodiments of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thermoforming assembly according to embodiments of the present invention; and
- FIG. 4 is schematic view of a packaging machine that may be adapted to produce a packaged food product according to embodiments of the present invention.
- Referring to FIG. 1, a completed
food package 10 includes afood item 12 that is situated within a preformedtray 14 having alidding material 16 thermoformed and heat-sealed 18 thereto. Thetray 14 may include abase 20, alayer 22 and aflange 24. In embodiments of the present invention, thelidding material 16 may be hermetically heat-sealed 18 to theflange 24. - The
base 20 may be a conventional base made from material such as plastic or paperboard. Likewise, thelayer 22 may be a conventional layer that is coated or laminated to thebase 20. Thefood item 12 may be any food item including perishable foods such as meat and poultry. According to embodiments of the present invention, thelidding material 16 may be any flexible heat-sensitive film that is capable of being thermoformed. - Generally, according to embodiments of the present invention, the
lidding material 16 is positioned over thetray 14. Thereafter, thelidding material 16 is thermoformed to conform to the general shape of thefood product 12 and is heat-sealed to theflange 24. - Referring to FIG. 2, a
thermoforming device 30 may include a heat-sealing platen 32 and athermoforming mold 34. The heat-sealing platen 32 may include anexterior wall 36, aninterior wall 38 and abase 40. Theinterior wall 38 andbase 40 define anindentation 42 in which thethermoforming mold 34 is situated. Additionally, the heat-sealing platen 32 may include one ormore apertures 44 and aheating element 46. Theheating element 46 may be any conventional heating element such as an electric heating element. Generally, theheating element 46 is situated within thebase 40 of theplaten 32 to heat theplaten 32 to a temperature that is high enough to seal the liddingmaterial 16 to thetray 14. - The
thermoforming mold 34 may include aside 48 that is contoured, anopposing side 50 that is not contoured, and twoopposing walls 52. Moreover, thethermoforming mold 34 may include a plurality ofapertures 54 that extend between thecontoured side 48 and theside 50 that is not contoured. Generally, thethermoforming mold 34 is situated within theindentation 42 such theside 50 that is not contoured is adjacent to theplaten 32 whereas thecontoured side 48 faces away from theplaten 32. - One or
more bolts 56 may be utilized to attach thethermoforming mold 34 to the heat-sealingplaten 32. In embodiments of the present invention, aspacer 58 may be situated between thethermoforming mold 34 and the heat-sealing platen 32. Thespacer 58 may be heat resistant or insulated. Generally, thebolts 56 may extend downwardly through theplaten 32 and thespacer 58 to attach themold 34 to theplaten 32. Accordingly, avoid area 60 is provided between theplaten 32 and themold 34 due to thespacer 58 spacing the two apart. Thevoid area 60 between theplaten 32 and themold 34 creates an area of insulation. Thus, the heat-sealing platen 32 may operate at a temperature that is greater than that of themold 34. Themold 34 may be independently heated by electrical resistance as an example. - Moreover, the
void area 60 allows air to escape entrapment from the area between the liddingmaterial 16 and themold 34 via theapertures 54. Similarly, air in thevoid area 60 may be released via theapertures 44 in theplaten 32 to an area thereabove (FIG. 3). - Referring to FIG. 3, a
thermoforming assembly 62 includes anupper section 64 and alower section 66, each defining anupper chamber 68 and alower chamber 70, respectively. Thethermoforming device 30 is housed within theupper chamber 68. - When heat-sealing is desired, a
tray 14 carrying afood product 12 is transported to thethermoforming assembly 62 by way of atray carrier 72. Similarly, thelidding material 16 is delivered to thethermoforming assembly 62 by conventional means (FIG. 4). When properly positioned, thethermoforming mold 34 is directly over thetray 14 containing thefood product 12. - An
external vacuum source 74 is coupled to both theupper section 64 and thelower section 66 of thethermoforming assembly 62 and is in communication withchambers sections vacuum source 74 may be by conventional means.Valves lower chambers inline valves valves - The
upper section 64 is also coupled to asource 80 of ambient atmosphere. Articulation ofvalve 82 may regulate the connection to the ambient atmosphere so that thechamber 68 may be in selective communication with the ambient atmosphere. Additionally, asource 84 of positive pressure modifiedatmospheric gas 84 may be in communication with thelower chamber 70 of the thermoforming assembly. Communication is selective in that avalve 86, such as an in-line valve, may be articulated to regulate gas flow. - In operation, a food filled
tray 14 may be positioned within the interior of theassembly 62. At the same time, liddingmaterial 16 may be delivered to the interior ofassembly 62. Thelidding material 16 should be of sufficient width to fully cover thetray carrier 72. Further, thelidding material 16 should be positioned directly over thepreformed tray 14. Thereafter, theupper section 64 andlower section 66 are moved toward each other to close theassembly 62. Thetray carrier 72 andlidding material 16 are between theupper section 64 and thelower section 66 of theassembly 62. Thus, upon closure of theassembly 62, thetray carrier 72 and thethermoformable lidding 16 are clamped between the twosections chambers valve 76 is opened to thevacuum source 74 to cause a pressure differential above and below thethermoformable lidding material 16. This pressure differential causes at least that portion of thelidding material 16 over thefood product 12 to lift in the direction of thefemale thermoforming mold 34. Because heat radiates from thefemale thermoforming mold 34, theflexible lidding material 16 becomes formable. Thereafter, thevalve 78 is opened to thevacuum source 74 to allow for the evacuation of the ambient atmosphere within the confines of the preformedtray 14. After a predetermined level of evacuation is satisfied,valves lidding material 16 to themold 34,valve 86 is opened, which allows for the introduction of a positive pressure modified atmospheric gas into thechamber 70. As a result, the already heatedthermoformable lidding material 16 is forced into direct contact with themold 34 thereby stretching the film as well. - Once the preformed
tray 14 is filled with a satisfactory volume of modified atmosphere, thevalve 86 is closed. Atmospheric pressure is then introduced into thechamber 68 by opening thevalve 82. Because the atmospheric pressure is higher than that of thechamber 68, thethermoforming lidding material 16 is forced into conformity with thefood product 12. As thelidding 16 cools it shrinks to permanently conform to the shape of thefood product 12. - Further, as the atmospheric pressure enters the
chamber 68, theheated platen 32 is driven into contact with that portion of thethermoforming lidding material 16 in contact with theflange 24 of thetray 14. This brings thelidding material 16 to a temperature that is suitable for hermetic heat-sealing to theflange 24 of the preformedtray 14. - Referring to FIG. 4, a
packaging machine 90 may include thethermoforming assembly 62,tray carrier 72 and rolls 92 and 94 oflidding material 16. Generally, atray 14 may be placed on thetray carrier 72 and filled with afood product 12. Thereafter, the filledtray 14 is transported to thethermoforming assembly 62. At the same time, thelidding material 16 is delivered to and away from thethermoforming assembly 62 by way ofrolls tray carrier 72 andlidding material 16 generally move in the direction of arrow “A”. - Once situated within the
thermoforming assembly 62, thelidding material 16 may be thermoformed to conform to the configuration of the food product within thetray 14 and heat sealed 18 to theflange 24 of thetray 14. Thereafter, theexcess lidding material 16 external to theflange 24 may be removed via asevering device 96. In some embodiments, the severingdevice 96 may be part of thethermoforming assembly 62. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the severingdevice 96 may be separate from thethermoforming assembly 62. Thereafter, the finished package 10 (FIG. 1) is transported to anexit station 98 where thepackage 10 is removed. Thepackage 10 may be removed either manually or automatically as the case may be. - While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this present invention.
Claims (57)
1. A method of generating a package containing a food product, the package including a preformed tray defining a peripheral flange and a thermoformable flexible lidding material, the method comprising the steps of:
mounting a female thermoforming mold within the perimeter of a heat-sealing platen allowing an insulated area between the female thermoforming mold and the heat-sealing platen sufficient to cause a differential in temperature between the heat-sealing platen and the female thermoforming mold;
thermoforming a flexible lidding into the general configuration of said female thermoforming mold; and
ventilation to atmosphere through said thermoforming mold so that the thermoformable flexible lidding material generally conforms to the configuration of the food product contained within a preformed tray.
2. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the female thermoforming mold is mounted within the perimeter of a heat-sealing platen so as to allow for a void area between the female thermoforming mold and the heat-sealing platen.
3. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the ventilation to atmosphere is replaced with ventilation via compressed air.
4. A method of manufacturing a packaging device comprising:
providing a heat-sealing platen, said platen having an exterior wall, an interior wall and a base;
disposing a thermoforming mold within the boundary defined by the interior wall of said platen; and
spacing said mold apart from said platen.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein providing a heat-sealing platen includes providing at least one aperture in said base.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein disposing a thermoforming mold within the boundary defined by the interior wall includes disposing a female thermoforming mold having a plurality of apertures.
7. The method of claim 4 further including providing an insulative spacer to space said mold apart from said platen.
8. The method of claim 7 further including bolting said thermoforming mold to said platen such that a bolt secures said spacer between said mold and said platen.
9. The method of claim 4 further including housing said heat-sealing platen and said thermoforming mold within a vacuum chamber.
10. The method of claim 9 further including providing a vacuum source, a source for producing a positive pressure modified atmosphere and a vent to the ambient atmosphere to said vacuum chamber.
11. A packaging apparatus comprising:
a vacuum chamber;
a first heated member disposed within said vacuum chamber; and
a vacuum source coupled to said vacuum chamber.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further including a second heated member coupled to said first heated member.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further including a heat resistant spacer disposed between said first and second heated members.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first heated member is a female thermoforming mold.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second heated member is a platen.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 further including a bolt to couple said mold to said platen and to secure said spacer there between.
17. The apparatus of claim 11 further including a source to provide a positive pressure modified atmosphere coupled to said vacuum chamber.
18. The apparatus if claim 17 further including a vent to the ambient atmosphere coupled to said chamber.
19. An apparatus for packaging food products comprising:
an upper housing defining a first chamber;
a lower housing defining a second chamber, said lower housing opposite said upper housing;
a heat-sealing platen disposed within said upper chamber;
a thermoforming mold coupled to said platen;
a spacer disposed between said mold and said platen;
a vacuum source in communication with said upper and lower chambers;
a source for positive pressure modified atmosphere in communication with said lower chamber; and
a vent to ambient atmosphere in communication with said upper chamber.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further including at least one bolt to attach said mold to said platen and to secure said spacer between said mold and said platen.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 further including a severing device housed within said upper chamber.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 further including a tray carrier to transport said food package to said upper and lower housings.
23. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said platen includes an interior wall, an exterior wall and a base.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further including disposing said mold within the boundary defined by the interior wall of said platen.
25. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said platen includes at least one aperture.
26. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said platen is spaced apart from said upper housing.
27. A method of packaging a food product comprising:
using a tray carrier, positioning a preformed tray containing a food product within a vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber including a heat-sealing platen with a female thermoforming mold coupled to said platen;
positioning a sheet of lidding material over said tray;
thermoforming said lidding material into the general configuration of the female thermoforming mold; and
ventilating to atmosphere such that said lidding material generally conforms to the configuration of the food product contained within said tray.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein thermoforming said lidding material includes creating a pressure differential across said lidding material to cause that portion of the lidding material over the food product to lift in the direction of said mold.
29. The method of claim 28 further including evacuating ambient atmosphere from said tray.
30. The method of claim 29 further including introducing a positive pressure modified atmosphere gas into said chamber to force the lidding material into direct contact with the mold.
31. The method of claim 30 further including heating said platen to hermetically heat-seal said lidding material to said tray.
32. The method of claim 31 further including heating said mold.
33. The method of claim 32 further including creating a temperature differential between said heat-sealing platen and said mold.
34. The method of claim 33 further including driving said platen into contact with said lidding material to heat-seal said lidding material to the periphery of said tray.
35. The method of claim 27 further including severing the excess lidding material from the perimeter of the tray.
36. A package for food products comprising:
a tray; and
a flexible lidding material that is stretched, heated and lifted away from a food product situated within said tray.
37. The package of claim 36 wherein said lidding material is cooled and conformed to the surface of said food product.
38. The package of claim 37 wherein said lidding material is heat-sealed to a flange on said tray.
39. A method of packaging comprising:
in a sealed chamber, positioning a sheet of flexible lidding material over a tray containing a food product;
causing said lidding material to come into contact with a female thermoforming mold situated within said chamber; and
forcing said lidding material into conformity with the food product.
40. The method of claim 39 further including heating said lidding material.
41. The method of claim 39 wherein causing said lidding material to come into contact with a female thermoforming mold includes creating a pressure differential across said lidding material to cause said lidding material to lift in the direction of said mold.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein causing said lidding material to come into contact with a female thermoforming mold includes introducing a positive pressure gas into the sealed chamber.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein introducing a positive pressure gas into the sealed chamber includes introducing a positive pressure modified atmospheric gas into said chamber.
44. The method of claim 39 further including evacuating the ambient atmosphere from said tray.
45. The method of claim 39 further including heat-sealing said lidding material to said tray.
46. The method of claim 45 further including removing excess lidding from the outside perimeter of said tray.
47. A method of packaging comprising:
lifting a flexible lidding material away from a food product disposed within a preformed tray; and
conforming said lidding material to the surface contours of said food product.
48. The method of claim 47 further including heating said lidding material as it is lifted away from said food product.
49. The method of claim 48 further including stretching said lidding material.
50. The method of claim 49 further including cooling and shrinking said lidding material to permanently conform it to the surface contours of said food product.
51. The method of claim 47 further including causing said lidding material to come in contact with a heated female thermoforming mold.
52. The method of claim 47 further including heat-sealing said material to said tray.
53. The method of claim 52 further including removing excess lidding material from the perimeter of said tray.
54. The method of claim 47 wherein lifting said lidding material includes creating a pressure differential across said lidding material.
55. The method of claim 54 wherein lifting said lidding material includes introducing a positive pressure modified atmospheric gas into the confines of said tray.
56. The method of claim 55 further including evacuating ambient atmosphere from said tray.
57. The method of claim 47 wherein conforming said lidding material to the surface contours of said food product includes introducing ambient pressure external to said lidding.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/413,321 US20030196412A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2003-04-14 | Top formed packaging |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US37386702P | 2002-04-19 | 2002-04-19 | |
US10/413,321 US20030196412A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2003-04-14 | Top formed packaging |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030196412A1 true US20030196412A1 (en) | 2003-10-23 |
Family
ID=29218948
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/413,321 Abandoned US20030196412A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2003-04-14 | Top formed packaging |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030196412A1 (en) |
Cited By (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050173289A1 (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2005-08-11 | Hans Natterer | Packaging method and device |
WO2007007141A1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-18 | Soremartec, S.A. | A package for foodstuff products |
EP1747995A1 (en) * | 2005-07-26 | 2007-01-31 | Jörg von Seggern GmbH | Method and apparatus for the gastight conditioning of articles in a skin-packaging foil |
EP1832514A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-12 | Etablissements Streb & Weil | Method and machine for forming and heat-sealing a plastic film on an article such as a sterile dish for the culture of micro-organisms, and article obtained thereby |
EP1842776A2 (en) * | 2006-04-05 | 2007-10-10 | A.W.A.X. PROGETTAZIONE E RICERCA S.r.l. | Apparatus for packaging trays containing products in a modified atmosphere |
EP1932763A1 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2008-06-18 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Packaging machine for MAP and skin packages |
US20080141623A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-06-19 | Xerox Corporation | Sealing heater |
JP2010013147A (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2010-01-21 | Furukawa Mfg Co Ltd | Vacuum-gas flush packaging device |
US20100287881A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2010-11-18 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine for multilayer lid foil |
US20100287893A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2010-11-18 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine and method for closing containers with lids |
EP2272766A1 (en) * | 2009-07-08 | 2011-01-12 | Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH | Method of packaging food, especially pieces of meat, to be sealed against gases, and device to do such |
US20110167762A1 (en) * | 2010-01-14 | 2011-07-14 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing tool |
EP2384982A1 (en) * | 2010-05-07 | 2011-11-09 | MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co KG | Method for operating a thermoform packaging machine |
EP2412643A1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2012-02-01 | MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co KG | Product packaging and packaging machine for producing such a product packaging |
US20120085069A1 (en) * | 2010-10-12 | 2012-04-12 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing station and method for cutting a cover film |
WO2012061507A1 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2012-05-10 | Ross Industries, Inc. | Sealing apparatus for multilayer film |
US20120204516A1 (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2012-08-16 | Cryovac, Inc. | Vacuum Skin Packaging of a Product Arranged on a Support |
US20130255201A1 (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-03 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine with sealing device |
US20140013704A1 (en) * | 2011-01-27 | 2014-01-16 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine and method for producing evacuated and/or gassed packagings |
US20140165502A1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2014-06-19 | Leung Chi Wah | Sealing Apparatus |
US20140165511A1 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2014-06-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Thermoform packaging machine and method |
EP2783990A1 (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2014-10-01 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG | Shell closing machine and method |
EP2815983B1 (en) | 2013-06-18 | 2017-07-05 | Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH | Method and apparatus for sealing a film on a tray |
US20180022490A1 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2018-01-25 | Ross Industries, Inc. | Vacuum sealing system, apparatus, and method |
US20180155074A1 (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2018-06-07 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Tray sealer |
US20190016489A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2019-01-17 | Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh | Sealing tool, packaging machine and method for producing a skin packaging |
US11040795B2 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2021-06-22 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg | Packaging machine for packaging products in plastic packaging |
IT202000005182A1 (en) * | 2020-03-11 | 2021-09-11 | Aaron Heer | HEAT SEALING UNIT FOR PACKAGING MACHINES WITH VOLUMETRIC FLOW PARTIALIZING DEVICE |
WO2022099197A1 (en) * | 2020-11-09 | 2022-05-12 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Seal and cut assembly for heat sealing machine |
US11492160B2 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2022-11-08 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg | Sealing tool and method for sealing trays |
US11591119B2 (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2023-02-28 | Ulma Packaging, S. Coop. | Product packaging method and machine |
US11787580B2 (en) * | 2015-03-12 | 2023-10-17 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Sealing foil liners to containers |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3754372A (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1973-08-28 | Grace W R & Co | Apparatus for making thermoplastic vacuum packages |
US4058953A (en) * | 1976-07-26 | 1977-11-22 | W. R. Grace & Co. | Gas flushing or filling packaging machine |
US4085565A (en) * | 1976-12-08 | 1978-04-25 | Mahaffy & Harder Engineering Co. | Packaging apparatus for forming specially shaped packages |
US4162599A (en) * | 1978-06-19 | 1979-07-31 | C. A. Pemberton & Co. Limited | Vacuum packaging |
US4685274A (en) * | 1983-07-12 | 1987-08-11 | Garwood Ltd. | Packaging foodstuffs |
US6408598B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-06-25 | Cryovac, Inc. | Modified atmosphere package for high profile products from upwardly formed heat shrinkable film |
-
2003
- 2003-04-14 US US10/413,321 patent/US20030196412A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3754372A (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1973-08-28 | Grace W R & Co | Apparatus for making thermoplastic vacuum packages |
US4058953A (en) * | 1976-07-26 | 1977-11-22 | W. R. Grace & Co. | Gas flushing or filling packaging machine |
US4085565A (en) * | 1976-12-08 | 1978-04-25 | Mahaffy & Harder Engineering Co. | Packaging apparatus for forming specially shaped packages |
US4162599A (en) * | 1978-06-19 | 1979-07-31 | C. A. Pemberton & Co. Limited | Vacuum packaging |
US4685274A (en) * | 1983-07-12 | 1987-08-11 | Garwood Ltd. | Packaging foodstuffs |
US6408598B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-06-25 | Cryovac, Inc. | Modified atmosphere package for high profile products from upwardly formed heat shrinkable film |
Cited By (55)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7487625B2 (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2009-02-10 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Method and device for packaging |
US20050173289A1 (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2005-08-11 | Hans Natterer | Packaging method and device |
US9051106B2 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2015-06-09 | Soremartec S.A. | Package for touch-sensitive foodstuff products |
WO2007007141A1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2007-01-18 | Soremartec, S.A. | A package for foodstuff products |
AU2006268041B2 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2011-02-10 | Soremartec S.A. | A package for foodstuff products |
US20080199570A1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2008-08-21 | Soremartec S.A. | Package for Foodstuff Products |
AU2006203052B2 (en) * | 2005-07-26 | 2011-09-22 | Jorg Von Seggern Maschinenbau Gmbh | Method for the gas-tight packaging of object using a film material fitting tightly on the objects and a device for the gastight packaging of objects |
US7712289B2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2010-05-11 | Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH | Method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects and a device for the gastight packaging of objects |
US7900423B2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2011-03-08 | Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH | Method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects and a device for the gastight packaging of objects |
US20080313997A1 (en) * | 2005-07-26 | 2008-12-25 | Jorg Von Seggern Maschinenbau Gmbh | Method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects and a device for the gastight packaging of objects |
US20070022717A1 (en) * | 2005-07-26 | 2007-02-01 | Jorg Von Seggern Gmbh | Method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects and a device for the gastight packaging of objects |
EP1747995A1 (en) * | 2005-07-26 | 2007-01-31 | Jörg von Seggern GmbH | Method and apparatus for the gastight conditioning of articles in a skin-packaging foil |
US20070215269A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-20 | Etablissements Streb & Weil | Process and machine for forming and heat-sealing a plastic film over an article such as a sterile dish for culturing micro-organisms, and article thus obtained |
FR2898339A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-14 | Streb & Weil Soc Par Actions S | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR FORMING AND THERMOSAGING A PLASTIC FILM ON AN ARTICLE, SUCH AS A STERILE BOX FOR THE CULTURE OF MICROORGANISMS, AND ARTICLE THUS OBTAINED |
EP1832514A1 (en) * | 2006-03-07 | 2007-09-12 | Etablissements Streb & Weil | Method and machine for forming and heat-sealing a plastic film on an article such as a sterile dish for the culture of micro-organisms, and article obtained thereby |
EP1842776A2 (en) * | 2006-04-05 | 2007-10-10 | A.W.A.X. PROGETTAZIONE E RICERCA S.r.l. | Apparatus for packaging trays containing products in a modified atmosphere |
EP1842776A3 (en) * | 2006-04-05 | 2007-10-31 | A.W.A.X. PROGETTAZIONE E RICERCA S.r.l. | Apparatus for packaging trays containing products in a modified atmosphere |
EP1932763A1 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2008-06-18 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Packaging machine for MAP and skin packages |
US7775017B2 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2010-08-17 | Xerox Corporation | Sealing heater |
US20080141623A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-06-19 | Xerox Corporation | Sealing heater |
JP2010013147A (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2010-01-21 | Furukawa Mfg Co Ltd | Vacuum-gas flush packaging device |
US20100287881A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2010-11-18 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine for multilayer lid foil |
US20100287893A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2010-11-18 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine and method for closing containers with lids |
EP2251265A3 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2011-03-23 | MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co KG | Packaging machine for multi-layer covering film |
US8544245B2 (en) | 2009-05-13 | 2013-10-01 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine for multilayer lid foil |
EP2272766A1 (en) * | 2009-07-08 | 2011-01-12 | Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH | Method of packaging food, especially pieces of meat, to be sealed against gases, and device to do such |
US20120204516A1 (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2012-08-16 | Cryovac, Inc. | Vacuum Skin Packaging of a Product Arranged on a Support |
US20110167762A1 (en) * | 2010-01-14 | 2011-07-14 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing tool |
US9003746B2 (en) * | 2010-01-14 | 2015-04-14 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing tool |
EP2384982A1 (en) * | 2010-05-07 | 2011-11-09 | MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co KG | Method for operating a thermoform packaging machine |
EP2412643A1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2012-02-01 | MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co KG | Product packaging and packaging machine for producing such a product packaging |
US9073656B2 (en) * | 2010-10-12 | 2015-07-07 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing station and method for cutting a cover film |
US20120085069A1 (en) * | 2010-10-12 | 2012-04-12 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Sealing station and method for cutting a cover film |
WO2012061507A1 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2012-05-10 | Ross Industries, Inc. | Sealing apparatus for multilayer film |
US20140013704A1 (en) * | 2011-01-27 | 2014-01-16 | Cfs Germany Gmbh | Packaging machine and method for producing evacuated and/or gassed packagings |
US20140165502A1 (en) * | 2011-07-01 | 2014-06-19 | Leung Chi Wah | Sealing Apparatus |
US9650164B2 (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2017-05-16 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg | Packaging machine with sealing device |
US20130255201A1 (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-03 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging machine with sealing device |
US20140165511A1 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2014-06-19 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Gmbh & Co. Kg | Thermoform packaging machine and method |
US9708083B2 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2017-07-18 | Multipac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg | Thermoform packaging machine and method |
JP2014189336A (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2014-10-06 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Gmbh & Co Kg | Tray sealer and operating method thereof |
EP2783990A1 (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2014-10-01 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co. KG | Shell closing machine and method |
EP2815983B1 (en) | 2013-06-18 | 2017-07-05 | Jörg von Seggern Maschinenbau GmbH | Method and apparatus for sealing a film on a tray |
US11787580B2 (en) * | 2015-03-12 | 2023-10-17 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Sealing foil liners to containers |
US10919654B2 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2021-02-16 | Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh | Sealing tool with recess and transition region |
US20190016489A1 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2019-01-17 | Gea Food Solutions Germany Gmbh | Sealing tool, packaging machine and method for producing a skin packaging |
US20180022490A1 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2018-01-25 | Ross Industries, Inc. | Vacuum sealing system, apparatus, and method |
US10913562B2 (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2021-02-09 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Tray sealer |
US20180155074A1 (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2018-06-07 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Se & Co. Kg | Tray sealer |
US11040795B2 (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2021-06-22 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg | Packaging machine for packaging products in plastic packaging |
US11492160B2 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2022-11-08 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller Se & Co. Kg | Sealing tool and method for sealing trays |
IT202000005182A1 (en) * | 2020-03-11 | 2021-09-11 | Aaron Heer | HEAT SEALING UNIT FOR PACKAGING MACHINES WITH VOLUMETRIC FLOW PARTIALIZING DEVICE |
WO2021181289A1 (en) * | 2020-03-11 | 2021-09-16 | Heer Aaron | Thermosealing unit for packaging machines with volumetric flow partialising device |
US11591119B2 (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2023-02-28 | Ulma Packaging, S. Coop. | Product packaging method and machine |
WO2022099197A1 (en) * | 2020-11-09 | 2022-05-12 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Seal and cut assembly for heat sealing machine |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20030196412A1 (en) | Top formed packaging | |
US4685274A (en) | Packaging foodstuffs | |
US7900423B2 (en) | Method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects and a device for the gastight packaging of objects | |
CA2613809C (en) | Method for the gas-tight packing of objects and system for the gas-tight packing of objects | |
US4684025A (en) | Shaped thermoformed flexible film container for granular products and method and apparatus for making the same | |
US4545177A (en) | Packing process and apparatus | |
US4058953A (en) | Gas flushing or filling packaging machine | |
US5323590A (en) | Method of producing food packaging with gas between tensioned film and lid | |
US4162599A (en) | Vacuum packaging | |
CN103402876B (en) | For the vacuum-packed device of particularly food | |
US9856042B2 (en) | Method and device for packaging of goods in bags | |
US5477660A (en) | Process and apparatus for maximizing vacuum packaging machine cycle rate | |
US6279738B1 (en) | Foam packaging tray and packaging method using same | |
US4114348A (en) | Packaging techniques for semi-rigid packages | |
US3695900A (en) | Evacuated hermetically sealed package with semirigid shell and stretchable closure | |
US5943844A (en) | Method of wrapping a food product, packaging machine used and package formed | |
US5054266A (en) | Vacuum seal station for a vacuum packaging machine | |
EP2036817A1 (en) | Packaging of pet food | |
EP0176514B1 (en) | Packaging foodstuffs | |
AU572175B2 (en) | Improved packaging | |
US20030106829A1 (en) | Slotted overwrapped tray | |
CA1296677C (en) | Packaging | |
CA1263632A (en) | Packaging | |
JPH04193523A (en) | Container molding device and container molding method | |
US4188771A (en) | Meat packaging machine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MAPTECH PACKAGING, INC., SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FOULKE, GUY L.;REEL/FRAME:013978/0135 Effective date: 20030407 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |