AU622739B2

AU622739B2 - Packaging

Info

Publication number: AU622739B2
Application number: AU46092/89A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Cameron Sadler
Original assignee: Transpak Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Orora Packaging New Zealand Ltd
Priority date: 1989-12-11
Filing date: 1989-12-11
Publication date: 1992-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2009-12-11
Also published as: AU4609289A

Description

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622 73 9 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA The Patents Act 1952 Name of Applicant(s): Address of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: TRANSPAK INDUSTRIES LIMITED 23-25 PORANA ROAD GLENFIELD, AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND JOHN CAMERON SADLER G.R. CULLEN COMPANY, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, Dalgety House, 79 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Qld. 4000, Australia.

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COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED:

PACKAGING

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0 *o o o ooooo oo oo The following statement is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing it known to us: -2- This invention relates to the packaging and/or wrapping of articles, and in particular to the packaging and/or wrapping of articles which are required to be packaged or wrapped in a substantially sealed or "skin packaged" form.

The present invention has particular though not exclusive application to the meat industry. While it is particularly advantageous in the meat industry, and will be described with reference to use in the meat industry, it should be appreciated that the present invention has equal application in other areas. For example, the present invention can be used for packaging and/or wrapping other forms of foodstuffs, such as dairy products, cheese and the like. In addition it is envisaged that the invention can be used in the packaging and/or wrapping of other articles such as foz example articles of hardware, metal products, building oo o materials and the like.

*The invention will however be described by way of 20 example only, with reference to the meat industry.

Oooo o It has long been a problem in the meat industry, throughout the world, that there has been no straightforward, efficient and consistently appropriate apparatus and method whereby meat carcasses can be wrapped and packaged in an appropriate and acceptable manner. This problem is enhanced in that various countries and governments tend to change laws and c.IRAA I r -3regulations from time to time, concerning the manner in which carasses must be wrapped, transported and presented for sale. For example, in some countries it is necessary for carcasses to be wrapped in a manner such that the outer surface of the wrapping has a substantially roughened or irregular surface. This is by way of example only however.

Generally, in the meat industry, it is desirable to wrap or package carcasses in a generally flexible, semi-flexible or plastic sheet material, or some other appropriate sheet or film material.

In our New Zealand patent specification number 211171 (Australian patent specification (55966/86) we have described and illustrated a method of wrapping or packaging articles andin particular have referred (by way of example) to the wrapping or packaging of articles I:i in the meat industry.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in carrying out such a method as that described in 20 New Zealand patent specification number 211171, and also oee relates to an apparatus which can be used for other *methods of wrapping and/or packaging.

e S. It is an object of this invention to provide an arrangement and apparatus for packaging and wrapping of 25 articles, which provides the public and industry with a useful choice, and which goes someway towards overcoming the problems and difficulties that have been encountered 4t

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with the wrapping and/or packaging of articles (and in particular in the meat industries) up until this time.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for packaging and/or wrapping one or more articles, wherein said arrangement includes an outer housing, inside which are a series of subcompartments which are in communication with each other, and wherein one of said sub-compartments is a treatment chamber where the articles which are partially packaged and/or wrapped are received, said arrangement further comprising a sub-compartment containing an air distribution means to supply air to said treatment chamber, said air distribution means being in conmmunication with said treatment chamber, said arrangement further comprising a temperature control means which operates in conjunction with said air distribution means, said air supply bringing about tae fluidisation of a bed of particles provided within said treatment chamber, entry/exit means provided for said 20 treatment chamber to enable the entry and exit of said articles.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for packaging and/or wrapping one or more articles, including a substantially 25 cylindrical outer housing; a substantially annular treatment chamber being provided inwardly of an outer wall of said housing and having a bed of a plurality of particles provided therewithin; air distribution means being provided substantially centrally of said housing and inwardly of the treatment chamber; temperature control means being provided adjacent said distribution means and inwardly of said treatment chamber; circulation means being provided and fluid circulated at the required temperature so as to fluidise said bed of particles within the treatment chamber; entry/exit means being provided in or adjacent an upper surface of said housing, to allow for the entry and/or exit of articles into and/or from said treatment chamber.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for packaging and/or wrapping one or more articles, said arrangement including an outer housing; a treatment chamber being provided within said housing; air distribution means H being provided within said housing and in communication L with said treatment chamber; air cooling means being provided adjacent said air distribution means; a bed of 20 a plurality of particles being provided within said i treatment chamber; entry/exit means being provided to permit the entry/exit of at least said one or more articles into and/or articles into and/from said housing.

oo According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided an arrangement for packaging and/or wrapping one or more articles, including a ubstantially wrapping one or more articles, including a substantially i i: i' -144_; 1: -6cylindrical outer housing; a substantially annular treatment chamber being provided inwardly of an outer wall of said housing and having a bed of a plurality of particles provided therewithin; air distribution means being provided substantially centrally of said housing and inwardly of the treatment chamber; air cooling means being provided adjacent said air distribution means and inwardly of said treatment chamber; means being provided to permit air within said housing to be cooled and/or chilled, and circulated such as to cool/chill and fluidise said bed of particles within the treatment chamber; entry/exit means being provided in or adjacent an upper surface of said housing, to allow for the entry and/or exit of articles into and/or exit of articles into and/or from said treatment chamber.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1: is a partially exploded diagrammatic view of an arrangement according to one form of the present invention.

Figure 2: is a partial side view of an arrangement according to one form of the present invention.

25 It should be appreciated once again that the present invention is described by way of example only, with reference to use in the meat industry. It should ii .i i -1

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9* be appreciated that the invention has equal application to the packaging and/or wrapping of articles in other industries and areas.

The arrangement of the present invention includes an outer housing 1 which, in the preferred form of the invention, is shown as being substantially circular and cylindrical. This is by way of example only however and if desired the invention can be of some other shape or configuration. For example rectangular, square or the like. The outer housing is preferably substantially vertical or upright, and is constructed of any appropriate material and by any appropriate means. The housing is closed at its bottom end, and is provided inwardly of the outer wall thereof, with a spaced apart inner annular wall 2, which thereby defines an annular treatment chamber 3, inwardly of the outer wall.

An upper surface or top of the housing is provided of any desired material, but is preferably provided with a plurality of entry ports 5 thereabout, which are substantially circumferentially spaced apart about the upper surface 4. As will be appreciated from the description hereinafter, this will allow articles to be wrapped and/or packaged to be passed into the treatment chamber for predetermined periods of time. In alternative forms of the invention, (as for example in Figure 2 of the drawings), flexibl.e skirts 6 can be provided, which are biased so as to normally close the -8upper end of the chamber, but which on a downward pressure being applied thereto by an article to be placed or inserted into the treatment chamber, will flex or move out of position to thereby allow the entry of one or more articles to be entered into the treatment chamber.

The inner wall 2 of the annular treatment chamber does not extend the full height of the housing so that there is a spacing 7 between the top thereof and an underside of the housing. In this position, a filter arrangement 8 is provided, the advantages of which will be described hereinafter.

The bottom or lower end of the treatment chamber 3 is provided with a filter or distribution plate 9, such as a distribution plate formed with a plurality of slats, closely located in juxtaposition one with the other, so that air can pass therethrough, but so that particles forming a bed in the distribution chamber (as will be described hereinafter) are not able to pass 20 therethrough. The filter or distribution plate can be of any material and any desired manufacture or configuration. It is however important that the filter or distribution plate (or indeed the base or bottom of the treatment chamber) can be provided with means to

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25 allow for air to pass therethrough, while as far as possible preventing or minimising the passage of f f J F i' i;e; Al particles (as will be described hereinafter) therethrough.

Inwardly of the treatment chamber 3, and substantially centrally of the housing, air distribution means 10 are provided.

In the preferred form of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, the air distribution means is in the form of an impeller or fan 11, which rotates about a substantially vertical axis, and is mounted on an elongate shaft 12 which in turn is connected for rotation, to an appropriate prime mover. For example an electric or diesel or hydraulic motor. This is by way of example only however and any form of prime mover can 15 in the accompanying drawings the prime mover is external of the housing, but the prime mover can be provided :within the housing or at some other location if desired.

0% 0 The elongate shaft 12 extends into the housing so as to allow for rotation of the impeller 11 within the 20 housing (and preferably substantially centrally thereof), but inwardly of the distribution chamber.

*ooThe invention is described and illustrated with 0000 reference to only one impeller or fan. It should be S"appreciated however, that if desired more than one such impeller can be used, and if desired other forms of air distribution means (such as blowers and the like could be utilised).

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Ii: *C Adjacent to (and in the preferred form of the invention spaced apart from and below) the air distribution means, a heater 15 is provided. In an alternative embodiment this would be a cooling or refrigerating means. In the form of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings the heat is in the form of a heating plate, having a number of heating rungs, the heater being attached to an appropriate source of power.

It should be appreciated that this is by way of example only and that any form or location of heating arrangement can be provided. It is however important that the air being circulated within the housing, be capable of being heated (or cooled in the alternative embodiment) to a desired or predetermined temperature.

15 Appropriate temperature control means are provided in association with the heating means, so that if desired the temperature of the heater (and thus the temperature of heated air within the housing) can be controlled.

In the form of the invention shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the air distribution means and heater are shown as being in a substantially cylindrical capsule form, which slots into and is secured into position substantially centrally of the housing. For example, the capsule can have its base or lower end, a heated grid, while at its upper end it has an external prime mover, (such as for example an elect -ic motor), with a 1~ "1 -11so I.

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1** shaft extending into the capsule (which is preferably sealed or closed at its upper end), one or more impellers or fans then being mounted to the shaft.

Referring again to Figure 1 of the drawings, the side walls of the central air distribution capsule extend upwardly into a shoulder, or substantial flange like arrangement, to which is attached, mounted or formed a filter arrangement 8 which extends upwardly.

On location of the capsule within the substantially central portion of the housing, the shoulder or flanige will rest on suitable supports within the housing and filter arrangement 8 fits into the spacing or gap between the upper end of the inner wall of the treatment chamber and an upper surface of the housing. This will then ensure that there is a filter between the treatment chamber (and the bed of particles therewithin) and the air distribution means.

In other forms of the invention, where the air distribution means is a substantially integral or "built 20 in" part or component of the arrangement, means are provided whereby there is a filter 8 provided between the treatment chamber and the air distribution means, this filter allowing for the passage of air and at the same time preventing the passage of particles (from the bed of particles) therethrough.

Referring now to the treatment chamber 3, this houses a bed of particles, such as for example a bed of

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ss -12a plurality of particles in the form of beads, which may be of a substantially porous material. For example they may be formed of an appropriate plastics material. This is however by way of example only and the beads can be solid if desired, or formed of some other material.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous in the operation of the present invention (which will be described hereinafter), to have the particles or beads being of such a size, as to be between five millimetre and twenty five millimeter in diameter. It is also preferable to have the bulk density of the particles between 0.5 grams per cubic centimetre and .35 grams per cubic centimetre. This is by way of example only 15 The bed of particles inserted into the treatment chaLmber, is only taken up to a height so that it is spaced apart from and below the top of the inner wall of 0oeo the treatment chamber, and thus below also the filter separating the treatment chamber and the air 20 distribution means.

Referring now to the operation of the present invention, the prime mover is actuated which in turn actuates the air distribution means in tho form of the one or more fans or impellers. The heating means is also actuated, and is set to a predetermined or desired temperature. The actuation of the fan or impeller will cause air within the housing to circulate, first passing RA4A TO R~Z, r I I;

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-13it through the heater, where the air is heated, and thereafter passing the air down the air distribution means, and up underneath the bottom or lower end of the treatment chamber, which is preferably spaced apart from the lower or bottom end of the housing. The heated air is then passed through the bed of particles, and the passage of this heated air fluidises and heats the particles. Air is then passed further through the filter at the top of the inner wall of the treatment chamber, and is circulated in this manner, the heat and pressure being maintained within desired or predetermined parameters.

The bed in the treatment chamber is thus fluidised, such that articles to be packaged and/or 15 wrapped can be inserted into the fluidised bed.

Referring therefore by way of example only to the meat industry, one or more carcasses can be at least partially wrapped in a film or substantial bag, such as constructed of a plastics material (by way of example) 20 and can then be inserted into the treatment chamber through the one or more entry points. The entry of the carcass into the treatment chamber will cause the wrapping material to form about the carcass, and to substantially encapsulate the carcass. Essentially, it has been found that it is the operation of the heat and pressure of the boads within the fluidised bed, that encapsulates an article within the wrapping material.

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-14- This is described and illustrated by way of example, in our New Zealand patent specification number 211171.

By way of example the articles or carcassese can be left in the fluidised bed to between 93 0 C and 200 0

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and to maintain a carcass within the fluidised bed for a period of time of between, for example, 10-20 seconds.

It should be appreciated however that this is by way of example only.

In the case of carcass or article wrapping, and Ln particular where a number of materials are to be wrapped about a carcass or article (such as to meet Government or customer requirements), the action of the fluidised bed, being the action of the heat and pressure of the beads, causes the material to substantially encapsulate the article or carcass. It is considered that this is due, to secondary sealing of the material, about itself and the article or carcass. It is also considered however, that the combination of the heat and pressure 20 causes the wrapping material to substantially encap- :e .sulate the carcass. The material forms closely about ethe carcass so as to provide an efficient and a i: straightforward method of packaging.

It is also envisaged that the present invention can be used for processing already packaged materials, such as for example meat and dairy products which may have already been vacuum packed. It is therefore .e 41 S

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.5 advantageous in such cases to attempt to shrink package the product further. For example, in the case of a cheese which has been vacuum packed into a plastic wrapping, the vacuum packed product can be inserted into the arrangement of the present invention, and subjected to the method of the present invention, which will cause the plastic wrapping to shrink and retract about the cheese or the like, thus making a far more effective and long lasting packaging. This is however by way of example only.

The present invention can be used in a substantially "batch" or "continuous" manner.

For example, in Figure 1 of the drawings substantially curved or arcuate channels can be provided in the upper surface of the housing, these being covered with a flexible covering flap or the like. Carcass carrying rails can be provided adjacent to and spaced apart from and above the housing which are in turn provided with substantially curved or arcuate sections.

20 Thus, as carcasses move down the rails, they will move about the substantially arcuate rails which will in turn coincide substantially with the arcuate or substantially arcuate slots provided within the upper surface of the housing, so that on the carcasses coming into contact with the housing they will pass into the slot and thus through the treatment chamber to exit from the other side or end thereof.

9* -16- In a further form of the invention and by way of example only, the invention can be utilised in the manner such as that shown by way of example in Figure 2 of the drawings. In that way holes or recesses can be provided in an upper surface or top of the housing, appropriate means being provided to allow for the entry and exit of carcasses or articles into and from the treatment chamber.

In a further form of the invention, but referring to the accompanying drawings, the present invention can be utilised to chill or cool packaged articles. For example, and by way of example only, the arrangement of the present invention can be used to cool and/or chill carcasses which have passed through the arrangement for 15 the purpose of being packaged and/or wrapped. Thus, the present invention is essentially the same but the heating arrangement of the earlier forms of the invention, is replaced by a cooling and/or chilling arrangement, so that the air within the housing and treatment chamber is cooled or chilled. Appropriate temperature and/or chilling apparatus will therefore be provided. Thus, on the appropriate temperature being set, the cooling and/or chilling arrangement, is actuated so that cooled and/or chilled air is circulated within the chamber. Thus, articles (such as for example already wrapped or packaged carcasses) are able to be placed into and/or passed through the arrangement of the -17present invention for the purpose of being cooled and/ or chilled.

In a further form of the invention it is envisaged 14 that an arrangement may include essentially means for providing a heated fluidised bed (such as for the purposes of wrapping and packaging), as well as a portion or compartment for the purpose of chilling and/ or cooling the packaged or wrapped article.

Where in the aforegoing description reference has been to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

The present invention has been described by way of I example only and improvements and modifications may be 15 made without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Claims

1. An arrangement for packaging and/or wrapping one or more articles, wherein said arrangement includes an outer housing, irside which are a series of sub-compartments which are in communication with each other, and wherein one of said sub-compartments is a treatment chamber where the articles which are partially packaged and/or wrapped are received, said arrangement further comprising a sub-compartment containing an air distribution means to supply air to said treatment chamber, said air distribution means being in communication with said treatment chamber, said arrangement further comprising a temperature 15 control means which operates in conjunction with said air distribution means, said air supply bringing about the fluidisation of a bed of particles provided within said treatment chamber, entry/exit means provided for said treatment chamber to enable the entry and exit of said articles.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer housing is substantially cylindrical accommodating therewithin a substantially annular said treatment chamber provided inwardly of an outer wall of said housing; said temperature f -g <P 1** -19- control means being provided adjacent said air distribution means and inwardly of said treatment chamber; said temperature control means providing air at a temperature suitable for the required treatment, the flow of air being such as will fluidise said bed of particles contained within said treatment chamber.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said fluidised bed of particles comprises air and said air distribution means comprises a fan means operable to cause said air to flow towards said temperature control means.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an upper portion of said i '15 treatment chamber is spaced apart from an upper Send of said outer housing and filter means are fl provided for said spacing therebetween.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the *preceding claims wherein a lower portion of said 20 treatment chamber is provided with a filter means admitting said air to pass therethrough but substantially preventing passage of said particles S!"therethrough.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said particles comprising a plurality of beads. i I u~

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein said beads are of a porous plastics materials.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said particles have a bulk density of between 0.5 grams per cubic centimetre and .35 grams per cubic centimetre.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said particles are between 5 millimetres and 25 millimetres in diameter.

An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said bed of particles occupies the volume of the treatment chamber whichis an area extending vertically from the lower filter means to a point below an upper portion of an inner wall of said treatment chamber in which a further filter means is provided thereabove.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said fluidised bed of particles is heated to between 93 0 C and 200 0 C.

12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein articles are contained within the treatment chamber for a period of between 10 and 20 seconds.

13. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said temperature control means comprises a heater means. 44 U -21-

14. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said temperature control means comprises a chilling or cooling means. r

15. An arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

16. Articles packaged by an arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. DATED this 14th day of January 1992 TRANSPAK INDUSTRIES LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO. i 0 **1 e