US20060201116A1 - Product packaging - Google Patents
Product packaging Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060201116A1 US20060201116A1 US11/366,612 US36661206A US2006201116A1 US 20060201116 A1 US20060201116 A1 US 20060201116A1 US 36661206 A US36661206 A US 36661206A US 2006201116 A1 US2006201116 A1 US 2006201116A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- foam
- layer
- covered
- die
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000013039 cover film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000005030 aluminium foil Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 abstract description 18
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 abstract description 14
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 abstract description 12
- 229920008790 Amorphous Polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 abstract description 10
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 abstract 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 24
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003925 fat Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920008651 Crystalline Polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical class [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000002564 cardiac stress test Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019198 oils Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005033 polyvinylidene chloride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000015067 sauces Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N succinic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CCC(O)=O KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001328 Polyvinylidene chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000021323 fish oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003223 poly(pyromellitimide-1,4-diphenyl ether) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001384 succinic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2878—Securing closures on containers by heat-sealing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/04—Dielectric heating, e.g. high-frequency welding, i.e. radio frequency welding of plastic materials having dielectric properties, e.g. PVC
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/78—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
- B29C65/7858—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus characterised by the feeding movement of the parts to be joined
- B29C65/7861—In-line machines, i.e. feeding, joining and discharging are in one production line
- B29C65/7867—In-line machines, i.e. feeding, joining and discharging are in one production line using carriers, provided with holding means, said carriers moving in a closed path
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/24—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight
- B29C66/242—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours
- B29C66/2424—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being a closed polygonal chain
- B29C66/24243—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being a closed polygonal chain forming a quadrilateral
- B29C66/24244—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being a closed polygonal chain forming a quadrilateral forming a rectangle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/731—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7314—Electrical and dielectric properties
- B29C66/73143—Dielectric properties
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/737—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7373—Joining soiled or oxidised materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8124—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the structure of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/81241—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the structure of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps being porous or sintered
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8126—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/81262—Electrical and dielectric properties, e.g. electrical conductivity
- B29C66/81263—Dielectric properties
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
- B29C66/81431—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single cavity, e.g. a groove
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8145—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the constructional aspects of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/81457—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the constructional aspects of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps comprising a block or layer of deformable material, e.g. sponge, foam, rubber
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
- B29C66/8187—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the electrical insulating constructional aspects
- B29C66/81871—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the electrical insulating constructional aspects of the welding jaws
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
- B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
- B29C66/8246—Servomechanisms, e.g. servomotors
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
- B29C66/843—Machines for making separate joints at the same time in different planes; Machines for making separate joints at the same time mounted in parallel or in series
- B29C66/8432—Machines for making separate joints at the same time mounted in parallel or in series
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
- B29C66/849—Packaging machines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
- B65B51/22—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by friction or ultrasonic or high-frequency electrical means, i.e. by friction or ultrasonic or induction welding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
- B29C66/032—Mechanical after-treatments
- B29C66/0322—Post-pressing without reshaping, i.e. keeping the joint under pressure after joining
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
- B29C66/7232—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer
- B29C66/72327—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer consisting of natural products or their composites, not provided for in B29C66/72321 - B29C66/72324
- B29C66/72328—Paper
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
- B29C66/7234—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a barrier layer
- B29C66/72341—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a barrier layer for gases
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8122—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/92—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools
- B29C66/929—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the pressure, the force, the mechanical power or the displacement of the joining tools characterized by specific pressure, force, mechanical power or displacement values or ranges
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2009/00—Layered products
- B29L2009/003—Layered products comprising a metal layer
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
- B65B25/06—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products
- B65B25/065—Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products of meat
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method for packaging a product in a tray, suitable for packaging food, and to an apparatus for performing this method.
- the packaging of foodstuffs in an aluminium foil tray is known, and some such foil trays are coated with a polymer coating.
- a polymer-coated foil tray may be covered and sealed by a sheet of a plastic material that can be heat sealed to the rim of the tray.
- the polymer used to coat the foil is typically polyethylene.
- the cover sheet would typically be of laminated form, incorporating a heat-sealable layer of for example polyethylene. It may also incorporate layers of other polymers, such as amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC).
- APET amorphous polyethylene terephthalate
- PVC polyvinylchloride
- PA polyamide
- PVdC polyvinylidene chloride
- a suitable material for such a tray is the polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which may be either crystalline (CPET) or amorphous (APET).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- Other tray materials include polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- the selection of material for the tray depends upon the nature of the contents, and so on whether the tray has to be heat resistant.
- polypropylene trays can be used for foodstuffs which are to be microwaved, whereas for foodstuffs to be heated in a conventional oven CPET trays are preferable.
- Such a tray may be covered and sealed by a transparent sheet of a plastic material that can be heat sealed to the rim of the tray.
- the cover sheet would typically incorporate a heat-sealable layer of for example polyethylene, and may also incorporate layers of other polymers, such as APET, PVC, PA, or PVdC.
- the tray is also typically of laminated form, with a heat-sealable layer on its upper surface; such a heat-sealable layer may be referred to as a surface bonding layer.
- the cost of the cover sheet for such packages would be less, and recycling easier, if the surface bonding layer could be omitted.
- a method for packaging a product using a tray and a cover sheet, the method comprising bonding the cover sheet to the tray by dielectric welding between opposed electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is covered by a barrier layer comprising a foam material of a polymeric material.
- the invention also provides an apparatus for performing such a method.
- this foam layer is self-adhesive, so that it can be fixed to the electrode.
- Polymeric materials that are not significantly susceptible to RF include PTFE, polypropylene and polyethylene, but the preferred material for the foam is acrylic.
- the suitability of this foam material is contrary to previous expectations that barrier materials should be non-porous; experience had been that small air gaps sometimes led to sparks and arcing, with consequential damage to the material being sealed. The foam structure does not appear to give this problem.
- the polymeric material of the foam structure has a low dielectric loss factor (which is the product of the dielectric constant and the loss tangent), so it does not get hot; for example values of loss factor less than about 0.05 are considered to be low, and such materials are not considered to be weldable, while materials with a loss factor less than 0.01 would be considered to be inactive to RF.
- a dielectric loss factor which is the product of the dielectric constant and the loss tangent
- the foam layer is itself covered with a a non-porous polymer layer of a polymer that has a low susceptibility to RF, and a suitable material for this purpose is a polyimide tape. This too may be self-adhesive.
- This dielectric bonding process provides the major advantage that a good seal can be formed despite the presence of contamination on the surfaces. This is not usually possible by heat sealing. For example, contamination by fats, oils (such as tuna fish oil), or aqueous solutions, do not prevent the formation of a good quality seal. It is not necessary for there to be any surface bonding layer on a polymeric tray, or any adhesive.
- the polymeric material on the foil, and/or the polymeric material of (or on the sealing surface of) the cover sheet must of course have a sufficiently high dielectric loss factor that it is heated by dielectric heating.
- the use of dielectric welding to provide the seal provides the major advantage that a good seal can be formed despite the presence of contamination on the surfaces.
- the cover sheet may comprise a layer of foil as well as a layer of polymeric material. However, preferably the cover sheet is much more flexible than the foil tray.
- the cover sheet may also comprise a layer of paper or card, bonded to a suitable polymeric material.
- the foam layer is preferably no more than 2 mm thick, and may be about 1 mm thick.
- the radio frequency supply may in principle be at a frequency between 1 MHz and 200 MHz, usually between 10 MHz and 100 MHz, but stringent limits are imposed on any emitted radio waves. In practice therefore the choice of frequency may be more limited.
- the supply frequency may be 27.12 MHz, or 40.68 MHz.
- the radio-frequency signal generator is a solid-state device, and the signals are supplied via a matching network.
- the matching network preferably is an active matching network, incorporating at least one variable capacitor controlled by a servo motor; it monitors the radio frequency current and voltage, and automatically adjusts the value of the or each variable capacitor in accordance with variations in the load.
- the invention also provides a plant to seal film to trays by this method; this may be achieved by modifying a conventional plant.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a welding apparatus for packaging a food product
- FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a packaging plant.
- a welding apparatus 10 for packaging a food product 12 (such as a ready meal) in a stiff, generally rectangular tray 14 of aluminium foil with a surface bonding layer of polyethylene, that has rounded corners and a peripheral lip 16 .
- the apparatus 10 includes a lower aluminium die 18 which defines a generally rectangular aperture 20 into which the tray 14 locates, and the upper surface of the die 18 is coated with a 1 mm thick barrier layer 22 (described below), so that when the tray 14 is located in the aperture 20 its lip 16 is supported by the upper surface of the layer 22 on the die 18 .
- An upper aluminium die 24 has a 5 mm deep recess 25 of the same shape as the aperture 20 , surrounded by a ridge 26 with a flat lower surface which is also coated with a barrier layer 28 .
- the barrier layers 22 and 28 both consist of a high-strength VHB (trade mark) double coated acrylic foam tape, of thickness 1 mm, stuck to the respective die 18 , 24 , and covered by a strip of polyimide film such as Kapton (trade mark) of thickness 50 ⁇ m (0.002 inches).
- the acrylic material has a dielectric loss factor of 0.028 (at 1 kHz), which is low, while that for the polyimide is 0.0018 (at 1 kHz), so the polyimide is inactive to RF.
- the lower die 18 is earthed, while the upper die 24 is connected via a conductor 36 through an active matching network 30 to a solid-state RF generator 32 .
- the matching network 30 incorporates variable capacitors controlled by servomotors. This ensures that despite changes in the load, the circuit remains tuned to the operating frequency.
- the earth to which the lower die 18 is connected is the earth of the matching network 30 .
- a tray 14 containing a food product 12 is located into the aperture 20 .
- a film 34 of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) with a coating of polyethylene on its lower surface is placed on top of the tray 14 , and the upper die 24 is lowered so that the film 34 and the lip 16 are sandwiched between the barrier layers 22 and 28 on the dies 18 and 24 .
- the generator 32 is then activated (for example for 1.5 seconds), such that the polyethylene of the film 34 is welded to the polyethylene coating the lip 16 of the tray 14 .
- the upper die 24 is then lifted up, and the sealed tray 14 bonded to the film 34 is removed.
- This sealing process is surprisingly effective, despite the presence of the aluminium foil which is a good heat conductor and so acts as a heat sink.
- the effect of the radio frequency is to generate heat within the coatings of polyethylene on the foil tray 14 and on the cover film 34 , and so to bring about welding at the interface; unlike heat sealing there is no requirement for heat to diffuse into the polymer, and indeed the temperature will be at its highest in the vicinity of the interface.
- the foam barrier layers 22 and 28 may also become warm from the effect of the RF, which helps to reduce heat loss from the materials that are being welded.
- the sealing film 34 may be a multi-layer laminate, with APET providing strength, and one or more other polymers such as ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) laminated to it to provide or enhance particular properties such as oxygen impermeability.
- EVOH ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer
- the film 34 might comprise an upper layer 15 ⁇ m thick of APET; a 3 ⁇ m thick oxygen barrier layer of EVOH; a lower layer 15 ⁇ m thick of APET; and a 50 ⁇ m thick layer of polyethylene; these layers may be bonded together by thin layers of adhesive.
- the sealing process is remarkably effective, and can provide a good seal despite the presence of contamination on the lip 16 , such as traces of blood, fat or oil from the product 12 .
- this bonding layer may comprise different organic materials, for example being a mixture of polymers, such as a modified ester of succinic acid of vegetable origin.
- a welding apparatus may differ from the described above, for example the upper die 24 may be connected to earth, and the lower die 18 be connected to the RF generator 32 via the conductor 36 and the network 30 .
- the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is shown as having a single aperture 20 so that a single tray 14 can be sealed in one operation.
- a lower die might provide a plurality of apertures so that a plurality of trays 14 can be supported, the upper die providing a corresponding plurality of projecting flat ridges so that the lips 16 of the trays 14 are sandwiched between the dies.
- the barrier layers 22 and 28 are provided on each die, and remain attached to the die throughout a multiplicity of welding operations; they can be removed and replaced when they become worn or damaged.
- FIG. 2 there is shown a plan view of a conventional foil tray sealing plant modified so that the sealing can be performed in accordance with the present invention.
- the plant 50 comprises a continuous belt made up of rectangular aluminium plates 52 each defining four apertures 54 to locate trays 14 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the plates 52 being linked together by chains 56 on each side of the belt. Trays are placed in each aperture 54 , and are filled with the desired food product; the plates 52 carrying the filled trays move (in the direction of the arrow A) step-wise, passing under a covering module 58 in which the trays are covered by a cover film, and the cover film is sealed to the lip of each tray.
- the covering module 58 seals the cover film to the four trays in one plate 52 , this sealing operation taking a few seconds, and then the next plate 52 is moved into position under the covering module 58 .
- each plate 52 is supported by an insulating frame 60 of acetal (e.g. DelrinTM) strips, those at the end being 25 mm thick, so it is electrically isolated.
- acetal e.g. DelrinTM
- Each plate 52 is machined so as to define a 7 mm wide flat-topped rim 62 around each aperture 54 which projects 3 mm above the remainder of the plate 54 , and this rim 62 is covered with a 2 mm thick acrylic foam layer covered with polyimide film (as described in relation to FIG. 1 ).
- the covering module 58 is also electrically isolated from the remainder of the plant 50 by insulating acetal blocks.
- the covering module 58 is connected to the earth of the matching network 30 .
- the covering module 58 includes an upper plate which defines ridges that correspond to the rims 62 , and these ridges are also covered with an insulating barrier layer of 2 mm thick acrylic foam covered with polyimide film.
- a copper spring strip (not shown) contacts the underside of the plate 52 carrying the trays undergoing sealing, the copper spring strip being connected via a conductor 36 and a matching network 30 to a signal generator 32 (as described in relation to FIG. 1 ).
- each plate 52 moves into position under the covering module 58 , the covering module 58 presses the cover film on to each tray, and the lips of the trays and the cover film are sandwiched and compressed between the rims 62 and the corresponding ridges in the upper plate which forms part of the covering module 58 .
- the signal generator 32 is activated for 2 seconds so that an RF signal is applied between the earthed upper plate forming part of the covering module 58 , and the plate 52 which is live. This seals the film to the lip of each tray.
- the total dwell time may be 5 seconds, so that the welded seal is held compressed for another 3 seconds after application of the RF energy.
- the pressure is then released and the next plate 52 in the belt moved into position.
- this plant 50 When packaging food products this plant 50 avoids the inevitable energy wastage associated with the use of conventional heated elements. In addition it enables a good seal to be formed despite the presence of water, fat or other contaminants on the lip of the tray. It does not require high pressures compressing the film onto the lip, and for example a pneumatic air supply at 80 psi (530 kPa) is ample compared to almost twice that air pressure as used conventionally; this may supply air to a 6 inch bore cylinder, providing a total load of about 1000 kg.
- the total sealing area for each plate 52 may for example be about 100 cm 2 .
- the proportion of leakers can be less than 1%, whereas with conventional heat sealing it may be as many as 5%, and as much as 20% where the food product includes a sauce (because traces of sauce on the rim prevent heat sealing). Because the heat is generated within the polymeric material, the trays and their contents are not significantly heated, so there is a much shorter curing time (as the welded material cools down), and so the welding process is markedly quicker than with heat sealing. Furthermore the quality of the seal is not significantly affected even if the trays are subjected to a rapid freezing procedure immediately following the welding step. If the strength of the seal is to be adjusted, for example to enable the film to be peeled off subsequently, this may be achieved by changing the power supplied by the signal generator 32 .
- the width of the seal can be reduced from the conventional value of about 6 mm down to 3 mm; indeed the width could be further reduced to less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm or less.
- the tooling profile (of the opposed electrodes) may be modified so as to create a seal that is designed to fail at a particular location around the rim, for example to avoid the need to puncture the film before heating the contents in a microwave oven.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Package Closures (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A product such as meat or a ready meal (12) is packaged in a tray (14) covered with a cover film (34), these being bonded together by dielectric heating between opposed electrodes (18, 24). The dielectric heating is carried out through at least one barrier layer (22, 28) comprising a foam material of a polymeric material that is not susceptible to RF. The film (34) may be of laminated form, for example comprising a polymer such as APET laminated to a bonding layer of polyethylene. This welding process avoids heat wastage, it can provide narrower seals, and enables a good seal to be obtained despite contamination of the surface of the tray.
Description
- This invention relates to a method for packaging a product in a tray, suitable for packaging food, and to an apparatus for performing this method.
- The packaging of foodstuffs in an aluminium foil tray is known, and some such foil trays are coated with a polymer coating. Such a polymer-coated foil tray may be covered and sealed by a sheet of a plastic material that can be heat sealed to the rim of the tray. The polymer used to coat the foil is typically polyethylene. To enable heat sealing, the cover sheet would typically be of laminated form, incorporating a heat-sealable layer of for example polyethylene. It may also incorporate layers of other polymers, such as amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), or polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC). Although heat sealing is widely used, it has disadvantages, particularly the problems encountered where there is contamination on the rim, and the inevitable heat losses from the hot welding elements.
- The packaging of foodstuffs in a plastic tray is also widely known, and a suitable material for such a tray is the polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which may be either crystalline (CPET) or amorphous (APET). Other tray materials include polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The selection of material for the tray depends upon the nature of the contents, and so on whether the tray has to be heat resistant. For example polypropylene trays can be used for foodstuffs which are to be microwaved, whereas for foodstuffs to be heated in a conventional oven CPET trays are preferable. Such a tray may be covered and sealed by a transparent sheet of a plastic material that can be heat sealed to the rim of the tray. And as with an aluminium tray, to enable heat sealing, the cover sheet would typically incorporate a heat-sealable layer of for example polyethylene, and may also incorporate layers of other polymers, such as APET, PVC, PA, or PVdC. Similarly, to enable heat sealing, the tray is also typically of laminated form, with a heat-sealable layer on its upper surface; such a heat-sealable layer may be referred to as a surface bonding layer. The cost of the cover sheet for such packages would be less, and recycling easier, if the surface bonding layer could be omitted. These benefits would also arise from using a tray with no surface bonding layer.
- According to the present invention there is provided a method for packaging a product, using a tray and a cover sheet, the method comprising bonding the cover sheet to the tray by dielectric welding between opposed electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is covered by a barrier layer comprising a foam material of a polymeric material.
- The invention also provides an apparatus for performing such a method.
- Preferably this foam layer is self-adhesive, so that it can be fixed to the electrode. Polymeric materials that are not significantly susceptible to RF include PTFE, polypropylene and polyethylene, but the preferred material for the foam is acrylic. The suitability of this foam material is contrary to previous expectations that barrier materials should be non-porous; experience had been that small air gaps sometimes led to sparks and arcing, with consequential damage to the material being sealed. The foam structure does not appear to give this problem. Preferably the polymeric material of the foam structure has a low dielectric loss factor (which is the product of the dielectric constant and the loss tangent), so it does not get hot; for example values of loss factor less than about 0.05 are considered to be low, and such materials are not considered to be weldable, while materials with a loss factor less than 0.01 would be considered to be inactive to RF.
- Preferably the foam layer is itself covered with a a non-porous polymer layer of a polymer that has a low susceptibility to RF, and a suitable material for this purpose is a polyimide tape. This too may be self-adhesive.
- This dielectric bonding process provides the major advantage that a good seal can be formed despite the presence of contamination on the surfaces. This is not usually possible by heat sealing. For example, contamination by fats, oils (such as tuna fish oil), or aqueous solutions, do not prevent the formation of a good quality seal. It is not necessary for there to be any surface bonding layer on a polymeric tray, or any adhesive.
- When dealing with a foil tray, it will be appreciated that the polymeric material on the foil, and/or the polymeric material of (or on the sealing surface of) the cover sheet, must of course have a sufficiently high dielectric loss factor that it is heated by dielectric heating. The use of dielectric welding to provide the seal provides the major advantage that a good seal can be formed despite the presence of contamination on the surfaces.
- Although the two items are referred to as a tray and a cover sheet, the cover sheet may comprise a layer of foil as well as a layer of polymeric material. However, preferably the cover sheet is much more flexible than the foil tray. The cover sheet may also comprise a layer of paper or card, bonded to a suitable polymeric material.
- The foam layer is preferably no more than 2 mm thick, and may be about 1 mm thick.
- The radio frequency supply may in principle be at a frequency between 1 MHz and 200 MHz, usually between 10 MHz and 100 MHz, but stringent limits are imposed on any emitted radio waves. In practice therefore the choice of frequency may be more limited. For example the supply frequency may be 27.12 MHz, or 40.68 MHz.
- Preferably the radio-frequency signal generator is a solid-state device, and the signals are supplied via a matching network. The matching network preferably is an active matching network, incorporating at least one variable capacitor controlled by a servo motor; it monitors the radio frequency current and voltage, and automatically adjusts the value of the or each variable capacitor in accordance with variations in the load.
- The invention also provides a plant to seal film to trays by this method; this may be achieved by modifying a conventional plant.
- The invention will now be further and more particularly described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a welding apparatus for packaging a food product; and -
FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a packaging plant. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , awelding apparatus 10 is shown, partly diagrammatically, for packaging a food product 12 (such as a ready meal) in a stiff, generallyrectangular tray 14 of aluminium foil with a surface bonding layer of polyethylene, that has rounded corners and aperipheral lip 16. Theapparatus 10 includes alower aluminium die 18 which defines a generallyrectangular aperture 20 into which thetray 14 locates, and the upper surface of thedie 18 is coated with a 1 mm thick barrier layer 22 (described below), so that when thetray 14 is located in theaperture 20 itslip 16 is supported by the upper surface of thelayer 22 on the die 18. Anupper aluminium die 24 has a 5 mmdeep recess 25 of the same shape as theaperture 20, surrounded by aridge 26 with a flat lower surface which is also coated with abarrier layer 28. - The
barrier layers respective die thickness 50 μm (0.002 inches). The acrylic material has a dielectric loss factor of 0.028 (at 1 kHz), which is low, while that for the polyimide is 0.0018 (at 1 kHz), so the polyimide is inactive to RF. - The
lower die 18 is earthed, while theupper die 24 is connected via aconductor 36 through anactive matching network 30 to a solid-state RF generator 32. Thematching network 30 incorporates variable capacitors controlled by servomotors. This ensures that despite changes in the load, the circuit remains tuned to the operating frequency. The earth to which thelower die 18 is connected is the earth of thematching network 30. - In use of the
apparatus 10, atray 14 containing afood product 12 is located into theaperture 20. Afilm 34 of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) with a coating of polyethylene on its lower surface is placed on top of thetray 14, and theupper die 24 is lowered so that thefilm 34 and thelip 16 are sandwiched between thebarrier layers dies generator 32 is then activated (for example for 1.5 seconds), such that the polyethylene of thefilm 34 is welded to the polyethylene coating thelip 16 of thetray 14. Theupper die 24 is then lifted up, and the sealedtray 14 bonded to thefilm 34 is removed. - This sealing process is surprisingly effective, despite the presence of the aluminium foil which is a good heat conductor and so acts as a heat sink. The effect of the radio frequency is to generate heat within the coatings of polyethylene on the
foil tray 14 and on thecover film 34, and so to bring about welding at the interface; unlike heat sealing there is no requirement for heat to diffuse into the polymer, and indeed the temperature will be at its highest in the vicinity of the interface. Thefoam barrier layers - It should be appreciated that the
sealing film 34 may be a multi-layer laminate, with APET providing strength, and one or more other polymers such as ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) laminated to it to provide or enhance particular properties such as oxygen impermeability. For example thefilm 34 might comprise an upper layer 15 μm thick of APET; a 3 μm thick oxygen barrier layer of EVOH; a lower layer 15 μm thick of APET; and a 50 μm thick layer of polyethylene; these layers may be bonded together by thin layers of adhesive. The sealing process is remarkably effective, and can provide a good seal despite the presence of contamination on thelip 16, such as traces of blood, fat or oil from theproduct 12. - Although the
foil tray 14 is described as having a surface bonding layer of polyethylene, this bonding layer may comprise different organic materials, for example being a mixture of polymers, such as a modified ester of succinic acid of vegetable origin. - It will be appreciated that a welding apparatus may differ from the described above, for example the
upper die 24 may be connected to earth, and thelower die 18 be connected to theRF generator 32 via theconductor 36 and thenetwork 30. - The
apparatus 10 ofFIG. 1 is shown as having asingle aperture 20 so that asingle tray 14 can be sealed in one operation. In a modification a lower die might provide a plurality of apertures so that a plurality oftrays 14 can be supported, the upper die providing a corresponding plurality of projecting flat ridges so that thelips 16 of thetrays 14 are sandwiched between the dies. In each case the barrier layers 22 and 28 are provided on each die, and remain attached to the die throughout a multiplicity of welding operations; they can be removed and replaced when they become worn or damaged. - For example, referring now to
FIG. 2 , there is shown a plan view of a conventional foil tray sealing plant modified so that the sealing can be performed in accordance with the present invention. Theplant 50 comprises a continuous belt made up ofrectangular aluminium plates 52 each defining fourapertures 54 to locate trays 14 (as shown inFIG. 1 ), theplates 52 being linked together bychains 56 on each side of the belt. Trays are placed in eachaperture 54, and are filled with the desired food product; theplates 52 carrying the filled trays move (in the direction of the arrow A) step-wise, passing under a coveringmodule 58 in which the trays are covered by a cover film, and the cover film is sealed to the lip of each tray. The coveringmodule 58 seals the cover film to the four trays in oneplate 52, this sealing operation taking a few seconds, and then thenext plate 52 is moved into position under the coveringmodule 58. - Conventionally such a tray sealing plant would utilise heated plates and high pressure to bring about the sealing. In contrast the present invention uses dielectric heating to form the seal. Each
plate 52 is supported by an insulatingframe 60 of acetal (e.g. Delrin™) strips, those at the end being 25 mm thick, so it is electrically isolated. Eachplate 52 is machined so as to define a 7 mm wide flat-toppedrim 62 around eachaperture 54 which projects 3 mm above the remainder of theplate 54, and thisrim 62 is covered with a 2 mm thick acrylic foam layer covered with polyimide film (as described in relation toFIG. 1 ). The coveringmodule 58 is also electrically isolated from the remainder of theplant 50 by insulating acetal blocks. The coveringmodule 58 is connected to the earth of thematching network 30. As in the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , the coveringmodule 58 includes an upper plate which defines ridges that correspond to therims 62, and these ridges are also covered with an insulating barrier layer of 2 mm thick acrylic foam covered with polyimide film. A copper spring strip (not shown) contacts the underside of theplate 52 carrying the trays undergoing sealing, the copper spring strip being connected via aconductor 36 and amatching network 30 to a signal generator 32 (as described in relation toFIG. 1 ). - Thus as each
plate 52 moves into position under the coveringmodule 58, the coveringmodule 58 presses the cover film on to each tray, and the lips of the trays and the cover film are sandwiched and compressed between therims 62 and the corresponding ridges in the upper plate which forms part of the coveringmodule 58. Thesignal generator 32 is activated for 2 seconds so that an RF signal is applied between the earthed upper plate forming part of the coveringmodule 58, and theplate 52 which is live. This seals the film to the lip of each tray. The total dwell time may be 5 seconds, so that the welded seal is held compressed for another 3 seconds after application of the RF energy. The pressure is then released and thenext plate 52 in the belt moved into position. - When packaging food products this
plant 50 avoids the inevitable energy wastage associated with the use of conventional heated elements. In addition it enables a good seal to be formed despite the presence of water, fat or other contaminants on the lip of the tray. It does not require high pressures compressing the film onto the lip, and for example a pneumatic air supply at 80 psi (530 kPa) is ample compared to almost twice that air pressure as used conventionally; this may supply air to a 6 inch bore cylinder, providing a total load of about 1000 kg. The total sealing area for eachplate 52 may for example be about 100 cm2. It has been found to provide better results in burst tests than conventional heat sealing, and the proportion of sealed trays where there is a leak is significantly less than with conventional heat sealing: the proportion of leakers can be less than 1%, whereas with conventional heat sealing it may be as many as 5%, and as much as 20% where the food product includes a sauce (because traces of sauce on the rim prevent heat sealing). Because the heat is generated within the polymeric material, the trays and their contents are not significantly heated, so there is a much shorter curing time (as the welded material cools down), and so the welding process is markedly quicker than with heat sealing. Furthermore the quality of the seal is not significantly affected even if the trays are subjected to a rapid freezing procedure immediately following the welding step. If the strength of the seal is to be adjusted, for example to enable the film to be peeled off subsequently, this may be achieved by changing the power supplied by thesignal generator 32. - Because of the improved seal produced by the present invention, the width of the seal can be reduced from the conventional value of about 6 mm down to 3 mm; indeed the width could be further reduced to less than 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm or less. This enables smaller rims to be used, saving material, transport costs and shelf space. Indeed the tooling profile (of the opposed electrodes) may be modified so as to create a seal that is designed to fail at a particular location around the rim, for example to avoid the need to puncture the film before heating the contents in a microwave oven.
- Although the invention has been described above in relation to sealing a film to an aluminium foil tray, it will be understood that it is equally applicable when sealing a film to a polymeric tray, for example of polyethylene terephthalate.
Claims (10)
1. A method for packaging a product, using a tray and a cover sheet, the method comprising bonding the cover sheet to the tray by dielectric welding between opposed electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is covered by a barrier layer comprising a foam material of a polymeric material.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the foam layer is self-adhesive.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the foam layer is of acrylic foam.
4. A method as claimed in any claim 1 wherein the foam layer is itself covered with a non-porous polymer layer.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tray comprises aluminium foil.
6. An apparatus for packaging a product, using a tray with a rim, and a cover sheet, the apparatus comprising a die defining a recess to locate the tray, the die acting as an electrode, and an opposed electrode whereby the rim and the cover sheet can be located between the die and the opposed electrode to be subjected to dielectric welding, the apparatus also comprising means to supply RF signals between the die and the opposed electrode, wherein at least one of the electrodes is covered by a barrier layer comprising a foam material of a polymeric material.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the foam material is an acrylic foam.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the foam layer is itself covered with a non-porous polymer layer.
9. A method of dielectric welding using opposed electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is covered by a barrier layer comprising a polymeric foam material.
10. A plant for packaging food products in trays, wherein each tray is supported in an aperture in a plate, wherein each plate is electrically insulated from the remainder of the plant, the plant also incorporating a radio-frequency signal generator, means to connect the plant to earth and means to connect the plate to the signal generator, so the trays are welded to a cover film by dielectric welding, wherein the dielectric welding is carried out through a barrier layer comprising a foam material of a polymeric material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0504730.3 | 2005-03-08 | ||
GB0504730A GB0504730D0 (en) | 2005-03-08 | 2005-03-08 | Product packaging |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060201116A1 true US20060201116A1 (en) | 2006-09-14 |
Family
ID=34451985
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/366,612 Abandoned US20060201116A1 (en) | 2005-03-08 | 2006-03-03 | Product packaging |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060201116A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0504730D0 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090148579A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-06-11 | Holliday Darryi L | Method for preparing precooked frozen shellfish in packaging suitable for cooking |
US20100107568A1 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2010-05-06 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd. | Method and apparatus for heat-sealing container |
CN109661351A (en) * | 2016-07-11 | 2019-04-19 | 建筑自动机械制造A.C.M.A.股份公司 | To contain the air tight sealing device of the packaging of food |
US20190279458A1 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2019-09-12 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Automated packaging system for a self-service custom-fabrication kiosk |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110844213A (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2020-02-28 | 中科天工(武汉)智能技术有限公司 | Assembling method and assembling device for format package body |
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US3026233A (en) * | 1959-01-07 | 1962-03-20 | Scholl Mfg Co Inc | Electronic heat sealing polyurethane foam |
US3944454A (en) * | 1974-06-25 | 1976-03-16 | The Dimension Weld International Corporation | Heat-bonding method |
US5906766A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-05-25 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Method for dielectrically heating an adhesive |
US20030052810A1 (en) * | 2001-07-06 | 2003-03-20 | Thales | Device to conceal a radar representing a pattern in relief, equipping especially a vehicle, and detection system comprising such a device |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPS5689516A (en) * | 1979-12-21 | 1981-07-20 | Asahi Kagaku Kogyo Kk | High frequency welding method of conductive resin sheet |
US5427645A (en) * | 1991-12-09 | 1995-06-27 | W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. | Apparatus and method for radio frequency sealing thermoplastic films together |
DE10025222A1 (en) * | 2000-05-22 | 2001-12-06 | Petroplast Maschinen Und Hande | Electrode for high frequency welding of thermoplastic, particularly PVC, films has an anti-adhesion coating |
-
2005
- 2005-03-08 GB GB0504730A patent/GB0504730D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2006
- 2006-02-15 GB GB0603032A patent/GB2423954B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-03-03 US US11/366,612 patent/US20060201116A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3026233A (en) * | 1959-01-07 | 1962-03-20 | Scholl Mfg Co Inc | Electronic heat sealing polyurethane foam |
US3944454A (en) * | 1974-06-25 | 1976-03-16 | The Dimension Weld International Corporation | Heat-bonding method |
US5906766A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-05-25 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Method for dielectrically heating an adhesive |
US20030052810A1 (en) * | 2001-07-06 | 2003-03-20 | Thales | Device to conceal a radar representing a pattern in relief, equipping especially a vehicle, and detection system comprising such a device |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100107568A1 (en) * | 2007-04-11 | 2010-05-06 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd. | Method and apparatus for heat-sealing container |
US20090148579A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-06-11 | Holliday Darryi L | Method for preparing precooked frozen shellfish in packaging suitable for cooking |
CN109661351A (en) * | 2016-07-11 | 2019-04-19 | 建筑自动机械制造A.C.M.A.股份公司 | To contain the air tight sealing device of the packaging of food |
US20190279458A1 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2019-09-12 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Automated packaging system for a self-service custom-fabrication kiosk |
US10854035B2 (en) * | 2018-03-07 | 2020-12-01 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Automated packaging system for a self-service custom-fabrication kiosk |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2423954B (en) | 2007-06-06 |
GB0504730D0 (en) | 2005-04-13 |
GB2423954A (en) | 2006-09-13 |
GB0603032D0 (en) | 2006-03-29 |
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Owner name: STANELCO RF TECHNOLOGIES LTD, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SMITH, DAVID JOHN;REEL/FRAME:017412/0253 Effective date: 20060223 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |