BR112019023791B1 - PACKAGING TO CONTAIN AT LEAST ONE PRODUCT - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package (100) for containing at least one product comprising a support (1) having: a support part (2) configured to receive one or more products (P), a perimeter edge (6 ) entirely surrounding the support part (2), a gripping part (22) of the perimeter edge (6) extending from the opposite side in relation to the support part (2); a removable part (21) of the perimeter edge (6) also extending from the opposite side in relation to the support part (2). The packaging comprises a closing film (10) engaged with at least a part of the perimeter edge (6) and configured to define - in cooperation with the support (1) - a housing compartment (5) for the product (P); the closing film (10) comprises a first film part (10a) engaged with the removable part (21) which is configured to be separated at least partially from the support (1) together with the first film part (10a) during a packaging opening stage. The closing film (10) comprises a second film part (10b) engaged with the gripping part (22) of the support (1); the second film part (10b) is configured to remain engaged with the gripping part (10) 22) of the support during the opening stage of the (...).

Description

DESCRIPTION FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to packaging for containing products, for example, of a type of food. The invention also relates to a process and a related apparatus for manufacturing said packaging, in particular using a support designed to house at least one product and at least one plastic film, designed to mate with the support, in order to seal the product. in a package. The invention may find particular application in vacuum packaging or in a controlled atmosphere of products of various types.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[002] Related apparatus and methods for packaging products are known in the field of packaging. Among the packaging processes, processes that make packaging with plastic films to seal foods such as meat and fish to be frozen, cheese, treated meat, ready meals and similar foods are known.

[003] In the field of food packaging, packaging is known, closed by means of plastic films with an easy opening system that facilitates the opening of the packaging by the user, thus guaranteeing a simple and quick extraction of the product from the packaging.

[004] International patent application no. WO2008029332, for example, describes an easy-to-open packaging consisting of a first and a second plastic film coupled to an outer perimeter edge, so as to define a storage compartment for one or more products (the products are interposed between the first and the second film). The packaging has an easy opening system that consists of two flaps side by side, not overlapping each other, respectively the first and second plastic films that emerge from the perimeter closing edge of the packaging. The flaps are configured to define respective gripping parts adapted to allow opening of the package.

[005] Although the aforementioned international order opening system represents an easy access point for the packaging, the Applicant noted that the packaging does not present disadvantages. In fact, due to the flexible structure of the package and, in particular, the structure of the facilitated opening system, the same package is difficult to grasp and, above all, complex to handle during its opening steps.

[006] French application No. FR3002209, on the other hand, describes a packaging with an facilitated opening consisting of a support and a plastic film welded to a perimeter edge of the support. The support comprises a gripping part emerging from the perimeter edge; the film comprises a closing part welded to said perimeter edge and a respective gripping part emerging from the latter: the gripping parts of the support and the closing film, respectively, define an opening system of the package. A first part of the gripping part of the film overlaps (not restricted) the gripping part of the support and is configured to be raised relative to the latter, while a second part of the gripping part of the film is flanked by the gripping part of the support. support and emerges from the perimeter edge of the latter. The second part has a reinforcing flap fixed below the sealing film and deriving from the support. The second part of the gripping part is the part of the film that can be grasped by the user to open the package; The gripping part of the holder, on the other hand, is the part that can be gripped by the user to hold the holder during the step of removing the film from the packaging.

[007] While the solution described in the aforementioned French application allows to define a package with an facilitated opening, the Applicant concluded that the complex structure of the opening system requires the user to first detect the correct gripping part to be lifted (gripping part of film) in such a way that the gripping part of the support can be shown, a part otherwise covered by the plastic film obstructing the subsequent step of removing the film itself.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[008] The objective of the present invention is to substantially resolve the drawbacks and/or limitations of the above prior art.

[009] A first objective of the invention is to provide a packaging, for example, for food products, with an effective facilitated opening system to allow the user to simply and quickly open the packaging; In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a package that provides the user with a quick tactile and visual perception of the facilitated opening system.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a packaging with a simple and economical structure, which at the same time can guarantee convenient and stable handling of the packaging, at least during opening of the latter. It is also an additional objective of the present invention to ensure the opening of the package through a single movement and, therefore, without requiring the user to change the way of picking up the package during the opening steps.

[0011] Another objective is to provide packaging that can be manufactured through simple and fast in-line production, which does not require expensive modifications to standard packaging manufacturing facilities, that is, without an easy opening system.

[0012] These and still other objectives, which will become more evident from the following description, are substantially achieved by a packaging, an apparatus and a related process for manufacturing said packaging in accordance with what is expressed in one or more of the appended claims and/or in the following aspects, taken alone or in any combination with each other or in combination with any of the appended claims and/or in combination with any of the other aspects or features described below.

SUMMARY

[0013] Aspects of the invention are described below.

[0014] In a first aspect, a package 100 is provided to contain at least one product P, for example, a food-type product, said package 100 comprising: - at least one support 1 displaying: - at least a part of support 2 configured to receive one or more P products; - at least one perimeter edge 6 entirely around the supporting part 2; - a gripping part 22 of the perimeter edge 6, extending oppositely to the supporting part 2; - at least one removable part 22 of the perimeter edge 6, also extending oppositely to the support part 2; - a closing film 10 engaged with at least a part of the perimeter edge 6 and configured to define - in cooperation with the support 1 - a storage compartment 5 for product P, said closing film 10 comprising a first film part 10a engaged with the removable part 21, said removable part 21 being configured to be separated at least partially from the support 1 together with the first film part 10a during a package opening step, the closing film 10 comprising a second film part 10a film 10b engaged with the gripping part 22 of the support 1, said second film part 10b configured to remain engaged with the gripping part 22 of the support during the step of opening the package 100.

[0015] In a second aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the second part of film 10b, optionally before the package opening step, is: - separated from the first part 10a of the closing film 10; or - joined to said first part 10a by a weakening part of the same closing film, said weakening part being configured to ensure separation of the first and second parts of the closing film during the stage of opening the package.

[0016] In a third aspect, in accordance with any of the previous aspects, the first film part 10a is engaged with the perimeter edge 6, with the exception of the gripping part 22.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, in accordance with any of the previous aspects, the second film part 10b is engaged only with the gripping part 22 of the perimeter edge 6.

[0018] In a fifth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the removable part 21, before the packaging opening step, is: - separated from the perimeter edge 6 integrally joined to the support 1; or - integrally joined to the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1 by a weakening part 24 of the support, said weakening part being configured to ensure the separation of the removable part 21 from the support 1 itself during the step of opening the package 100.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, according to any of the previous aspects, the gripping part 22 is integrally joined to the perimeter edge 6.

[0020] In a seventh aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the grasping part 22 is flanked by the removable part 21.

[0021] In an eighth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the perimeter edge 6 comprises an upper surface 6a for receiving the first film part 10a, which extends along a lying plane, wherein the second film part 10a film 10b extends along a plane parallel to the lying plane of said upper surface 6a.

[0022] In a ninth aspect, in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the second film portion 10b is configured to remain coplanar with the upper surface 6a of the perimeter edge during the step of opening the package 100.

[0023] In a tenth aspect in accordance with any of the previous aspects, the removable part 21 has a mechanical rigidity greater than the mechanical rigidity of the closing film 10.

[0024] In an eleventh aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the removable part 21 has a mechanical rigidity substantially equal to the mechanical rigidity of the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1.

[0025] In a twelfth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the support 1 comprises: - a base 1a; - a side wall 1b emerging transversely from the base 1a to define a storage seat adapted to receive the product P, wherein the perimeter edge 6 together with the gripping part 22 are integrally joined to the side wall 1b opposite the base 1a, wherein the perimeter edge 6 defines an upper free edge of the support 1 that delimits an opening 12 of the latter.

[0026] In a thirteenth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the support 1 comprises at least one angular part 7, wherein said removable part 21 is disposed on the angular part of the support, optionally said removable part 21 defines at least part of said angular part 7.

[0027] In a fourteenth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the support 1 comprises at least one angled part 7, wherein said gripping part 22 is disposed on the angled part of the support, optionally said gripping part 22 defines at least part of said angular part 7.

[0028] In a fifteenth aspect according to the previous aspect, in which the gripping part and the removable part are arranged on the same angular part 7 of the support 1, optionally, the gripping part and the removable part define (optionally delimit ) the same angular part of the support.

[0029] In a sixteenth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the support 1 comprises a plurality of angular parts 7, the removable part 21 and the gripping part 22 which define at least one angular part 7 of said support 1 .

[0030] In a seventeenth aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the perimeter edge 6 has a flat closing surface for receiving the closing film 10 which is - prior to the step of opening the package - substantially coplanar to a surface to receive the closing film of the removable part 21.

[0031] In an eighteenth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the support 1 has a rectangular or square shape.

[0032] In a nineteenth aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the support 1 is made of at least one material selected from the following group: plastic, paper material, aluminum.

[0033] In a twentieth aspect, in accordance with any of the previous aspects, the closing film 10 is engaged with the perimeter edge 6, the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 by heat sealing.

[0034] In a twenty-first aspect according to any of the previous aspects, the packaging comprises at least one product, optionally of food type, disposed in the storage compartment 5 of the packaging 100, in which the closing film is firmly engaged hermetic to fluids with the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1, so that the storage compartment 5 within which said product P is housed is watertight.

[0035] In a twenty-second aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the closing film is applied to the support so as to form a vacuum package in which a pressure substantially less than atmospheric pressure is present within the storage compartment. 5 (T = 20°C, above sea level), the closing film forming a plastic skin at least partially in contact with the product P and the support 1.

[0036] In a twenty-third aspect, according to any one of the aspects from 12° to 22°, the closing film is applied to the support, so as to form a hermetically sealed package in which within the storage compartment 5 is present a modified atmosphere (i.e. having a different composition with respect to the normal atmospheric composition), the closing film being engaged at the perimeter edge and spaced from the base of the support 1.

[0037] In a twenty-fourth aspect, there is provided a process for manufacturing a package 100 for containing at least one product P according to any of the preceding aspects, said process comprising at least the following steps: - moving a laminated material 200 along a predetermined advancement path, said laminated material 200 comprising: - at least one support part 2 configured to receive one or more products P; - at least one closing part 60 entirely around the supporting part 2; - make at least one incision in the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200 adapted to define said removable part 21; - positioning at least one product P on the support part 2 of said laminated material 200; - after positioning the product P in the laminated material 200, clamping a closing film 201 to the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200, so that the product P is positioned within a storage compartment 5 defined by the tightened closing film 201 against said laminated material 200; - make at least one incision of the closing film 201 engaged with the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200 to define the first and second film parts 10a, 10b respectively engaged with the removable part 21 and the gripping part 22 of the support 1.

[0038] In a twenty-fifth aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the process further comprises the following step: - making at least one through cut in the laminate 200 and closing film 201, such through cut - cooperatively with the incision of the part of closure 60 of the laminated material 200 and the incision of the closing film 201 - define said packaging 100.

[0039] In a twenty-sixth aspect according to the previous aspect, the through cut intersects, at at least one point, a selected between the incision of the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200 and the incision of the closing film 201.

[0040] In a twenty-seventh aspect according to the 25th or 26th aspect, the through cut defines the perimeter edge 6 of the package surrounding the support part 2.

[0041] In a twenty-eighth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 27°, the step of incising the closure film 201 is subsequent to the step of pressing the closure film 201 to the closure portion 60 of the laminate material 200 .

[0042] In a twenty-ninth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 28°, the positioning of the product P on the support part 2 is prior to the step of pressing the closing film 201 onto the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200.

[0043] In a thirtieth aspect according to any one of aspects 25° to 29°, the step of cutting through the laminate 200 and the closing film 201 is subsequent to the step of squeezing said closing film 201 into the closing part 60 of laminated material 200.

[0044] In a thirty-first aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 30°, the incision of the closing part 60 is through the laminate material 200.

[0045] In a thirty-second aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 31°, the incision of the closing film 201 defines a through cut of the closing film 201.

[0046] In a thirty-third aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 32°, the incision of the closing film 201 is carried out by means of a high-intensity concentrated laser light beam.

[0047] In a thirty-fourth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 33°, the closure film incision step cuts only said closure film 201.

[0048] In a thirty-fifth aspect according to any one of aspects 25° to 34°, the through cutting of the laminate 200 and the closing film 201 defines, in particular in a single step, the removable part 21 and the hold 22 of pack 100.

[0049] In a thirty-sixth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 35°, the clamping of the closure film 201 to the closure portion 60 of the laminated material 200 is accomplished by heat sealing, optionally to define a storage compartment. fluid-tight storage 5 for product P.

[0050] In a thirty-seventh aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 36°, the process comprises a step - after that of positioning the product P on the support part 2 and before tightening the closing film - of removing at least part of the air from the storage compartment 5 to set inside the latter a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0051] In a thirty-eighth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 36°, the process comprises a step - after that of positioning the product P on the support part 2 and before tightening the closing film - of removing at least part of the air from the storage compartment 5 and inserting into the latter a predetermined type of gas to define a modified atmosphere package.

[0052] In a 39th aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 38°, the process comprises a step of forming a plurality of cavities in the laminated material 200, so that the latter defines a plurality of trays aligned to the along feed path A.

[0053] In a fortieth aspect according to the previous aspect, the cavity formation step occurs before positioning the product P in the laminated material 200.

[0054] In a forty-first aspect according to either the 39th or 40th, said forming step allows defining at least a plurality of trays aligned along a transverse direction, optionally orthogonal, to the advance path A of said laminated material 200.

[0055] In a forty-second aspect according to any one of aspects 39° to 41°, the laminated material 200 is made of plastic material, in which the step of forming the plurality of cavities occurs by thermoforming the laminated material 200.

[0056] In a forty-third aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 42°, the laminated material 200 is a strip.

[0057] In a forty-fourth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 43°, movement of the rolled material 200 involves unwinding the spool of material along the feed path A.

[0058] In a forty-fifth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 44°, the closing film is a strip.

[0059] In a forty-sixth aspect according to any one of aspects 24° to 45°, the process involves unwinding the closing film 201 from the spool, positioning it above the laminated material 200 to close the package 100.

[0060] In a forty-seventh aspect, an apparatus 300 is provided for making a package in accordance with any one of aspects 1° to 23°, the apparatus 300 being configured to perform the process in accordance with any one of aspects 24° to 46°, said apparatus 300 comprising: - a conveyor 302 configured to move the rolled material 200 along a predetermined advance path A; - a second feed assembly 303 configured to deliver the closing film 201; - a packaging station 307 configured to receive the laminated material 200 in which one or more products P and at least one part 201 of said closing film 201 are housed, said packaging station 307 being configured to engage the closing film 201 in fluid-tight 200 laminated material; - at least one first incision station 305 placed upstream of the packaging station 307 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material 200 and which is configured to cut the latter; - at least one second incision station 309 placed downstream of the packaging station 307 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material and which is configured to cut the closure film 201 - or in a portion of the closure film 201a - engaged in laminated material 200.

[0061] In a forty-eighth aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the apparatus comprises at least one cutting station 310 placed downstream of the second incision station 309 configured to define a through cut of the laminate material 200 and closure film 201 for form said packages 100.

[0062] In a forty-ninth aspect according to aspect 47° or 48°, the apparatus comprises at least one control unit 311 connected to the conveyor 302, the second feeding set 303, the packaging station 307, the first station incision station 305 and the second incision station 309, said control unit 4 being configured to: - control the conveyor 302 to allow movement of the rolled material 200 along the operating path; - commanding the second feed set 303 to deliver the closing film 201; - commanding the first cutting station 305 to define one or more incisions in the laminated material 200; - control the packaging station 307 so as to allow the closing film 201 - or part of the closing film 201a - to be engaged with the laminated material 200; - commanding the second cutting station 309 to define one or more incisions in the closing film; - synchronizing the operation of the first and second incision stations 305, 309 according to at least one of the following parameters: - a predetermined movement speed of the rolled material 200 transmitted by the conveyor 302 along the feed path A; - a predetermined feed rate of the closing film 201.

[0063] In a fiftieth aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the control unit 311 is connected to the cutting station 310 and is configured to command the actuation of the latter to make packages 100, optionally, the control unit is configured to synchronize the operation of the cutting station with at least one of the apparatus stations placed upstream of the last of said cutting station, in relation to the feed path A.

[0064] In a fifty-first aspect according to any one of aspects 47° to 50°, the packaging station 307 comprises: - an upper tool 307a with heater of the closing film 201 or part of the closing film 201a; - a lower tool 307b configured to receive the rolled material 200, optionally one or more supports 1, wherein the upper and lower tools 307a, 307b are movable relative to each other between at least one spaced condition, in which the lower tool and the upper tool 307a, 307b allow entry into the packaging station 307 of the closing film 201 - or part of the closing film 201a - and the laminate material 200 and at least an approximate closed condition, in which the lower and upper tools 307a, 307b define a fluid-tight chamber.

[0065] In a fifty-second aspect in accordance with the previous aspect, the control unit 311 is configured to synchronize the operation of the first and second incision stations 305, 309 according to at least one of the following parameters: - the position relative between the lower tool and the upper tool 307a, 307b of the packaging station 307; - an active condition of the upper tool 307a in which it heats the film part 201a engaged with the same tool.

[0066] In a fifty-third aspect according to any one of aspects 47° to 52°, the apparatus comprises at least one of: - a suction system configured to remove air from the interior of the packaging station 307 to set therein a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure; - a blowing system configured to introduce gas into the packaging station 307 to define a modified atmosphere environment therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings, provided for illustrative purposes only and, therefore, not limiting, in which: - Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a support of a packaging according to the present invention; - Figure 2 is a sectional view, according to line ll-ll, of the system of figure 1; - Figure 3 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a packaging support according to the present invention; - Figure 4 is a sectional view, according to line lV-lV, of the support in figure 3; - Figure 5 is a perspective view of a package according to the present invention; - Figures 6 and 7 are seen in section, respectively, according to lines VI-VI and VII-VII, of the packaging in figure 5; - Figure 8 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a package according to the present invention; - Figures 9 and 10 are seen in section, respectively according to lines lX-lX and XX, of the packaging in figure 8; - Figures 11-13 are additional schematic views of a package according to the present invention, according to another embodiment; - Figure 14 is a perspective view of a package with a flat support according to the present invention; - Figure 15 is a schematic view of a package according to the present invention during an opening condition thereof; - Figure 16 is a schematic view of a packaging apparatus usable for producing a package according to the present invention; - Figure 17 is a top view that schematically illustrates the configuration of the elements that constitute the packaging according to the present invention during the manufacturing process of the latter; - Figures 18 to 24A are non-limiting schematic representations of a process for making a packaging according to the present invention; - Figure 25 is a schematic top view of the components that make up the packaging according to the present invention during the process steps for making said packaging.

CONVENTIONS

[0068] It should be noted that, in the present detailed description, the corresponding parts illustrated in the various figures are indicated by the same reference numbers.

[0069] Figures can illustrate the objective of the invention by representations that are not to scale; therefore, the parts and components illustrated in the figures related to the object of the invention may refer only to schematic representations.

[0070] The terms upstream and downstream refer to a direction of advancement of a package - or a support for making said package - along a predetermined path from a starting or forming station of a support for the said packaging, through a packaging station and then to a packaging unloading station.

DEFINITIONS Product

[0071] The term product P means an article or a composite of articles of any type. For example, the product may be a type of food and be in solid, liquid or gel form, that is, in the form of two or more of the aforementioned aggregation states. In the food sector, the product may include: meat, fish, cheese, treated meats, prepared and frozen meals of various types.

Control Unit

[0072] The packaging apparatus described and claimed herein includes at least one control unit designed to control the operations performed by the apparatus. The control unit can clearly be just one or be formed by a plurality of different control units, according to design options and operational needs.

[0073] The term control unit means an electronic component that may include at least one of: a digital processor (CPU), a memory (or memories), an analog circuit, or a combination of one or more digital processing units with a or more analog circuits. The control unit can be "configured" or "programmed" to perform certain steps: this can be done in practice by any means that allows the control unit to be configured or programmed. For example, in the case of a control unit comprising one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs may be stored in appropriate memory banks connected to the CPU or CPUs; The program or programs contain instructions that, when executed by the CPU or CPUs, program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described in relation to the control unit. Alternatively, if the control unit is or includes analog circuitry, then the control unit circuitry may be designed to include circuitry configured, in use, to process electrical signals in order to perform steps related to the control unit. The control unit may comprise one or more digital units, for example of the microprocessor type, or one or more analogue units, or a suitable combination of digital and analogue units; the control unit can be configured to coordinate all actions necessary to execute an instruction and sets of instructions.

Actuator

[0074] The term actuator means any device capable of causing movement in a body, for example, upon a command from the control unit (reception by the actuator of a command sent by the control unit). The actuator may be electrical, pneumatic, mechanical (for example, with a spring) or other type.

Support

[0075] The term support means a flat support and tray comprising at least one base and at least one side wall emerging from the outer perimeter of the base and, optionally, an end flange emerging radially outwardly from an upper perimeter edge of the wall. side. The outer flange may extend along a single predominant plane of development or may be molded; in the case of a molded external flange, the latter may, for example, exhibit several parts extending along different predominant planes of development, particularly parallel to but offset from each other. Preferably, the molded outer flange portions can be displaced radially.

[0076] The support defines an upper surface on which the product P can be placed and/or a volume within which the product can be housed.

[0077] The tray may comprise an upper edge part emerging radially from a free edge of the side wall opposite the base: the upper edge part emerges from the side wall in an outward direction relative to the volume of the tray.

[0078] The flat support can have any shape, for example, rectangular, rhomboidal, circular or elliptical; Likewise, the sidewall tray can have a base of any shape, for example, rectangular, rhomboidal, circular or elliptical. The support may be formed through a specific manufacturing process distinct from the packaging process or may be implemented in accordance with the packaging process.

[0079] The support may be made at least partially of paper material, optionally having at least 50% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, of organic material comprising one or more cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lignin derivatives . The paper material in question extends between a first and a second predominant development surface. The paper laminate material used to make the support may, in a variant embodiment, be covered by at least a part of the first and/or second predominant developing surface by means of a plastic coating, such as a food grade film. If the coating is arranged to cover at least part of the first predominant development surface, the same coating defines an internal surface of the support. Vice versa, if the coating is arranged on the second predominant development surface, the same coating will define an external surface of the support. The coating may also be heat treated so that it can act as an element to engage and secure parts of the support, as further described below. The coating can also be used to define a type of water and/or humidity barrier useful to prevent the weakening and loss of structurality of the support with the consequent uncontrolled deformation of the paper material that constitutes the last component. The coating may be applied to the paper material (as specified above, on the inside and/or outside of the support) in the form of a so-called solution-deposited or sprayed lacquer, the thickness of which is generally comprised, but not limited to, between 0, 2 and 10 μm. Alternatively, the coating may comprise a plastic film, for example a polyethylene, which may be applied by means of a lamination process, onto one or both sides (internal and/or external side) of the paper material defining the support. . If the coating is applied by lamination, the values of the plastic film (coating) may, for example, vary between 10 and 400 μm, in particular between 20 and 200 μm, even more particularly between 30 and 80 μm, of the coating material ( i.e. polythene). The plastic coating material can be selected, by way of example, from the following materials:

[0080] PP, PE (HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE), EVA, polyesters (including PET and PETg), PVdC.

[0081] The support can alternatively be made at least in part from a single-layer and multi-layer thermoplastic material. Preferably, the support is provided with gas barrier properties. As used herein, this term refers to a film or sheet of material that has an oxygen transmission rate of less than 200 cm3/(m2 * day * bar), less than 150 cm3/(m2 * day * bar) , less than 100 cm3/(m2 * day * bar) when measured in accordance with ASTM D-3985 at 23° C and 0% relative humidity. Gas barrier materials suitable for single-layer thermoplastic containers are, for example, polyesters, polyamides, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), PVdC and the like.

[0082] Preferably, the support is made of a multilayer material comprising at least one gas barrier layer and at least one heat-sealable layer to allow welding of the coating film to the surface of the support.

[0083] The gas barrier polymers that can be used for the gas barrier layer are PVDC, EVOH, polyamides, polyesters and mixtures thereof. Generally, a PVDC barrier layer will contain plasticizers and/or stabilizers, as known in the art.

[0084] The thickness of the gas barrier layer will preferably be adjusted to provide the material of which the carrier is composed with an oxygen transmission rate at 23° C and 0% relative humidity of less than 50, preferably less than 10 cm3 /(m2 * day * atm), when measured in accordance with ASTM D-3985.

[0085] In general, the heat-sealable layer will be selected from polyolefins, such as ethylene homo- or copolymers, propylene homo- or copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ionomers and homo- or copolyesters, for example , PETG, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate.

[0086] Additional layers, such as adhesive layers, for example to make the gas barrier layer adhere better to adjacent layers, may preferably be present in the material from which the support is made and are selected based on the specific resins used for the support. gas barrier layer.

[0087] In the case of a multilayer structure, part of it may be formed as a foam. For example, the multilayer material used to form the support may comprise (from the outermost layer to the innermost food contact layer) one or more structural layers, typically made of a material such as expanded polystyrene, expanded polyester or expanded polypropylene or cardboard. , or in a sheet, for example, of polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), polyester; a gas barrier layer and a heat-sealable layer.

[0088] A frangible layer that is easy to open can be positioned adjacent to the heat-sealable layer to facilitate opening of the final packaging. Low cohesion polymer mixtures that can be used as a frangible layer are, for example, those described in WO99/54398. The total thickness of the support will typically be, but not limited to, up to 5 mm, preferably between 0.04 and 3.00 mm and more preferably between 0.05 and 1.50 mm, even more preferably between 0.15 and 1. 00mm.

[0089] The support may be made entirely of paper material (optionally coated in plastic film) or may be entirely made of plastic material. In another embodiment, the support is at least partially made of paper material and at least partially of plastic material; in particular, the support is internally made of plastic material and externally covered at least partially in paper material.

[0090] The support can also be used to define so-called ready meal packaging; In this configuration, the supports are made so that they can be inserted into the oven to heat and/or cook the food placed in the packaging. In this embodiment (supports for ready meal packaging), the support may, for example, be made of paper material, in particular cardboard, covered with polyester or may be entirely made of a polyester resin. For example, supports suitable for ready-to-eat packaging are made from foamed or non-foamed materials. The support may further comprise a heat-weldable layer of a low melting point material in the film. This heat-weldable layer can be co-extruded with a PET-based layer (as described in patent application numbers EP-A-1, 529, 797 and

[0091] WO2007/093495) or can be deposited on the base film by solvent deposition or by extrusion coating (for example, described in documents US 2, 762, 720 and EP-A-1, 252, 008).

[0092] In another embodiment, the support may be made at least partially of metallic material, in particular aluminum. The support may also be made at least partially of aluminum and at least partially of paper material. In general, the support can be made from at least one of the following materials: metal, plastic, paper.

Film

[0093] A film made of plastic material, in particular polymeric material, is applied to the supports (flat supports or trays), in order to create a fluid-tight packaging that houses the product. To make a vacuum package, the film applied to the support is normally a flexible multilayer material comprising at least a first heat-weldable outer layer capable of welding to the inner surface of the support, optionally a gas barrier layer and a second, heat-resistant outer layer.

[0094] For use in a plastic tray and liner or VSP packaging process, plastic materials, especially polymers, must be easily formed, as the film needs to be stretched and softened by contact with the heating plate before being placed on the product and support.

[0095] The film must rest on the product according to its shape and possibly the internal shape of the support.

[0096] The heat-sealable outer layer may comprise any polymer capable of welding to the inner surface of the support. Suitable polymers for the heat-sealable layer may be ethylene and ethylene copolymers such as LDPE, ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or copolymers. ethylene/vinyl acetate, ionomers, copolyesters, e.g. PETG. Preferred materials for the heat sealable layer are LDPE, ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers, e.g. LLDPE, ionomers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and mixtures thereof.

[0097] Depending on the product to be packaged, the film may comprise a gas barrier layer. The gas barrier layer typically comprises oxygen impermeable resins such as PVDC, EVOH, polyamides and mixtures of EVOH and polyamides. Typically, the thickness of the gas barrier layer is adjusted to provide the film with an oxygen transmission rate of 23°C and 0% relative humidity of less than 100 cm3/m2 * m2 * atm, preferably less than 50 cm3/ (m2 * day * atm), when measured in accordance with ASTM D-3985. Common polymers for the heat-resistant outer layer are, for example, ethylene homo- or copolymers, in particular HDPE, ethylene copolymers and cyclic olefins, such as ethylene/norbornene copolymers, propylene homo- or copolymers, ionomers, polyesters, polyamides. The film may further comprise other layers, such as adhesive layers, filler layers and the like, to provide the necessary thickness for the film and improve its mechanical properties, such as puncture resistance, abuse/tamper resistance, formation and the like. The film is obtained by any suitable coextrusion process, through a flat or circular extrusion head, preferably by coextrusion or hot blow molding.

[0098] Again, for use in a skin-pack or VSP packaging process, the film is substantially unoriented. Typically, the film, or just one or more of its layers, is cross-linked to improve, for example, film strength and/or heat resistance when the film is placed in contact with the heating plate during the packaging process. vacuum lining. Cross-linking can be achieved using chemical additives or by subjecting the film layers to an energy radiation treatment, such as high-energy electron beam treatment, to induce cross-linking between molecules of the irradiated material. Films suitable for this application preferably have a thickness in the range between 50 and 200 μm, between 70 and 150 μm.

[0099] For use in product packaging processes under controlled atmosphere (MAP) or in natural atmosphere (unmodified atmosphere), the film applied to the substrate (plastic film, in particular polymeric) is typically monolayer or multilayer, having at least one heat-sealable layer, optionally capable of thermally contracting under the action of heat. The applied film may further comprise at least one gas barrier layer and, optionally, an outer heat resistant layer. In particular, the film can be obtained by coextrusion and lamination processes. The film can have a symmetrical or asymmetrical structure and can be single-layer or multilayer. Multilayer films are composed of at least two layers, more often at least five layers, usually at least seven layers. Generally, the total film thickness ranges from 3 to 100microns, typically ranges from 5 to 50μm, generally ranges from 10 to 30μm.

[00100] Films can be crosslinked. Cross-linking can be achieved by irradiation with high energy electrons at an appropriate dose level, as known in the art. The films described above may be thermally shrinkable or heat curable. Thermally shrinkable films typically show a free shrinkage value at 120° C (value measured according to ASTM D2732, in oil) in the range of 2 to 80%, typically 5 to 60%, in particular 10 to 40 % in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Heat curable films typically have a shrinkage value of less than 10% at 120°C, typically less than 5%, in both the transverse and longitudinal directions (measured according to ASTM D2732 method, in oil). Films typically comprise at least one heat-sealable layer and an outer (outermost) layer generally consisting of heat-resistant polymers or polyolefins. The welding layer typically comprises a heat-sealable polyolefin which in turn comprises a single polyolefin or a mixture of two or more polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene or a mixture thereof. The welding layer can also be provided with anti-fog properties by known techniques, for example, by incorporating anti-fog additives into its composition or by coating or spraying one or more anti-fog additives that neutralize fogging on the surface of the welding layer. welding. The welding layer may also comprise one or more plasticizers. The outermost layer may comprise polyesters, polyamides or polyolefins. In some structures, a mixture of polyamide and polyester may be advantageously used for the outermost layer. In some cases, the films include a gas barrier layer. Barrier films typically have an oxygen transmission rate, also called OTR (oxygen transmission rate) below cm3/(m2 * day * atm) and more often below 80 cm3/(m2 * day * atm) evaluated at 23° C and 0% RH measured according to the ASTM D-3985 method. The barrier layer is typically made of a thermoplastic resin selected from a saponified or hydrolyzed product of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVOH), an amorphous polyamide, and vinyl vinyl chloride and mixtures thereof. Some materials include an EVOH barrier layer, layered between two layers of polyamide. In some packaging applications, films do not include any gas barrier layers. Such films generally comprise one or more polyolefins, as defined herein.

[00101] Non-gas barrier films typically have an OTR (rated at 23° C and 0% RH per ASTM D-3985) of 100 cm3/(m2 * day * atm) up to 10000 cm3/( m2 * day * atm), more often up to 6000 cm3/(m2 * day * atm).

[00102] Peculiar polyester-based compositions are those used for films of so-called ready meals. For these films, the polyester resins in the film may constitute at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% by weight of the film. These films are typically used in combination with supports, especially trays, made of polyester. In the case of packaging for fresh red meat, a double film may be used, comprising an oxygen-permeable inner film and an oxygen-impermeable outer film. The combination of these two films greatly prevents discoloration of the meat, even in the most critical situation in barrier packaging of fresh meat or when the packaged meat extends outside the cavity defined by the tray or in which the product emerges from the upper perimeter edge of the wall side. These films are described, for example, in European patent applications EP1848635 and EP0690012.

[00103] The film can be single layer. The typical composition of single-layer films comprises polyesters as defined herein and mixtures thereof or polyolefins as defined herein and mixtures thereof.

[00104] In all film layers described here, the polymeric components may contain suitable amounts of additives normally included in these compositions.

[00105] Some of these additives are typically included in the outer layers or in one of the outer layers, while others are typically added to the inner layers. Such additives include slip or anti-blocking agents, such as talc, waxes, silica and the like, or antioxidant agents, stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, pigments and dyes, cross-linking inhibitors, cross-linking agents, UV absorbers, odor absorbers, eliminators of oxygen, anti-static agents, anti-fogging agents or compositions and similar additives known to those skilled in the art of packaging.

[00106] The films may have one or more holes adapted to allow fluid communication between the internal volume of the packaging and the external environment, or, in the case of a food product, allow the packaged food to exchange gas with the outside; The perforation of the films can, for example, be carried out using a laser beam or mechanical means, such as rollers equipped with needles. The number of perforations applied and the size of the holes influence the gas permeability of the film itself.

[00107] Microperforated films are generally characterized by OTR values (evaluated at 23° C and 0% RH according to ASTM D-3985) of 2500 cm3/(m2 * day * atm) up to 1000000 cm3/(m2 * day * atm)). Macroperforated films are generally characterized by OTR values (assessed at 23° C and 0% RH according to ASTM D-3985) greater than 1000000 cm3/(m2 * day * atm).

[00108] Furthermore, the films described herein can be formulated to provide strong welds with the support or tray or detachable from the tray/support. A method for measuring the strength of a weld, referred to herein as welding strength, is described in ASTM F-88-00. Acceptable welding force values to have a detachable weld are between 100 g/25 mm and 850 g/25 mm, 150 g/25 mm to 800 g/25 mm, 200 g/25 mm to 700 g/25 mm.

Material Specifications

[00109] The term paper material means paper or cardboard; in particular, the laminated material that can be used to make the support can have a weight of between 30 and 600 g/m2, in particular between 40 and 500 g/m2, even more particularly between 50 and 250 g/m2.

[00110] PVDC is any vinylidene chloride copolymer in which a predominant amount of the copolymer comprises vinylidene chloride and a minor amount of the copolymer comprises one or more unsaturated monomers copolymerizable therewith, typically vinyl alkyl chloride acrylates or methacrylates ( for example, methyl acrylate or methacrylate) and mixtures thereof in different proportions.

[00111] The term EVOH includes saponified or hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and refers to ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers with a compound ethylene comonomer content preferably composed of a percentage of approximately 28 to about 48% in mol, more preferably between 32 and 44 mol% of ethylene and even more preferably, a degree of saponification of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%.

[00112] The term polyamides is intended to indicate homo- and co- or ter-polymers. This term specifically includes aliphatic polyamides or copolyamides, for example, polyamide 6, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyamide 66, polyamide 69, polyamide 610, polyamide 612, copolyamide 6/9, copolyamide 6/10, copolyamide 6/12, copolyamide 6 /66, copolyamide 6/69, aromatic and partially aromatic polyamides or copolyamides, such as polyamide 61, polyamide 6I/6T, polyamide MXD6, polyamide MXD6/MXDI and mixtures thereof.

[00113] The term polyesters refers to polymers obtained from the polycondensation reaction of dicarboxylic acids with dihydroxy alcohols. Suitable dicarboxylic acids are, for example, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and the like. Suitable dihydroxy alcohols are, for example, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and the like. Examples of useful polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate and copolyesters obtained by reacting one or more carboxylic acids with one or more dihydroxy alcohols.

[00114] The term copolymer means a polymer derived from two or more types of monomers and includes terpolymers. Ethylene homopolymers include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Ethylene copolymers include ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers and unsaturated ethylene/ester copolymers. Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers generally include copolymers of ethylene and one or more comonomers selected from alpha-olefins having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, such as 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-1-pentene and the like.

[00115] Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers generally have a density in the range of about 0.86 to about 0.94 g/cm3. It is generally understood that the term linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) includes that group of ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers that fall in the density range between approximately 0.915 and about 0.94 g/cm3 and, in particular, between approximately 0.915 and about 0.925 g/cm3. Linear polyethylene in the density range between approximately 0.926 and about 0.94 g/cm3 is sometimes referred to as linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). Low-density ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers may be referred to as very-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE) and ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE). Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers can be obtained with heterogeneous or homogeneous polymerization processes. Another useful ethylene copolymer is an ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer, which is the copolymer of ethylene and one or more unsaturated ester monomers. Useful unsaturated esters include vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids, in which the esters have between 4 and 12 carbon atoms, such as vinyl acetate, and alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, in which the esters have between 4 and 12 carbon atoms. carbon. Ionomers are copolymers of an ethylene and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid with the carboxylic acid neutralized by a metal ion, such as zinc or, preferably, sodium. Useful propylene copolymers include propylene/ethylene copolymers, which are copolymers of propylene and ethylene with a weight percentage of mainly propylene, and propylene/ethylene/butene ter-polymers, which are copolymers of propylene, ethylene and 1-butene.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Packaging

[00116] Reference number 100 indicates as a whole, a package configured to contain at least one product P, for example, a type of food. As can be seen, for example, in figures 5, 8 and 11, the package 100 comprises at least one support 1 configured to receive the product P and at least one closing film 10 sealed tightly against the support 1: the film 10 is configured to define - in cooperation with the support 1 - a storage compartment 5 for the product P and to be subsequently removed by the user during an opening step of the package 100, so as to allow the removal of the product P.

[00117] The support 1 is made of laminated material and comprises at least one support part 2 representing the part of the support 1 suitable for directly receiving the product P; the support 1 further comprises at least one perimeter edge 6 that completely surrounds the support part 2.

[00118] The perimeter edge 6 represents the part of the support 1 adapted to engage the film 10 to close the package. In the accompanying figures, a support 1 with a polygonal shape, in particular rectangular, is illustrated by way of non-limiting example. However, the possibility of providing a support 1 having a square, rhomboidal, triangular, elliptical, circular, semicircular shape or a combination thereof is not excluded.

[00119] As can be seen in the attached figures, the support 1 further comprises a gripping part 22 of the perimeter edge 6 extending opposite the support part 2; in fact, the gripping part is a perimeter part external to the edge 6 spaced from the supporting part 2.

[00120] In detail, the gripping part 22 extends along a coplanar plane to a plane of predominant development of the perimeter edge 6. The gripping part 22 defines an upper surface 22a facing and directly engaged with the closure film 10; the same part 22 further defines a lower surface 22b parallel and spaced apart from the upper surface 22a. The gripping part 22 is configured to be firmly gripped by the user during an opening step of the package 100, so as to keep the latter in a stable position and facilitate the opening operation by the user. Preferably, but not limitedly, the gripping part 22 is integrally joined to the support 1, so as to define a single solid body. In particular, the gripping part 22 is integrally joined to the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1 and the support part 2. In fact, the gripping part 22 defines a part that forms a flap of the perimeter edge 6 - through which the user may retain the package 100 for at least one step of opening the package.

[00121] As shown in figures 1, 3, 5, 8, the support 1 further comprises a removable part 21 of the perimeter edge 6 also extending oppositely to the support part 2. The removable part 21 also extends substantially along of a plane parallel to an extension plane of the support part 2 and is spaced from the latter. According to a preferred embodiment, the removable part 21 extends in a plane substantially coplanar with the gripping part 22, defining an upper surface 21a facing the closing film 10 and a lower surface 21b parallel to said upper surface 21a spaced therefrom. by a part equal to the thickness of the removable part 21.

[00122] From a material point of view, the removable part 21 has a mechanical rigidity greater than the mechanical rigidity of the closing film 10. In particular, the removable part 21 has a mechanical rigidity substantially equal to the mechanical rigidity of the edge perimeter 6 of support 1. Said mechanical rigidity of the removable part 21 and the closing film 10 is measured by traction and/or bending. If the removable part 21 and the closing film 10 are made of the same material, the removable part 21 has a thickness greater than the corresponding thickness of the closing film 10, in order to obtain said superior mechanical rigidity. Said superior mechanical rigidity of the removable part 21 provides the user with considerably better adhesion than a case in which the adhesion occurs directly on a part of the closing film 10.

[00123] Furthermore, the difference in mechanical rigidity between the removable part 21 and the closing film 10 provides the user with a better tactile perception, making it easier for the user to locate the removable part 21 during an opening step.

[00124] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable part 21 is - before a package opening step - separated from the perimeter edge 6; the removable part 21 is configured to be firmly grasped by the user to be removed from the package during an opening step of the latter. The removable part 21 of the perimeter edge 6 is thus separate and distinct from the part of the perimeter edge 6 integrally joined to the support 1. The separation of the removable part 21 from the perimeter edge (edge part 6 integrally integrated with the support part 2) defined by means of a first cut 9. According to said embodiment, the cut 9 crosses the perimeter edge 6 at two different points.

[00125] Figures 2 and 4 show a section in the removable part 21 of the support 1, in order to highlight the presence of the first cut 9 that defines the separation.

[00126] According to a further embodiment shown in figure 11, the removable part 21 is integrally joined to the perimeter edge and, in particular, to the support part 2 by means of a weakening part 24. The weakening part 24 is configured to ensure the separation of the removable part 21 from the perimeter edge 6 integrally attached to the support 1 during an opening step of the package 100. Figure 12 shows a section in the removable part 21, in particular the weakening part 24. As shown, for example , in figure 11, the weakening part 24 comprises at least one indicator 9a that connects a reduced part of a removable part 21 with the perimeter edge 6 integrally joined to the support part 2; the remaining fraction of the removable part is facing the perimeter edge and divided from it by means of cut 9.

[00127] As can be seen in the attached figures, support 1 provides at least two embodiments (see, for example, figures 1 and 3).

[00128] In the embodiment of figure 1, the support 1 defines a tray comprising a base 1a of laminated material that develops in a flat manner between an internal surface and an external surface of predominant development whose distance delimits the thickness of the base 1a; the base 1a comprises the support part 2 adapted to receive one or more products P: in particular, at least a part of the base 1a defines said support part 2. A side wall 1b emerges from the base 1a, also made of a material laminate that develops between an internal surface and an external surface of predominant development whose distance delimits the thickness of the side wall 1b. The side wall 1b extends from the base 1a from an external perimeter of the latter: the base 1a and the supporting part 2, together with the side wall 1b, define an internal volume intended to receive the product P. According to first embodiment shown in figure 1, said internal volume of the support 1 is defined by the internal surfaces of the base 1a and the side wall 1b. In particular, the side wall 1b emerges along a transverse direction with respect to the plane of the base 1a. In more detail, the side wall 1b is inclined with respect to the plane of the base 1a to define a subdivided angle between the inner surface of the support part 2 and the inner surface of the side wall 1b, between 60° and 90°, specifically between 70° and 85°. The side wall 1b extends away from the base 1a starting from an outer edge and following the same shape as the latter.

[00129] As can be seen in the attached figures, the side wall 1b defines a free edge 4 opposite the base 1a and defining an opening 12 of the support 1 (top opening of the tray). In other words, the free edge 4 represents an upper edge of the support 1 that defines the opening 12 of the same support 1 through which the product P - for example, the food product - is passed to be positioned in the internal volume of the support 1 and to be covered by the closing film 10 at the time of packaging. Advantageously, the edge 4 of the side wall 1b has a shape in accordance with the shape of the outer perimeter of the base 1a. In fact, the attached figures show an embodiment of the support 1 in which the outer edge of the base 1a and the free edge 4 of the side wall 1b have a rectangular shape.

[00130] As can be seen, for example, in the attached figures, the side wall 1b comprises a plurality of angular parts 7 defined by a first and a second side of the immediately adjacent side wall 1b. In a preferred embodiment of the support 1 shown in figure 1, each angular part 7 comprises a junction 8. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the side wall 1b in which the latter exhibits, according to a cross-section, a rectangular shape with joined edges. : in this configuration, the side wall 1b comprises four junctions 8 (radiating parts).

[00131] The perimeter edge 6 - in this first embodiment of the support 1 - is integrally joined to the side wall 1b and emerges from the free edge 4 according to an exit direction in relation to the storage compartment 5. In particular, the edge perimeter 6 - in the first embodiment of the support 1 - emerges transversely from the side wall in a direction substantially parallel to a predominant development plane of the base 1a: the perimeter edge 6 and the support part lie in parallel planes. In fact, the perimeter edge 6 represents a perimeter extension of the edge 4, in which said perimeter edge 6 is located in the opening 12 of the support 1. The perimeter edge 6 extends along a closed profile around the opening 12 of the support 1 along a plane transverse to a developing surface of the side wall 1b.

[00132] In a preferred but not limiting embodiment of the invention, the support part 2 and the side wall 1b are made in one piece; as better described below, the support part 2 and the side wall 1b are obtained by plastic deformation of the same laminated material. Advantageously, also the perimeter edge 6 is integrally joined with the side wall 1b and thus with the support part 2 of the support 1. In a preferred embodiment, the base 1a, the support part 2, the side wall 1b and the edge perimeter 6 form a single solid body.

[00133] In this embodiment, the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 of the gripping edge are therefore spaced from the base through the side wall: the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 - in this first embodiment of the support 1 ( tray) - lie on the same plane spaced as a resting plane of the base, optionally of the support part 2.

[00134] According to the side wall, the perimeter edge 6 also has a shape that fits the shape of the side wall 1b and the base 1a; in fact, in the accompanying figures, the base 1a and the side wall 1b have an essentially rectangular shape: the perimeter edge 6 also has a rectangular shape. Also the perimeter edge 6 has a plurality of angled parts 7, each of which comprises a junction (radiating parts). The gripping part 22 and the removable part are defined in at least one of the angular parts. In particular, at least one gripping part 22 and at least one removable part 21 define at least the same angular part 7, optionally the same joint 8.

[00135] In detail, the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 are mutually side by side. In still greater detail, the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 are placed on two different adjacent sides of the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1. Optionally, the removable part 21 and the gripping part 22 define at least part of the angled part 7 .

[00136] In the second embodiment shown in figure 3, support 1 lies entirely in one plane (flat support); in other words, the support is defined exclusively by a base 1a of laminated material that develops flatly between an internal surface and an external surface of predominant development, the distance between which delimits the thickness of the base 1a. The base 1a comprises a support part 2 configured to receive one or more products P. In the accompanying figures, a support 1 with a polygonal, in particular rectangular, shape has been illustrated by way of non-limiting example. In particular, the base 1a also exhibits, in a non-limiting way, a polygonal shape, in particular rectangular. However, the possibility of providing a support 1 having a square, rhomboidal, triangular, elliptical, circular, semicircular shape or a combination thereof is not excluded.

[00137] In this second embodiment of the support, the support part 2, the perimeter edge 6, the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 of said edge 6 lie in the same development plane as schematically illustrated in figure 3.

[00138] Also in this second embodiment, the support 1 has a plurality of angular parts 7, each of which comprises a junction (radiating parts). Figure 3 shows a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the support having a rectangular shape; the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 are defined in at least one of the angular parts 7. In particular, at least one gripping part 22 and at least one removable part 21 define at least the same angular part 7, optionally the same junction 8. Also in this second embodiment of the support, the gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 are mutually side by side. The gripping part 22 and the removable part 21 are placed on two different adjacent sides of the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1. Optionally, the removable part 21 and the gripping part 22 define at least part of the angled part 7.

[00139] As briefly mentioned above, the closing film 10 is engaged with at least a portion of the perimeter edge 6 to define the fluid-tight storage compartment 5 adapted to store one or more products P.

[00140] The closing film 10 can at least partially be engaged with the perimeter edge 6 and at least partially placed in close adhesion with the product P, so as to form an outer layer-type vacuum packaging.

[00141] In a different embodiment, the closing film 10 engages only at least part of the perimeter edge 6 of the support 1 and is spaced from the base 1b and, in particular, from the product P.

[00142] The closing film 10 comprises a first film part 10a engaged with the removable part 21. In particular, the first film part 10a is firmly adhered by a hot welding process to the upper surface 21a of the removable part 21. removable part 21 is thus configured to be separated at least partially from the support 1 together with the first part of the film 10a during an opening step of the package 100. Figures 6 and 9 show a section in the removable part 21 of the package 100, in which the first separation cut 9 on the support 1 is shown and the fluid-tight closing film 10 is applied to the support 1. In more detail, the first part of the film 10a is tightly clamped - for example by heat sealing - to the removable part and the perimeter edge 6, with the exception of the gripping part 22.

[00143] In fact, the closing film 10 comprises a second part of the film 10b engaged only with the gripping part 22 of the support 1: the second part of the film 10b is configured to remain engaged with the gripping part 22 of the support 1 during the step of opening the package 100. In particular, the second part of the film 10b is firmly adhered to the upper surface 22a of the gripping part 22 by means of a heat sealing process. In a preferred embodiment, the second part of the film 10b is separated from the first part of the film 10a by a cut 11 (see, for example, figures 5 and 8). In a further embodiment, the second part of the film 10b is joined to the first part of the film 10a by means of a weakening part configured to ensure separation of the first and second parts of the closing film during the stage of opening the package. Figures 7 and 10 show a section in the gripping part 22 of the package 100.

[00144] In detail, the first part of the film 10a is engaged with at least one perimeter edge 6 and the removable part 21; optionally, the first part of the film 10a is also separated from the gripping part 22. In the same embodiment, the second part of the film 10b is engaged only with the gripping part 22 of the perimeter edge 6.

[00145] The perimeter edge 6 comprises an upper surface 6a facing the closing film 10 and extending along a plane defined by the perimeter edge 6 itself, said plane being parallel to part 2 of the support 1 and spaced by a equal to the vertical development of the side wall 1b. In particular, said upper surface 6a is configured to receive the first part of the film 10a extending along a resting plane. The second film part 10b extends along a plane parallel to the rest plane of said upper surface 6a, optionally the second film part 10b is configured to remain coplanar with the upper surface 6a of the perimeter edge during the opening step. pack 100.

[00146] Figure 15 shows the step of opening the package 100, in which a part of the first part of the film 10a is raised (separated) from the perimeter edge: the removable part 21 is coupled to said first part of the film 10a raised and separated of the second part of the film 10b which remains - even during the opening stage - permanently restricted to the gripping part of the support 22.

[00147] In this condition, the gripping part together with the second part of the film 10b defines a packaging sealing element that can be used by the user to open the packaging; the user can actually grasp the gripping part 22 and the second part of the film 10b with one hand while with the other hand he can lift the removable part with respect to the perimeter edge 6 to separate at least part of the first part of the film 10a and open package 100.

Manufacturing process of said packaging 100

[00148] Another object of the present invention is a process for manufacturing packaging 100, according to any of the attached claims and/or according to the description given above. The process described below preferably uses the apparatus 300 described and claimed below in one or more of the appended claims. It should also be noted that, according to a further aspect of the invention, the various steps of the method described below can be carried out under the control of a control unit 311, which acts on actuators and/or motors and/or pumps and/or or suitable valves, in order to carry out the various steps described and, on the one hand, to determine the movements of the various moving parts and on the other, to control the suction and/or injection of gas into a packaging chamber within which the packaging 100 is formed at least in part.

[00149] The process contemplates supplying a laminated material 200 along a predetermined advance path A, the movement of which involves unwinding the laminated material 200 itself from a spool. The laminated material is preferably in a strip configuration.

[00150] Optionally, the manufacturing process comprises a subsequent step of forming a plurality of cavities in the laminated material 200, so that the latter defines at least a plurality of supports 1 aligned along the advancement path A of said laminated material 200 The plurality of cavities occurs by thermoforming the laminated material 200. The step of forming the cavities 200 may also advantageously define a plurality of supports 1 aligned along a transverse direction, optionally orthogonal, to the advancement path of said laminated material 200. As can be seen, for example, in figure 17, in the laminated material two supports 1 - optionally two cavities - are defined side by side in a direction orthogonal to the feed path A and a plurality of supports joined together and aligned to the path A.

[00151] The laminated material 200 comprises at least one support part 2 configured to receive one or more products P and at least one closing part 60 that completely surrounds the support part 2.

[00152] Subsequently, the process comprises a step of incising the laminated material 200 in the closing part 60 to define in the same part at least one cut through the edge 60.

[00153] Subsequently, the process involves positioning at least one product P on the support part 2 of said laminated material 200 (Figure 20). The step of positioning the product P in the material can, however, be carried out before incising the laminated material 200 (condition not shown in the attached figures).

[00154] After positioning the product P, the process comprises a step of clamping a closing film 201 to the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200, so that the product P is positioned within a storage compartment 5 defined by the film of closure 201 restricted to said laminated material 200. The step of tightening the film 201 occurs by means of heat sealing, so that the storage compartment 5 within which the product P is housed is fluid-tight.

[00155] The process may further comprise, in a non-limiting way, a step - after that of positioning the product P on the support part 2 and before tightening the closing film 60 - of removing at least part of the air from the storage compartment 5, in order to set a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure inside to make tray and plastic liner type vacuum packaging. Alternatively, the process may provide for removing at least part of the air from the storage compartment 5 and inserting into the latter a predetermined type of gas to make a modified atmosphere package.

[00156] The film 201 may be unwrapped as shown in Figure 21 and subsequently placed in a continuous film configuration above the laminate material 200 for the upper closure of the support 1. In this configuration, the closure film essentially defines a band.

[00157] Subsequent to the step of pressing a closing film 201 against the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200, the process involves at least the step of incising the closing film 201, engaged with the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200; this step includes the use, in a non-limiting manner, of a high-intensity concentrated laser light beam, configured to cut only said closing film 201, without modifying the laminate material 200 positioned below; only for the incision of the closing film 201, a calibrated stroke blade or similar tools could be used, as an alternative to the laser beam.

[00158] In particular, said incision of the closing film 201 defines a through cut of said closing film 201.

[00159] An additional step of the manufacturing process, subsequent to the step of pressing a closing film 201 to the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200, provides for direct cutting of the blade 200 and the closing film 201, and such through cutting, in cooperation with the incision of the closing part 60 of the laminate material 200 and the incision of the closing film 201, defines the package 100.

[00160] In fact, the direct cut intersects both the incision in the closing part 60 of the laminated material 200 and the incision of the closing film 201. Only after the through cutting step, the removable part 21 and the gripping part 22 of the 100 packs are obtained. The through cut also defines the perimeter edge 6.

[00161] It should be noted that through cutting can be carried out in a single step after incising the closing film 201 or as illustrated in the attached figures in several steps. Figures 22 and 22A illustrate, for example, a part of the through cutting step adapted to join the package in laminated material 200 and film 201 and, in particular, the removal of corner scraps from said package. Separate from said connection step, it is possible to carry out a transverse and longitudinal cutting step of the laminated material joined to said film, in order to obtain separate packages.

Apparatus for making said packaging

[00162] Another object of the present invention is an apparatus 300 for making packaging 100 according to one or more attached claims and/or according to the description given above. In particular, apparatus 300 is configured to perform the above claimed and/or described process used to make said package 100.

[00163] Apparatus 300, as schematically illustrated in figure 16, comprises a plurality of operating stations arranged sequentially to define a production line, each of said operating stations configured to perform a predetermined operation on a semi-finished product, so as to obtain 100 packs at the exit of the line.

[00164] The various operating stations of the apparatus 300 are described below, following an order, preferably, but not limitingly, of the sequence of processing steps.

[00165] The apparatus 300 comprises at least one frame 301, shown in figure 16, configured to support one or more operational stations and ensure stability during operational steps.

[00166] The apparatus 300 further comprises a first feed assembly 312 shown in figures 16 and 18, configured to supply the rolled material 200 and discard it along the production line, so that said rolled material 200 extends smoothly through the plurality of operational stations. The supply set 312 provides the laminated material 200 wound on a rotationally movable spool, in particular said spool may be: a) driven by an electric motor, b) locked, c) freely rotating.

[00167] The movement of the laminated material 200 along a predetermined advancement path A of the laminated material 200 is ensured by the presence of a conveyor 302, shown in figure 16, engaged in the structure 301. Said conveyor 302 comprises a belt driven by one or more electric motors and configured to support the rolled material 200. In another embodiment, said conveyor 302 comprises a system for laterally engaging the rolled material 200 by means of clamps, so as to impose its movement through the use of one or more electric motors.

[00168] Downstream of the first supply assembly 312 of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 may comprise at least one thermoforming station 304, shown in figures 16 and 18, configured to define the base 1a and the side wall 1b of the supports 1 The thermoforming station 304 makes it possible to heat the laminated material 200 to a predefined temperature sufficient to deform said sheet 200, imposing, through the presence of a mold, the desired shape of the support 1. In particular, the thermoforming station 304 provides the. presence of an upper tool and a lower concave mold placed internally in relation to the laminated material 200, movable to each other and configured to be arranged in at least one spaced condition, in which the upper tool and the lower concave mold allow the introduction of the material laminate 200 in thermoforming station 304 and at least one approximate closed condition in which the upper tool and lower mold define a fluid-tight chamber. During the approximate closed condition, the lower concave mold allows the suction of air to set a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure and, consequently, allow the laminated material 200, suitably heated, to adhere to the walls of said mold, obtaining the desired shape. At the exit of said thermoforming station 304, a plurality of joined thermoformed supports 1 are thus obtained, arranged on the laminated material 200 according to a predetermined desired shape. In case a flat-type support 1 is used as shown in figure 3, the packaging apparatus 300 does not include said thermoforming station 304.

[00169] Subsequent to the thermoforming station 304 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 comprises a first incision station 305, shown in figures 16 and 19, configured to cut the thermoformed laminated material 200, in particular to make the first cut 9 of the package adapted to define at least a fraction of the removable part 21. Preferably, but not limited, the cut 9 is through said laminated material 200 and made by punching. Cutting 9 can also be done using a cutting tool or a concentrated high-intensity laser-type beam.

[00170] The apparatus 300 further comprises a positioning station 306, shown in figures 16 and 20, configured to store one or more products P on the supports 1, in particular on the support part 2 of the base 1a of the support 1. The positioning 306 is configured to deliver the product P according to the position of the supports 1 of the film material 200.

[00171] Subsequent to the positioning station 306 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 comprises a second feeding assembly 303 shown in Figures 16 and 21, configured to feed the closing film 201 and place it on the laminated material 200. The second feeding assembly 303 provides that the closing film 201 is wound on a rotationally movable spool, in particular said spool may be: a) moved by an electric motor, b) locked, c) of free rotation.

[00172] Downstream of the second feed assembly 303 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 comprises a packaging station 307, shown in figures 16 and 21, configured to receive the laminated material 200 in which a or more products P and at least a portion 201a of said closing film 201 is housed. Said packaging station 307 is configured to fluid-tightly engage the closing film 201 to the laminate material 200. In order to ensure said fluid-tight engagement, the packaging station 307 comprises an upper tool 307a with a film heater. of closing film 201 or closing film part 201a and a lower tool 307b configured to receive the laminated material 200 optionally having one or more supports 1. The upper tool 307a having the closing film heater 201 is configured to make a seal to hot of the closing film 201 on the laminate material 200 so as to define the storage compartment 5 for the product P.

[00173] The upper and lower tool 307a, 307b are movable relative to each other between at least one spaced condition, in which the lower tool and the upper tool 307a, 307b allow entry into the packaging station 307 of the closing film 201 - or part of the closing film 201a - and the laminate material 200, and at least an approximate closed condition, in which the lower and upper tool 307a, 307b define a fluid-tight chamber.

[00174] The packaging station 307 may be provided in a non-limiting manner with a suction system configured to remove air from within the packaging station 307 itself, so as to set a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. In a further embodiment, the packaging station 307 is configured to remove air from the storage compartment 5 when the closing film 201 is fluid-tightly engaged with the laminate material 200. Optionally, the packaging station 307 may be provided, either non-limiting manner, with a blowing system configured to inject gas into the packaging station 307 in order to obtain a modified atmosphere environment. The packaging station 307 optionally includes a closing film heater 201 so as to facilitate the correct distribution of the closing film 201 around the product P.

[00175] Figure 21 schematically shows the plurality of supports 1 exiting the packaging station 307, comprising the thermoformed laminated material 200, one or more products P, the first cut 9 and the closure film 201 fluid-tightly engaged in the laminated material 200.

[00176] Downstream of the packaging station 307 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 optionally comprises a pre-cutting station 308, shown in figures 16 and 22, configured to make a plurality of cuts through of the laminated material 200 and the closing film 201, so as to define at least a fraction of the removable part 21 and at least a fraction of the gripping part 22, as well as the angular parts 7 of the supports 1. According to a preferred embodiment , said through cuts are made using a punch with a cutting part having a predetermined shape. Alternatively, said through cuts are made using a cutting tool, a rotating blade or a high-intensity laser-like concentrated beam.

[00177] Downstream of the packaging station 307 and, optionally, downstream of the pre-cutting station 308 in relation to the advance path A of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 comprises a second incision station 309 shown in figures 16 and 23, configured to cut the closure film 201, or the portion of the closure film 201a engaged with the laminate material 200. In particular, the incision station 309 is configured to make an incision along the closure film 201, such that the film part 10b remains engaged with the gripping part 22 of the support 1 during an opening step of the package 100. According to a preferred embodiment, the incision defines a separation between the first and second film parts 10a, 10b. Alternatively, the incision defines a weakened part of the closure film 10. At the incision station 309, the incision is made only in the closure film 10 without modifying the support 1 placed below; this incision identifies in particular the cut 11 introduced above in relation to the description of the package 100. According to a preferred embodiment, said incision is made using a high intensity concentrated laser light beam. Alternatively, said incision may be made by a cutting tool or a rotating blade.

[00178] Downstream of the second cutting station 309 in relation to the feed path A of the laminated material 200, the apparatus 300 comprises at least one cutting station 310, shown in figures 16 and 24, configured to define a through cut of the material laminate 200 and closing film 201 to form said packages 100. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, said passed cuts are made on the edges of the supports 1, so as to define the perimeter edge 6, using one or more blades rotating. In a further embodiment, said cutting station 310 may replace the pre-cutting station 308, providing the same through cutting operations to define the removable part 21, the gripping part 22, as well as the plurality of angled parts 7 In a further embodiment, the cutting operations performed at the cutting station 310 are carried out by means of a drilling machine or using a high-intensity concentrated laser light beam.

[00179] The packaging apparatus 300 advantageously comprises at least one control unit 311 connected to the conveyor 302, the second feeding assembly 303, the packaging station 307, the first incision station 305, the second incision station 309, and to the cutting station 310. The control unit 311 is optionally connected to the positioning station 306, the first incision station 305, the pre-cutting station 308 and/or the cutting station 310. Optionally, said control unit 311 is also connected to the first supply set 312.

[00180] The control unit 311 is configured to command the conveyor 302 to allow movement of the rolled material 200 along the operating path at a predetermined speed, to command the feed assembly 303 adapted to supply the closing film 201, to command the first cutting station 305 to define one or more incisions in the laminate material 200, to command the packaging station 307 to permit engagement of the closure film 201 - or part of the closure film 201a - into the laminate material 200 , to command the second incision station 309 to define one or more incisions in the closing film, to command the cutting station 310 to form the packages 100.

[00181] The control unit 311 is further configured to synchronize the operations of the first and second incision stations 305, 309 as a function of at least one predetermined movement speed of the rolled material 200 transmitted by the conveyor 302 along the feed path. A and/or a predetermined supply rate of the closing film 201.

[00182] Control unit 311 is therefore configured to synchronize the performance of operations performed by the single operating stations described above and arranged along the production line. Optionally, the control unit 311 is configured to receive an input signal representative of the correct positioning of the laminate material 200 and/or the closing film 201 at one or more of said operating stations.

[00183] The control unit 311 is further configured to synchronize the operations of the first and second incision stations 305, 309 as a function of at least one parameter representing the relative position between the lower tool and the upper tool 307a, 307b of the packaging station 307 and/or a parameter representative of an active condition of the upper tool 307a in which it heats the film part 201a engaged with the same tool.

Claims (9)

1. Packaging (100) for containing at least one product (P), for example a food-type product, said packaging (100) comprising: - a support (1) displaying: a support part (2) configured to receive one or more products (P); a perimeter edge (6) entirely surrounding the support part (2); a gripping part (22) of the perimeter edge (6), extending oppositely to the support part (2); a removable part (21) of the perimeter edge (6), also extending oppositely to the support part (2); - a closing film (10) engaged with at least a part of the perimeter edge (6) and configured to define - cooperatively with the support (1) - a compartment (5) for storing the product (P), said closing film closure (10) comprising: a first film part (10a) engaged with the removable part (21), and the perimeter edge (6); a second part of the film (10b) engaged with the gripping part (22) of the support (1), said second part of the film (10b) being configured to remain engaged with the gripping part (22) of the support during the step opening of the packaging (100), wherein the second part of the film (10b) is: - separated from the first part (10a) of the closing film (10), or - joined to said first part (10a) by a part of weakening the same closing film, said weakening part being configured to ensure separation of the first and second parts of the closing film during the packaging opening step; characterized by the fact that said removable part (21) is configured to be separated at least partially from the support (1) together with the first part of the film (10a) during a packaging opening step to allow the product to be removed (P ) from the compartment (5). 2. Packaging according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first film part (10a) is engaged with the perimeter edge (6), with the exception of the gripping part (22). 3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second part of film (10b) is engaged only with the gripping part (22) of the perimeter edge (6). 4. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the removable part (21), prior to the stage of opening the packaging, is: - separated from the perimeter edge (6) integrally joined to the support (1); or - integrally joined to the perimeter edge (6) of the support (1) by a weakening part (24) of the support, said weakening part being configured to ensure the separation of the removable part (21) from the support itself (1) during the step of opening the packaging (100). 5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the gripping part (22) is integrally joined to the perimeter edge (6), optionally wherein the gripping part (22) flanks the removable part (21 ). 6. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the perimeter edge (6) comprises an upper surface (6a) for receiving the first part of film (10a), which extends along a lying plane , wherein the second film part (10b) extends along a plane parallel to the lying plane of said upper surface (6a), optionally, wherein the second film part (10b) is configured to remain coplanar with the surface top (6a) of the perimeter edge during the stage of opening the package (100). 7. Packaging according to any of the previous claims, characterized by the fact that the support (1) comprises: - a base (1a); - a side wall (1b) emerging transversely from the base (1a) to define a storage seat adapted to receive the product (P), wherein the perimeter edge (6) together with the gripping part (22) are integrally joined to the side wall (1b) opposite the base (1a), wherein the perimeter edge (6) defines an upper free edge of the support (1) that delimits an opening (12) of the latter. 8. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (1) comprises at least one angular part (7), said removable part (21) defining at least part of said angular part (7) , the gripping part flanking the removable part (21) to define cooperatively with the latter at least part of the angular part. 9. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one product, optionally of food type, arranged in the storage compartment (5) of the packaging (100), the closing film being firmly engaged and fluid-tight with the perimeter edge (6) of the support (1), so that the storage compartment (5) within which said product (P) is housed is fluid-tight.