US20040173491A1 - Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures - Google Patents

Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040173491A1
US20040173491A1 US10/734,401 US73440103A US2004173491A1 US 20040173491 A1 US20040173491 A1 US 20040173491A1 US 73440103 A US73440103 A US 73440103A US 2004173491 A1 US2004173491 A1 US 2004173491A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
polyamide
layer
package
multilayer structure
weight
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
Application number
US10/734,401
Inventor
Duane Buelow
Michael Douglas
Chad Mueller
Robert Blemberg
Roberto Castellani
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US10/734,401 priority Critical patent/US20040173491A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2004/006640 priority patent/WO2004080805A2/en
Priority to ARP040100713A priority patent/AR043492A1/en
Publication of US20040173491A1 publication Critical patent/US20040173491A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/10Interconnection of layers at least one layer having inter-reactive properties
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/306Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol (co)polymers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/34Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2250/00Layers arrangement
    • B32B2250/24All layers being polymeric
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/30Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
    • B32B2307/31Heat sealable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/514Oriented
    • B32B2307/518Oriented bi-axially
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70Other properties
    • B32B2307/732Dimensional properties
    • B32B2307/734Dimensional stability
    • B32B2307/736Shrinkable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2323/00Polyalkenes
    • B32B2323/04Polyethylene
    • B32B2323/046LDPE, i.e. low density polyethylene
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/70Food packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2275/00Details of sheets, wrappers or bags
    • B65D2275/02Sheets wrappers or bags provided with protective or puncture resistant patches, specially adapted for meat on the bone, e.g. patch bags

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to packages useful for packaging products, such as bone-in meat, cheese and other like products. More specifically, the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer structures useful for bone-in meat packaging, cook-in packaging, shrink film packaging, packaging for case ready meats, hot-fill applications, pet food, retort or lidding, and other like packaging.
  • the packages are made from multilayer structures that are coextruded and have sufficient durability, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance, while also providing a high degree of oxygen barrier protection.
  • the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer barrier structures that are biaxially oriented so as to be heat-shrinkable around products.
  • thermoplastic multilayer structures such as films, sheets or the like
  • typical products packaged with thermoplastic multilayer structures include perishable products, such as food.
  • meats and cheeses are typically packaged in thermoplastic structures.
  • cook-in structures may be utilized to package food products, whereby the products are then heated to cook the food products contained within the packages.
  • shrink films are known for packaging food products, such as meat and cheese.
  • Bone-in meat products often contain sharp bones that protrude outwardly from the meat.
  • Typical cuts of bone-in meat include a half carcass cut, hindquarter cut, round with shank, bone-in shank, full loin, bone-in ribs, forequarter, shoulder and/or other like cuts of meat.
  • the protruding bones often can puncture or tear the packaging materials.
  • This puncturing or tearing of the packaging material by the protruding bones can occur at the initial stage of packaging or at the later stage of evacuation of the packaging, which may expose the bone-in meat products to oxygen and moisture, thereby having deleterious effects on the bone-in meat product.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,627 to Bert discloses a bag arrangement and packaging method for packaging bone-in meat using two bags to provide a double wall of film surrounding the cut of meat for bone puncture resistance.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,235 to Kraimer discloses a puncture resistant barrier pouch for the packaging of bone-in meat and other products.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,791 to Williams discloses an oriented heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat-shrinkable patch wherein the heat-shrinkable patch substantially covers all areas exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,922 to Schirmer discloses a seamless puncture resistant bag which includes a length of lay-flat seamless tubular film folded to a double lay-flat configuration. The configuration forms a seamless envelope with one face thickened integrally to triple thickness.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,276 to Ennis discloses an oriented heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat-shrinkable reverse printed patch attached to the bag.
  • the art teaches many techniques for addressing the problem of bone puncture or tear in the packaging of bone-in meat products.
  • Many of the solutions typically include a film structure or bag having patches, double-walled thicknesses or the like.
  • One solution for packaging bone-in meat entails the utilization of coextruded multilayer structures having sufficient strength, durability, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and optical properties.
  • the formation of coextruded multilayer structures having these properties is difficult without laminating the structures to provide double-walled structures and/or laminating or otherwise adhering patches to the structures.
  • Laminating structures together to form double-walled structures or otherwise adhering patches to the structures requires multiple complicated processes, thereby requiring additional time and money.
  • known coextruded structures that may be useful for the present invention require very thick coextrusions to provide adequate puncture resistance for bone-in meat.
  • This requires the use of large quantities of fairly expensive polymeric materials to provide the protection against puncture and tearing.
  • This problem is typically solved, as noted above, by laminating structures together to form patches in the areas of the structures most susceptible to breaking or puncturing. These patches, while allowing the use of less thermoplastic material, can be unsightly in that the surface of the films are interrupted by the patches.
  • the lamination process of adding the patches to the films can cause decreased optical characteristics, in that patches can become hazy or yellow.
  • the areas of the patches also suffer from decreased optical properties due to the thicknesses of the patches and the patches tend to interfere with the shrink characteristics of the structures. Still further, the application of the patches requires extra steps in addition to the steps of making the structures, including precisely positioning the patches where bony protrusions are likely to be.
  • thicker structures tend to have a decrease in optical properties compared to relatively thinner structures.
  • a structure's thickness is directly related to haze. Thicker structures, therefore, tend to have an increase in haze, thereby contributing to a decrease in the clarity of the structures.
  • thicker structures tend to be more difficult to orient. Thicker structures tend to have a lower shrink energy, thereby requiring an increase in orientation ratio to provide similar shrink characteristics as compared to thinner structures.
  • a need therefore, exists for coextruded multilayer structures having superior strength, durability, tear resistance and puncture resistance that are significantly thinner than known structures while maintaining superior optical properties, such as low haze, low yellowness, and high clarity.
  • a need exists for coextruded multilayer structures that are orientable to provide products that are heat shrinkable.
  • coextruded multilayer structures are needed having superior sealability as compared to known structures, while still maintaining the superior strength, durability, puncture resistance, tear resistance and optical properties.
  • the present invention relates to packages useful for packaging products, such as bone-in meat, cheese and other like products. More specifically, the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer structures useful for bone-in meat packaging, cook-in packaging, shrink film packaging, packaging for case ready meats, hot-fill applications, pet food, retort or lidding, and other like packaging.
  • the packages are made from multilayer structures that are coextruded and have sufficient durability, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance, while also providing oxygen barrier protection.
  • the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer barrier structures that are biaxially oriented so as to be heat-shrinkable around products.
  • packages made from multilayer structures are provided. More specifically, the packages made from multilayer structures can be utilized for packaging products having bony protrusions or the like that would easily tear or puncture other structures.
  • a package for bone-in meat comprises a first wall comprising a multilayer structure comprising a heat-sealant layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, ionomers and blends thereof, a first polyamide layer, and a barrier layer, wherein the multilayer structure is oriented and all layers are coextruded together to form the multilayer structure.
  • the package may further comprises a bone-in meat product within the package.
  • the package may be heat-shrunk around the bone-in meat product.
  • the barrier layer may be disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the first polyamide layer.
  • the first polyamide layer may be disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the barrier layer.
  • the barrier layer further may comprise ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. Further, the barrier layer may comprise an ethylene content of between about 24 mol % and about 52 mol %. More specifically, the barrier layer may comprise an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %.
  • the heat-sealant layer of the package of the present embodiment may comprise polyethylene. More specifically, the heat-sealant layer may comprise a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene.
  • the first polyamide layer of the package of the present embodiment may comprise a blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6 and amorphous polyamide. Alternatively, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the first polyamide layer may comprise about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of a semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide. Moreover, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and amorphous polyamide.
  • the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69, and amorphous polyamide.
  • the first polyamide layer may comprise about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight of an amorphous polyamide.
  • the first multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment further comprises a tie layer. Moreover, the first polyamide layer may form an outer layer of the multilayer structure.
  • the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may be annealed. Moreover, the multilayer structure may be plasticized. In addition, the multilayer structure may be moisturized by the application of water to the multilayer structure. Further, the multilayer structure may be irradiated to promote crosslinking between the layers of the multilayer structure and/or within at least one layer of the multilayer structure.
  • the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may be between about 1 mil and about 8 mils thick. More specifically, the multilayer structure is between about 1.5 mils and 5 mils thick.
  • the package of the present embodiment may be in the form of a tube having a space therein for a product.
  • the first wall may be heat-sealed to a second wall and the first wall and the second wall may form a space for the bone-in meat product.
  • the first wall and the second wall may comprise the same multilayer structure.
  • the multilayer structure of the package may further comprise a second polyamide layer wherein the first and second polyamide layers may be disposed on opposite sides of the barrier layer.
  • the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of a semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide.
  • the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6 and amorphous polyamide.
  • the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide.
  • the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the second polyamide may comprise a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69 and amorphous polyamide. The second polyamide layer may further comprise a blend of about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide.
  • the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may further comprise an outer layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, ionomers, polyesters and blends thereof, wherein the first polyamide layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the outer layer and the second polyamide layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the heat-sealant layer.
  • the outer layer of the multilayer structure may comprise a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene.
  • the multilayer structure may further comprise a tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the first polyamide layer.
  • the multilayer structure of the package of the present invention may further comprise a tie layer disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the second polyamide layer.
  • the multilayer structure may comprise a heat-sealant layer comprising an amount of polymer greater than an amount of polymer in the outer layer.
  • the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may further comprise a first tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the first polyamide layer, and a second tie layer disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the second polyamide layer.
  • the multilayer structure package of the present invention may have about 25% free shrink at about 200° F. Further, the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may have a total orientation factor of between about 6 and about 20. More specifically, the multilayer structure may have a total orientation factor of between about 8 and 13. Moreover, at least one layer of the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may comprise a tie concentrate blended therein.
  • Packages made from multilayer structures are provided that can be economically and cost-effectively manufactured. More specifically, the multilayer structures can be made via coextrusion of the layers together. The multilayer structures are, therefore, easy to produce and can be made quickly and efficiently.
  • packages are provided made from multilayer structures that can be oriented, thereby providing increased strength, especially when utilized as packaging for bone-in meat products and the like.
  • packages are provided made from coextruded multilayer structures having superior strength, durability, tear resistance and puncture resistance while being significantly thinner than known coextruded structures having comparable strength, durability, tear resistance and puncture resistance.
  • Thinner structures contribute to the utilization of less materials, which contributes to cost efficiencies and to a reduction of waste products, both during production of the structures, and after the structures are utilized for packages.
  • the multilayer structures described herein use less materials, thereby contributing to an overall decrease in materials required to be shipped and stored. Less materials contributes to a reduction in waste products as well, thereby reducing the impact to the environment. Moreover, less boxes, pallets and warehouse space is therefore required.
  • the decrease in materials utilized further allows more packages to be shipped and stored in specific areas, such as in truckloads and the like.
  • package made from multilayer structures are provided having increased stiffness.
  • packages are provided made from multilayer structures having improved durability, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance that may be made by a coextrusion process, without needing extra series of steps for laminating other structures thereto. Therefore, packages are provided that do not have double walls or patches.
  • the multilayer structures provided herein do not require the extra steps, time and money to precisely position patches to strengthen a structure where bony protrusions and the like may damage the structure. Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawing.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a seven-layer structure in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the multilayer structures and packages made therefrom of the present invention are useful for packaging meat products having bony protrusions and other like products having sharp protrusions.
  • the bony protrusions make it difficult to utilize structures without some form of reinforcing material, such as a double-walled film structure or patches or the like.
  • a multilayer coextruded structure made without double-walling or without the use of patches may be formed that has sufficient rigidity, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance to hold bone-in meat products, while also protecting the products from the deleterious effects of oxygen.
  • the packages made from the multilayer structures of the present invention typically have at least one layer of nylon and a heat-sealant layer that preferably allows the film to be heat-sealed to itself or to another film to form a package having a space therein for bone-in meat.
  • the packages further comprise an oxygen barrier layer to protect the product contained therein from the deleterious effects of oxygen.
  • the term “inner layer” refers to the layer of a package made from the coextruded multilayer structure that directly contacts the inner space of the package and/or directly contacts the product contained therein, especially when heat-shrunk around the product, as described in more detail below.
  • the term “outer layer” refers to a layer of the coextruded multilayer structure disposed on the external surface thereof. Specifically, if a package is made from a non-laminated coextruded structure, the outer layer is disposed on the external surface of the package.
  • the outer layer of the multilayer structures provides rigidity and strength to the structure, and further provides protection from punctures, tears and the like, and is often referred to as an “abuse layer”.
  • Materials that may be useful in the outer layer are those typically used for abuse layers in multilayer structures, such as low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), or heterogeneous or homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers, such as linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”) and medium density polyethylene (“MDPE”) made by typical polymeric processes, such as Ziegler-Natta catalysis and metallocene-based catalysis.
  • ethylene copolymers may be utilized as well, such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (“EVA”) and ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (“EMA”).
  • EVA ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
  • EMA ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer
  • Other materials may include polypropylene (“PP”), polyamides, ionomers, polyesters or blends of any of these materials.
  • PP polypropylene
  • polyamides polyamides
  • ionomers ionomers
  • polyesters or blends of any of these materials may be included in addition.
  • an amount of slip and/or antiblock may be added to aid the outer layer in forming and to provide desirable characteristics.
  • the outer layer comprises a blend of octene-based LLDPE and LDPE.
  • a preferable range of LLDPE and LDPE utilized in the outer layer may be between about 50% by weight and about 90% by weight LLDPE and about 10% by weight and about 50% by weight LDPE.
  • the blend of LLDPE and LDPE may be about 70% by weight LLDPE and about 30% by weight LDPE.
  • the blend of the outer layer may comprise a small amount of antiblock and/or slip agent.
  • the outer layer may comprise a polyamide or blend of polyamide materials.
  • the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention typically have at least one internal layer.
  • An “internal layer” is a layer disposed within a multilayer structure, and is bonded on both sides to other layers.
  • a preferred material that is useful as an internal layer is a polyamide.
  • polyamide materials that are useful for the at least one internal layer include, but are not limited to, nylon 6, nylon 6,69, nylon 6,66, nylon 12, nylon 6,12, nylon 6,IPD,I, amorphous polyamide, or blends of any of these materials.
  • the at least one internal layer is a blend of polyamide materials, such as, for example, a blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide, although amorphous polyamide is not necessary in the at least one internal layer.
  • the internal layer may comprise nylon 6 or nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide, or a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69 and amorphous polyamide. It is preferable to utilize a blend of a large amount of semi-crystalline polyamide, such as about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide, such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,66 or a blend of nylon 6 and nylon 6,69, with a small amount of amorphous polyamide, such as between about 1% by weight and about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide.
  • the internal layer may comprise about 85% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide, such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,66 or a blend of nylon 6 and nylon 6,69, with about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight amorphous polyamide. Most preferably, the internal layer may comprise about 90% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight and about 10% by weight amorphous polyamide.
  • the polyamide layers of the present invention may comprise a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and an amorphous polyamide.
  • the polyamide layers may comprise between about 60% by weight and about 80% by weight of the first semi-crystalline polyamide, between about 10% by weight and about 30% by weight of the second semi-crystalline polyamide, and between about 1% by weight and about 20% by weight of the amorphous polyamide.
  • polyamide blends described herein allow the internal layer of polyamide to retain softness and ease of processability while still imparting high puncture resistance, strength and stiffness to the film structure.
  • polyamide blends comprising a small amount of amorphous polyamide have improved orientation and, therefore, shrink characteristics.
  • a small amount of amorphous polyamide in the polyamide blend with semi-crystalline polyamide improves both out-of-line orientation and in-line orientation.
  • the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention may have a plurality of polyamide layers.
  • structures may have an outer layer comprising polyamide and an internal layer comprising polyamide.
  • the structures may have two or more internal layers of polyamide.
  • the two or more layers of polyamide may preferably be separated by an internal core layer, such as an oxygen barrier layer, as described below, and may further be useful in bonding the oxygen barrier layer to other layers within the multilayer structure.
  • the two or more layers of polyamide may be the same polyamide.
  • the two layers may be different.
  • the two or more layers of polyamide are identical, such as an identical blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide.
  • the internal core layer of the present invention may be a barrier layer to provide protection from oxygen that may deleteriously affect oxygen-sensitive products that may be contained within packages made by the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention, such as bone-in meat products.
  • Materials that may be utilized as the barrier layers of the structures include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and EVOH blends, such as EVOH blended with polyamide, EVOH blended with polyolefin, such as LLDPE, EVOH blended with ionomer, polyglycolic acid, blends thereof and other like oxygen barrier materials.
  • EVOH ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer
  • EVOH blends such as EVOH blended with polyamide, EVOH blended with polyolefin, such as LLDPE, EVOH blended with ionomer, polyglycolic acid, blends thereof and other like oxygen barrier materials.
  • Other barrier materials may include amorphous polyamide and polyvinylidene chloride-
  • a preferable EVOH material utilized in the structures described herein has an ethylene content of between about 24 mol % and about 52 mol %. More preferably, the EVOH material utilized in the structures of the present invention have an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %. The decreased ethylene content of EVOH copolymers allows the structures to have greater barrier protection at relative humidity of less than about 93%.
  • the multilayer structures of the present invention may further have a heat-sealant layer that may form heat-seals when heat and/or pressure is applied to the package.
  • the structures of the present invention may be folded over onto themselves and sealed around edges to create a package with the bone-in meat products contained therein.
  • the structures may be formed as a tube, whereby ends of the tube may be heat-sealed together to create a package for the product.
  • a first structure of the present invention may be disposed adjacent a second structure of the present invention and sealed around edges of the structures to form a package for the bone-in meat or other like products.
  • the heat-sealant layer materials include, but are not limited to, various polyolefins, such as low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene and medium density polyethylene.
  • the polyethylenes may be made via a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene catalyst, or a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, or any other polyolefin catalyst system.
  • other materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, ionomer, propylene-ethylene copolymer or blends of any of these materials.
  • acid modified polyolefins and tie resins or concentrates such as, for example, anhydride modified polyethylene, may be utilized in the heat sealant layer, which may be useful for meat adhesion when the multilayer structure is heat shrunk about a bone-in meat product.
  • the heat-sealant layer of the structure of the present invention may comprise a blend of octene-based linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene. More specifically, the heat-sealant layer may comprise between about 50% by weight and about 90% by weight LLDPE and between about 10% by weight and about 50% by weight LDPE. Most specifically, the heat-sealant layer comprises about 70% by weight LLDPE and about 30% by weight LDPE. Optionally, the heat-sealant layer comprises a small amount of slip and/or antiblock.
  • the above-identified materials may be combined into a structure having at least three layers that has sufficient puncture resistance, strength and optical properties to form packages that are useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products.
  • the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention are preferably coextruded and biaxially oriented via a double bubble process, whereby each layer of each of the multilayer structures is coextruded as a bubble and then cooled.
  • Typical cooling processes include air cooling, water cooling or cooling via non-contact vacuum sizing.
  • the coextruded multilayer structures may then be reheated and oriented in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
  • the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention may be oriented via other orienting processes, such as tenter-frame orientation.
  • the oriented multilayer structures are then heated to an annealing temperature and cooled while the multilayer structures maintain their oriented dimensions in a third bubble, thereby annealing the multilayer structures to relax residual stress and provide stability and strength to the multilayer structures while maintaining the heat shrinkability and superior optical characteristics of oriented multilayer structures.
  • Use of a third bubble for purposes of annealing the oriented structures is often referred to as a triple-bubble process.
  • the structures of the present invention may be partially or completely annealed. Annealing the multilayer structure allows for precise control over the degree of shrink and/or over the stability of the multilayer structure, and is typically done at a temperature between room temperature and the anticipated temperature at which the multilayer structure is desired to shrink.
  • multilayer structures of the present invention may be further processed to get desirable characteristics.
  • multilayer structures of the present invention may be cross-linked via known cross-linking processes, such as by electron-beam cross-linking either before or after orientation of the multilayer structure.
  • Cross-linking may occur between layers (“inter-layer crosslinking”) of the structures or molecularly within at least one layer of a structure (“molecular cross-linking”).
  • inter-layer crosslinking layers
  • molecular cross-linking of EVOH occurs at about 6 megarads, which provides increased stiffness and barrier properties of the EVOH in the structures.
  • any other radiation dosage may be utilized to promote inter-layer cross-linking or molecular cross-linking as may be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.
  • the structures may be moisturized, by exposing the surfaces of the structures to water so that certain layers of the structures, such as the polyamide layers, absorb the water thus plasticizing the polyamide layers, thereby making the polyamide layers softer and stronger.
  • Moisturizing the structures typically occurs by exposing the surface of the structures to water, such as a mist, prior to rolling the structures for storage. During storage of the structures, the water is absorbed by the layers of the structures, such as the polyamide layers, thereby plasticizing the structure.
  • other methods for plasticizing the structures are contemplated by the present invention, and the invention should not be limited as described herein.
  • the structures of the present invention have a thickness of between about 1 and about 8 mils. Most preferably, the structures of the present invention have a thickness of between about 1.5 mils and about 5 mils A balance must be reached between having a cost-effective package, thereby minimizing the thickness of the structures, and having a package that provides adequate puncture and tear resistance for bone-in meat or other like products. It is believed that a combination of materials used in the structures contributes to the advantageous properties of the structures of the present invention, such as puncture resistance, strength, durability, and optical properties, without requiring relatively thick structures.
  • the structures of the present invention are utilized to make heat shrinkable bags, such as by coextruding heat shrinkable tubes, cutting said tubes to the desired sizes, placing product within said tubes, sealing the open ends of the tubes, and heat-shrinking the tubes around the products.
  • packages may be made by folding structures so that the heat-sealant layers of the structures are in face-to-face contact.
  • packages may be made by heat-sealing first walls of first multilayer structures to second walls of second multilayer structures to form a space for a product to be contained therein.
  • any other method of making said packages are contemplated by the present invention.
  • Machinery contemplated as being used to make the bags or packages of the present invention include intermittent motion bag-making machines, rotary bag-making machines, or multibaggers, which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,661 to Melville, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety.
  • tubes are produced using a double-bubble or a triple-bubble process, as described above.
  • the surfaces of the tubes may be lightly dusted with starch.
  • An open end of the tube is then heat-sealed with one end of the tube left open for adding the product to the package.
  • Other types of packages and uses are contemplated by the present invention, such as vertical form, fill and seal packages and lidstock for rigid or semi-rigid trays.
  • the structures of the present invention may be useful as cook-in bags or the like.
  • the tubes then have product placed therein, such as bone-in meat.
  • the tubes are then evacuated of air and the open end of each is heat-sealed.
  • the tubes that have been evacuated of air and heat-sealed are then shrunk around the product by sending the tubes through an oven, a hot water tunnel or other similar heat-shrink apparatus.
  • the structures of the present invention may have at least three layers, but preferably contain four, five, six or more layers. Most preferably, the structures comprise seven layers. In addition, structures having greater than seven layers are contemplated by the present invention.
  • Each structure preferably has a heat-sealant layer, a polyamide layer, and a barrier layer of, preferably, EVOH copolymer.
  • Percent by volume of Structure Layer structure Materials and percent by weight of layer 1 (Outer layer) 45 80% Nylon 6 20% amorphous polyamide 2 (Barrier layer) 5 100% EVOH (32 mol % ethylene content) 3 (Polyamide 35 90% Nylon 6 layer) 10% amorphous polyamide 4 (Tie layer) 5 100% anhydride modified LLDPE 5 (Sealant layer) 10 50% LLDPE 50% LDPE
  • Percent by volume of Structure Layer structure Materials and percent by weight of layer 1 (Outer layer) 45 80% Nylon 6 20% amorphous polyamide 2 (Barrier layer) 5 100% EVOH (44 mol % ethylene content) 3 (Polyamide 35 90% Nylon 6 layer) 10% amorphous polyamide 4 (Tie layer) 5 100% anhydride modified LLDPE 5 (Sealant layer) 10 50% LLDPE 50% LDPE
  • Examples 1-2 illustrate five-layer structures of the present invention.
  • the five-layer structures each comprise an outer layer of polyamide, a barrier layer of EVOH copolymer, an internal layer of polyamide, such that the outer layer of polyamide and the internal layer of polyamide are disposed adjacent to the barrier layer of EVOH copolymer.
  • a tie layer is disposed adjacent to the internal layer of polyamide, which binds the internal layer of polyamide to the heat-sealant layer, comprising a blend of LLDPE and LDPE.
  • the 5-layer structures of Examples 1 and 2 were about 4.1 mils thick.
  • Example 3 includes the 5-layer structure of Example 2 that was moisturized by the application of water to the structure, thereby plasticizing the structure. Specifically, the water was applied as a mist or spray to the 5-layer structure of Example 2, and the 5-layer structure of Example 2 was wound on a roll and the water was allowed to penetrate the film structure to plasticize the film structure, specifically the polyamide layers.
  • the 5-layer moisturized structure of Example 3 was about 5.6 mils thick.
  • Table 1 illustrates comparative test data for Examples 1-3.
  • TABLE 1 Test Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Caliper (mil) 4.1 4.1 5.6 45° Gloss (units) 90.2 92.2 70.1 Haze (%) 4.0 3.6 9.0 Yellowness Index 1.1 1.1 1.1 MD Secant Modulus (psi) 237,900 243,900 32,200 CD Secant Modulus (psi) 250,800 246,800 36,400 Puncture Resistance (lb/mil) 21.2 22.2 11.5 MD Free Shrink @200° F. 19 18 19 CD Free Shrink @200° F. 28 28 20 OTR @ 73° F./0% RH 0.8 2.4 — (cc/m 2 /day/atm)
  • the structures preferably comprise a first outer layer 10 , a first tie layer 12 , a first polyamide layer 14 , a barrier layer 16 , a second polyamide layer 18 , a second tie layer 20 and a heat-sealant layer 22 .
  • first outer layer 10 a first outer layer 10
  • first tie layer 12 a first polyamide layer 14
  • barrier layer 16 a barrier layer 16
  • second polyamide layer 18 a second tie layer
  • a heat-sealant layer 22 a heat-sealant layer 22 .
  • the outer layer 10 of the seven-layer structure illustrated in FIG. 2 provides rigidity and strength to the structure, and further provides protection from scratches, tears and the like.
  • the outer layer 10 is between about 5% by volume and about 25% by volume of the entire structure.
  • the outer layer 10 comprises about 17.5% by volume of the entire structure.
  • the multilayer structures of the present invention may further comprise tie layers disposed between other layers of the multilayer structures.
  • a “tie layer” is defined as an internal layer that provides adhesion or bonding to two layers of a coextruded structure and is typically disposed adjacent to and between the two layers of the coextruded structure.
  • the multilayer structure 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 may include a first tie layer 12 and a second tie layer 20 , which are disposed adjacent the outer layer 10 and the heat-sealant layer 22 , respectively.
  • the first and second tie layers may be utilized to bind the outer layer 10 and the heat-sealant layer 22 to other internal layers, such as the first polyamide layer 14 and/or second polyamide layer 18 .
  • the first tie layer 12 and/or second tie layer 20 may comprise modified polyolefins, such as maleic anhydride modified polyolefins.
  • Polyolefins useful as the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 of the present invention include, but are not limited to, anhydride modified linear low density polyethylene or any other maleic anhydride modified polyolefin polymer or copolymer, such as anhydride modified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and/or anhydride modified ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer.
  • the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 may comprise a material that is not typically utilized as a tie resin.
  • first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 may comprise materials that are not modified with maleic anhydride, such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer.
  • Other polymeric materials that may be useful as tie layers include, but are not limited to, acid terpolymer comprising ethylene, acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, polyamide, and polystyrene block copolymers.
  • the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 may comprise blends of tie resins with other polymeric material, such as polyolefins or the like.
  • the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 comprise a maleic anhydride modified ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, such as, for example, BYNEL® from DuPont.
  • the first tie layer comprises maleic anhydride modified linear low density polyethylene, such as, for example, ADMER® from Mitsui.
  • the first tie layer 12 and the second tie layer 20 may not be the same material, but may be different materials that are useful for tying together the outer layer 10 to an internal layer of polyamide and/or the sealant layer 22 to an internal layer of polyamide.
  • first tie layer 12 and second tie layer 20 may be any thickness useful for the present invention, it is preferable that the first tie layer 12 and second tie layer 20 each comprise between about 2% by volume and about 15% by volume of the multilayer structures. Most preferably, the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 each comprise about 5% by volume of the entire multilayer structures.
  • the first polyamide layer 14 and/or second polyamide layer 18 may be utilized to protect the barrier layer 16 , and to provide rigidity and strength to structures made from the present invention.
  • the polyamide layers further provide ease of orientation, better shrink force and lower oxygen transmission rates through the multilayer structure.
  • the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may not be the same material, and may be different depending on the desired characteristics of the structures.
  • each of the first polyamide layer 14 and/or second polyamide layer 18 of the seven layer structures may be between about 10% by volume and about 60% by volume of the structures More specifically, each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structures may be between about 10% by volume and about 40% by volume of the structures. Most preferably, each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structures may be between about 15% and about 25% by volume of the structures.
  • Both the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may together comprise between about 20% by volume and about 80% by volume of the structures. More specifically, both the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may together comprise between about 30% by volume and about 50% by volume of the structures. Most preferably, both of the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may together comprise about 40% by volume of the film. While it is preferable that the two polyamide layers 14 , 18 be of the same thickness, this is not necessary, and the first polyamide layer 14 and the second polyamide layer 18 may be different thicknesses.
  • the heat-sealant layer 22 of the seven layer structure illustrated in FIG. 1 may be any thickness.
  • the heat-sealant layer may comprise between about 20% by volume and about 30% by volume of the entire structure.
  • the heat-sealant layer 22 of the present invention may comprise about 27.5% by volume of the entire structure, especially when the outer layer 10 comprises about 17.5% by volume of the entire structure. It is further preferable that the outer layer 10 and the heat-sealant layer 22 comprise different amounts of polymeric material, thereby creating an unbalanced structure.
  • the entire structure will be thinner, thereby allowing a heat-sealing mechanism such as a heat-sealing bar, to heat the sealant layer 22 and more easily and effectively melt the sealant layer 22 to form a heat-seal.
  • a heat-sealing mechanism such as a heat-sealing bar
  • having more polymeric material in the heat-sealant layer 22 allows the heat-sealant layer 22 to more easily melt and flow, thereby forming a strong seal when heat-sealed to another structure or to itself.
  • the seven-layer structures of the present invention are preferably coextruded and oriented thereby producing structures that are heat shrinkable.
  • the total orientation factor of the seven-layer structures are preferably between about 6 and about 20. More preferably, the total orientation factor is between about 8 and about 13.
  • the structures of the present invention may further be partially or completely annealed, preferably at a temperature of between room temperature and the temperature at which the structure is heat shrunk. Annealing the structures stabilizes the structures by removing residual stresses within the oriented structures. Typically, the structures are maintained in a third bubble and heated above their annealing temperatures, which allows residual stresses in the oriented structures to relax, thereby providing more stable multilayer structures.
  • the seven layer structure of Example 4 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the resulting structure.
  • the seven layer structure has a total orientation factor of about 11.7. Further, the structure was annealed to stabilize the structure. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 4 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 3.3 mils.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 5 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure.
  • the structure had a total orientation factor of about 11.4.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 5 was annealed to stabilize the final structure.
  • the coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 5 were completed in a triple bubble process.
  • the final structure thickness was about 3.7 mils.
  • Example 5 This structure of Example 5 is similar to the structure described in Example 4, except that the structure of Example 5 contains differing amounts of materials in the outer layer and the heat-sealant layer thereby creating an unbalanced structure. Specifically, the outer layer comprises about 17.5% by volume of the structure, and the sealant layer comprises about 27.5% by volume of the structure.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 6 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure.
  • the structure had a total orientation factor of about 9.1.
  • the seven layer structure of Example 6 was annealed to stabilize the final structure.
  • the coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 6 were completed in a triple bubble process.
  • the final structure thickness was about 3.9 mils.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 6 is similar to the seven-layer structure of Example 5, including differing amounts of materials in the outer layer and the heat-sealant layer.
  • the structure of Example 6 includes more polyamide material than the structure of Example 5. More specifically, each polyamide layer in the structure of Example 6 comprises about 25% by volume of the structure. The entire structure comprises about 50% by volume total of polyamide.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 7 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure.
  • the structure had a total orientation factor of about 11.2.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 7 was annealed to stabilize the final structure.
  • the coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 7 were completed in a triple bubble process.
  • the final structure thickness was about 3.7 mils.
  • Example 7 The seven-layer structure of Example 7 is almost identical to the seven-layer structures of Example 5, except that the core layer comprises EVOH having an ethylene content of about 32 mol %, as opposed to about 48 mol %, as shown above with respect to Example 5.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 8 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. In addition, the seven-layer structure of Example 8 was annealed to stabilize the final film. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 8 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 4.0 mils.
  • Each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structure of Example 8 comprises a blend of about 92% by weight nylon 6 and about 8% by weight amorphous polyamide.
  • the seven-layer structure of Example 9 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. In addition, the seven-layer structure of Example 9 was annealed to stabilize the final film. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 9 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 4.0 mils.
  • Each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structure of Example 9 comprises a blend of about 92% by weight nylon 6 and about 8% by weight amorphous polyamide.
  • Table 2 provide comparative test data for each of the Examples 4-9: TABLE 2 Test Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Ex. 9 Caliper (mil) 3.6 3.4 3.5 3.7 4.0 3.85 45° Gloss (units) 72.6 72.5 46 69.8 72.8 71.4 Haze (%) 7.8 10 25.7 9.6 7.9 8.6 Yellowness Index 0.16 0.19 0.12 0.20 0.22 0.13 MD Secant Modulus (psi) 111,500 130,400 145,200 132,700 131,900 121,500 CD Secant Modulus (psi) 120,300 131,900 160,000 144,800 157,400 156,000 Puncture Resistance (lb/mil) 16.8 17.9 21.9 14.5 18.2 15.3 MD Free Shrink @200° F. 24 25 26 26 24 28 CD Free Shrink @200° F. 30 29 35 30 29 29 OTR @ 73° F./0% RH 11.3 14.4 11.2 1.8 2.0 3.1 (ccc

Abstract

Packages made from multilayer structures useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products are provided. More specifically, packages made from multilayer structures are provided that have sufficient rigidity and strength to contain bone-in meat or other like products, while also maintaining good oxygen barrier properties. In addition, packages made from multilayer structures are provided for packaging bone-in meat and other like products that can easily seal to themselves or to other structures. Moreover, packages are provided made from multilayer structures that may be biaxially oriented and heat-shrinkable.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to packages useful for packaging products, such as bone-in meat, cheese and other like products. More specifically, the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer structures useful for bone-in meat packaging, cook-in packaging, shrink film packaging, packaging for case ready meats, hot-fill applications, pet food, retort or lidding, and other like packaging. The packages are made from multilayer structures that are coextruded and have sufficient durability, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance, while also providing a high degree of oxygen barrier protection. In addition, the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer barrier structures that are biaxially oriented so as to be heat-shrinkable around products. [0001]
  • BACKGROUND
  • It is generally known to utilize thermoplastic multilayer structures, such as films, sheets or the like, to package products. For example, typical products packaged with thermoplastic multilayer structures include perishable products, such as food. Specifically, meats and cheeses are typically packaged in thermoplastic structures. In addition, it is generally known that cook-in structures may be utilized to package food products, whereby the products are then heated to cook the food products contained within the packages. Moreover, shrink films are known for packaging food products, such as meat and cheese. [0002]
  • One type of meat that may be packaged within thermoplastic multilayer structures is bone-in meat. Bone-in meat products often contain sharp bones that protrude outwardly from the meat. Typical cuts of bone-in meat include a half carcass cut, hindquarter cut, round with shank, bone-in shank, full loin, bone-in ribs, forequarter, shoulder and/or other like cuts of meat. When bone-in meat products are packaged and/or shipped, the protruding bones often can puncture or tear the packaging materials. This puncturing or tearing of the packaging material by the protruding bones can occur at the initial stage of packaging or at the later stage of evacuation of the packaging, which may expose the bone-in meat products to oxygen and moisture, thereby having deleterious effects on the bone-in meat product. [0003]
  • Many techniques and products have been developed for preventing bone puncture or tear. U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,627 to Bert discloses a bag arrangement and packaging method for packaging bone-in meat using two bags to provide a double wall of film surrounding the cut of meat for bone puncture resistance. [0004]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,235 to Kraimer discloses a puncture resistant barrier pouch for the packaging of bone-in meat and other products. [0005]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,791 to Williams discloses an oriented heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat-shrinkable patch wherein the heat-shrinkable patch substantially covers all areas exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture. [0006]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,922 to Schirmer discloses a seamless puncture resistant bag which includes a length of lay-flat seamless tubular film folded to a double lay-flat configuration. The configuration forms a seamless envelope with one face thickened integrally to triple thickness. [0007]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,276 to Ennis discloses an oriented heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat-shrinkable reverse printed patch attached to the bag. [0008]
  • The art teaches many techniques for addressing the problem of bone puncture or tear in the packaging of bone-in meat products. Many of the solutions typically include a film structure or bag having patches, double-walled thicknesses or the like. However, a need exists for multilayer structures that may be utilized for packaging bone-in meat products and other like products that have sufficient durability, strength, and puncture resistance so as to keep the multilayer structures from being punctured by bony protrusions from the meat, and yet is heat-sealable so as to form packaging that can seal to themselves or other structures. In addition, there exists a need in the art for economical and commercially viable multilayer structures to form heat-sealable and heat-shrinkable packages for bone-in meat products. [0009]
  • One solution for packaging bone-in meat entails the utilization of coextruded multilayer structures having sufficient strength, durability, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and optical properties. However, the formation of coextruded multilayer structures having these properties is difficult without laminating the structures to provide double-walled structures and/or laminating or otherwise adhering patches to the structures. Laminating structures together to form double-walled structures or otherwise adhering patches to the structures requires multiple complicated processes, thereby requiring additional time and money. [0010]
  • For example, known coextruded structures that may be useful for the present invention require very thick coextrusions to provide adequate puncture resistance for bone-in meat. This requires the use of large quantities of fairly expensive polymeric materials to provide the protection against puncture and tearing. This problem is typically solved, as noted above, by laminating structures together to form patches in the areas of the structures most susceptible to breaking or puncturing. These patches, while allowing the use of less thermoplastic material, can be unsightly in that the surface of the films are interrupted by the patches. In addition, the lamination process of adding the patches to the films can cause decreased optical characteristics, in that patches can become hazy or yellow. Moreover, the areas of the patches also suffer from decreased optical properties due to the thicknesses of the patches and the patches tend to interfere with the shrink characteristics of the structures. Still further, the application of the patches requires extra steps in addition to the steps of making the structures, including precisely positioning the patches where bony protrusions are likely to be. [0011]
  • In addition, many coextruded structures having the durability and strength to package bone-in meat have sealability problems. As noted above, the structures must be fairly thick to provide adequate puncture resistance. Typically, heat-sealing bars are utilized to seal the structures together. If a structure is too thick, the sealing bars will have difficulty in transferring an adequate amount of heat to the heat-sealing layers to melt the heat-sealing layers of the structures to provide adequate heat-seals. Inadequate heat-seals cause leaks, thereby exposing products contained within packages made from the structures to both oxygen and moisture, which may deleteriously affect the products. [0012]
  • In addition, thicker structures tend to have a decrease in optical properties compared to relatively thinner structures. A structure's thickness is directly related to haze. Thicker structures, therefore, tend to have an increase in haze, thereby contributing to a decrease in the clarity of the structures. In addition, thicker structures tend to be more difficult to orient. Thicker structures tend to have a lower shrink energy, thereby requiring an increase in orientation ratio to provide similar shrink characteristics as compared to thinner structures. [0013]
  • A need, therefore, exists for coextruded multilayer structures having superior strength, durability, tear resistance and puncture resistance that are significantly thinner than known structures while maintaining superior optical properties, such as low haze, low yellowness, and high clarity. In addition, a need exists for coextruded multilayer structures that are orientable to provide products that are heat shrinkable. In addition, coextruded multilayer structures are needed having superior sealability as compared to known structures, while still maintaining the superior strength, durability, puncture resistance, tear resistance and optical properties. [0014]
  • SUMMARY
  • The present invention relates to packages useful for packaging products, such as bone-in meat, cheese and other like products. More specifically, the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer structures useful for bone-in meat packaging, cook-in packaging, shrink film packaging, packaging for case ready meats, hot-fill applications, pet food, retort or lidding, and other like packaging. The packages are made from multilayer structures that are coextruded and have sufficient durability, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance, while also providing oxygen barrier protection. In addition, the present invention relates to packages made from multilayer barrier structures that are biaxially oriented so as to be heat-shrinkable around products. [0015]
  • Packages made from multilayer structures are provided. More specifically, the packages made from multilayer structures can be utilized for packaging products having bony protrusions or the like that would easily tear or puncture other structures. [0016]
  • To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a package for bone-in meat is provided. The package comprises a first wall comprising a multilayer structure comprising a heat-sealant layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, ionomers and blends thereof, a first polyamide layer, and a barrier layer, wherein the multilayer structure is oriented and all layers are coextruded together to form the multilayer structure. The package may further comprises a bone-in meat product within the package. In addition, the package may be heat-shrunk around the bone-in meat product. [0017]
  • Moreover, the barrier layer may be disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the first polyamide layer. Alternatively, the first polyamide layer may be disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the barrier layer. [0018]
  • In addition, the barrier layer further may comprise ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. Further, the barrier layer may comprise an ethylene content of between about 24 mol % and about 52 mol %. More specifically, the barrier layer may comprise an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %. [0019]
  • Further, the heat-sealant layer of the package of the present embodiment may comprise polyethylene. More specifically, the heat-sealant layer may comprise a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene. [0020]
  • Moreover, the first polyamide layer of the package of the present embodiment may comprise a blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6 and amorphous polyamide. Alternatively, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the first polyamide layer may comprise about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of a semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide. Moreover, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and amorphous polyamide. Alternatively, the first polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69, and amorphous polyamide. The first polyamide layer may comprise about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight of an amorphous polyamide. [0021]
  • The first multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment further comprises a tie layer. Moreover, the first polyamide layer may form an outer layer of the multilayer structure. [0022]
  • In addition, the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may be annealed. Moreover, the multilayer structure may be plasticized. In addition, the multilayer structure may be moisturized by the application of water to the multilayer structure. Further, the multilayer structure may be irradiated to promote crosslinking between the layers of the multilayer structure and/or within at least one layer of the multilayer structure. [0023]
  • The multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may be between about 1 mil and about 8 mils thick. More specifically, the multilayer structure is between about 1.5 mils and 5 mils thick. [0024]
  • In addition, the package of the present embodiment may be in the form of a tube having a space therein for a product. The first wall may be heat-sealed to a second wall and the first wall and the second wall may form a space for the bone-in meat product. In addition, the first wall and the second wall may comprise the same multilayer structure. [0025]
  • The multilayer structure of the package may further comprise a second polyamide layer wherein the first and second polyamide layers may be disposed on opposite sides of the barrier layer. More specifically, the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of a semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide. In addition, the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6 and amorphous polyamide. Alternatively, the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide. [0026]
  • Alternatively, the second polyamide layer may comprise a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and amorphous polyamide. More specifically, the second polyamide may comprise a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69 and amorphous polyamide. The second polyamide layer may further comprise a blend of about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide. [0027]
  • The multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may further comprise an outer layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, ionomers, polyesters and blends thereof, wherein the first polyamide layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the outer layer and the second polyamide layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the heat-sealant layer. The outer layer of the multilayer structure may comprise a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene. In addition, the multilayer structure may further comprise a tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the first polyamide layer. [0028]
  • In addition, the multilayer structure of the package of the present invention may further comprise a tie layer disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the second polyamide layer. Moreover, the multilayer structure may comprise a heat-sealant layer comprising an amount of polymer greater than an amount of polymer in the outer layer. [0029]
  • Further, the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may further comprise a first tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the first polyamide layer, and a second tie layer disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the second polyamide layer. [0030]
  • Further, the multilayer structure package of the present invention may have about 25% free shrink at about 200° F. Further, the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may have a total orientation factor of between about 6 and about 20. More specifically, the multilayer structure may have a total orientation factor of between about 8 and 13. Moreover, at least one layer of the multilayer structure of the package of the present embodiment may comprise a tie concentrate blended therein. [0031]
  • Packages made from multilayer structures are provided that can be economically and cost-effectively manufactured. More specifically, the multilayer structures can be made via coextrusion of the layers together. The multilayer structures are, therefore, easy to produce and can be made quickly and efficiently. [0032]
  • In addition, packages are provided made from multilayer structures that can be oriented, thereby providing increased strength, especially when utilized as packaging for bone-in meat products and the like. [0033]
  • Moreover, packages are provided made from coextruded multilayer structures having superior strength, durability, tear resistance and puncture resistance while being significantly thinner than known coextruded structures having comparable strength, durability, tear resistance and puncture resistance. Thinner structures contribute to the utilization of less materials, which contributes to cost efficiencies and to a reduction of waste products, both during production of the structures, and after the structures are utilized for packages. For example, the multilayer structures described herein use less materials, thereby contributing to an overall decrease in materials required to be shipped and stored. Less materials contributes to a reduction in waste products as well, thereby reducing the impact to the environment. Moreover, less boxes, pallets and warehouse space is therefore required. In addition, the decrease in materials utilized further allows more packages to be shipped and stored in specific areas, such as in truckloads and the like. [0034]
  • In addition, package made from multilayer structures are provided having increased stiffness. [0035]
  • Still further, packages are provided made from multilayer structures having improved durability, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance that may be made by a coextrusion process, without needing extra series of steps for laminating other structures thereto. Therefore, packages are provided that do not have double walls or patches. In addition, the multilayer structures provided herein do not require the extra steps, time and money to precisely position patches to strengthen a structure where bony protrusions and the like may damage the structure. Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawing.[0036]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a seven-layer structure in an embodiment of the present invention.[0037]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • The multilayer structures and packages made therefrom of the present invention are useful for packaging meat products having bony protrusions and other like products having sharp protrusions. The bony protrusions make it difficult to utilize structures without some form of reinforcing material, such as a double-walled film structure or patches or the like. However, it has been found that a multilayer coextruded structure made without double-walling or without the use of patches may be formed that has sufficient rigidity, strength, tear resistance and puncture resistance to hold bone-in meat products, while also protecting the products from the deleterious effects of oxygen. [0038]
  • The packages made from the multilayer structures of the present invention typically have at least one layer of nylon and a heat-sealant layer that preferably allows the film to be heat-sealed to itself or to another film to form a package having a space therein for bone-in meat. The packages further comprise an oxygen barrier layer to protect the product contained therein from the deleterious effects of oxygen. [0039]
  • For purposes of describing the layers of the thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures described herein, the term “inner layer” refers to the layer of a package made from the coextruded multilayer structure that directly contacts the inner space of the package and/or directly contacts the product contained therein, especially when heat-shrunk around the product, as described in more detail below. The term “outer layer” refers to a layer of the coextruded multilayer structure disposed on the external surface thereof. Specifically, if a package is made from a non-laminated coextruded structure, the outer layer is disposed on the external surface of the package. [0040]
  • Typically, the outer layer of the multilayer structures provides rigidity and strength to the structure, and further provides protection from punctures, tears and the like, and is often referred to as an “abuse layer”. Materials that may be useful in the outer layer are those typically used for abuse layers in multilayer structures, such as low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), or heterogeneous or homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers, such as linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”) and medium density polyethylene (“MDPE”) made by typical polymeric processes, such as Ziegler-Natta catalysis and metallocene-based catalysis. Moreover, other ethylene copolymers may be utilized as well, such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (“EVA”) and ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (“EMA”). Other materials may include polypropylene (“PP”), polyamides, ionomers, polyesters or blends of any of these materials. In addition, an amount of slip and/or antiblock may be added to aid the outer layer in forming and to provide desirable characteristics. [0041]
  • Preferably, the outer layer comprises a blend of octene-based LLDPE and LDPE. A preferable range of LLDPE and LDPE utilized in the outer layer may be between about 50% by weight and about 90% by weight LLDPE and about 10% by weight and about 50% by weight LDPE. Most preferably, the blend of LLDPE and LDPE may be about 70% by weight LLDPE and about 30% by weight LDPE. In addition, the blend of the outer layer may comprise a small amount of antiblock and/or slip agent. Alternatively, the outer layer may comprise a polyamide or blend of polyamide materials. [0042]
  • In addition, the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention typically have at least one internal layer. An “internal layer” is a layer disposed within a multilayer structure, and is bonded on both sides to other layers. A preferred material that is useful as an internal layer is a polyamide. Generally, polyamide materials that are useful for the at least one internal layer include, but are not limited to, nylon 6, nylon 6,69, nylon 6,66, [0043] nylon 12, nylon 6,12, nylon 6,IPD,I, amorphous polyamide, or blends of any of these materials. Preferably, the at least one internal layer is a blend of polyamide materials, such as, for example, a blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide, although amorphous polyamide is not necessary in the at least one internal layer.
  • For example, the internal layer may comprise nylon 6 or nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide, or a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69 and amorphous polyamide. It is preferable to utilize a blend of a large amount of semi-crystalline polyamide, such as about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide, such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,66 or a blend of nylon 6 and nylon 6,69, with a small amount of amorphous polyamide, such as between about 1% by weight and about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide. More preferably, the internal layer may comprise about 85% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide, such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,66 or a blend of nylon 6 and nylon 6,69, with about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight amorphous polyamide. Most preferably, the internal layer may comprise about 90% by weight to about 99% by weight semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight and about 10% by weight amorphous polyamide. [0044]
  • In addition, the polyamide layers of the present invention may comprise a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and an amorphous polyamide. Specifically, the polyamide layers may comprise between about 60% by weight and about 80% by weight of the first semi-crystalline polyamide, between about 10% by weight and about 30% by weight of the second semi-crystalline polyamide, and between about 1% by weight and about 20% by weight of the amorphous polyamide. [0045]
  • The blends described herein allow the internal layer of polyamide to retain softness and ease of processability while still imparting high puncture resistance, strength and stiffness to the film structure. In addition, polyamide blends comprising a small amount of amorphous polyamide have improved orientation and, therefore, shrink characteristics. Specifically, a small amount of amorphous polyamide in the polyamide blend with semi-crystalline polyamide improves both out-of-line orientation and in-line orientation. [0046]
  • Alternatively, the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention may have a plurality of polyamide layers. For example, structures may have an outer layer comprising polyamide and an internal layer comprising polyamide. Alternatively, the structures may have two or more internal layers of polyamide. The two or more layers of polyamide may preferably be separated by an internal core layer, such as an oxygen barrier layer, as described below, and may further be useful in bonding the oxygen barrier layer to other layers within the multilayer structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the two or more layers of polyamide may be the same polyamide. In another embodiment, the two layers may be different. Preferably, the two or more layers of polyamide are identical, such as an identical blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide. [0047]
  • Further, the internal core layer of the present invention may be a barrier layer to provide protection from oxygen that may deleteriously affect oxygen-sensitive products that may be contained within packages made by the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention, such as bone-in meat products. Materials that may be utilized as the barrier layers of the structures include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and EVOH blends, such as EVOH blended with polyamide, EVOH blended with polyolefin, such as LLDPE, EVOH blended with ionomer, polyglycolic acid, blends thereof and other like oxygen barrier materials. Other barrier materials may include amorphous polyamide and polyvinylidene chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer. [0048]
  • A preferable EVOH material utilized in the structures described herein has an ethylene content of between about 24 mol % and about 52 mol %. More preferably, the EVOH material utilized in the structures of the present invention have an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %. The decreased ethylene content of EVOH copolymers allows the structures to have greater barrier protection at relative humidity of less than about 93%. [0049]
  • The multilayer structures of the present invention may further have a heat-sealant layer that may form heat-seals when heat and/or pressure is applied to the package. For example, the structures of the present invention may be folded over onto themselves and sealed around edges to create a package with the bone-in meat products contained therein. Alternatively, the structures may be formed as a tube, whereby ends of the tube may be heat-sealed together to create a package for the product. Moreover, a first structure of the present invention may be disposed adjacent a second structure of the present invention and sealed around edges of the structures to form a package for the bone-in meat or other like products. [0050]
  • The heat-sealant layer materials include, but are not limited to, various polyolefins, such as low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene and medium density polyethylene. The polyethylenes may be made via a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene catalyst, or a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, or any other polyolefin catalyst system. In addition, other materials include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, ionomer, propylene-ethylene copolymer or blends of any of these materials. Further, acid modified polyolefins and tie resins or concentrates, such as, for example, anhydride modified polyethylene, may be utilized in the heat sealant layer, which may be useful for meat adhesion when the multilayer structure is heat shrunk about a bone-in meat product. [0051]
  • In addition, slip and/or antiblock may be added to the polymeric material to aid in processability and for other desirable characteristics. Preferably, the heat-sealant layer of the structure of the present invention may comprise a blend of octene-based linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene. More specifically, the heat-sealant layer may comprise between about 50% by weight and about 90% by weight LLDPE and between about 10% by weight and about 50% by weight LDPE. Most specifically, the heat-sealant layer comprises about 70% by weight LLDPE and about 30% by weight LDPE. Optionally, the heat-sealant layer comprises a small amount of slip and/or antiblock. [0052]
  • The above-identified materials may be combined into a structure having at least three layers that has sufficient puncture resistance, strength and optical properties to form packages that are useful for packaging bone-in meat or other like products. [0053]
  • The coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention are preferably coextruded and biaxially oriented via a double bubble process, whereby each layer of each of the multilayer structures is coextruded as a bubble and then cooled. Typical cooling processes include air cooling, water cooling or cooling via non-contact vacuum sizing. The coextruded multilayer structures may then be reheated and oriented in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. Alternatively, the coextruded multilayer structures of the present invention may be oriented via other orienting processes, such as tenter-frame orientation. [0054]
  • The oriented multilayer structures are then heated to an annealing temperature and cooled while the multilayer structures maintain their oriented dimensions in a third bubble, thereby annealing the multilayer structures to relax residual stress and provide stability and strength to the multilayer structures while maintaining the heat shrinkability and superior optical characteristics of oriented multilayer structures. Use of a third bubble for purposes of annealing the oriented structures is often referred to as a triple-bubble process. The structures of the present invention may be partially or completely annealed. Annealing the multilayer structure allows for precise control over the degree of shrink and/or over the stability of the multilayer structure, and is typically done at a temperature between room temperature and the anticipated temperature at which the multilayer structure is desired to shrink. [0055]
  • In addition, the multilayer structures of the present invention may be further processed to get desirable characteristics. For example, multilayer structures of the present invention may be cross-linked via known cross-linking processes, such as by electron-beam cross-linking either before or after orientation of the multilayer structure. Cross-linking may occur between layers (“inter-layer crosslinking”) of the structures or molecularly within at least one layer of a structure (“molecular cross-linking”). For example, molecular cross-linking of EVOH occurs at about 6 megarads, which provides increased stiffness and barrier properties of the EVOH in the structures. Of course, any other radiation dosage may be utilized to promote inter-layer cross-linking or molecular cross-linking as may be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the structures may be moisturized, by exposing the surfaces of the structures to water so that certain layers of the structures, such as the polyamide layers, absorb the water thus plasticizing the polyamide layers, thereby making the polyamide layers softer and stronger. Moisturizing the structures typically occurs by exposing the surface of the structures to water, such as a mist, prior to rolling the structures for storage. During storage of the structures, the water is absorbed by the layers of the structures, such as the polyamide layers, thereby plasticizing the structure. Of course, other methods for plasticizing the structures are contemplated by the present invention, and the invention should not be limited as described herein. [0056]
  • Preferably, the structures of the present invention have a thickness of between about 1 and about 8 mils. Most preferably, the structures of the present invention have a thickness of between about 1.5 mils and about 5 mils A balance must be reached between having a cost-effective package, thereby minimizing the thickness of the structures, and having a package that provides adequate puncture and tear resistance for bone-in meat or other like products. It is believed that a combination of materials used in the structures contributes to the advantageous properties of the structures of the present invention, such as puncture resistance, strength, durability, and optical properties, without requiring relatively thick structures. [0057]
  • The structures of the present invention are utilized to make heat shrinkable bags, such as by coextruding heat shrinkable tubes, cutting said tubes to the desired sizes, placing product within said tubes, sealing the open ends of the tubes, and heat-shrinking the tubes around the products. Alternatively, packages may be made by folding structures so that the heat-sealant layers of the structures are in face-to-face contact. In addition, packages may be made by heat-sealing first walls of first multilayer structures to second walls of second multilayer structures to form a space for a product to be contained therein. Of course, any other method of making said packages are contemplated by the present invention. Machinery contemplated as being used to make the bags or packages of the present invention include intermittent motion bag-making machines, rotary bag-making machines, or multibaggers, which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,661 to Melville, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety. [0058]
  • In a typical bag-making process, tubes are produced using a double-bubble or a triple-bubble process, as described above. The surfaces of the tubes may be lightly dusted with starch. An open end of the tube is then heat-sealed with one end of the tube left open for adding the product to the package. Other types of packages and uses are contemplated by the present invention, such as vertical form, fill and seal packages and lidstock for rigid or semi-rigid trays. In addition, the structures of the present invention may be useful as cook-in bags or the like. [0059]
  • The tubes then have product placed therein, such as bone-in meat. The tubes are then evacuated of air and the open end of each is heat-sealed. The tubes that have been evacuated of air and heat-sealed are then shrunk around the product by sending the tubes through an oven, a hot water tunnel or other similar heat-shrink apparatus. [0060]
  • As noted above, the structures of the present invention may have at least three layers, but preferably contain four, five, six or more layers. Most preferably, the structures comprise seven layers. In addition, structures having greater than seven layers are contemplated by the present invention. Each structure preferably has a heat-sealant layer, a polyamide layer, and a barrier layer of, preferably, EVOH copolymer. Moreover, it is preferable to have at least two layers of polyamide contained within each of the structures disposed on opposite sides of the barrier layer thereby bonding the barrier layer to the other layers within each of the multilayer structures. [0061]
  • The following non-limiting examples illustrate five-layer structures of the present invention: [0062]
  • EXAMPLE 1
  • [0063]
    Percent by
    volume of
    Structure Layer structure Materials and percent by weight of layer
    1 (Outer layer) 45  80% Nylon 6
     20% amorphous polyamide
    2 (Barrier layer) 5 100% EVOH (32 mol % ethylene content)
    3 (Polyamide 35  90% Nylon 6
    layer)  10% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Tie layer) 5 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    5 (Sealant layer) 10  50% LLDPE
     50% LDPE
  • EXAMPLE 2
  • [0064]
    Percent by
    volume of
    Structure Layer structure Materials and percent by weight of layer
    1 (Outer layer) 45  80% Nylon 6
     20% amorphous polyamide
    2 (Barrier layer) 5 100% EVOH (44 mol % ethylene content)
    3 (Polyamide 35  90% Nylon 6
    layer)  10% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Tie layer) 5 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    5 (Sealant layer) 10  50% LLDPE
     50% LDPE
  • Examples 1-2 illustrate five-layer structures of the present invention. Specifically, the five-layer structures each comprise an outer layer of polyamide, a barrier layer of EVOH copolymer, an internal layer of polyamide, such that the outer layer of polyamide and the internal layer of polyamide are disposed adjacent to the barrier layer of EVOH copolymer. A tie layer is disposed adjacent to the internal layer of polyamide, which binds the internal layer of polyamide to the heat-sealant layer, comprising a blend of LLDPE and LDPE. The 5-layer structures of Examples 1 and 2 were about 4.1 mils thick. [0065]
  • EXAMPLE 3
  • Example 3 includes the 5-layer structure of Example 2 that was moisturized by the application of water to the structure, thereby plasticizing the structure. Specifically, the water was applied as a mist or spray to the 5-layer structure of Example 2, and the 5-layer structure of Example 2 was wound on a roll and the water was allowed to penetrate the film structure to plasticize the film structure, specifically the polyamide layers. The 5-layer moisturized structure of Example 3 was about 5.6 mils thick. [0066]
  • Table 1 illustrates comparative test data for Examples 1-3. [0067]
    TABLE 1
    Test Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3
    Caliper (mil) 4.1 4.1 5.6
    45° Gloss (units) 90.2 92.2 70.1
    Haze (%) 4.0 3.6 9.0
    Yellowness Index 1.1 1.1 1.1
    MD Secant Modulus (psi) 237,900 243,900 32,200
    CD Secant Modulus (psi) 250,800 246,800 36,400
    Puncture Resistance (lb/mil) 21.2 22.2 11.5
    MD Free Shrink @200° F. 19 18 19
    CD Free Shrink @200° F. 28 28 20
    OTR @ 73° F./0% RH 0.8 2.4
    (cc/m2/day/atm)
  • In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seven-layer coextruded structures are provided, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The structures preferably comprise a first [0068] outer layer 10, a first tie layer 12, a first polyamide layer 14, a barrier layer 16, a second polyamide layer 18, a second tie layer 20 and a heat-sealant layer 22. Each of the layers is described in more detail below.
  • The [0069] outer layer 10 of the seven-layer structure illustrated in FIG. 2 provides rigidity and strength to the structure, and further provides protection from scratches, tears and the like. Preferably, the outer layer 10 is between about 5% by volume and about 25% by volume of the entire structure. Most preferably, the outer layer 10 comprises about 17.5% by volume of the entire structure.
  • The multilayer structures of the present invention may further comprise tie layers disposed between other layers of the multilayer structures. Specifically, a “tie layer” is defined as an internal layer that provides adhesion or bonding to two layers of a coextruded structure and is typically disposed adjacent to and between the two layers of the coextruded structure. The [0070] multilayer structure 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 may include a first tie layer 12 and a second tie layer 20, which are disposed adjacent the outer layer 10 and the heat-sealant layer 22, respectively. The first and second tie layers may be utilized to bind the outer layer 10 and the heat-sealant layer 22 to other internal layers, such as the first polyamide layer 14 and/or second polyamide layer 18. The first tie layer 12 and/or second tie layer 20 may comprise modified polyolefins, such as maleic anhydride modified polyolefins. Polyolefins useful as the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 of the present invention include, but are not limited to, anhydride modified linear low density polyethylene or any other maleic anhydride modified polyolefin polymer or copolymer, such as anhydride modified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and/or anhydride modified ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer. Alternatively, the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 may comprise a material that is not typically utilized as a tie resin. Specifically, the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 may comprise materials that are not modified with maleic anhydride, such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer. Other polymeric materials that may be useful as tie layers include, but are not limited to, acid terpolymer comprising ethylene, acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, polyamide, and polystyrene block copolymers. In addition, the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 may comprise blends of tie resins with other polymeric material, such as polyolefins or the like.
  • Preferably, the [0071] first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 comprise a maleic anhydride modified ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, such as, for example, BYNEL® from DuPont. Most preferably, the first tie layer comprises maleic anhydride modified linear low density polyethylene, such as, for example, ADMER® from Mitsui. It should be noted that the first tie layer 12 and the second tie layer 20 may not be the same material, but may be different materials that are useful for tying together the outer layer 10 to an internal layer of polyamide and/or the sealant layer 22 to an internal layer of polyamide. Although the first tie layer 12 and second tie layer 20 may be any thickness useful for the present invention, it is preferable that the first tie layer 12 and second tie layer 20 each comprise between about 2% by volume and about 15% by volume of the multilayer structures. Most preferably, the first tie layer 12 and/or the second tie layer 20 each comprise about 5% by volume of the entire multilayer structures.
  • The [0072] first polyamide layer 14 and/or second polyamide layer 18 may be utilized to protect the barrier layer 16, and to provide rigidity and strength to structures made from the present invention. The polyamide layers further provide ease of orientation, better shrink force and lower oxygen transmission rates through the multilayer structure. It should be noted that the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may not be the same material, and may be different depending on the desired characteristics of the structures. In addition, each of the first polyamide layer 14 and/or second polyamide layer 18 of the seven layer structures may be between about 10% by volume and about 60% by volume of the structures More specifically, each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structures may be between about 10% by volume and about 40% by volume of the structures. Most preferably, each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structures may be between about 15% and about 25% by volume of the structures.
  • Both the [0073] first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may together comprise between about 20% by volume and about 80% by volume of the structures. More specifically, both the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may together comprise between about 30% by volume and about 50% by volume of the structures. Most preferably, both of the first polyamide layer 14 and second polyamide layer 18 may together comprise about 40% by volume of the film. While it is preferable that the two polyamide layers 14, 18 be of the same thickness, this is not necessary, and the first polyamide layer 14 and the second polyamide layer 18 may be different thicknesses.
  • The heat-[0074] sealant layer 22 of the seven layer structure illustrated in FIG. 1 may be any thickness. Preferably, the heat-sealant layer may comprise between about 20% by volume and about 30% by volume of the entire structure. Most preferably, the heat-sealant layer 22 of the present invention may comprise about 27.5% by volume of the entire structure, especially when the outer layer 10 comprises about 17.5% by volume of the entire structure. It is further preferable that the outer layer 10 and the heat-sealant layer 22 comprise different amounts of polymeric material, thereby creating an unbalanced structure. If the outer layer 10 is thinner than the heat-sealant layer 22, then the entire structure will be thinner, thereby allowing a heat-sealing mechanism such as a heat-sealing bar, to heat the sealant layer 22 and more easily and effectively melt the sealant layer 22 to form a heat-seal. In addition, having more polymeric material in the heat-sealant layer 22 allows the heat-sealant layer 22 to more easily melt and flow, thereby forming a strong seal when heat-sealed to another structure or to itself.
  • The seven-layer structures of the present invention, as described above and illustrated in FIG. 1, are preferably coextruded and oriented thereby producing structures that are heat shrinkable. The total orientation factor of the seven-layer structures are preferably between about 6 and about 20. More preferably, the total orientation factor is between about 8 and about 13. The structures of the present invention may further be partially or completely annealed, preferably at a temperature of between room temperature and the temperature at which the structure is heat shrunk. Annealing the structures stabilizes the structures by removing residual stresses within the oriented structures. Typically, the structures are maintained in a third bubble and heated above their annealing temperatures, which allows residual stresses in the oriented structures to relax, thereby providing more stable multilayer structures. [0075]
  • The following examples illustrate specific embodiments of seven layer structures: [0076]
  • EXAMPLE 4
  • [0077]
    Percent
    Structure by volume Materials and percent by weight
    Layer of structure of structure layer
    1 (Outer) 22.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
    2 (First Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    3 (First 20.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Barrier) 5.0 100% EVOH (48 mol % ethylene content)
    5 (Second 20.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    6 (Second Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    7 (Sealant) 22.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
  • The seven layer structure of Example 4 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the resulting structure. The seven layer structure has a total orientation factor of about 11.7. Further, the structure was annealed to stabilize the structure. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 4 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 3.3 mils. [0078]
  • EXAMPLE 5
  • [0079]
    Percent
    Structure by volume Materials and percent by weight
    Layer of structure of structure layer
    1 (Outer) 17.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
    2 (First Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    3 (First 20.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Barrier) 5.0 100% EVOH (48 mol % ethylene content)
    5 (Second 20.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    6 (Second Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    7 (Sealant) 27.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 5 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. The structure had a total orientation factor of about 11.4. In addition, the seven-layer structure of Example 5 was annealed to stabilize the final structure. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 5 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 3.7 mils. [0080]
  • This structure of Example 5 is similar to the structure described in Example 4, except that the structure of Example 5 contains differing amounts of materials in the outer layer and the heat-sealant layer thereby creating an unbalanced structure. Specifically, the outer layer comprises about 17.5% by volume of the structure, and the sealant layer comprises about 27.5% by volume of the structure. [0081]
  • EXAMPLE 6
  • [0082]
    Percent
    by volume Materials and percent by weight
    Structure Layer of structure of structure layer
    1 (Outer) 15.0  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
    2 (First Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    3 (First 25.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Barrier) 5.0 100% EVOH (48 mol % ethylene content)
    5 (Second 25.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    6 (Second Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    7 (Sealant) 20.0  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 6 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. The structure had a total orientation factor of about 9.1. In addition, the seven layer structure of Example 6 was annealed to stabilize the final structure. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 6 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 3.9 mils. [0083]
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 6 is similar to the seven-layer structure of Example 5, including differing amounts of materials in the outer layer and the heat-sealant layer. However, the structure of Example 6 includes more polyamide material than the structure of Example 5. More specifically, each polyamide layer in the structure of Example 6 comprises about 25% by volume of the structure. The entire structure comprises about 50% by volume total of polyamide. [0084]
  • EXAMPLE 7
  • [0085]
    Percent
    by volume Materials and percent by weight
    Structure Layer of structure of structure layer
    1 (Outer) 17.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
    2 (First Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    3 (First 20.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Barrier) 5.0 100% EVOH (32 mol % ethylene content)
    5 (Second 20.0  70% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  25% nylon 6,69
     5% amorphous polyamide
    6 (Second Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    7 (Sealant) 27.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 7 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. The structure had a total orientation factor of about 11.2. In addition, the seven-layer structure of Example 7 was annealed to stabilize the final structure. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 7 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 3.7 mils. [0086]
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 7 is almost identical to the seven-layer structures of Example 5, except that the core layer comprises EVOH having an ethylene content of about 32 mol %, as opposed to about 48 mol %, as shown above with respect to Example 5. [0087]
  • EXAMPLE 8
  • [0088]
    Percent
    by volume Materials and percent by weight
    Structure Layer of structure of structure layer
    1 (Outer) 17.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
    2 (First Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    3 (First 20.0  92% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  8% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Barrier) 5.0 100% EVOH (38 mol % ethylene content)
    5 (Second 20.0  92% nylon 6
    Polyamide)  8% amorphous polyamide
    6 (Second Tie) 5.0 100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    7 (Sealant) 27.5  49% LLDPE
     49% LDPE
     2% blend of slip and antiblock
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 8 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. In addition, the seven-layer structure of Example 8 was annealed to stabilize the final film. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 8 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 4.0 mils. Each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structure of Example 8 comprises a blend of about 92% by weight nylon 6 and about 8% by weight amorphous polyamide. [0089]
  • EXAMPLE 9
  • [0090]
    Percent by
    volume of Materials and percent by weight
    Structure Layer structure of structure layer
    1 (Outer) 17.5   69% LLDPE
      29% LDPE
       2% blend of slip and antiblock
    2 (First Tie) 5.0   100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    3 (First 20.0   92% nylon 6
    Polyamide)    8% amorphous polyamide
    4 (Barrier) 5.0   100% EVOH (32 mol % ethylene content)
    5 (Second 20.0   92% nylon 6
    Polyamide)    8% amorphous polyamide
    6 (Second Tie) 5.0   100% anhydride modified LLDPE
    7 (Sealant) 27.5   68% LLDPE
    27.25% LDPE
     4.75% blend of slip, antiblock,
    anti-oxidant, and
    polymer processing aid
  • The seven-layer structure of Example 9 was made by coextruding the seven layers together and biaxially orienting the structure. In addition, the seven-layer structure of Example 9 was annealed to stabilize the final film. The coextrusion, orientation, and annealing of the seven layer structure of Example 9 were completed in a triple bubble process. The final structure thickness was about 4.0 mils. Each of the polyamide layers of the seven layer structure of Example 9 comprises a blend of about 92% by weight nylon 6 and about 8% by weight amorphous polyamide. [0091]
  • Table 2 provide comparative test data for each of the Examples 4-9: [0092]
    TABLE 2
    Test Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Ex. 9
    Caliper (mil) 3.6 3.4 3.5 3.7 4.0 3.85
    45° Gloss (units) 72.6 72.5 46 69.8 72.8 71.4
    Haze (%) 7.8 10 25.7 9.6 7.9 8.6
    Yellowness Index 0.16 0.19 0.12 0.20 0.22 0.13
    MD Secant Modulus (psi) 111,500 130,400 145,200 132,700 131,900 121,500
    CD Secant Modulus (psi) 120,300 131,900 160,000 144,800 157,400 156,000
    Puncture Resistance (lb/mil) 16.8 17.9 21.9 14.5 18.2 15.3
    MD Free Shrink @200° F. 24 25 26 26 24 28
    CD Free Shrink @200° F. 30 29 35 30 29 29
    OTR @ 73° F./0% RH 11.3 14.4 11.2 1.8 2.0 3.1
    (cc/m2/day/atm)
  • It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. [0093]

Claims (47)

We claim:
1. A package for bone-in meat comprising:
a first wall comprising a multilayer structure comprising a heat-sealant layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, ionomers and blends thereof, a first polyamide layer, and a barrier layer, wherein the multilayer structure is oriented and all layers are coextruded together to form the multilayer structure.
2. The package of claim 1 further comprising a bone-in meat product within the package.
3. The package of claim 2 wherein the package is heat shrunk around the bone-in meat product.
4. The package of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer is disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the first polyamide layer.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer is disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the barrier layer.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein the barrier layer comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer.
7. The package of claim 6 wherein the barrier layer comprises an ethylene content of between about 24 mol % and about 52 mol %.
8. The package of claim 6 wherein the barrier layer comprises an ethylene content of between about 27 mol % and about 42 mol %.
9. The package of claim 1 wherein the heat-sealant layer comprises polyethylene.
10. The package of claim 1 wherein the heat-sealant layer comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene.
11. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises a blend of semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide.
12. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises a blend of nylon 6 and amorphous polyamide.
13. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises a blend of nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide.
14. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of a semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide.
15. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and amorphous polyamide.
16. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69, and amorphous polyamide.
17. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer comprises about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight of an amorphous polyamide.
18. The package of claim 1 wherein the first multilayer structure further comprises a tie layer.
19. The package of claim 1 wherein the first polyamide layer forms an outer layer of the multilayer structure.
20. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure is annealed.
21. The package of claim 1 wherein said multilayer structure is plasticized.
22. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure is moisturized by the application of water to the multilayer structure.
23. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure is irradiated to promote crosslinking between the layers of the multilayer structure.
24. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure is irradiated to promote cross-linking within at least one layer of the multilayer structure.
25. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure is between about 1 mil and about 8 mils thick.
26. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure is between about 1.5 mils and mils thick.
27. The package of claim 1 wherein the package is in the form of a tube having a space therein for a product.
28. The package of claim 1 wherein the first wall is heat-sealed to a second wall and further wherein the first wall and the second wall form a space for the bone-in meat product.
29. The package of claim 28 wherein the first wall and the second wall comprise the same multilayer structure.
30. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure further comprises a second polyamide layer wherein the first and second polyamide layers are disposed on opposite sides of the barrier layer.
31. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide layer comprises a blend of a semi-crystalline polyamide and amorphous polyamide.
32. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide layer comprises a blend of nylon 6 and amorphous polyamide.
33. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide layer comprises a blend of nylon 6,66 and amorphous polyamide.
34. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide layer comprises a blend of about 70% by weight to about 99% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide.
35. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide layer comprises a blend of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and amorphous polyamide.
36. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide comprises a blend of nylon 6, nylon 6,69 and amorphous polyamide.
37. The package of claim 30 wherein the second polyamide layer comprises a blend of about 60% by weight to about 80% by weight of a first semi-crystalline polyamide, about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight of a second semi-crystalline polyamide, and about 1% by weight to about 30% by weight amorphous polyamide.
38. The package of claim 30 wherein the multilayer structure further comprises an outer layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, ionomers, polyesters and blends thereof, wherein the first polyamide layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the outer layer and the second polyamide layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the heat-sealant layer.
39. The package of claim 38 wherein the outer layer of the multilayer structure comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene.
40. The package of claim 38 wherein the multilayer structure further comprises a tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the first polyamide layer.
41. The package of claim 38 wherein the multilayer structure further comprises a tie layer disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the second polyamide layer.
42. The package of claim 38 wherein the multilayer structure comprises a heat-sealant layer comprising an amount of polymer greater than an amount of polymer in the outer layer.
43. The package of claim 38 wherein the multilayer structure further comprises a first tie layer disposed between the outer layer and the first polyamide layer, and a second tie layer disposed between the heat-sealant layer and the second polyamide layer.
44. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure has about 25% free shrink at about 200° F.
45. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure has a total orientation factor of between about 6 and about 20.
46. The package of claim 1 wherein the multilayer structure has a total orientation factor of between about 8 and 13.
47. The package of claim 1 wherein at least one layer of the multilayer structure comprises a tie concentrate blended therein.
US10/734,401 2003-03-07 2003-12-12 Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures Abandoned US20040173491A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/734,401 US20040173491A1 (en) 2003-03-07 2003-12-12 Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures
PCT/US2004/006640 WO2004080805A2 (en) 2003-03-07 2004-03-05 Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures
ARP040100713A AR043492A1 (en) 2003-03-07 2004-03-05 CONTAINERS CONTAINED FROM THERMOPLASTIC MULTI-PAPER BARRIERS STRUCTURES

