ITGE20080063A1 - ELEMENT FOR PACKAGING OR BINDING FOOD PRODUCTS. - Google Patents

Description

â € œElement for packaging or wrapping food productsâ €

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an element for packaging or wrapping food products.

The currently existing sheets for the packaging of over-the-counter food products such as cheeses, cured meats and the like consist of a support sheet, for example in paper, coupled or glued to a film of polymeric material, such as polyethylene or the like suitable for packaging damp or wet products.

These two-layer sheets are obtained by cold or hot lamination or by extrusion of a sheet of paper possibly printed with ornamental or advertising motifs and of a film in polymeric material.

Normally, food products are wrapped in the part of the sheet consisting of the polymeric film or placed inside bags with a plasticized inner wall.

The double layer is necessary as the polyethylene is very thin and provides the function of waterproof barrier, while the cellulose-based paper which constitutes the support layer provides the resistance or mechanical rigidity that preserves the product and presents the inelastic deformability that it allows the folding to be maintained in the formation of the package or during the closure of the bag.

The double layer as a whole is not biodegradable as the polyethylene sheet, or the plastic coating of the bag, cannot be disposed of according to the procedures adopted for products of natural origin. In fact, in order to correctly follow the differentiated collection criteria, it is necessary to separate the contents from the sheet and also the two layers that form the sheet, since the paper is biodegradable and therefore compostable, while polyethylene and plastic materials in general are not.

The polyethylene film is very thin, electrostatic and these characteristics make it difficult to handle.

Furthermore, the realization of the double layer sheet requires different steps:

- extrusion of a polyethylene pipe,

- cutting of said tube to form a layer of polyethylene,

- gluing to a sheet of paper or similar support.

Currently existing sheets for packaging food products can also consist of a paper layer in which at least one face of said layer is coated with a uniform and homogeneous layer of water-resistant polymeric material. As for the two-layer sheets described above, also said sheets or bags of plasticized paper are not biodegradable and the presence of a thin plasticized layer makes them difficult to fold on themselves since the non-deformability characteristics of the plastic layer tend to make it difficult to creation of packages that can remain such, and therefore wrapped on the food product, for a certain period of time or following continuous opening and closing of the package.

A product from the BIOTEC company is also known consisting of a compound based on potato starch and copolyester that allows the production of bags, food packaging for bakeries, pastry shops, dairies, delicatessens, which have the characteristics of the associated plastic and paper .

In fact, this product has the flexibility of use, impermeability to water, the typical manufacturing process of plastic materials and at the same time has characteristics to the touch, appearance and enveloping properties typical of paper.

The product, supplied in the form of granules, allows the creation of totally biodegradable and compostable products and is an easily workable product on the extrusion dies.

Furthermore, the films or sheets made with said product are resistant to humidity, water, water vapor, fats and are therefore particularly suitable for packaging food products.

Other characteristics of the products made with said biodegradable material, as indicated in the product data sheets, are:

- compatibility on hot and ultrasonic welding, - shrink capacity,

- suitability for flexographic and offset printing processes without preliminary treatment.

The purpose of the present invention is to produce an element for the packaging of food which is completely biodegradable and which can be treated in an identical way to the biological content wrapped therein, that is to the food product for which it is intended.

The element is made as a single-layer sheet and is obtained from a compound of natural origin, in particular a compound based on potato starch and copolyester, can be used to form sheets or bags for food packaging, in particular wet foods.

The sheet has fold lines, in particular at least two longitudinal fold lines which divide said sheet into three portions: a central part and two side wings.

Said fold lines are positioned in such a way that the edges of the two flaps folded over the central part of the sheet are substantially in contact with each other coinciding with the central longitudinal line of the sheet itself.

The sheet can be provided with other folding lines arranged perpendicular to the previous ones in such a way as to be able to position the food product in the central part of the sheet and subsequently cover it with the flaps of said sheet and thus obtain an envelope-like package with all the perfectly closed peripheral edges.

Alternatively, it is possible to make bags by extrusion of the biodegradable compound into granules or to use single-layer sheets to make bags in which to insert the material to be packaged.

The envelope-like or pouch-like package made with the single-layer element object of the present invention has the characteristic of impermeability typical of polymeric films or films made with corn starch but at the same time has the consistency and deformability typical of paper.

The bag, the sheet, or the packages made with said sheet, are foldable and deformable in an inelastic way, and make it possible to form packages containing dry, moist or fatty food products.

The surface of this single-layer element is printable and the printing, of decorative shapes or brands, can be done with natural inks so that the whole package is completely biodegradable.

The single-layer sheets can be supplied to the user individually or in the form of a block or notebook. Each sheet is joined to others near its edge and each sheet has a pre-established separation or tear line from its edge so that each sheet can be torn and used.

Alternatively, the sheets can be supplied as rolls with the single sheets of predetermined length joined together along a tear line parallel to the axis of the roll.

These and other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of some executive examples illustrated in the attached drawings in which:

Fig. 1a illustrates the single-layer sheet-like element according to the invention,

Fig. 1b illustrates the element in the form of a single-layer sheet folded on itself along longitudinal fold lines,

Figures 2a, 2b, 2c illustrate the steps for obtaining an envelope-like food package starting from the single-layer sheet,

fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the envelope-like food package obtained from the single-layer sheet,

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show an embodiment of the element used for making bags for food,

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a further embodiment of the element according to the present invention with the monolayer sheet made in roll or tape,

Fig. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the element according to the present invention with the monolayer sheet made as a block.

The present invention allows to overcome the disadvantages of the known double-layer sheets or bags for packaging and preserving food thanks to an element for making single-layer bags or sheets 1 in biodegradable material.

In particular, the element is made by extrusion, according to known techniques, for example by means of hot polythene plating by extrusion, from granules of a compound based on potato starch and copolyester.

According to a preferred embodiment, said element made as a single-layer sheet 1 is extruded in the form of a flattened tubular element with one side open along a cutting line parallel to the axis of the tubular shape in such a way as to obtain a single-layer sheet 1.

The sheet 1 is cut according to the desired dimensions in a square or rectangular shape.

The composition of the granules allows to obtain a bag, sheet 1 or film with thermoplastic characteristics, but without the use of plasticizers which would make the package non-biodegradable.

The sheet 1 or bag thus obtained has properties similar to those of paper, both for its texture to the touch and for its enveloping characteristics.

Furthermore, the particular composition of the element ensures that the typical characteristics of the paper are combined with the typical characteristics of polyethylene films or corn derivatives, ie flexibility of use and impermeability to water.

As shown in Figure 1a, the single-layer sheet 1 for packaging food according to the invention has at least two fold lines 10 which divide sheet 1 into three parts: a central part 11 and two side wings 12.

The single-layer sheet 1 is made pre-folded along said folds 10. In particular, the folds or fold lines 10 are positioned longitudinally to the sheet 1 so that the width of each wing 12 is equal to half the width of the central part 11 of the sheet 1 Said wings 12 are therefore symmetrical and matching in coincidence with the central longitudinal line I of the sheet 1 when they are folded over the central part 11 of the sheet 1 itself.

Said flaps 12 can also be asymmetrical so as to allow their overlapping, at least partially, when they are folded onto the central part 11 of the sheet 1.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, the sheet 1 has folds 13 transversal to the central longitudinal axis I.

In particular, said folds 13 are perpendicular to folds 10.

Said folds 13 allow to realize further wings 14 which, like the previous ones, can be symmetrical and therefore mating I coinciding with a central transversal line II of the sheet 1 or asymmetrical in such a way as to allow their overlapping.

Said transversal folds 13, in combination with the longitudinal folds 10, allow the wings 12,14 and the central part 11 of the sheet 1 to be folded several times on itself in such a way as to obtain an envelope-like package 2 like the one illustrated in the figures 2c and 3, inside which the food to be stored can be placed. The bag 2 thus made is closed along all the peripheral edges in such a way as to prevent the food product from escaping.

Contrary to the known double-layer sheets for food packaging, the particular paper-like consistency of the single-layer sheet and the folds 10 and 13 allow to obtain bags 2 for food in which the contents are easily kept inside without the need to fold or crease the side edges of the envelope.

Furthermore, according to a further feature of the invention, when the wings 14 are superimposable or partially superimposable, on the surface of the single-layer sheet, in correspondence with the shorter wing, a continuous or discontinuous strip of glue can be applied in order to facilitate sealing. of the flaps of the bag 2 when packaging the food.

The particular composition of the monolayer element 1 also allows to reproduce in print on one or both surfaces of the sheet 1 ornamental designs, advertising motifs or writings.

Obviously the printing of the sheet can be done with natural inks.

It is also possible to provide for the coloring of the sheet 1 by means of natural pigments, free of any components that may be toxic for the user.

As illustrated in figures 4,5 and 6, it is possible to use the biodegradable compound based on potato starch to obtain food packaging in the form of a bag 5.

Said bag 5 can be obtained by extrusion of the granules of the biodegradable compound in the manner of a tubular element, which tubular element can be closed at its edge, for example by gluing the edges, in such a way as to obtain a package in the manner of bag 5 open on one side.

Alternatively, the bag 5 is formed by at least two sheets 1 connected to each other by chemical-physical adhesion along a continuous peripheral line 52, which line 52 is interrupted at one edge and for a certain length of said edge so such as to leave an opening 51 for the introduction of the product to be packaged, packaged or stored.

In an embodiment of the bag 5, the walls of said bag 5 are constituted by a single biodegradable single-layer sheet 1 folded on itself and whose side edges are sealed together in such a way as to have a bottom side formed by the folding area of the sheet 1, two side walls connected to each other and an open side 51 opposite the bottom side.

In correspondence with the bottom side it is possible to provide that the sealed connection between the walls of the bag 5 is not in proximity to the edge but follows an inverted U profile so that the bottom of the bag 5 is in a retracted position with respect to at the edge of the sides of the bag 5.

A preferred embodiment provides that, to increase the internal volume of the bag 5 or to give the bag 5 different three-dimensional shapes, at least along part of the connection line 52, preferably along the connection line 52 corresponding to the bottom and / or opposite the open side 51, the two sheets 1, or walls of the bag 5, are not directly connected to each other but by means of a third bottom wall 53.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, said bottom wall 53 can have a rectangular shape and / or be folded like a bellows.

To obtain the same `` bellows '' effect, one or more of the connecting lines 52 of the walls of the bag 5 and / or sheets 1 that form the bag 5 are made in the manner of a bellows or said bellows are made up of portions of sheet 1 connected sealed with the walls of the bag 5. In particular, to obtain a bottom side 53 with a bellows shape, it is possible to provide that the continuous peripheral line of sealing connection 52 of the two walls or sheets 1 ends at a certain distance from the bottom side 53 and extends up to the end of the lateral edge and / or transverse edge to the open edge 51, connecting to a third sheet element 53 which forms the bottom side, which third sheet element 53 connects to the two walls with a line curve transversal to said walls in such a way that the two bottom flaps thus formed by the sealed connection of the walls with the third element can be bent towards each other to form a gusseted bottom. or.

In an advantageous embodiment, the continuous peripheral line 52 for sealing connection of the walls of the bag 5 is substantially parallel to the lateral edges of the walls and / or edges transversal to the open edge 51 while said line 52 in correspondence with the bottom side extends in arcuate way, said two walls being connected to each other on the bottom side by means of a third sheet element 53 or wall having a rectangular shape.

A further embodiment provides that the bag 5 can be closed thanks to the presence of provisional closing means.

Said provisional closing means can be constituted by a guide and a slide, made of biodegradable material, mutually engageable and extending transversely along the internal surface of the sheets 1 or of the walls which constitute the bag in proximity of the opening 51.

It is possible to obtain the temporary closure of the package 1 also thanks to portions of biodegradable sheet or adhesive tabs 54 placed near the opening 51.

The particular paper-like consistency of the single-layer element 1 which constitutes the bag 5 allows in any case the closure of the bag 5 in correspondence with the opening 51 by simply folding the sheet 1 or the walls of the bag 5 on themselves.

The single-layer sheets 1 according to the present invention can be stored stacked in suitable containers such as cardboard boxes or the like, and then be supplied pre-cut according to desired dimensions.

Alternatively, as illustrated in figures 7a and 7b, the sheets 1 can be packaged in rolls 3 of any height, from which it is possible to cut the single-layer sheets 1 of the desired dimensions.

Thanks to the limited thickness and its flexibility, the roll can be easily divided by the user into smaller parts by acting, even only manually, or with the use of scissors or the like, along the perimeter edges in such a way as to obtain a sheet or a strip of optimal size for its use.

The rolls 3 can consist of pre-cut sheets 1 to be torn off at the moment of use.

To allow the use of the sheet 1, the roll 3 may have continuous or broken cutting lines for at least part of its length, or breakage weakenings 15 which form predetermined breaking or pre-tearing lines to allow the separation of the sheets 1. Said lines breaking or pre-tearing are arranged transversely to the major axis of the strip which is obtained by unrolling the roll 3. In particular, said cutting or weakening lines 15 are arranged perpendicular to the major axis, that is to the length, of the strip.

In this way, the breaking of said roll 3 in predetermined points allows to obtain a sheet or a strip 1 of contained dimensions suitable for packaging food.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the single-layer sheets 1 can be supplied to the user in the form of a block or notebook of sheets that can be separated from said block 4 thanks to a predetermined tear line 16. Each sheet 1 is fixed, by gluing or stapling, at one of its edges to one or more sheets 1 of identical dimensions.

Each sheet 1 has a predetermined separation or tear line 16, for example made as a discontinuous cutting line from its edge intended to form the edge of the block 4 so that each sheet 1 can be torn and used.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but can be widely varied, for example by using different compounds of natural origin which can give the sheet or bag used for packaging food products a combination of characteristics similar to those of paper. and plastic.

Furthermore, the packages described above can also be used for the packaging of other products, not just food, in all those situations where there is the need not to have waste with an environmental impact and to have an easily disposable and compostable packaging.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS 1. Element for packaging or wrapping food products characterized by the fact that it is made of biodegradable material, in particular made by extrusion from a compound based on potato starch and copolyester, and said element is made as a single-layer sheet (1) with properties similar to those of paper for its texture to the touch, for the appearance and for the enveloping characteristics in combination with the typical properties of polyethylene or corn derivative films, i.e. flexibility of use and impermeability to water. 2. Element according to claim 1 characterized by the fact that the single-layer sheet (1), of square or rectangular shape, is made pre-folded along at least two fold lines (10) which divide the sheet (1) into three parts , a central part (11) and two side wings (12). 3. Element according to claim 2 characterized in that the fold lines (10) are positioned longitudinally to the sheet (1) and the width of each wing (12) is equal to half the width of the central part 11 of the sheet (1 ) and said wings (12) are therefore symmetrical and matching in coincidence with the central longitudinal line (I) of the sheet (1) when they are folded over the central part (11) of the sheet (1) itself. 4. Element according to claim 2 characterized in that said wings (12) are asymmetrical so as to allow their overlapping, at least partially, when they are folded onto the central part (11) of the sheet (1). 5. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that it has fold lines transversal (13) to the central longitudinal axis (I) and said fold lines (13) allow to realize further wings (14) which wings ( 14) are symmetrical and therefore matching in coincidence with a central transversal line (II) of the sheet (1) or asymmetrical in such a way as to allow their overlapping and the creation of an envelope-like package (2) with closed peripheral edges for prevent the spillage of the food product. 6. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the sheet (1) is connected by chemical-physical adhesion to at least a second sheet (1) along a continuous peripheral line (52), which line (52) It is interrupted at one edge and for a certain length of said edge in such a way as to form a bag (5) and leave an opening (51) for the introduction of the product to be packaged, packaged or stored. 7. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 5 characterized by the fact that said sheet (1) is folded on itself and the lateral edges of said sheet (1) are sealed so as to have a bag (5 ) with a bottom side formed by the folding area of the sheet (1), two side walls connected to each other and an open side (51) opposite the bottom side. 8. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that at the bottom side the sealed connection between the walls of the bag (5) follows an inverted U profile in such a way that the bottom of the bag (5) It is in a retracted position with respect to the edge of the bag walls (5). 9. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that to increase the internal volume of the bag (5) or to give the bag itself (5) different three-dimensional shapes, at least along part of the connection line (52), preferably along the connection line (52) corresponding to the bottom and / or opposite the open side (51), the two sheets (1), or walls of the bag (5), are connected to each other by means of a third bottom wall (53) and said back wall (53) can have a rectangular shape and / or be folded like a bellows. 10. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that one or more of the connecting lines (52) of the walls and / or sheets (1) forming the bag (5) are made in the manner of a bellows. 11. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said bellows are constituted by portions of sheet (1) sealed connected with the walls of the bag (5). 12. Element according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the bag (5) has provisional closing means in proximity of the opening (51) such as a guide and a slide, made of biodegradable material, mutually engageable and extending transversely along the internal surface of the sheets 1 or of the walls that make up the bag (5) and / or portions of biodegradable sheet or adhesive tabs (54) placed in proximity to the opening (51). 13. Element according to claims 1 to 6 characterized in that it is in the form of rolls (3) of various heights in which the roll (3) has continuous or broken cutting lines for at least part of its length, or weakening of breaking (15) which form predetermined breaking or pre-tearing lines to allow the separation of the sheets (1) at the moment of use and said breaking or pre-tearing lines are arranged transversely to the major axis of the roll (3). 14. Element according to claims 1 to 5 characterized by the fact that it is in the form of a block or notebook and each sheet (1) is fixed by gluing or stapling, at one edge thereof, to one or more sheets 1 of identical dimensions and said sheets (1) can be separated from said block (4) thanks to a predetermined tear line (16) made as a discontinuous cutting line from its edge intended to form the edge of the block (4) so that each sheet 1 can be torn off and used. 15. Element according to claims 2 to 5 characterized in that it is obtained from the granules of biodegradable compound by extrusion of a tubular element, which tubular element has an open side along a cutting line parallel to the axis of the tubular shape in in such a way as to obtain a pre-cut single-layer sheet (1) of the desired size or said tubular element can be closed at one of its edges in such a way as to obtain a package like a bag (5) open on one side.