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US45274703P 2003-03-07 2003-03-07
US45364103P 2003-03-11 2003-03-11
US10/734,401 US20040173491A1 (en) 2003-03-07 2003-12-12 Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040173491A1 true US20040173491A1 (en) 2004-09-09

Family

ID=32931355

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/734,401 Abandoned US20040173491A1 (en) 2003-03-07 2003-12-12 Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20040173491A1 (en)
AR (1) AR043492A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004080805A2 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070092744A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-26 Plasticos Dise S.A. Polymer compositions and films and method of making
US20070212968A1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2007-09-13 Paper Pak Industries Non-slip absorbent pad
US20080182051A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Cryovac, Inc. Heat shrinkable retortable packaging article and process for preparing retorted packaged product
US20080179780A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Broadus Michael E Process for making shrink film comprising rapidly-quenched semi-crystalline polyamide
US20080182053A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Broadus Michael E Shrink film containing semi-crystalline polyamide and process for making same
US20100003432A1 (en) * 2006-08-07 2010-01-07 Schiffman juergen Multilayer sheet- or tube-type food casing or food film
US20100034999A1 (en) * 2006-09-29 2010-02-11 Schiffmann Juergen Multilayered two-dimensional or tubular food casing or food film
US20110293862A1 (en) * 2009-02-20 2011-12-01 Kuhne Anlagenbau Gmbh Single-Layer or Multilayer Tubular Food Packaging Film that can be Smoked and Air-Dried, and Method for the Manufacture Thereof
US20110311741A1 (en) * 2009-02-20 2011-12-22 Kune Anlagenbau Gmbh Single-layer or multilayer tubular food packaging film that can be smoked, air-dried, and peeled, especially peeled in a fully automatic manner, and method for the production thereof
JP2017532261A (en) * 2014-10-03 2017-11-02 イー・アイ・デュポン・ドウ・ヌムール・アンド・カンパニーE.I.Du Pont De Nemours And Company Multilayer food casing or food film
EP3317103B1 (en) 2015-06-30 2020-09-02 Dow Global Technologies LLC Multilayer structures and articles comprising the same

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2897795B1 (en) 2006-02-28 2010-07-30 Linpac Plastics Pontivy PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING MULTILAYER FILM
EP1905577A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Tubular bag made from multilayered film
EP1905576A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Flat bag made from multilayered film
EP1905575A1 (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Standing bag made from multilayered film
EP2100728A1 (en) 2008-03-13 2009-09-16 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Multilayer film for packaging dry, pasty and liquid fill goods
EP2100727A1 (en) 2008-03-13 2009-09-16 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Multilayer film for packaging coffee and instant beverages
EP2100726A1 (en) 2008-03-13 2009-09-16 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Lid film for closing containers
EP2100729A1 (en) 2008-03-13 2009-09-16 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Multilayer film for packaging for thermal treatment
US8075964B2 (en) 2008-06-24 2011-12-13 Cryovac, Inc. EVOH barrier film with reduced autoclave shock
EP2233285A1 (en) 2009-03-23 2010-09-29 3A Technology & Management AG Multilayer film for packaging hard cheese

Citations (66)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3741253A (en) * 1971-03-30 1973-06-26 Grace W R & Co Laminates of ethylene vinyl acetate polymers and polymers of vinylidene chloride
US4469742A (en) * 1983-01-31 1984-09-04 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Pasteurizable, cook-in shrink film
US4534984A (en) * 1983-08-16 1985-08-13 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Puncture-resistant bag and method for vacuum packaging bone-in meat
US4561920A (en) * 1984-02-08 1985-12-31 Norchem, Inc. Formerly Northern Petrochemical Company Biaxially oriented oxygen and moisture barrier film
US4601929A (en) * 1982-07-27 1986-07-22 Naturin-Werk Becker & Company Single-layer elastic tubular film of polyamide used for packaging paste substances and a process for the production of such film
US4704101A (en) * 1983-06-30 1987-11-03 W.R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Method for making a puncture resistant bag
US4724185A (en) * 1985-09-17 1988-02-09 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Oxygen barrier oriented film
US4735855A (en) * 1986-08-04 1988-04-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Thermoformable laminate
US4746562A (en) * 1986-02-28 1988-05-24 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Packaging film
US4753700A (en) * 1986-02-28 1988-06-28 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Packaging film
US4755403A (en) * 1985-06-03 1988-07-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Protective patch for shrinkable bag
US4755419A (en) * 1986-03-21 1988-07-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Oxygen barrier oriented shrink film
US4765857A (en) * 1985-06-03 1988-08-23 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Protective patch for shrinkable bag
US4770731A (en) * 1985-06-03 1988-09-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method of making a patch for a shrinkable bag
US4801486A (en) * 1985-09-30 1989-01-31 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Thermoplastic multi-layer packaging film and bags made therefrom
US4851290A (en) * 1988-01-06 1989-07-25 Viskase Corporation Multilayer thermoplastic film
US4855178A (en) * 1988-05-02 1989-08-08 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Composite chemical barrier fabric
US4888223A (en) * 1987-05-21 1989-12-19 Noritsugu Sugimoto Food-packaging material and process for preparing the same
US4909726A (en) * 1988-03-24 1990-03-20 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Impact-resistant film for chub packaging
US4937112A (en) * 1987-12-18 1990-06-26 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. High strength coextruded film for chub packaging
US4939076A (en) * 1988-03-15 1990-07-03 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Barrier stretch film
US4977022A (en) * 1988-03-15 1990-12-11 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Barrier stretch film
US4997022A (en) * 1987-10-23 1991-03-05 Labex Gmbh Import-Export Industrieanlagen Und Foerdertechnik Roller doors
US4997710A (en) * 1988-09-29 1991-03-05 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Barrier coextruded film for cook-in applications
US5004647A (en) * 1986-03-21 1991-04-02 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Oxygen barrier biaxially oriented film
US5020922A (en) * 1983-06-30 1991-06-04 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Bone puncture resistant bag
US5037683A (en) * 1988-09-26 1991-08-06 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. High strength laminated film for chub packaging
US5053259A (en) * 1988-08-23 1991-10-01 Viskase Corporation Amorphous nylon copolymer and copolyamide films and blends
US5079051A (en) * 1989-12-08 1992-01-07 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. High shrink energy/high modulus thermoplastic multi-layer packaging film and bags made therefrom
US5112696A (en) * 1989-07-20 1992-05-12 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Tough monolayer shrink film for products containing moisture
US5374459A (en) * 1993-04-06 1994-12-20 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Packaging material for long-term storage of food products
US5402625A (en) * 1993-05-04 1995-04-04 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Bag loader for bone-in products
US5447591A (en) * 1993-08-04 1995-09-05 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Trap printing method for bone-in meat containers
US5482771A (en) * 1992-09-18 1996-01-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Moisutre barrier film
US5482770A (en) * 1992-11-03 1996-01-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Highly oriented multilayer film
US5491009A (en) * 1990-08-03 1996-02-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Amorphous nylon composition and films
USRE35285E (en) * 1985-09-30 1996-06-25 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Thermoplastic multi-layer packaging film and bags made therefrom
US5540646A (en) * 1993-04-21 1996-07-30 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method of making a shrinkable bag with protective patch
US5545419A (en) * 1994-07-21 1996-08-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Patch bag having supplemental seal
US5549943A (en) * 1992-09-23 1996-08-27 Viskase Corporation Heat shrinkable nylon food casing with a polyolefin core layer
US5562996A (en) * 1990-06-27 1996-10-08 Gunze Limited Multi-layer films
US5595623A (en) * 1990-11-16 1997-01-21 W. R. Grace Co.-Conn. Method for making a barrier film with improved extensibility for cheese packaging
US5741566A (en) * 1993-02-19 1998-04-21 Pharmacia & Upjohn Aktiebolag Autoclavable multilayer films
US5763095A (en) * 1995-11-29 1998-06-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Breathable film for cheese packaging
US5866214A (en) * 1995-07-28 1999-02-02 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Film backseamed casings therefrom, and packaged product using same
US5910374A (en) * 1992-09-18 1999-06-08 Cryovac, Inc. Moisture barrier film
US5914164A (en) * 1995-05-24 1999-06-22 Cryovac, Inc. Multilayer oxygen-barrier packaging film
US6063417A (en) * 1996-02-28 2000-05-16 Cryovac, Inc. Cheese packaging film
US6068933A (en) * 1996-02-15 2000-05-30 American National Can Company Thermoformable multilayer polymeric film
US6106935A (en) * 1994-07-13 2000-08-22 Cryovac, Inc. Heat sealable film
US6150011A (en) * 1994-12-16 2000-11-21 Cryovac, Inc. Multi-layer heat-shrinkage film with reduced shrink force, process for the manufacture thereof and packages comprising it
US6206569B1 (en) * 1997-03-07 2001-03-27 Curwood, Inc. Puncture-resistant barrier pouch
US6210765B1 (en) * 1996-01-11 2001-04-03 Mitsui Petrochemical Industrie Ltd Adhesive polyethylene compositions and multi-layer laminated films using the same
US6221470B1 (en) * 1996-02-23 2001-04-24 Cryovac, Inc. Multilayer oxygen barrier packaging film
US6221410B1 (en) * 1992-09-25 2001-04-24 Cryovac, Inc. Backseamed casing and packaged product incorporating same
US6224956B1 (en) * 1990-05-17 2001-05-01 Cryovac, Inc. Breathable abuse resistant film for packaging cheese
US20010010846A1 (en) * 1998-05-04 2001-08-02 Frank M. Hofmeister Multiple layer film with amorphous polyamide layer
US6274228B1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2001-08-14 Cryovac, Inc. Heat-shrinkable film with improved inter-ply adhesion
US6287613B1 (en) * 1994-12-12 2001-09-11 Cryovac Inc Patch bag comprising homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer
US6291041B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2001-09-18 Curwood, Inc. Heat resistant nylon multi-layer film
US6299984B1 (en) * 1998-09-14 2001-10-09 Cryovac, Inc. Heat-shrinkable multilayer thermoplastic film
US6333061B1 (en) * 1996-11-22 2001-12-25 Cryovac, Inc. Packaging article
US6346285B1 (en) * 1996-08-16 2002-02-12 Cryovac, Inc. Article comprising film having polyamide sealant, polyamide core layer, and O2-barrier layer, and packaged product using same
US6458469B1 (en) * 1999-07-08 2002-10-01 Exxonmobil Chemical Company Multilayer oriented films with metallocene catalyzed polyethylene skin layer
US20030087114A1 (en) * 2001-11-06 2003-05-08 Cryovac, Inc. Irradiated multilayer film having seal layer containing hyperbranched polymer
US6579584B1 (en) * 1998-12-10 2003-06-17 Cryovac, Inc. High strength flexible film package utilizing thin film

Patent Citations (76)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3741253A (en) * 1971-03-30 1973-06-26 Grace W R & Co Laminates of ethylene vinyl acetate polymers and polymers of vinylidene chloride
US4601929A (en) * 1982-07-27 1986-07-22 Naturin-Werk Becker & Company Single-layer elastic tubular film of polyamide used for packaging paste substances and a process for the production of such film
US4469742A (en) * 1983-01-31 1984-09-04 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Pasteurizable, cook-in shrink film
US4704101A (en) * 1983-06-30 1987-11-03 W.R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Method for making a puncture resistant bag
US5020922A (en) * 1983-06-30 1991-06-04 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Bone puncture resistant bag
US4534984A (en) * 1983-08-16 1985-08-13 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Puncture-resistant bag and method for vacuum packaging bone-in meat
US4561920A (en) * 1984-02-08 1985-12-31 Norchem, Inc. Formerly Northern Petrochemical Company Biaxially oriented oxygen and moisture barrier film
US4765857A (en) * 1985-06-03 1988-08-23 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Protective patch for shrinkable bag
US4770731A (en) * 1985-06-03 1988-09-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method of making a patch for a shrinkable bag
US4755403A (en) * 1985-06-03 1988-07-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Protective patch for shrinkable bag
US4724185A (en) * 1985-09-17 1988-02-09 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Oxygen barrier oriented film
USRE35285E (en) * 1985-09-30 1996-06-25 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Thermoplastic multi-layer packaging film and bags made therefrom
US4801486A (en) * 1985-09-30 1989-01-31 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Thermoplastic multi-layer packaging film and bags made therefrom
US4753700A (en) * 1986-02-28 1988-06-28 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Packaging film
US4746562A (en) * 1986-02-28 1988-05-24 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Packaging film
US5004647A (en) * 1986-03-21 1991-04-02 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Oxygen barrier biaxially oriented film
US4755419A (en) * 1986-03-21 1988-07-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Oxygen barrier oriented shrink film
US4735855A (en) * 1986-08-04 1988-04-05 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Thermoformable laminate
US4888223A (en) * 1987-05-21 1989-12-19 Noritsugu Sugimoto Food-packaging material and process for preparing the same
US4997022A (en) * 1987-10-23 1991-03-05 Labex Gmbh Import-Export Industrieanlagen Und Foerdertechnik Roller doors
US4937112A (en) * 1987-12-18 1990-06-26 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. High strength coextruded film for chub packaging
US4851290A (en) * 1988-01-06 1989-07-25 Viskase Corporation Multilayer thermoplastic film
US4977022A (en) * 1988-03-15 1990-12-11 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Barrier stretch film
US4939076A (en) * 1988-03-15 1990-07-03 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Barrier stretch film
US4909726A (en) * 1988-03-24 1990-03-20 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Impact-resistant film for chub packaging
US4855178A (en) * 1988-05-02 1989-08-08 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Composite chemical barrier fabric
US5053259A (en) * 1988-08-23 1991-10-01 Viskase Corporation Amorphous nylon copolymer and copolyamide films and blends
US5037683A (en) * 1988-09-26 1991-08-06 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. High strength laminated film for chub packaging
US4997710A (en) * 1988-09-29 1991-03-05 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Barrier coextruded film for cook-in applications
US5112696A (en) * 1989-07-20 1992-05-12 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Tough monolayer shrink film for products containing moisture
US5079051A (en) * 1989-12-08 1992-01-07 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. High shrink energy/high modulus thermoplastic multi-layer packaging film and bags made therefrom
US6224956B1 (en) * 1990-05-17 2001-05-01 Cryovac, Inc. Breathable abuse resistant film for packaging cheese
US5562996A (en) * 1990-06-27 1996-10-08 Gunze Limited Multi-layer films
US5688456A (en) * 1990-06-27 1997-11-18 Gunze Limited Process for preparation of multilayer films
US5491009A (en) * 1990-08-03 1996-02-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Amorphous nylon composition and films
US5595623A (en) * 1990-11-16 1997-01-21 W. R. Grace Co.-Conn. Method for making a barrier film with improved extensibility for cheese packaging
US20010036555A1 (en) * 1992-06-05 2001-11-01 Ramesh Ram K. Backseamed casing and packaged product incorporating same
US5482771A (en) * 1992-09-18 1996-01-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Moisutre barrier film
US6579621B1 (en) * 1992-09-18 2003-06-17 Cryovac, Inc. Moisture barrier film
US5910374A (en) * 1992-09-18 1999-06-08 Cryovac, Inc. Moisture barrier film
US5549943A (en) * 1992-09-23 1996-08-27 Viskase Corporation Heat shrinkable nylon food casing with a polyolefin core layer
US20010041201A1 (en) * 1992-09-25 2001-11-15 Ramesh Ram K. Backseamed casing and packaged product incorporating same
US6221410B1 (en) * 1992-09-25 2001-04-24 Cryovac, Inc. Backseamed casing and packaged product incorporating same
US5645788A (en) * 1992-11-03 1997-07-08 W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Making highly oriented multilayer film
US5482770A (en) * 1992-11-03 1996-01-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Highly oriented multilayer film
US5741566A (en) * 1993-02-19 1998-04-21 Pharmacia & Upjohn Aktiebolag Autoclavable multilayer films
US5374459A (en) * 1993-04-06 1994-12-20 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Packaging material for long-term storage of food products
US5540646A (en) * 1993-04-21 1996-07-30 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Method of making a shrinkable bag with protective patch
US5402625A (en) * 1993-05-04 1995-04-04 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Bag loader for bone-in products
US5534276A (en) * 1993-08-04 1996-07-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Bone-in meat containers
US5447591A (en) * 1993-08-04 1995-09-05 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Trap printing method for bone-in meat containers
US6106935A (en) * 1994-07-13 2000-08-22 Cryovac, Inc. Heat sealable film
US5545419A (en) * 1994-07-21 1996-08-13 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Patch bag having supplemental seal
US6287613B1 (en) * 1994-12-12 2001-09-11 Cryovac Inc Patch bag comprising homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer
US6150011A (en) * 1994-12-16 2000-11-21 Cryovac, Inc. Multi-layer heat-shrinkage film with reduced shrink force, process for the manufacture thereof and packages comprising it
US5914164A (en) * 1995-05-24 1999-06-22 Cryovac, Inc. Multilayer oxygen-barrier packaging film
US5866214A (en) * 1995-07-28 1999-02-02 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Film backseamed casings therefrom, and packaged product using same
US6110600A (en) * 1995-07-28 2000-08-29 Cryovac, Inc. Film, backseamed casings therefrom, and packaged product using same
US5763095A (en) * 1995-11-29 1998-06-09 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Breathable film for cheese packaging
US6210765B1 (en) * 1996-01-11 2001-04-03 Mitsui Petrochemical Industrie Ltd Adhesive polyethylene compositions and multi-layer laminated films using the same
US20010003021A1 (en) * 1996-02-15 2001-06-07 Mary E. Shepard, Et Al Thermoformable multilayer polymeric film
US20020119334A1 (en) * 1996-02-15 2002-08-29 Shepard Mary E. Thermoformable multilayer polymeric film
US6068933A (en) * 1996-02-15 2000-05-30 American National Can Company Thermoformable multilayer polymeric film
US6221470B1 (en) * 1996-02-23 2001-04-24 Cryovac, Inc. Multilayer oxygen barrier packaging film
US6063417A (en) * 1996-02-28 2000-05-16 Cryovac, Inc. Cheese packaging film
US6346285B1 (en) * 1996-08-16 2002-02-12 Cryovac, Inc. Article comprising film having polyamide sealant, polyamide core layer, and O2-barrier layer, and packaged product using same
US6333061B1 (en) * 1996-11-22 2001-12-25 Cryovac, Inc. Packaging article
US6206569B1 (en) * 1997-03-07 2001-03-27 Curwood, Inc. Puncture-resistant barrier pouch
US20010010846A1 (en) * 1998-05-04 2001-08-02 Frank M. Hofmeister Multiple layer film with amorphous polyamide layer
US6274228B1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2001-08-14 Cryovac, Inc. Heat-shrinkable film with improved inter-ply adhesion
US6562443B1 (en) * 1998-07-22 2003-05-13 Cryovac, Inc. Cook-in package with tight appearance
US6299984B1 (en) * 1998-09-14 2001-10-09 Cryovac, Inc. Heat-shrinkable multilayer thermoplastic film
US6579584B1 (en) * 1998-12-10 2003-06-17 Cryovac, Inc. High strength flexible film package utilizing thin film
US6291041B1 (en) * 1999-05-10 2001-09-18 Curwood, Inc. Heat resistant nylon multi-layer film
US6458469B1 (en) * 1999-07-08 2002-10-01 Exxonmobil Chemical Company Multilayer oriented films with metallocene catalyzed polyethylene skin layer
US20030087114A1 (en) * 2001-11-06 2003-05-08 Cryovac, Inc. Irradiated multilayer film having seal layer containing hyperbranched polymer

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070092744A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-26 Plasticos Dise S.A. Polymer compositions and films and method of making
US7771812B2 (en) 2005-12-02 2010-08-10 Paper Pak Industries Non-slip absorbent pad
US20070212968A1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2007-09-13 Paper Pak Industries Non-slip absorbent pad
CN102717563B (en) * 2006-08-07 2016-06-15 库纳设备制造有限责任公司 The lamellar of multilamellar or tubular-shaped food outer package or food-film
CN102717563A (en) * 2006-08-07 2012-10-10 库纳设备制造有限责任公司 Multilayer sheet- or tube-type food casing or food film
US20100003432A1 (en) * 2006-08-07 2010-01-07 Schiffman juergen Multilayer sheet- or tube-type food casing or food film
US20100034999A1 (en) * 2006-09-29 2010-02-11 Schiffmann Juergen Multilayered two-dimensional or tubular food casing or food film
US20080182053A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Broadus Michael E Shrink film containing semi-crystalline polyamide and process for making same
US7744806B2 (en) 2007-01-29 2010-06-29 Cryovac, Inc. Process for making shrink film comprising rapidly-quenched semi-crystalline polyamide
US7687123B2 (en) 2007-01-29 2010-03-30 Cryovac, Inc. Shrink film containing semi-crystalline polyamide and process for making same
US20080179780A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Broadus Michael E Process for making shrink film comprising rapidly-quenched semi-crystalline polyamide
US20080182051A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Cryovac, Inc. Heat shrinkable retortable packaging article and process for preparing retorted packaged product
US20110293862A1 (en) * 2009-02-20 2011-12-01 Kuhne Anlagenbau Gmbh Single-Layer or Multilayer Tubular Food Packaging Film that can be Smoked and Air-Dried, and Method for the Manufacture Thereof
US20110311741A1 (en) * 2009-02-20 2011-12-22 Kune Anlagenbau Gmbh Single-layer or multilayer tubular food packaging film that can be smoked, air-dried, and peeled, especially peeled in a fully automatic manner, and method for the production thereof
US20160207275A1 (en) * 2009-02-20 2016-07-21 Kuhne Anlagenbau Gmbh Single-layer or multilayer tubular food packaging film that can be smoked and air-dried, and method for the manufacture thereof
JP2017532261A (en) * 2014-10-03 2017-11-02 イー・アイ・デュポン・ドウ・ヌムール・アンド・カンパニーE.I.Du Pont De Nemours And Company Multilayer food casing or food film
EP3317103B1 (en) 2015-06-30 2020-09-02 Dow Global Technologies LLC Multilayer structures and articles comprising the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AR043492A1 (en) 2005-08-03
WO2004080805A3 (en) 2005-01-20
WO2004080805A2 (en) 2004-09-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20170036426A1 (en) Multilayer barrier structures, methods of making the same and packages made therefrom
US20170036427A1 (en) Multilayer structures, packages, and methods of making multilayer structures
US20040175592A1 (en) Thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures
US20040173491A1 (en) Packages made from thermoplastic multilayer barrier structures
EP3094494B2 (en) Multilayer pvdc barrier heat shrinkable films
US20040173944A1 (en) Methods of making multilayer barrier structures
US20040175465A1 (en) Thermoplastic multilayer structures
MXPA04001627A (en) Heat-shrinkable packaging.
US20090017239A1 (en) Hermetically Sealable, Easy-Opeanable, Flexible Container of Heat-Shrinklable Thermoplastic Material
US20040175467A1 (en) Packages made from multilayer structures
US20040173932A1 (en) Methods of making multilayer structures
AU646144B2 (en) High abuse ionomer bag
JP2001009993A (en) Heat-shrinkable laminated film and food packaging film consisting of the same
AU702296B2 (en) A multiple-layer, cook-in laminate
NZ722752B2 (en) Multilayer pvdc barrier heat shrinkable films

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION